free forum make a forum for free message boards free forum hosting free phpbb forum phpbb create free forum

christy · Site Admin Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 6

I realize I said I'd have this up by Friday, but I completely forgot. Anyways, I've been wondering how to get this started. I don't really want to lead us into any discussion, so I'm just going to throw up a few chapters, and we can all read them and then reply with what we feel the message is. So, this weeks topic is:

Romans 1-3.

Look forward to seeing your responses.

weasel87 · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 5

I started reading this in the catholic bible, then switched to a contemporary english version. Im shooting for comprehension here, and with a limited attention span, courtesy of my darling 2 year old, i wanted to make it as easy as possible.

From what I understand, Paul is saying that no one is better than anyone else. Essentially, we are all unworthy. The only way we can be acceptable to God is through faith in Jesus. There is no excuse for not knowing Jesus. People that choose not to believe and to do evil will be given over to their own filthiness.

leharbert87 · Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 1

I finally made it! Life has been a little hectic lately. I haven't read the chapters recently, but Romans is one of my favorite books.

I agree very much with Leslie's synopsis.

Paul is basically saying that he followed the 'rules' his whole life, & it still wasn't enough. We all need saving, no matter how 'good' we are.

I'm at work & this is off the top of my head. I'll have to go home & actually read the chapters & come back.

weasel87 · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 5

Thats good too, about the rules. It was mentioned several times. What good is it if you know the rules and preach the rules but don't follow them yourself?

christy · Site Admin Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 6

I am here! Finally! Ok - So I promise to be more on top of this. It's been crazy. And I'm sure the rest of us have been busy too. Let's not let it die though.

I think Romans is still my favorite book, because Paul pretty much squashes every argument I've heard people give of why/why not they believe the way they do.

Ch 1 - First off, notice that Paul wants to be comforted by the Romans' mutual faith? Jealous. I have never been to a church where I felt comforted by the mutual faith of those around me. Maybe it's me, maybe it's our modern church, but that is so sad. The church should be a place where people come to be comforted, not to uphold an appearance or do their duty.

Ok - Ch. 1 tells you what the book will be about - the law. There is a law. It was made by God and whether or not you have access to a written copy does not decide whether or not you'll be held accountable to it. Like Paul says, the creation reflects the Creator. The laws of right or wrong are in nature because nature is of God. He also includes a pretty good lists of people who will not make it through judgement because of their sin. There's one for everybody on that list. Seriously, if you didn't find one, look again. The big one for me - pride. Paul makes it clear that you follow the law by choice and if you don't want God, he will give you up to sin.

Ch 2 - Because we all sin, you can't judge others. When you do, you condemn yourself. This would be like Hitler presiding over a war criminal trial...maybe Hussein? (not intended to start political debate). God doesn't care who or what you are because sin is sin. Paul again makes it clear that everyone knows the law whether through hearing the written word or by following the conscience that God gave you. So everyone is without excuse.

I also like verse 22 - when we tell someone not to sin, do we follow that up by not sinning ourselves...oops...I forget that a lot.

Ch.3 - starts debunking popular arguments. Does the fact that disbelief exists disprove God? No. Can we question God's righteousness? No, because we have never existed without sin and cannot fully understand it's consequences.
3:23 - All have sinned and come short of the glory of God

In a nut shell, we all deserve death and hell. Only God's mercy allows that not to happen...

And since I am getting long, I'll leave with a verse that reminds me of my place according to God. Knowing all this, "Where is boasting now?" (3:27) Pretty humbling to think that when it comes to sin, God sees us all the same. Me, Hitler, you, and everyone else.

weasel87 · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 5

I feel really silly with this username. . . Instead of ny own name. Its just my default for everything.

Christy, Ive felt that way about other churches too. It takes me forever to "adjust" when I should be just happy to be in a room with people who love the Lord.

Free Forum