Skip to main content

The Centrality of the Gospel and Romans 12:1-2 (Part 1)

On Monday, I had the privilege of preaching the power of the gospel as represented in Romans 12:1-2. A lot of Christians (especially the zealous-reformed type...) have been using the "Gospel" almost to the point where it is becoming a 'buzz word' where everybody 'knows what we're talking about, but no one can really define the term nor do they see its significance.' (Similar approach taken by Mark Twain in his definition of a Classic novel - "A classic is a work which everyone has heard of, but no one has read!")

Romans can be very intimidating! It is a very complex book. I do not suggest it for casual Bible reading early in the morning, unless you have a carafe full of a black brew steaming on the countertop. I had always seen Romans as a treatise on sin and righteousness, and those are dominant themes of the book. However, they can be the trees that cause us to miss the forest. Romans does begin showing the reader the sinfulness of man and his inability to please God. Beginning in portions of chapter 3 and especially in chapter 5, a ray of hope is given to the reader, who hopefully has seen that the righteousness of God has been revealed, and that it condemns him because of his sin. This ray of hope is none other than the Gospel of Christ. Paul spends chapters 1-11 developing the need for the gospel, the revelation of the gospel, and the explanation of the gospel. Chapters 12-16 develops the application for having received the gospel. "What should I do now? What does the doctrine dictate for me personally?"

As you view the book as a whole, it is very apparent that Romans 1-11 is the framework, with 12-16 serving as the swinging door. However, without the "hinges" of 12:1-2, the door does not 'work' These "hinges" show the relationship of the doctrine with the application. I would insert that you do not know doctrine if it is not affecting your life.

I want to assert that without Romans 12:1-2, Romans is 2 books having no direct connection. These two verses are vital to the cohesiveness of the work, but more importantly, they are vital to the Christians understanding of how the great doctrine applies to him personally in his life.

(Exposition and Application of 12:1-2 to come soon!)

Popular posts from this blog

No Zion, No Problem? Not So Fast.

Everyone in the media has wanted their piece of the pie with Zion this year. Each highlight reel dunk and spectacular block has only increased the media fervor and number of followers. As Duke looks to face Syracuse, and presumably Virginia Tech as well, without Zion, let's consider what Duke looks like without Zion, and what it must do against Syracuse to leave the Carrier Dome with a W. DUKE WITHOUT ZION Duke without Zion is not a cart without a horse. But it might be a sports car without its turbo. Or maybe a chef without her secret sauce. Here are the main points to consider: MAIN POINTS - A Five Spot 1. Without Zion, Duke can’t play “position-less basketball” since all bench players have limitations. Not only is Zion our best two-way player (offense and defense), but he also allows the greatest roster flexibility in terms of building around him. He wreaks havoc wherever he is on the floor. We don't have another player like that, certainly not from the bench

Processing US Women's World Cup Final loss

Without a doubt, this year's Women's World Cup was the most entertaining (on this side of the pond, as they say) since the 1999 edition of the global tournament. The USA's performance and "never say die" attitude endeared this team to many American fans rather quickly, which was no more apparent than when the team stormed back to tie Brasil in 120+ minute, before going to win in penalties. Unfortunately, the dream ended in penalty kicks to a resilient Japanese side who was more fit for the task. Here's my attempt to process and set expectations on yesterday's US loss: 1. The best team doesn't always win in soccer. Sometimes, even the most dominant team in a particular game doesn't win that game. (HT: Grant Wahl , Sports Illustrated) 2. Here are some notes on penalties ending this game: (a) Tough on USA, since Japan had data on US shooters, since they had just seen them against Brasil. There are players that take their penalties the same direction

BCS Postseason Analysis

If the controversy surrounding the BCS System and college football bowl format, it certainly is the most complex and misunderstood controversy. The morning after the BCS championship game, here are three talking points: 1 - We're closer than ever to seeing a change in the traditional bowl format. The 2011 bowl season again proved how difficult it is to sell out every bowl game. This usually results in the participating schools having to eat the cost of those tickets. That trend can't continue. Playing in a meaningless bowl game actually costs some schools more money than they make by participating in the game. You can read about one instance of this happening here , involving the 2011 Virginia Tech football team, which made it to the Orange Bowl. The school had to eat 9,500 tickets it couldn't sell. They lost a total of $421,000, and it could've been a lot worse. 2 - The BCS isn't the enemy of the playoff system. In fact, they could actually be really good friends