Romans: The Believer’s Battle
Romans 7:14-25 captures the rollercoaster of spiritual growth and personal battle against sin. This passage in Romans is not just about acknowledging the struggle but also about finding hope and strength in Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that while the battle against sin is real and ongoing, victory is found in our Savior.
Romans: The Law’s Gospel Purpose
Romans 7:7-13 explores the role of God’s law in the life of a believer. This passage invites us to reconsider our understanding of the Old Testament law through the lens of the Gospel. Paul initiates this by addressing a fundamental question: Is the law itself sinful? His response, “May it never be,” sets the stage for a discussion on the nature of the law.
Romans: Dead to the Law… Bound to Christ
In Romans 7:1-6, Paul introduces us to a pivotal concept: the transition from being bound by the law to being united with Christ. As we are buried with Christ in faith, we are reborn, freed from our previous bondage to the law, and ready to embark on a new relationship with our Creator.
Romans: There is Freedom in Slavery
Romans 6: 15-23 invites us to reflect on the contradictory themes of slavery and freedom, and how, surprisingly, one can lead to the other. This chapter challenges us to understand and live out the real meaning of freedom, as seen through the lens of our devotion to God.
Romans: Freed From Sin to Serve Jesus
Romans 6:1-24 offers a crucial clarification for believers in Christ, a concept that differentiates being freed from sin from being free to sin. Our identity in Christ compels us to a higher calling, one where our desires no longer hold dominion over us.
Romans: From Adam to Christ — Ruin to Reign
In Romans chapter 5, verses 12-21, we find a part of scripture that stands out not only for its theological depth but also for its linguistic complexity, especially in the original Greek. These verses encapsulate a journey that mirrors our own life stories: a transition from ruin to reign.
Romans: At the Right Time, God Demonstrates His Love
In Romans chapter 5, we find ourselves reading a profound explanation of the Gospel written by the Apostle Paul. As we explore this passage of scripture, we must look at the profound implications of Christ’s death and resurrection. Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection offer transformative power in our spiritual lives.
Romans: The Joys of Justification
As we dive into Romans chapter 5, we find the Apostle Paul articulating what can be best described as the joyous results of justification. This chapter serves as a pivotal point in Paul’s epistle that explains the profound consequences of being justified through faith in Christ.
Pursuing Transformation in Christ
The world bombards us with narratives that shape our understanding of fulfillment. However, Jesus, in His unending wisdom and love, offers us a life of abundance, not in material wealth or earthly pleasures, but in the richness of His presence.
The Name: Emmanuel
In Matthew 1, we encounter the ‘what’ of Emmanuel — the revelation of God with us. This fundamental truth is further explained in Hebrews 4, which delves into the ‘so what’ — the practical implications of this divine presence in our lives. This journey through Scripture offers a chance to understand not just the fact of Emmanuel, but its profound impact on our daily existence.
The Name: Messiah
The title “Messiah” or “Christ,” often used interchangeably with Jesus’ name, is not just a label but a declaration of His anointed purpose. But in reality, ‘Messiah’ in Hebrew and ‘Christ’ in Greek both mean ‘Anointed One.’ To understand this fully, we must delve into what it means to be anointed.
The Name: LORD
Christmas is a time when the names of Jesus, often sung but seldom deeply understood, beckon us to explore their meanings. This season, we delve into these names, starting with a fundamental yet profound title: Lord. To truly grasp the magnificence of Jesus’ lordship, we turn to Colossians chapter 1.