#Romans16 - Romans! What? 16! What?

photo taken at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps

Romans 16: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

At our camp we sing a song almost every week/weekend called "Romans 16:19." So I can't help but think of the song which is based on both verses 19b-20a. Yet I still am amazed as I read this chapter that it is almost solely dedicated to personal greetings. One entire chapter of the whole Bible is dedicated to personal greetings. I have to ask the question: Why would God and the early church decide that it was worth an entire chapter of the Bible talking about people? The answer is clear, even in the asking of the question. It's because people matter that much to God. Since they matter that much to God they matter that much to Paul. The Bible is not just a book about theology. Nor is it just a book about guidelines for living. For some crazy reason, God has chosen to use people to accomplish his will in the world, and almost all of the Bible records how people reveal God, receive God, resist God, and reject God.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

At the end of most of his letters, Paul includes a few personal greetings. It's a good reminder that he's not just writing a book to make the best-seller list, he is writing a letter to real people that he often spent a lot of time with. It makes his loaded chapter even more weighty since he knows the people he's writing to.

Another specific verse though that popped into my mind is all the way back in Genesis. After Adam and Eve eat the fruit and condemn all of mankind to be prisoners of sin until Jesus comes (no biggie), God shares the gospel message. It's a glimmer of hope. in Genesis 3:15 God says to the serpent, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (NIV, emphasis added) Romans 16:20 again states the promise that the God of peace will soon crush Satan. I like those verses.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

When I think about ministry, it is SOOO easy for it to become about tasks, or numbers, or theological superiority. But this chapter was a good wake up call for me to put all that aside and remember that ministry is about people. Life is about people. God loves people. I struggle sometimes when ministry is happening to pause and talk with people and listen to people. It's easier to get caught up in a task that "has to get done."

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I seriously wonder who all these people are. I know just a small few of the names from the stories in Acts. But who was this Tertius who wrote down the letter to the Romans? How did Epenetus (the first convert to Christ in Asia) come to know Jesus? What role did all these women have in the church (It's cool to see that Christianity was one of the first "religions" to lift up women and give them more value and dignity.) No big theological question today. I just can't wait to see these people in heaven.

Tomorrow I'm gonna take a leap back in time from Paul's era about 500-600 years and land in the book of Daniel. It's my namesake, so I figure I'll give it another read. Get ready for lions and eagles and fires - OH MY! :)

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans15 - Paul's Travel Plans, God's Way

Image used from http://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/map-italy.html

Romans 15: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

It was interesting to me (having previously read the book of Acts) that Paul had written this letter with a plan to visit Rome on his way to Spain. In verse 31 of this chapter, Paul asks for prayer that he would be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea in order to allow for this desired journey to take place. As we know from the book of Acts, Paul's journey to Jerusalem did not end well. He was arrested, held prisoner during a two-year trial, and ended up as a prisoner in Rome. In the end, he was able to visit the people in Rome, but it was in a much different way than he originally planned.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Isaiah 55:8-11, we read that God's ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I believe this story is an appropriate application of that verse. Paul had this strong desire to visit Rome for the sake of the gospel, but it happened God's way instead of his. This concept also reminds me of the story of Joseph in Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and ended up wandering to Egypt. That's probably not how anyone would have planned it, but in the end even Joseph said, "God brought me here." God can use the weirdest, simplest, or most complex means to accomplish His will. I'm amazed he chooses to use me. :)

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I need to be open, not demanding when it comes to God's will for my life. Just like Paul, I have desires to do certain things related to ministry or sharing the good news of God. I have lots of ideas, like writing children's stories, composing an orchestral interpretation of the Bible, writing ministry books, etc. Yet I don't think now is the right timing. So I am surrendering these desires to God, being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to show me when and how those desires might be fulfilled for God's greatest glory.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

My main question is simply this, "How do we know when the desires within us are from God or just from ourselves?" Obviously I'm talking about the desires for good and not evil. Those are a little easier to discern.

That's it. I'd love to hear from anyone else about these topics or others that stuck out to you from this chapter.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans14 - Eat bacon for God!

