Further Thought: “Thus the biblical terminology shows that sin is not a calamity fallen upon the human unawares, but the result of an active attitude and choice on the part of the human. Further, sin is not the absence of good, but it is ‘falling short’ of God’s expectations. It is an evil course that the … Continue reading –>
This was false advertisement. They were presenting a lie that had to be exposed for the good of the church. The lie? That as circumcised and keepers of the ceremonial laws, they were righteous. Their point? In order to be righteous like them, they, the Gentile converts, must be circumcised and keep the laws of … Continue reading –>
“Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). What message is here for us in regard to the whole question of repentance? We should notice that God’s goodness leads, not forces, sinners to repentance. God uses no coercion. He is … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Human Condition” 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 School … Continue reading –>
In Romans chapter 1, Paul was dealing specifically with the sins of the Gentiles, the pagans, those who had lost sight of God a long time ago and, thus, had fallen into the most degrading of practices. But he wasn’t going to let his own people, his own countrymen, off the hook either. Despite all … Continue reading –>
At the turn of the twentieth century, people lived with the idea that humanity was improving, that morality would increase, and that science and technology would help usher in a utopia. Human beings, it was believed, were essentially on the path toward perfection. Through the right kind of education and moral training, it was thought … Continue reading –>
The power of God. The power of God is illustrated by three key words in Romans 1:16-17: gospel, righteousness, faith. What is the special meaning of these words as they relate to all new Christians in Paul’s day and today? 1) The gospel or the good _____; righteousness or being ________ with God; 3) faith … Continue reading –>
The introduction to the lesson study this week points to: Hymn 295, “Chief of Sinners”. The key words listed for Sunday’s study are: Gospel; Hymn 378, “Go, Preach My Gospel”, 2, Righteousness; Hymn 177, “Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness” and 3, Faith: Hymn 100, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”,and Hymn 304, “Faith of Our Fathers”. To … Continue reading –>
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 NKJV One night I was lamenting to God, about all the apostasy, and outright rebellion going on even in Christian cultures. As I was “interceding” for the “fallen” I felt the Holy Spirit tap me on the heart, and ask, What … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 3:23. Why is this message so easy for us as Christians to believe today? At the same time, what could cause some people to question the truthfulness of this text? Amazingly enough, some people actually challenge the idea of human sinfulness, arguing that people are basically good. The problem, however, stems from a lack … Continue reading –>
“I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, ‘He who through faith is righteous shall live’” … Continue reading –>
One sunshiney Florida day, my family took a ride in our speedboat. The boat’s construction placed the passengers in the bow and the driver in the back. I’d jumped into the driver’s seat at the beginning of the ride, but later handed the wheel over to my brother. The family, looking out at beautiful scenery, … Continue reading –>
