VII.Let’s spend some time with the last few sentences from this week’s focus passage. The writer calls our attention to those he mentioned by referring to them as, “All of these died in faith without ….” What might these few … Continue reading
IV.We start off with, “Now faith is ….” We could think we are going to get the “end all” definition of “faith.” But as the passage develops it appears something else may be at work. Maybe we need to notice … Continue reading
I.We take a look at what the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews has to say about “faith.” We start with the often repeated, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” … Continue reading
VII.Allow me to repeat the closing sentence of my last post, “Might it be said that faith comes by “the word that is near you” being heard and recognized and finding expression in our own words and lives?” As you … Continue reading
I.In a few sentences Paul has packed a lot. I have to say “almost too much” for me to process. Read these sentences a few times, pausing between each reading to let the words begin to sink in and find … Continue reading
VIII. Might we be able to see things in this passage that highlight the kind of living God desires for us. Read the passage paying attention to what God wants for you – makes available to you – and you … Continue reading
IV.This week’s reading has some phrases that are probably familiar to many church-goers, especially those often called “evangelical.” For instance – “we are justified by faith” – “while we still were sinners Christ died for us” – And we dare … Continue reading
I.We hear some familiar words from Paul this week – “justified by faith.” As you read our focus passage, pay attention to what Paul tells us follows from our being “justified by faith.” Look at what he writes here, not … Continue reading
VI.Let’s go back for a few moments to the several verses I focused on in the last post. Take a moment to quiet yourself and read this slowly to allow time for Paul’s words to sink deeply. Romans 4:1, 9, … Continue reading
IV.Let’s look again at our focus passage for this week. As you read it think about his intended audience, the community of Christians in Rome, and consider how they might hear this. Romans 4:1-12 What then are we to say … Continue reading