In Romans 5, we see a few intentional patterns at worth through repeated phrases. First there is the idea of “much more.” If we were “redeemed by his blood”, then “much more” will we be saved…from wrath” (v9). If enemies were “reconciled by his death” then “much more will we be saved by his life”. … Continue reading Patterns in Romans 5
Author: faithrootsdw
Why does Paul say that the law came to increase our wrongdoing?
Paul’s statement in Romans 5:20 seems surprising, strange and counter intuitive even. We expect him to tell us that the Law came to constrain and reduce the impact of sin and wrongdoing by teaching us how to live and by creating sanctions for and deterrents against wrongdoing. However, he insists not just that the Law’s… Continue reading Why does Paul say that the law came to increase our wrongdoing?
Why had the woman at the well had five husbands?
Jesus meets a woman at a well and asks her for water. Then, when she expresses surprise at a Jew asking her for water, he offers her living water. When he tells her to get her husband, she explains that she cannot and he confirms she has spoken the truth. She has in fact had… Continue reading Why had the woman at the well had five husbands?
What is Paul’s main argument in Romans 1-5?
We tend to preach through books of the Bible like Romans taking short passages at a time. That’s understandable and necessary because there is much deep and rich material to cover. However, it is also helpful from time to time to take a step back and look at the whole big picture to see the… Continue reading What is Paul’s main argument in Romans 1-5?
When tragedy hits
The news from the Big Church Festival is devastating. On Friday afternoon a large sign collapsed possibly due to strong winds. The festival was paused as news emerged of at least six injuries. Then later in the evening police sadly confirmed that a 41 year old man had been killed. The story was reported on… Continue reading When tragedy hits
Romans 5:18-21
Paul now reinforces his point and the comparison between Adam’s act and Christ’s act. Through the one sinful act, condemnation comes to all men, through the one righteous act. All are justified. Note that we already have been given a qualification of “all” in verse 17, those who benefit from Jesus are those who receive… Continue reading Romans 5:18-21
Signs and symbols
It might be tempting for some to skip over the next 15 chapters of Exodus. However, we should know better than to ignore a significant section of Scripture. It looks like we merely have a list of instructions here, building instructions, interior design instructions, clothing instructions etc. Yet, if we believe that all Scripture is… Continue reading Signs and symbols
Romans 5:15-17
The gift (charisma) is not like the wrong-doing or transgression. Although we will see that there is a comparison to be made, sin through one man’s action, life through one man’s action, the two men and acts are incomparable. We have another “how much more”, the gift is better than the transgression. The one man,… Continue reading Romans 5:15-17
Another reason why we say that The Son is eternally begotten
One important reason why we say that the Son is eternally begotten (eternal generation) is because this is crucial to our understanding of God as Father. Sometimes we may refer to God being the Father of creation in that he is the one who brought it into being. 1 Corinthians 8:6 says: “6 yet for us there… Continue reading Another reason why we say that The Son is eternally begotten
Growing in dependence
Something struck me as I was writing about spiritual discipline. Normally when we think about human growth and development we thing about becoming more independent. A child learns to feed and clean themselves. Learning to ride a bike means that bike stabilisers are removed. We are said to develop in a skill first by watching… Continue reading Growing in dependence