Image from http://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/
2012/10/12/six-pack-bacon-bacon-bacon/

Romans 14: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I like to eat. I'm not a glutton, nor am I even overweight, but I do like to eat. Paul talks a lot about eating in this chapter, so a lot of it stood out to me. :) It was interesting to me that Paul was less concerned about the technicalities of what you eat, and more concerned about how it affected others. We are FREE in Christ to do as we please, so let's use our freedom to help others feel welcomed in Christ. If I do something or say something that I don't necessarily think is wrong in God's eyes, but someone else is convinced it is, I SHOULDN'T DO IT AROUND THEM. The goal is not to be right, but unity in the body of Christ. I do have some questions about this, though (see #4). So that is why Paul says, "Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God." So I say, "Let's eat bacon for God!" :)

Oh, and also, my name is "Daniel" which means "God is my judge." So the fact that this chapter is all about remembering that we will all have to give an account to God, who is the judge, is pretty cool.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

I think to start to understand Paul's logic here, you have to know a little about the Jewish customs he is using as illustrations. One is food. In the old covenant law, God commanded the Israelites to abstain from certain foods, including shellfish, pork, and Colossians 2 for some references to these "holy days."
d others. Some of these can be found in Leviticus 11. Under the new covenant, God himself declared many of these things clean. See Peter's vision about eating clean and unclean food in Acts 10. Another example Paul uses here is if someone "regards one day as special..." This could refer either to the Sabbath day, or to many other festivals and special days that God initiated in the old covenant, that were sort of unnecessary in the new. See Isaiah 1 and

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I was pretty convicted while reading this chapter. It's pretty easy for me to fall more into the "Pharisee" camp and almost add rules to God's rules. Although I have questions about how far to take this (see #4), I have to be careful not to be judgmental of others, especially unbelievers or new believers. For them, some behaviors might not be a really big deal which for me might be off limits. But I have to be careful not to play judge and just call out their behaviors like a tennis match referee. I need to let God be the judge in order to help them come closer to God. I have to trust more that God will convict people as the Holy Spirit begins to grow into all areas of their lives.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have several. When are we supposed to "judge" the behaviors of others, and help them see that it is not God's desire? I'm not talking about condemning them to hell, I'm talking about things that God clearly outlines as destructive or sinful (i.e. filthy language, sexual immorality, gossiping, etc.). I don't think we're supposed to just plug our ears and close our eyes and hum a merry tune and think, "It's okay if they keep behaving that way. God will judge them in the end." So that's one question.

The second is this: how does this apply to things that aren't explicitly forbidden in the Bible, or at least in the new testament? Like should Christians watch rated R movies, listen to music with sexually immoral lyrics, smoke, get tattoos, etc.? I think this is more what Paul has in mind, but I just don't know.

Those are my thoughts. Again, a short chapter, but some really important life questions. I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans13 - Submit to Earthly Authorities

Romans 13: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

The chapter starts out on a note that I think many young people would find challenging. I think in part it's because of that difficult 6-letter word: "submit." Part of gaining independence is to "break free" from rules and those in authority: parents, teachers, city officials and officers, etc. But God's word here is especially striking if you look at the culture to which it was written. Many Jews, and later Christians, saw the Roman government as the enemy - even the Antichrist. Still, God encourages us to submit to the governing authorities, spelling out that God is the one who has allowed people and nations to be in power. So paying taxes, abiding by traffic rules, and following legal business practices are all ways to ultimately submit to God.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In verses 8-10, Paul talks about love as being the fulfillment of the law. Immediately, and probably obviously, I thought of Jesus' own teaching about love being the summary of the law in Matthew 22. The teachers of the law tried to trick Jesus once again (you'd think they'd get tired of being in the wrong) by asking him which of the commandments is the greatest. Whichever one Jesus picked they would find some fault in his answer. However, Jesus says that loving God and loving neighbors are the two greatest commandments and that all of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (In a side note, Jesus also talks about paying taxes to Caesar earlier in the same chapter.) It's almost as if Paul was taking his cues from Jesus. :)

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I have always been a rules follower (almost to a fault), but I really connected with verse 3 about not fearing authorities if you do what is right. I think of speeding as an example. Whenever I pass a cop car, I never get worried. I never check in my rear view mirror for lights. It's because I am not speeding. On the other hand, for those who are speeding there is that moment of tense anxiety when they see a police officer on the road. So I'll keep doing that. :)

However, another thing that came to mind was that I don't believe this chapter is talking about blind obedience to every rule no matter what. In fact, the Bible has examples where Jews did not follow the ruling laws that were in direct contradiction to God's (i.e. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel, etc.). I believe that we are able to and called to be a part of political process to protect our freedoms to worship. We are blessed to live in a country where we can speak up, vote, and contact our officials and government leaders in order to bring about justice and protect our freedoms and rights. So many people feel helpless to the government's "control," but refuse or neglect to participate in the processes which can affect change.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Two major questions really arise for me from this chapter. First, regarding the submission to authorities, when is it appropriate for Christians to directly disobey the law (i.e. other countries where it is illegal to be a Christian, own a Bible, share your faith, or assemble for worship)? I'm not talking about normal civil laws, but specific laws that prevent people around the world from obeying God's word.

