September 25: “Living in View of Christ’s Coming” (Romans 13)

In chapter 13, Paul continues to discuss how the church is to relate to the outside world, including the government. Paul tells us to submit to the authority of the state because its authority is derived from God. We do not take revenge because the state is the agent of God’s wrath. Rather than being […]

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September 18: “Living in View of God’s Mercy” (Romans 12)

In chapter 12, Paul calls the members of the gospel community to offer their bodies, to be transformed, to love God’s people and to love hostile people of the empire. That’s a tall order. Such commands can be lived out only when we deliberately put ourselves in view of God’s mercy.

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September 11: “Living Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91)

Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High are promised protection, deliverance, victory, and ultimate salvation. What does it mean to abide under the shadow of the Almighty? Jesus told us to abide in him as the branches abide in the vine. As our youth are being confirmed, we can pray for them […]

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September 4: “God’s Plan for Israel and the Nations” (Romans 11)

Did God reject Israel because Israel rejected God’s Messiah? Paul says no because first, God’s rejection is not total–a remnant exists. And second, God’s rejection of Israel is not final. The hardening of Israel will go on until the full number of Gentiles has come into God’s kingdom. And in this way “all Israel” will […]

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August 28: “Israel’s Rejection of the Messiah” (Romans 9:30-10:21)

Paul’s main concern in chapter 10 is still the salvation of Israel. Why didn’t the Jews obtain God’s righteousness though they pursued it with zeal? Paul gives two reasons. One, they pursued righteousness by works, not by faith. Two, they stubbornly refused to believe the gospel despite the evidence. Like Pharaoh, Israelites hardened their hearts […]

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