There’s no question that the personal touch is the best way to communicate in most cases. We can phone, email, text, even Skype, but face to face, flesh to flesh, is the best way to communicate. That’s why Paul announced in his letter to the Romans that he intended to see them in person. He … Continue reading –>
Romans 16:1-2 indicates that Paul probably wrote Romans in the Greek city of Cenchreae, which was near Corinth. Paul’s mention of Phoebe, a resident of greater Corinth, establishes that place as the likely background for the letter to the Romans. One of the purposes of establishing the city of origin of the New Testament epistles is … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 15:20-27, Acts 28:17-31, Phil. 1:12, Rom. 1:7, Ephesians 1, Rom. 15:14. Memory Text: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8, NKJV). It is important for a student of the book of Romans to understand the book’s historical background. Context isalways … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 6:16-18) Paul bestows his blessing on those who, he says, “follow this rule” (Gal. 6:16, NIV, NRSV) . Given the context, what “rule” do you think Paul is talking about? The word translated “rule” literally refers to a straight rod or bar used by masons or carpenters for measuring. The word eventually took on a figurative meaning … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Boasting in the Cross” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath … Continue reading –>
Having emphasized the centrality of the Cross of Christ to the Christian life, Paul now emphasizes the second fundamental tenet of his gospel message: justification by faith. As we have seen all quarter, Paul has basically pitted circumcision against the gospel. Yet, he’s not against the practice itself. Paul has made several strong statements against … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: True religion is based on the condition of the heart. When it is surrendered to God, a person will more and more reflect the character of Christ as they grow in faith. Lesson 14, September 30, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 6:12,13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on … Continue reading –>
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14) . Having exposed the motives that prompted some to insist on circumcision, Paul presents his gospel message to the Galatians one final time, though only … Continue reading –>
The only thing worth boasting about. Can you imagine a bit of a twinkle in Paul’s eye as he proclaims: “Far be it from me to boast except in the Lord Jesus Christ”? Indeed, is there anything worth boasting about except Christ Jesus our Savior? Doesn’t Jesus deserve every word of praise we can muster, … Continue reading –>