The second question is about verses 11-12. The writers of the new testament all seemed to think the end of the world was near. Why did they think that? 2,000 years later, how do we take these verses? Is it referring to the order of events (i.e. the next event will be Jesus return) or time in years?

There are my thoughts and questions. I was actually surprised how much this little chapter prompted in me. I thought this would be a really quick blog entry, but there's some good stuff. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans12 - Caterpillars in the Bible? Well, sort of...

Romans 12: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Romans 12:2 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Recently I paid close attention to the verb tenses in the verse and realized something very important. It says "Do not CONFORM...but BE TRANSFORMED..." Conforming is something we do to ourselves. We try to make ourselves "fit in" and look like everyone else around us. Like in the books of Judges and Samuel, the Israelites wanted a king so they could be like all the other nations around them. God warned them what would happen, but they still wanted one. But in the end, it is something we do to ourselves. On the other hand, the next verb says BE TRANSFORMED. Notice it doesn't say "conform yourselves" or "try harder to look like Jesus" or "transform yourselves." It says, "BE TRANSFORMED." That is a passive verb. Actually the Greek word that is translated "transformed" is "metamorphoo," which is where we get our word for metamorphosis. A caterpillar goes through a transformation, but it's not something that's done on it's own. It simply submits to the process God has created so it can "be transformed" into a new creation. In the same way, we ought to simply "be transformed" by God's word and God's processes to let him shape us into the image of his Son.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know.

One of my favorite illustrations for what the church is supposed to be is found in verses 3-8, namely that the church is like one body with many parts. Each part performs different tasks and has different gifts, but is important to the function of the whole body. One of the longest passages where Paul talks about the body is in 1 Corinthians 12, and he also illustrates the church in this way in Ephesians 4. Each of these three passages provides insight into this illustration, as well as the different gifts found in the body of Christ. If you struggle with what your place is, look in each of these three places and see if any of the gifts describe you.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I was struck by the end of this passage where Paul talks about loving your enemies. Especially striking was the final verse, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." We use this verse with our children to talk about not "getting revenge" or hitting back, but rather showing love even to those who are being mean to us. It is an simple concept, but not an easy one for anyone to put into practice. I would have a really hard time actually thinking of anyone in my life right now as an "enemy," but there are plenty of times where even the people I love rub me the wrong way for a moment. My reaction is a good indicator of how I'm letting God transform me in this way.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This is a pretty big question, but how are we as Christians supposed to apply these types of verses to war and terrorism? Or even to self-defense on a personal level? At what point do we still bear arms and defend ourselves in the world, and how far is too far? I find myself having a hard time justifying 100% pacifism and 100% war mentality with a biblical backing. Yet everything in between is gray. That's hard.

Some big thoughts from a very practical chapter. I'd love to hear thoughts from others.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans11 - Paul's Spiritual Botany Lesson

Romans 11: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

I am a very visual person. I tend to do well with charts, diagrams, and visual illustration. Paul's use of grafting branches into a tree really helps me understand what God is doing/has done here. Paul has already used language of being adopted as children into God's family, which is already an image that implies our helplessness and God's love. This image of grafting in branches is another one that really reveals how we are powerless to give life to ourselves. Paul also makes it very clear that the ingrafted branches were grafted in because of faith [in Christ], and the branches that God cut off were because of unbelief (although he even says that if they turn back and believe in Christ they will be grafted in again "to their own olive tree."). I especially love Paul's warning to those who are grafted in (namely the Gentiles, which includes anyone who isn't of Jewish descent) not to become arrogant, as if they deserved it. That's a reminder to all of us to be thankful for God's gift of grace.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

One phrase caught my attention that made me think of some other verses. In Romans 11:25, he refers to the gospel message and the inclusion of Gentiles as a mystery. This also occurs in Ephesians 3 and Colossians 1 and 2. Paul talks about the mystery of the gospel that has been kept hidden but is now revealed in Christ. It reminds me that as cliche' and sometimes misused as this saying is, "God often works in mysterious ways."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

For this question, I turn to the end of the chapter - the Doxology. I am very eager to study the Bible, very excited to discuss truth, very enthusiastic about discovering more of God's character and plan for the world. Yet I was convicted tonight that I don't often enough just pause and praise God, regardless of what I understand or don't understand at the moment. I'm glad this chapter and this section came the day before Thanksgiving so I can be reminded to just pause and thank God for all he has done.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In Paul's conversation about the grafted branches, he says that those branches who are cut off can be grafted back in again. He also says that the grafted in branches can also be cut off again. My question is this: "Is it possible to be 'saved' and then forfeit your salvation? Or is it 'once saved always saved' no matter what?" I tend to think that we don't just keep hopping in and out of salvation because of mistakes or doubts, but I do wonder if someone totally walks away from faith and rejects God and lives in sin if they won't "be cut off again."

