Then what’s the use of being a Jew? Are there any special benefits for them from God? Is there any value in the Jewish circumcision ceremony? Yes, being a Jew has many advantages. First of all, God trusted them with his laws (so that they could know and do His will). True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because…
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God’s Judgment and the Law (Romans 2:12-29)
The Jews are Jews not because, out of thin air, they decided to create a religion with one God and be different by circumcision. No! God’s word makes it obvious that they are chosen: recognized by blood, by tradition, and by the Law. The Jews are different because they are messengers of the truth. Physically, they are marked as a…
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God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-11)
I woke up this morning, opened the paper, and came face-to-face with evil: Gunman kills at least 20 (18 children), charges filed against candidate scam in Florida, Southern Baptist leaders plan release of secret abusers list, and inside China people for disturbing the social order (persecuted for their faith). Reminds me that the list of sinners Paul gave at the…
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God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness (1:18-32)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18 The Truth Suppressed We are a people who prefer to see what we want to see and believe what we want to believe—even if it is not true. Our opinion trumps another, our truth is…
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Known For Their Faith (Romans 1:8-17)
Paul knew the Roman Church by their faith. He is thankful for their faithfulness (Romans 1:8-17) The church was not hidden, secret, or underground. Some members of the church were there on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit empowered the Church. Once the Holy Spirit came into their life, they’re changed. The culture remained the same, but they…
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