Another “how much more” is coming up. The intent is to point us to the uniqueness and greatness of Christ. The “therefore” here links us back to the point that our boast is solely in Christ alone. Jesus is set up as one, crucial man in comparison to the previous man, Adam. The point is… Continue reading Romans 5:12-14
Tag: New Testament Studies
Peace with God and how we can face suffering
What do you say to a family watching the impact of dementia on a loved one as they see them robbed of memories, ability to communicate and even their personality? What do you say to Iranian brothers and sisters getting daily news about family who have been murdered by the regime? How about when a… Continue reading Peace with God and how we can face suffering
Romans 5:6-11
“For yet Christ…” The syntax in Greek frontloads the identity of Christ. He came whilst we were still weak, whilst sin still had a hold and we were helpless. We could not do anything to save ourselves. He died for those who are ungodly, lacking righteousness (v6). This is the surprising factor. Paul observes that… Continue reading Romans 5:6-11
Romans 5:1-4
The result of justification is that if we are right with God, then we have peace with him. We are no longer under his wrath and judgement. We are no longer enemies of God. Peace is possible through Jesus Christ, the mediator (v1). Paul here emphasises Christ’s priestly role. He gives us access. Specifically, the… Continue reading Romans 5:1-4
Romans 4:16-25
The Law brings wrath rather than righteousness. So, God’s righteousness has to be received through faith, this means that it becomes about God’s grace, it is a free gift not earned. This means the promise is for all of Abraham’s descendants not just law observers. Given the link to circumcision, the implication here is not… Continue reading Romans 4:16-25
Unclean -a talk on Mark 5
I recently preached on Mark 5 for a local church. Here’s a dry run of the sermon that I recorded as one of my “walk and talk” videos.
Who are the unclean today?
The other day, I wrote about Mark 5 and the unifying response being Jesus’ response to uncleanness. Now, most of us don’t live in a society that makes such ceremonial distinctions though some of you will live in communities where halal or kosher laws matter. However, I think that the idea of uncleanness has power… Continue reading Who are the unclean today?
Demons, disease and death
What ties together the three events in Mark 5? We have the casting out of a demon, a woman who is healed and a dead girl who is raised. The answer is “uncleanness.” The Klaw distinguished two categories. First there was the category of holy and profane or ordinary. Secondly, there was the category of… Continue reading Demons, disease and death
Romans 4:13-15
God had made a promise to Abraham back in Genesis 12:1-3, the promise was the basis for the covenant and was repeated at various times. Note that whilst in Genesis 12, 15 etc was on the promise of land, Paul extends this inheritance to speak of the whole world, not just Canaan. Paul insists that… Continue reading Romans 4:13-15
The risen Messiah
Here’s the final talk in the Jesus and the Gospels series.
Faithroots 