Those are my thoughts. Time for bed. I'll need my energy so I can gorge myself tomorrow. Just kidding.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans10 - Righteousness For Everyone Who Believes

Romans 10: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Well, as if to answer my questions from yesterday, Paul gives a clarifying chapter which contains many repetitions of several words: Righteousness, saved, everyone, and believes/faith. Paul starts the chapter clarifying that he desires the Israelites to be saved, but they are missing the one who is able to make them righteous. While he generalizes Israel as a whole group, we know that there are many (but not a majority) who have put their faith in Christ. He states that the Israelites are still holding on to the law as the means to righteousness, as if they could somehow earn salvation. But Paul couldn't be any clearer in this passage. Multiple times he reminds us that God's love and offer of salvation is for EVERYONE, but it is those who believe and accept the good news who actually receive eternal life. "Everyone who believes," "Anyone who believes," "all who call on him," "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord." These are the phrases Paul uses throughout this chapter, and this is what compels him to preach, to teach, to equip, to send, to go.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture you know?

One of the most well known verses in the Bible (arguably the most quoted), is John 3:16. Coming from a different author quoting Jesus, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." That sounds a lot like Paul in this passage, right? Also, in verse 16, Paul states "Not all the Israelites accepted the good news." This isn't some theological philosophical argument. He is speaking from his personal experience. Prior to reading Romans I read the book of Acts. In it we see all kinds of cases where Paul's preaching and miracles turn many to believe in the faith, but still many harden their hearts and reject Paul and the gospel of Jesus.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

The first thing I thought of also happens to be from the first verse of the chapter. Even though Paul had been rejected, resisted, persecuted, ridiculed, and put on trial by the Jews, his heart remain unchanged. His deepest desire was for them to know the deep love of God through faith in Jesus Christ, that they may enter into the new covenant God was putting in place and receive the Holy Spirit to live out the life God has prepared for us. When Jesus said "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you," I believe this is a big part of it. I've seen it in missionaries who go to places where they may be killed. Their biggest prayer is not safety, but that the people they see would come to know Jesus is a mighty way. That's the heart I want.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

It's not so much the actual passage that I have a question about, but rather a second level question. In the previous chapter Paul says, "Not all Israel is Israel, and not all of God's children are descendants of Abraham." I understand that he is also referring to Gentiles coming to faith in Christ and being adopted as God's children. But what is God's relationship with the nation of Israel (or the Jewish people) now? Is there still a special covenant with Israel, or has that "dissolved" so to speak and been "replaced" with the new covenant for all who believe in Jesus? Do we take on the promises God made to Israel and apply them now to Christians? Or do they still apply to Jews who believe in God, but not Jesus as Messiah? Please don't read anything political into this question. It's a very honest question about the Bible that stems from this and the previous chapter.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans9 - Paul's Puzzling Predestination Passage

Romans 9: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

This chapter is one of the hardest chapters in the whole New Testament for me to understand (outside of Revelation it is the hardest). This passage talks about God's sovereign choice, and it sounds like God just chooses ahead of time who will go to heaven and who is destined for destruction. Paul's answer to that in verse 20 is just, "who are you...to talk back to God?" If this was the first chapter I read in the Bible I might be done reading the Bible for awhile. If this was a conversation with Paul, I would say something like, "Well that's great for you, who seem to be sure that you have been chosen as an object of mercy, but what about someone who you claim to be destined as an object of God's wrath?" This is why the straight-laced argument for only predestination doesn't work logically for me, nor does it line up with much of the rest of the Bible. If everyone is already predestined for heaven or hell, and nothing anyone does or says can change that, what's the point of anything? Why don't we just blow up the world and end it all then? Why do we do church? Why do we evangelize? Why do we help other people? Why don't we just pillage and plunder and do whatever we want? If our destiny is determined and there is nothing anyone can do about it, then all of Christianity really has lost its purpose.

Needless to say, I don't believe any of those statements, but that's where the logic of full-out predestination lands. The rest of the Scripture, especially the rest of Romans, is full of language that talks about receiving righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. That receiving brings eternal life and rejecting brings condemnation. Just flip to the next chapter if you don't believe me. That's why this chapter is so puzzling to me.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture you know?

