The Bible is in its simplest definition ‘a book.’ It contains wisdom, history, poetry, and information about the ancient world. But more than simply a book of facts, the Bible is ultimately God’s story. His story of His creation and his plan to rule and reign over his good creation. Intentionally built into God’s story is his relationship to humanity. God’s story weaves together with our story. In Psalm 107 the Psalmist calls on God’s people to celebrate the weaving of God’s story with human story as they recall together the redemptive saving work of God. This psalm celebrates God’s goodness in showing mercy to those in distress and encourages us to make known our stories for His praise.
One of the most widely debated topics in Christian circles is the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. For many the idea of God’s sovereignty in salvation is viewed as either unfair or unimportant. In Romans 9:1–29, however, Paul elevates the beauty of God’s sovereignty as both the basis for active evangelism and the cause for adoration and praise. Rather than viewing this as a periphery issue, Paul uses it to underline confidence in God’s plan of salvation for his people.
In life there are always ebbs and flows of joy and sorrow. Consistently things present themselves to us that threaten us harm. Sadness, evil, disappointment, and our own frailty leave us feeling vulnerable. In Romans 8:31–39 the Apostle Paul lifts our souls to point to three anchor points of Christian assurance. The reality that God is for us, God defends us, and God loves us. These powerful summaries speak words of assurance that enable the believer to rejoice in peace no matter the storm or circumstance.
In Romans 7 the Apostle pointed out the frustrating of living an ‘I’ centered life. Trusting in oneself for spiritual growth is futile. While Romans 7 is fraught with failure, Romans 8 lifts our eyes to see there is hope in the Christian life. For God not only calls us to himself but through the Holy Spirit, his empowering presence, God provides all we need to live for him.
In Romans 6 believers are taught about their new identity in Jesus. Considering themselves ‘dead to sin’ but ‘alive to righteousness’ followers of Jesus are to offer themselves willingly to the Lord out of gratefulness. But even the best of intentions in regard to obedience can often be met with frustration. Often we want to serve God but find ourselves returning to old ways. How do we grow in obedience? What role does obedience to the law play in the process? Is there hope for growth while we still live in a broken world? Romans 7 speaks to this providing hope, direction, and pointing us to the power that enables us to grow in obedience.
One of the common errors people make concerning the Christian life is that it is a life of restraint and lack of freedom. In Romans 6:15–23, however, we see that the Christian life is actually a life of freedom to serve God with joy and delight. Rather than being bound and hindered, the Christian is presented as one who is free to live and flourish as God intends as they are now able, with God’s help, to live with freedom over sin’s power.
As God’s people we have been saved by him not to remain as we are, but to live lives that reflect a new reality. Being born again into God’s family results in a different, a new identity. But what does it look like to live now, in light of a new identity? How do we live with a new identity as we wrestle with our sin? To help us think about this, Romans 6:1–14 highlights our union, our connection, our unbreakable tie to Jesus which is the basis for how we think about ourselves now, and how that impacts the decisions we make.
Having a right standing with God is something to be deeply grateful for. Trusting in Jesus alone and receiving the gracious gift of forgiveness is indeed worth celebrating. As we celebrate, however, it is easy to think in the process that we have actually done something of merit that contributes to our position. In Romans 4, Paul writes to correct this line of thinking by reminding us that our position as God’s children is not a result of our good endeavours but like Abraham, comes through trusting God’s promises and plan.
It is always a relief to hear good news after hearing bad news. In Romans 1:18–3:20, Paul has outlined the bad news of our deserved judgment before a Holy God. There is no amount of good work that we can do to appease God’s judgment and we are in dire straits. In Romans 3:21–31 we finally arrive at the good news. God has done something about our problem. In this passage that we discovered the good news that we can be delivered from God’s wrath. This is through faith alone, grace alone, in Jesus alone. Great news for all who will accept this wonderful God’s gift.
One of the most common descriptors people use of themselves or others is the nature of their religion. Of the major religions in the world, there are some similarities but also many differences when it comes to faith. While religion is normally assessed as being personal and a way one encounters the divine, in Romans 2:17–3:8, the Apostle Paul points out three significant short-comings regarding religion. Paul’s discussion comes in the context of humanity’s common shortcomings when it comes to a relationship with God.
The main thrust of the book of Romans is to provide Paul’s clear explanation of the ‘good news’ which he was proclaiming and hoping to continue to proclaim. In order to provide the good news of the gospel, however, he begins in the first three chapters by providing the ‘bad news’ of our sinfulness. In order to establish just how sweet the gospel is, Paul begins in Romans 1:18–32 by showing how bitter life is when we choose to live apart from God. This is all designed to lead us to see God’s mercy in Jesus and the sweet salvation he provides to all who will believe.
When someone builds a structure the first and most important part of the process is the underlying basis, the foundation. In perhaps the most of Paul’s letters to the early Christians, the letter to the Romans, Paul lays the foundation of the Christian Faith. He reveals that the message is one of ‘Good news.’ This good news, or gospel, finds its origin in God, is revealed throughout history in God’s plan, and focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1–7, Paul provides the theological summary or foundation upon which this rich book is going to build.
All of us have a time limit for life. Some will live long lives, others short lives, but 100% guarantee all of us have an expiration date, a terminus, a date with death. This is a problem for all of us. No matter how much we strive, no matter our background, our skill set, our income, we all will face the inevitable perishing.
It is the context of death that Luke 24:1–12 is set. Just days earlier, Jesus of Nazareth had been killed. He was dead. Laid in a tomb. As this chapter reveals, however, history was about to change forever. Jesus defeats our great foe death. In doing so he not only reveals his power, but provides hope for all who will trust in him. Death, it will be seen, doesn’t have the last say over God’s people. This brings great hope.
While many people approached Jesus to test him, one man came to Jesus with a sincere and heart-felt question, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ The desire to live with God in his forever kingdom is something that this man, and most people since him, have wanted clarity on. How does one enter a relationship with God? How can we know with certainty that we will live forever with God in his kingdom? Jesus answers this man, but in doing so surprises both the questioner and his own disciples.
One of the most difficult yet joyous areas of life is Marriage. Marriage, God’s ordained institution between a man and a woman, can be a wonderful expression and reflection of the very character of God. It speaks of love and sacrifice. As broken people, however, we all contribute to a world whether things don’t always work out the way that we prayed or hoped. Marriage is one such example. As Christians, how are we to view marriage? What are we to do when things don’t go to plan? What does God expect marriage to look like?
It is the areas of marriage, and divorce, that are the focus of Mark 10:1–12. In this section Jesus gives a counter-cultural perspective on what discipleship looks like regarding the union of marriage.
In life there are many voices that we listen to. Our ears are filled with podcasts, music, netflix, news, and politics. In the midst of all the noise it is hard to hear the voice of God speaking to us. In this section of Mark, Jesus takes a few of disciples away and in the midst of a busy season of ministry he reveals to them his glory. In this midst of this transfiguration his disciples are spoken to by God himself who instructs about Jesus, ‘Listen to Him.’ In this message, we explore who Jesus is and why it is that God wants us to listen to Jesus.
At the centre of the gospel of Mark we find perhaps the most penetrating question one could be asked. About himself, Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Understanding who Jesus is and why he came is the foundational question for all of life. Jesus is either who he says he is, the powerful Son of God, or he is a charlatan who should be condemned. In this account Jesus reveals who he is, his mission to the world, and the subsequent call he makes on the lives of people.
