I'm going to start off with Romans, as it is the first of the Letters that is written by Paul in the Bible(not necessarily the first chronologically).
The reason I'm starting this study, is because I've become fascinated with the letters of Paul, and I find that in many ways, I'm somewhat similar to him. Paul was very harsh against Christians, killing them when possible, persecuting the church at every turn. He continued doing so, until in Acts, he was met by Christ on the way to Damascus (Acts 9). Now, I find myself similar to him, in the fact that I was very harsh against Christians in my words, and also, when he calls himself the "worst of sinners", or as in 1 Corinthians 15:9, the "least of the apostles".
I've begun to read through many of Paul's letters, and I get completely fascinated, especially with how well they can apply to modern society, but sadly, are often ignored. What would happen, if we, as Christians, both young and old, began to apply these teachings to our lives? What change would the world see?
Let's begin;
Now, as in all Paul's letters, he begins with a greeting, and then begins to talk about the church in whichever place he's writing the letter to.
In Chapter 1, verses 16-17, Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
The quote at the end of verse 17 is from Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by faith."
Now, if we too are Christians, like Paul, then are we ashamed of the gospel? For we fail to speak out about the gospel, are we not then ashamed, or afraid? Too often, instead of speaking out about the gospel, or even behaving like a Christian, I often see those who claim the name of Christ behave just like those who aren't Christian. If there is no difference between us, what are we doing? Are we living like Christ? Or are we still enslaved to self, unwilling to sacrifice ourselves?
What do each of you think these verses mean? And please, don't just state your opinion. Back your opinion up with Scripture, so we all can better understand it, and come to an agreement in unity, and in calm speech, not arguing.
The reason I'm starting this study, is because I've become fascinated with the letters of Paul, and I find that in many ways, I'm somewhat similar to him. Paul was very harsh against Christians, killing them when possible, persecuting the church at every turn. He continued doing so, until in Acts, he was met by Christ on the way to Damascus (Acts 9). Now, I find myself similar to him, in the fact that I was very harsh against Christians in my words, and also, when he calls himself the "worst of sinners", or as in 1 Corinthians 15:9, the "least of the apostles".
I've begun to read through many of Paul's letters, and I get completely fascinated, especially with how well they can apply to modern society, but sadly, are often ignored. What would happen, if we, as Christians, both young and old, began to apply these teachings to our lives? What change would the world see?
Let's begin;
Now, as in all Paul's letters, he begins with a greeting, and then begins to talk about the church in whichever place he's writing the letter to.
In Chapter 1, verses 16-17, Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
The quote at the end of verse 17 is from Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by faith."
Now, if we too are Christians, like Paul, then are we ashamed of the gospel? For we fail to speak out about the gospel, are we not then ashamed, or afraid? Too often, instead of speaking out about the gospel, or even behaving like a Christian, I often see those who claim the name of Christ behave just like those who aren't Christian. If there is no difference between us, what are we doing? Are we living like Christ? Or are we still enslaved to self, unwilling to sacrifice ourselves?
What do each of you think these verses mean? And please, don't just state your opinion. Back your opinion up with Scripture, so we all can better understand it, and come to an agreement in unity, and in calm speech, not arguing.