The language of predestination is still a part of the Bible. I'm not one to dismiss a passage because it's challenging. Another passage that uses similar language is Ephesians 1:3-14 which says, "...For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will...In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..." So I know that God is Sovereign, and I believe that he does work out his will in the world.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

There is more in this chapter than just the language about predestination, but it does take some wrestling through. So today's application question is more of a resolve than an action. I have resolved to trust in God, that he knows what he is doing even when I don't understand. For nerdy theologians like myself, talking about "Predestination vs. Free Will" is a great debate topic, especially if the goal is just debate. People will often throw out there, "So do you believe in Predestination or Free Will?" I will often answer, "Yes." I can't deny either language in the Bible. We are given an opportunity to respond to the gospel, but God also has to know the outcome of that decision or he wouldn't be God. So I just resolved to not fully understanding how these two happen simultaneously.

4. Do you have any questions about this passage?

Hundreds. Probably starting with the Pharaoh part and working out towards others. Did God harden Pharaoh's heart so that he would not have even had the opportunity to repent? That God would doom someone to hell without opportunity to respond seems against God's character. Or does it just mean that God's actions just solidified Pharaoh's already determined rejection of God? Yes. I have lots of questions.

I'm sure some readers have at least some thoughts about this. Feel free to leave questions or comments below. I'll keep trucking through Romans.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans8 - I In Christ, and Christ in Me

Romans 8: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As the title indicates, I was really blown away by the promises of God that appear in this chapter. Yet each of them is linked to the phrase, "in Christ" or "Christ in me." Paul reminds us here that as Christians we find our identity no longer in ourselves or in the world but "in Christ." He also reminds us that the Holy Spirit of God lives in us who trust in Him. It is that Spirit at work in us to transform us and make us more and more like Jesus everyday (that we let it). I just thought that dichotomy was really neat.

2. How does this relate to any other passage I know?

I know I referenced Galatians yesterday too, but there is so much in here that is similar to Galatians as well. For instance, verse 14 says, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Galatians 4:6 says, "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" These two strongly link being children of God with the Holy Spirit filling us and guiding us.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Verse 28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." I need to always keep this in mind. This doesn't mean, "Everything will work out great," but it does mean that God will always work for our good, even in the middle of the hard times. I think especially of Joseph, who was beaten up by his brothers, sold as a slave, wrongly imprisoned, and forgotten. Yet he still said at the end of the story, "God brought me to Egypt. What you intended for harm, God intended for good." I need to have that perspective in life.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

It seems very clear after reading this chapter again that Paul is addressing Christians. How would this message change if he was addressing unbelievers? I think most of it would change. But I think verse 38-39 would remain the same. Nothing could separate anyone from God's love, but that doesn't mean someone couldn't still reject him and be separated from God himself. Is that a right way to think about it?

I welcome your thoughts, questions and comments. Read with me.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans 7 - The Do Do Verses

Romans 7: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Paul makes some very interesting logical loops in this chapter. It's a little confusing. In fact, as I read it I couldn't help but think about the scene from the Princess Bride where Wesley is arguing with Fizzini in the "Battle of Wits." If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here to watch. Yet in the middle of Paul's "dizzying intellect," he gets his point across in reminding us that the law is good, the law makes us aware of our sin, our sinful nature sways us away from God's desires, and that Jesus Christ alone can deliver us. I have come to lovingly call this passage, the do-do verses.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

This reminds me a lot of Galatians 5 in the "Fruit of the Spirit" section. There Paul talks about how the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and vice versa. "They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." (Galatians 5:17, NIV). He emphasizes that there is a battle going on every moment for your desires and actions. Even if our heart desires what is good, our sinful nature or "flesh" will fight for pleasing itself. It's not a matter of who's to blame; we still choose one way or another. But we have to recognize the battle happening within us.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Actually, these verses in Romans 7 are some of the most comforting verses I know. To know that Paul, who I consider a giant in the faith, struggled with temptation to sin helps me realize that he was human. More often than I'd like, the sinful nature ends up winning the battle and I just do or think what is good in the moment. But I know that, like Paul, I too have the ability and freedom in Christ to choose what is right every time. If I mess up, there is forgiveness and a second chance when we repent and confess to God. Praise God for his mercy, grace, and Holy Spirit.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In this chapter, Paul says that when the commandment came, sin sprang to life. Is he even including God's first commandment not to eat from the one tree in the garden? Because in Genesis 6, long before the law was given, Scripture is clear that "every intention of the human heart was only evil all the time." Just curious.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans6 - Wanted: Dead AND Alive

Romans 6: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

There are two very strong images Paul uses in this chapter to describe a Christian's life. The first is life and death. Baptism is a symbol of how we have died to sin. The sinful nature in us is not our source of life anymore. Instead, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too have been raised to a new life that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live. I think that immersion baptism really illustrates this perfectly, in that when the person goes under the water they are "drowning" the old, sinful self. When they come back up they are rising up to live a holy life, having had their sins washed away.

