Romans

Suffering. We prefer not to think about it, and we never want to experience it. We aim to live lives free from stress, illness, fear, and disappointment—ones that are always victorious. Honestly, that’s what many Christian teachers seem to promote. We don’t invite suffering; however, we all know that real life creates situations and actions that inevitably cause pain. 

Weekend Recharge

Weekend Recharge

Have you ever wondered if you are truly a Christian? Yes, you prayed the prayer, are involved in a church, and have done your share of good deeds. You seek the Spirit's guidance in your life; however, you also recognize your own spiritual struggles and tendencies toward specific sins. You cringe at the thoughts that come into your mind and the desires that invade your heart. Yet, you also know that sometimes you don't recoil from those sinful thoughts and desires. Instead, you let them settle and play out internally. 

Romans is truly a theological textbook. Paul explains the transforming power of the gospel (Rom. 1:1-17), the problem of sin (Rom. 1:18-3:20), the remedy for sin (Rom. 3:21-5:21), and how to grow in our walk with Jesus (Rom. 6:1-8:39). The section on "Christian growth" in Paul's letter is where we currently are. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian imprisoned by the Nazi regime during World War II for speaking out against the persecution and murder of Jews. Arrested at his parents' house on April 5, 1943, and charged with high treason, he was executed two years later. His death occurred just twenty-three days before Germany surrendered. 

For generations, the people of Israel followed the Mosaic law. This law was the foundation for their community life and honoring God, including commandments such as "don’t commit murder," "don’t steal from one another," "don’t covet your neighbor’s wife," and "worship no other god but the Lord God." 

Every believer has two conflicting natures. Our human nature, created to reflect God's character (Gen. 1:26-27), has been corrupted by sin (Gen. 3). As a result, the human nature, or “sin nature,” now acts in rebellion against God. However, when we trust in Jesus, we receive a new nature; we become a new creation. Now alive in Christ, we have the desire and ability to respond to God. Yet, the sin nature is not eradicated.

Weekend Recharge