Romans 1:18-5:21

Hi Class!

I've enjoyed our sharing and conversations immensely the last few weeks. Thanks for being so faithful to come and so energetic in your participation. I find it a joyful thing to be in a group of diverse minds whose hearts are warmed and unified by Christ's love.

Here's a nutshell review of the last two weeks:

October 10

We focused on section I in our Romans outline, "The Sinfulness of All People", 1:18-3:20. Paul makes the case that the fundamental sin all people are liable to commit is idolatry, which leads human beings to distorted lives. Idolatry is more than worship of a statue of something -- it is the worshipping of something created, instead of the creator. Paul speaks at some length of sexuality as an example -- in it's appropriate place a wonderful gift from God, but set above everything becomes a force of destruction in human life. His point is that no one is immune to breaking even the first and most obvious commandment; his conclusion is that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Further, there is no distinction -- Jews who supposedly know better because they have the specific laws of God are no different in this respect from Gentiles (everyone else!) who supposedly know nothing. Indeed, no one has any excuse if we would simply observe the beauty of creation, which testifies to God's nature and glory and beckons us to worship correctly.

October 17

Section II presents Paul's thinking about God's solution for human sin: salvation in Jesus Christ. Since no one can achieve righteousness (justification) because of our sinfulness, God provided, at the perfect time, the free gift of salvation in Christ. The law, which is a handbook for righteous behavior, is not nullified; but now, in Christ, righteousness is imputed through faith. Rather than living a life of guilt in which we are always failing to live up to God's standards, we are free to grow, with hope and joy, through trial and suffering, toward godliness, while we are accepted unconditionally. I think I'm starting to ramble on like Paul.

This week, October 24, we move to section III, "Salvation Brings Freedom and a New Way of Life", Romans 6-8.

Have a wonderful week. Laura and I appreciate you very much and look forward to our upcoming class.

God bless!

Pastor Dan

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P.S. Please keep Nicole Beebe's family in your prayers, as her grandfather passed away this weekend after a long illness. Laura too will appreciate your prayers for continuing recovery from her surgery.