The second image is one of slavery. We are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Naturally we let our master be our own desires. Whatever we want and whatever pleases us - that is our master. That master is sin. However when we are made new, washed clean, and born again into the new life, we offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well the language of death and life is used in other key passages as well. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Colossians 3:5 commands us to "Put to death...whatever belongs to your earthly nature..." and then lists a whole bunch of destructive and sinful behaviors. This is obviously a pretty serious warning to not even let those desires and behaviors get even the smallest foothold in our lives.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

First, there is a verse in this chapter that every Christian should memorize. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." It's a powerful verse, similar to John 3:16, that shares the whole gospel in one verse. I need to have this in my "hip pocket" to help me be ready.

Secondly, there's the very personal and practical commands to offer the parts of our body for righteousness. I need to make sure my hands are engaged in Godly work, my words are building others up, and my whole body is not engaging in immoral behaviors.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Because Paul talks about Baptism in this passage, I would like to know, "What would Paul say about Baptism today? Would he take a side in the "believers baptism" vs. "infant baptism" debate? Would he favor young or old to be baptized? Would he tolerate our practices and teachings about it? It would be cool and crazy to have him here today explaining all he meant.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans5 - Peace The World Desperately Needs

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As I read the first verse of chapter 5, I could not help but be swept away by the word "peace." Maybe it's because of the unrest (a gross understatement) in the Middle East. Maybe it's because of terrorism. Maybe it's because I just watched "Mockingjay Part 1," following the other Hunger Games movies, where PEACE is arguably the most desired and unattainable goal for Catniss. Since the creation of the world, people have been at war with God. Deep down, we want to be the "captain of our own soul, master of our own fate" to reference William Ernest Henley. Because of our inherited sinful condition we are enemies of God, not because God is at war with us but because we are stubborn children wanting independence from the rules of a "strict" but loving father.

Personally, I can't think of any greater thing than finding peace with God. The creator of the universe, the perfect and righteous judge, the loving and merciful father, the groom who pursues his cherished bride daily is calling out to us for peace. He invites us to come as we are, to put our faith in Jesus Christ, be washed of our sins, and let his love CHANGE us, TRANSFORM us, and SHAPE us into people who reflect Him more and more everyday. A cheesy Christian bumper sticker says, "No Jesus, No Peace - Know Jesus, Know Peace. I'm neither a fan of cute Christianese sayings nor bumper stickers in general, but this one has it right.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Philippians is another letter written by the Apostle Paul. Not surprisingly, there are some striking similarities in content. So Philippians 4 is one of the most quoted verses about peace, and in light of what we read here in Romans 5 it has a little more meaning. Philippians 4:6-7 say, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Another great verse that describes how Christ brings was actually written about him 700 years before Jesus was even born. Isaiah 53:5-6 says, "the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each us has turned to our own way..." Doesn't that sound like Romans 5? "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Wow!

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I am almost hesitant to write about suffering for Christ, because compared to so many of my Christian brothers and sisters around the world I know NOTHING of suffering. Many face mocking, harassment, being cut off from friends and family, being killed, or worse - being kept alive and tortured because they refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. There are many organizations seeking to make their stories known. One I personally have come to love and respect is Voice of the Martyrs (click here to visit their website). Our prayer tends to be for peace and an end to violence, while many of them ask us to pray instead that their enemies would find peace with God! I am convicted by them to not only offer myself for the sake of Christ, but to expect and endure and glory in suffering for Jesus's sake.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Some of Paul's wording gets a little confusing. I'm sure it was standard arguments in his time, but in our time it almost seems backward (not in the end result, just in the way it is presented). V.6-7 is one place, and some of the language in verses 12-21 make it hard to tell if Paul is comparing or contrasting Adam and Jesus. It's very possible he is doing both. Though the concepts seem pretty clear, the language gets a little tricky. That's not a real question, but it was confusing for me upon first reading it.

Funny how my longest post yet also happens to be the latest post, leaking into the "next day." Anyway, lots of good stuff.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans4 - Jewish Apologetics

Romans 4: 

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

Paul strikes some really key, basic Jewish understandings here and uses them to promote the gospel of Jesus. Two of the most fundamental Jewish bases for their faith are circumcision and the law of Moses. To understand this chapter, you need to know a couple things about these two pillars of the Jewish religion. God made a covenant with Abraham that all of his male descendants should be circumcised (yes, it still has the same meaning as it did then) when they were 8 days old. This would be a sign that they belonged to God, that they were holy (which means "set apart"). So it was a big deal, and rightly so because God commanded it. About 400-500 years later, after the Israelites are freed from slavery in Egypt, God gave the Ten Commandments (and a whole bunch of other commandments, collectively called "The Law") to the Israelites to show them how to live. This was also a very big deal, and rightly so.

