Tag: Romans

Morning Musing: Romans 12:2

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“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter) 

One of my favorite worldview teachers, John Stonestreet, likes to ask this question when talking about culture: Why shouldn’t you ask a fish about water? When asking that question to an audience of teenagers once someone shouted back, “Because fish can’t talk!” True though that may be, you shouldn’t ask a fish about water because it doesn’t know what that is. In the same way, culture is the water in which we swim each day. If we’re not intentional and careful, it is easy to just be wet and not know it. Paul here calls us to another way. 

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Morning Musing: Romans 3:28 and James 2:26

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“For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
– ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:28 (CSB – Read the chapter)

‬‬”For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
– ‭‭James‬ ‭2:26‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter) 

Paul and James were two of the brightest lights in the early church. James became the leader of the flagship church in Jerusalem and was ultimately martyred by the Jewish religious authorities when Rome had their political back turned. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles and was almost singularly responsible for the expansion of the church into Europe. The church was in many ways built on their backs. And yet in this pair of verses, they seem to be deeply at odds with each other. What gives? 

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Morning Musing: Romans 1:11-12

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“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”‬‬ (ESV – Read the chapter)

Have you ever tried to do a job for two people all by yourself? That’s no easy feat. Depending on the exact nature of the task, it may be impossible. The fact is, life was not meant to be done alone. Even if we happen to be physically capable enough to handle most of it, relationally and emotionally we’re going to run into trouble. Life is better with company.

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Digging in Deeper: Romans 5:1

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“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”‬‬ (ESV – Read the chapter) 

Have you ever been in a place of turmoil? Of course you have. We all have. We’ve all been there multiple times. Sometimes turmoil is an almost daily affair. And in these times when life is topsy-turvy what is it that we most want? Peace. We long for peace. We need peace. We want life to feel like a scene from a Bob Ross painting. How do we get this? 

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Morning Musings: Romans 8:28

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (NIV – Read the chapter)

This verse is one of the single biggest clichés in the Scriptures.  We hear it often as a way to justify practically anything.  If something bad happens, well, God will work it out for good.  If something good happens, see, Paul was right.  If something good doesn’t happen quickly after something bad, well, we must not love Him very well.  If tragedy strikes, God can still bring good out of this even though you can’t imagine what it could be.  Clichés! Read the rest…