EXPOSITION: Chapter 5:1-21 5:1-11—From Justification to Salvation 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice [boast] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice [boast] in our sufferings, … [Read more...]
Romans: The Universality of Judgement & Justification, Part 4b
EXPOSITION: Chapter 3:1-31 In v. 1-8 the apostle continues to address the Jews, although, he now rhetorically poses the potential conclusions (v. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8) from the previous passage (2:17-29), asserting that they are fallacious (v. 2, 4, 6, 9). He has so radically redefined the Jew that it begs the question of: 1) their advantage above the Gentiles; 2) the value of … [Read more...]
Romans: Caesar & Christ—Gospel Declared, Part 2
EXPOSITION: Chapter 1:1-17 Purpose & Theme 1:1-7 — Paul's Salutation 1-2 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures"—While possessing intimate elements, Paul's opening salutation (longer than any other Pauline epistle) is in the style of … [Read more...]
Hear the Howl: The Existential Cry of this Age
Howl verb \’hau(-e)l\ : to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (as pain, grief, or amusement). The 21st century person faces an existential crisis. For 150 years the Darwinist narrative that human life is a product of a mindless, unguided process – a fortuitous cosmic accident – with no ultimate meaning, value or purpose, has been disseminated in … [Read more...]
Felling Goliath: How to enforce the victory of Christ over unbelief
“…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” 1 Sam 17:46 A battle is raging in our day – at the heart of both church and culture – between diametrically opposed worldviews. It is a battle between anti-theistic unbelief and the knowledge of God. Humanity’s first parents, in rebellion against God and his clear verbal communication, presumed to judge between … [Read more...]