So Paul's argument here is brilliant, and it's right there in the Bible and in the Jewish Scripture as well. Paul is saying that God declared Abraham righteous because Abraham believed God (See Genesis 15). But that was even before the covenant of circumcision, and way before the covenant of the Law of Moses. Paul is basically saying (and I paraphrase), "Neither circumcision nor the Law was ever God's way of making people righteous. Rather from the very beginning until now, God has always counted people righteous because of their faith. Then it was faith in God, now it is faith in Jesus Christ that justifies a person. BAM! That is rock-solid Jewish apologetics. Sorry I kind of geek out about it. I'm weird, I know.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Colossians 2:9-14 also talks about circumcision, but in a way that also shares how it's not the circumcision done by people that matters. Instead it compares circumcision to baptism, in the cutting off the sinful deeds of the flesh, dying to ourselves and being raised in Christ. Galatians 6:15 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation."

3. What does this mean for my life?

If I were to transpose this chapter into modern day Christian culture, it might be comparable to baptism, or confirmation, or some other Christian ritual that IS important, but not a means by which we are made righteous. I need to remember not to place my assurance of salvation in any of my rituals or traditions or religious behaviors, but only in the work and person of Jesus Christ who died and rose to give eternal life graciously to all who believe.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The language of "boasting" appears a lot in these chapters in Romans and other places in Paul's writing. What really was the "boasting" that he was trying to address? Was it a common practice among the teachers? Apostles? Everyone? What was the point?

Glad to have anyone join me in the conversation.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans3 - Best Gospel Explanation

Romans 3: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In my opinion, verses 19-26 hold one of the most concise, clear, compelling explanation of God's plan of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It begins with knowing that we will all be held accountable to God someday, and that we will all be found guilty. In fact, verse 20 says that the law actually guides us to realize our sinfulness. This passage basically says there are two ways to be found righteous - 1. By being perfect according to the law (which nobody except Jesus is able to do), and 2. By putting our faith in Jesus Christ and believing in him. It declares redemption and atonement through Christ, to be received by faith. It describes God as a just judge, and as the merciful provider for our penalty through Christ. I think this is a passage every Christian should read thoroughly to understand that we are not justified by works, that we are never found righteous through doing enough good things, that we will never earn our way to heaven. Rather we are forgiven of our sins and given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, no matter what our background is.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Ephesians 2 has another similar explanation of the gospel, clarifying that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...not by works, so that no one can boast." Galatians 2 also contains a passage very similar, especially in emphasizing that Jews and Gentiles are both justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Passages like this don't necessary have direct action applications, but sometimes the application of Scripture is not just in right "doing" but in right "thinking." For me, this passage really has been instrumental in helping me to understand the basic gospel message. It has also been very helpful to share that message with others using Biblical truth rather than just my own "analogies". If ever there was a passage to memorize, this would be right up there in my book. It is so central to our own faith, as well as being a powerful truth to equip us in sharing our faith with others.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The first 8 verses are a little confusing. I think Paul is basically saying that the fact that our sin makes God's holiness even more obvious isn't an excuse to keep on sinning. My question is, "Is that a fair summarization? Am I missing something?"

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans2 - Tolerance, Repentance, and Eternal Life

Romans 2:

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Like most of the world, Christian and non-Christian, I tend to cringe a little when I hear the phrases "Turn or Burn," "Repent or Perish," or "Judgement Day is Coming!" It doesn't seem like a winsome preaching or evangelism style. But today's reading from Romans 2 sounds like Paul's version of a "turn or burn" sermon. The word that really caught my attention was "repentance." Paul says that God is richly kind and patient with people and their sin. He tolerates a lot. But God's tolerance is intended to lead us to repentance (v.4). God does not tolerate sin forever, nor does he condone sin while being patient. There will be a day when all of us will be judged according to our works, and we will all be found guilty according to the law. But this passage says that for all who repent, turn to God, and follow him, He will give eternal life (v.6-7). But to those who are unrepentant and reject the truth, there will be wrath and anger (v.8). So Paul's title for this brief passage might be "Repent (which literally means to turn around) or Remain Under God's Wrath (which might be even more harsh than "burn")." So next time I hear a Christian preaching that, I'll cut them a bit more slack (although I might still suggest an alternative approach). Also, lest anyone thinks that Paul's message here is related to being saved by doing good works, please read very carefully the next 6 chapters of Romans in which he very strongly argues against that idea.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture you know?

