Nov 11, 2019
What more appropriate end to a letter such as Romans than a prayer, particularly a prayer in praise of God's goodness and glory? In this episode we examine Paul's closing doxology in detail and in the process review all that we have learned from him about the saving work of God.
If it has the effect Paul intends, our...
Nov 5, 2019
As Paul approaches the conclusion of his letter, he extends personal greetings individuals in Rome. It's a list of mostly Greek names that we know little about, struggle to pronounce and are very much inclined to skip.
BUT...if we take the time to examine the details, we discover a great deal about the structure of the...
Oct 30, 2019
As he approaches the end of his letter, Paul turns his attention to immediate and personal matters, most particularly his plans for the future - plans for trips to Jerusalem (to deliver a financial offering) and to Spain (to proclaim the gospel).
In doing so, Paul opens an important window into himself and the world of...
Oct 24, 2019
The followers of Jesus are tragically prone to argue with each other. We bicker about theology, about worship, about piety and morality, sometimes to the point of church schism (the undoing of the very community we are called to create). So it is now, and so it was for the first century Roman church.
In this episode, we...
Oct 14, 2019
The call to love the other - the neighbor, the stranger, even the enemy - is foundational to the Christian life. But why are we to love them? And perhaps even more importantly, how? Where do we find the mean to love those with whom we have no natural bond or affection, or perhaps those who would do us harm?
In this...