EXPOSITION: Chapter 1:18-32 False Gospels. Our passage under consideration is the opening one of a far larger section (1:18-3:20). This larger context demonstrates that man, universally (Jew and Gentile), is under sin and that there is no question of his justification apart from faith. It picks up the theme of the epistle presented in v. 17 that the Gospel is the "... … [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...]
God Revealed in History: Covenant Realities for Today
"In the beginning God..."—Unlike the pagan gods of antiquity, the God of the Bible is revealed as the God of history, not only as the eternal and infinite God but also as the Creator and Governor of the time-space world. This God purposed, from his eternal counsels (Jn 17:5, 24; Eph 1:4; 1 Pet 1:20; Rev 13:8), to bring together – in the fullness of the times (i.e. in history) – … [Read more...]
What is Christian Reconstruction: Is it a Blueprint for the Future of Church & Culture?
The Christian Reconstruction movement emerged in the USA during the 1960-80's, exercising influence primarily across the Reformed Calvinistic streams of Protestant evangelicalism, but also significant sectors of the Charismatic movement. Through the writings of Rousas Rushdoony, Gary North, and Greg Bahnsen et al, it was a strategic influence in the rise of the conservative … [Read more...]
A Biblical View of Church and State: Implications for Same-Sex Marriage
In understanding the biblical role of church and state – and its implications for homosexuality – we must first understand the transformational nature of God’s kingdom. Christ is not only “head over all things to the church” (Eph 1:22), but also “ruler of kings on earth” (Rev 1:5). Through Christ’s resurrection and ascension he has been given “all authority in heaven and on … [Read more...]