Continuing with the theme of "repentance," Paul wasn't the first one to preach repentance. In fact, the first sermons by John the Baptist and Jesus both were, "REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 3:2, 4:17) Repentance was also a major theme in the old testament. Examples that come to mind are Job (Job 36:9-11), the whole nation of Israel through the prophets (Isaiah 59:20, Jeremiah 15:19, Ezekiel 14:6), and the story of Jonah and Ninevah. This is another really good reminder that the God of the old testament is the same as the God of the new testament.

3. So what does this passage mean for my life?

The whole second half of this chapter is really, really, REALLY, convicting. Though it was written originally to Jews and teachers of the law, it can easily be applied to Christian leaders and teachers. The first chapter and a half were really easy to get caught up about judgment and wrath, but this part of the chapter (v.17-29) reminded me that apart from Jesus I would find myself square in the path of God's wrath. I need to daily repent of my sin and strive for what is right, to live a life of integrity so that my life would reflect God's character more and more. Plus, I can't even do that on my own. I need God's Holy Spirit to fill me and empower me to suppress the flesh and embrace the fruit of the Spirit. This chapter was very convicting both as a reminder of God's righteous judgment and my need to be grateful for all God has done by living my life in a way that honors him.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This question is related to yesterday's question. In chapter 1, Paul writes about how God's invisible attributes are made known through creation so that no one is without excuse. Today, in chapter 2, Paul says that whoever hasn't heard the law will be judged according to the law. I'm not even sure how to phrase the question, but here's the simplest way to ask: "How does God judge people who have never heard about Jesus? Do they automatically go to hell? Do they automatically go to heaven? Are they judged according to their heart and how they obeyed their "conscience"? I'm just not super clear on this.

I'd love to hear some responses.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans1 - Danger and Salvation

As I finished reading the book of Acts, I decided to go to the next book of the bible and continue my journey of reading a chapter a day. Romans is a letter, written by Paul to the believers in Rome. Rome is where Paul's journey ended in the book of Acts, and according to traditional understanding is also where his life ended. Romans is also one of the key books of the Bible that inspired Martin Luther some 500 years ago to post his 95 theses on the door of the Catholic church which ultimately inspired the Reformation and led to people reading the Bible for themselves. So I am very excited to dig in. HERE WE GO!

Romans 1

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

After his greetings and personal statements, Paul gets into some theological statements pretty quickly, but they aren't pretty at all. He begins with the wrath of God. It's a topic most people would just rather ignore, erase out of the Bible, or close their eyes and plug their ears and hum a merry tune while it's being read. We say God is loving, we say God is perfect, and we say God is holy. How can God be a loving, holy, perfect God and let the guilty go unpunished. I recently heard a sermon that rightly pointed out that if we are the ones who are wronged or hurt, we cry out to God for punishment and judgement. But when we are guilty, we like to just cling to the mercy and grace of God. So the fact that Paul starts out speaking about God's wrath makes me think we need to stop and realize that it's a big deal. There is a danger of living in our sin without repenting. God will not force us to change our destructive, disobedient behavior, but he will not let us "off the hook" forever. God's wrath is real and we need a way to escape it.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture you know?

This chapter contains a list of behaviors God clearly calls sinful. At a retreat recently, I shared about these kinds of lists not as a overly-strict fun-hating God, but as a map through a mine field. Wouldn't you appreciate someone telling you where the mines were so you could avoid them and the destruction that comes with them? That's what God does in Scripture. This list includes behaviors and attitudes like not being thankful to God, worshipping idols, homosexual behavior, greed, envy, murder, gossip, arrogant, boastful, disobedient to parents, etc. There are other lists that are very similar in Scripture. Some are found in Galatians 5, Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 6, and Ephesians 4. It would be really easy to think that these lists are for other people, the "really bad ones." But the truth is, I bet it would be rare for anyone to look at all of these lists and not find themselves having done some of these things. It just really reminds me that we need God.

3. What does this mean for my life?

In Romans 1:16, Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." I want to live my life unashamed of the gospel, not being afraid to share of God's love, God's judgment, God's mercy and grace in providing Jesus, and God's promise of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. Ironically, this verse in Romans is the theme verse for the Recharge youth retreats at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps in the spring.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I have heard verses 18-20 used as a way of saying something like, "Everyone in the world sees creation and therefore is expected to worship God, or what they know of God through creation. Therefore everyone who does not believe in this way is guilty (people are without excuse)." My question is whether or not this is a valid approach to understanding this verse. My struggle is that I just don't think people would naturally make the leap from, "Wow, what a pretty sunset" to "I need to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins and salvation of my soul right now." So I'm just not exactly sure how to take this part.

Hope you're able to join me in reading through Romans. Please feel free to leave a comment. It can be a response to any or all of the four questions, or to something I wrote. Either way I hope you read the chapter and use this to keep digging deeper into God's word.

In Christ,

Dan