Romans Overview

20 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by Sister B in Leadership Lessons, Terrific Teachings

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Roman's, salvation, sanctification, service, sin, sovereignty

Dear Blessed Ones, Here is a basic overview of Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Enjoy. Love the Word!

Sin (Romans 1-3) It is true to say that man is inherently sinful and dead in his sins before he comes to Christ. There are many who believe that they are a good person and that if their good works outweigh their bad, on a scale of judgment, God will grant them entry into Heaven. This is simply not true. The Bible clearly states, “No man is righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3: 10) And none can justify himself. The Jews are not justified just because they are Jewish, even if they are religious. No man has ever been able to keep the law nor is any man justified by it but rather the purpose of the Law is to show man that he is a sinner. Only then will he realise he cannot save himself and that he is desperately in need of a saviour. We are made righteous through faith in Christ, not through the Law. (Rom 3: 21-22)

Salvation (Romans 4-5) The promise to Abraham was that he would be heir of the world and he was circumcised as a sign of the righteousness of his faith in God. (Rom 4:11) He would become the father of many nations. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to those who believe that God has raised Him from the dead. (Rom 4:24) Christ is our peace! (Rom 5: 1) Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, but life has come through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. (Rom 5: 18)

Sanctification (Romans 6-8) Once a believer has repented of sin and put his faith in Christ alone for salvation, he is liberated from his former bondage to sin. (Rom 6:11) He is given a new heart and God begins a process of sanctification in the believers life in which they are becoming more like Christ each day. In Christ we are set free from sin and death and are made alive in Him. Alive to serve Him and live for His glory. God will use all of the circumstances an events of our life for good. (Rom 8: 28) A believer can walk in liberty from sin, when they walk in the Spirit they will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. (Rom 8: 1) The Christian must believe he is dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus although there is indeed a war going on between our flesh and our spirit. (Rom 7: 13-25) We identify ourselves as crucified with Christ and also raised up with Him to walk in resurrection power! And nothing can separate us from His love. (Rom 8: 39)

Sovereignty (Romans 9-11) Even though Israel had a zeal for God, by trying to be righteous on their own merits they have rejected God. (Rom 10: 2-3) Salvation is by faith in Christ alone, all who call upon His name will be saved. (Rom 10:13) God has shown His sovereign glory in making salvation available to the Gentiles in order to provoke Israel to jealousy. (Rom 11: 14) God’s rejection of Israel is not total. He is sovereign. He is able to graft them in again as long as they do not continue in unbelief. (Rom 11-17-24) The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. (Rom 11:29)

Service (Romans 12-16) In these final chapters Paul explains how to practically apply the teachings of the previous chapter. He urges the Romans to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. In so doing they would ‘prove’ what is the good and perfect will of God. (Rom 12: 1-2) Paul explains the differing spiritual gifts and encourages their use. (Rom 12: 3-8) The following verses lay out various practical exhortations for Christians living, being humble walking in love and in right relationship to authority (Rom 13: 1-7) and bearing with the weaknesses of others, helping them where we can. (Rom 15:1) We are to identify with Christ in His servanthood and imitate Him.

The Death of Christ

09 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by Sister B in Terrific Teachings

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cross, God, Jesus, love, salvation, Savior

Hello dear believers,

Oh, what wonderful love God has for us all! A love so sweet and blessed. A love flowing and freely given. How do we know God really loves us? By beholding the Cross. The Cross is the place where God puts His love on display for all the world to see. What love is this that Jesus Christ would die a painful and humiliating death on the Cross for our sins, that we might be forgiven and freed from sins power and its condemnation, that we might be reconciled to the Father and that we would be raised us up together to enjoy a new, empowered life in Him? Victorious life in the Spirit. Praise be to His holy name forever!

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV

God loves us.

Oh, what a glorious love this is. Love for the world. Love for sinners no matter how depraved. Love for the poor. Love for the sick. Love for the broken. Love for the lost. Love for the saved. Love for all! Love, love, love and more love. A love that we can never lose! A love that conquers all and reigns supreme. Can we ever fully understand or appreciate the depths of this love that is poured out upon us? It’s height, its width, its depth? How can we ever thank Him for His abundant love and the gift of His only begotten Son? How do I love Him, let me count the ways!

God has demonstrated His love for us in sending Jesus.

If you want to know what love is, look to the Cross. Behold the Lamb! Slain from the foundation of the world, Jesus was innocent of any and all accusations leveled against Him. He did no wrong! He was the sinless, spotless Lamb without blemish. No sin was found in Him. None. It was our sin that was laid upon Him and it was our punishment He received in His body. He was bruised for our transgressions, not His own. They mocked Him, beat Him, scourged Him and murdered the King of Heaven through the cruelest means of all: crucifixion.

Jesus came to die for us.

We were unable to save ourselves. We were born into sin and enslaved by it. He came to die, He could have called a myriad of angels to bring Him down from the Cross if He had chosen to, but love held Him there, not the nails in His hands and feet. For the joy that was set before Him. You. Me. Us. Jesus came to purchase our salvation and only He could pay the price. He paid in blood. Sinless blood. He came to earth on a mission, and when Jesus cried out from the Cross “It is finished” it was mission accomplished. Victory was won. Behold, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world!

Even when we were yet sinners.

So, here’s the facts: We were unable to save ourselves. We were born into sin and enslaved by it. Sin had us bound and in chains. We may have wanted to do good but had no power to do it. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. Satan had us in his grip and if we had died without Christ, Hell would have been our place of eternal punishment and it would be a punishment we rightly deserved. We would have been hopelessly separated from the life and love of God in Christ. Yes, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. See, Jesus is the Reconciler between man and God. He is the Way, the Truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. One Way Jesus, same yesterday, today and forever. Come unto Him and be set free. Free to live. Amen.

Will you receive His love? A love you don’t deserve? This revelation of God’s love requires of you a response. Will you admit you have sinned and need salvation? Can you humble yourself like that? Behold the Cross! What a glorious salvation was purchased for us all through the shed Blood of Christ at Calvary! Open up your heart and receive Christ today and praise His Name forevermore. Amen.

Sister B