Last time, we talked about how everyone is on an equal footing before God, but not in a good way. Every human being is sinful and does not seek God as he or she ought. We also saw that, to Paul, the Law means little if it is used as a measure of one’s holiness because…well…all the Law does is make it clear that humanity is messed up.
That said, obedience is important. James makes that very clear. And so it is to James that we turn now. Continue reading
Here Paul continues his discussion of God’s faithfulness to those who belong to Him by pointing out, in no uncertain terms, that everyone is on equal footing before Him. But not in the manner in which his listeners would expect. He begins by asking a simple question:
What then? Are we Jews any better off? (Romans 3:9a ESV) Continue reading
Happy New Year!
2011 is over and 2012 has begun. And with the beginning of a new year comes the beginning of a new focus for the blog. By a new focus, I mean that I am going to be putting a stronger focus on getting things done here at The Master’s Way blog. Continue reading
Here’s the link to the book review I was asked to do by the publisher.
Also, sorry I haven’t written in a really long time. Things have been nuts at home and blogging as been at the bottom of the list of priorities. I am committed, though, to resuming this thing on a regular basis from here on out!
I think everyone remembers what happened in January of 2010 in Haiti. A massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in the capitol city of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas. According to sources, this was the worst earthquake in the region in 200 years. The damage to the buildings and infrastructure was devastating. The loss of life catastrophic. Continue reading
It stood out to me, as we move into the section of this study where we bounce back and forth between James and Romans, that we go from last time talking about God’s continued faithfulness despite appearances to James’ discussion of Christians standing firm in the midst of trials and temptations. James hints at this idea in this passage, and we will see how shortly. So, let’s start digging in to James as we prepare to deal with one of the biggest tensions in all of the New Testament. Continue reading
I am a frequent lurker over at Rainn Wilson‘s brainchild Soul Pancake. I find the discussions thought provoking. And I like that all religions are allowed to present their views and that, with a few exceptions, all of those views, even the views of the atheists, are respected and the discussions remain fairly civil…at least as far as internet discussions go.
Not a website for the squeemish regarding theological matters, Monday’s big issue is deffinitely a big one. In a most provocative tweet, Mr. Wilson linked to the discussion, which was a simple one: list 3 things you’re really pissed off with God about. Like I said: it’s not for the squeemish, and unless you have a strong stomach for controversy (the title of the post alone, which I didn’t quote here, will get your blood boiling), I highly recommend you not click that link. Continue reading
Last time, we ended on a particularily negative note. To quote my final statement to show you just how negative,
If the Christian refuses to live the way of Jesus, it is as though she were never a Christian to begin with.
Rough words, especially in a Christian culture where salvation is based solely on accepting as fact matters that are supposed to be believed through faith. Paul doesn’t stay in the negative, though. He moves on to something much more positive: The subject of God’s faithfulness. Continue reading
