The Power of God

Paul closes with this very personal commending of Phoebe who is apparently delivering this letter to the church there at Rome.  And even though he has yet to visit, he knows many there by name, because of their travels and his connections in other parts of the Roman Empire.  There is a final call to hold firm to the Truth of the Gospel, avoiding those who attempt to create obstacles and cause divisions among the saints.  You will know such persons by their motives of wanting to serve themselves and gaining people to themselves, rather than Jesus and His Gospel.  His final benediction is a praising of God through Jesus. We praise Him because He has made known, to all people, the Good News of Jesus: the Salvation of everyone who believes. This Week’s Bulletinhttps://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aanb41xvIZEnjYbh_03.08.26Rm16Farewell...HoldOntoTruthOutline.pdf

As Paul wraps-up his words to Rome, he reminds them that it is his full intention to visit as he makes his way to Spain where the Gospel was still unknown. Yet first he must head to Jerusalem to convey an entrusted gift of money given to help the saints who were in poverty there.  The Gentile churches, especially in the areas of Achaia & Macedonia (generally modern-day Greece/Macedonia) were better-off financially than the saints in Jerusalem.  And in truth, they were indebted to them, as they received the message of eternal life in Jesus from those sent by Him from Jerusalem.  Does the joy of salvation drive you to share with others, even those from whom you have benefited in Jesus?  And most especially, those who have much less, by way of material blessings? Our gratitude debt to Jesus should compel us in giving as it overflows in a debt to others. This Week’s Bulletinhttps://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aaBl6MFoBIGEg3lB_03.01.26Rm1522-33CompelledStewardshipOutline-1-.pdf

Though the church in Rome has the true Spirit of God in them, with love and purpose, Paul clarifies that God has called him to proclaim with clarity, the unifying Good News to all people.  This requires a gentle boldness, because there is only One Gospel and so One people of God, and One Way of obedience to God, which is life in Jesus Christ.  All people are called to be saved (justified: declared righteous by having the righteousness of Jesus) by an act of His Grace alone (unmerited), as a Gift alone (no works involved), received by faith in Him alone.  This is the Good News that is for all people, and we (like Paul) are called to lovingly reach and teach obedience to God in Jesus.  This will render a life’s work worthy of boasting because it is a life that makes God known as He rescues and redeems His Image Bearers. This Week’s Bulletinhttps://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aZdS0sFoBIGEgkwB_02.22.26Rm1514-21Reach%26TeachTheGospelOutline.pdf

In primary view is the practical unity of Jews and Gentiles in Jesus, so that there is now no difference in all of mankind before God.  God sent His Son who came to keep His promise to the Jews, while also giving mercy to the Gentiles, so that He might make ‘one new man’ with one voice that glorifies God in Jesus.  He came to unify all people in Himself by serving all people who would be in Him.  He came not to please himself, but for our good pleasure of life and hope. Therefore, we achieve peace and harmony with each other (in Jesus) by yielding to one another in humility, seeking not to please ourselves, but to bless and please each other.  This brings glory to our God, for by this we make Him known.  Is your hope in Jesus big enough to let go of your opinions for the purpose of blessing to another? This Week’s Bulletinhttps://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aY31n1WLo0XkEdqB_02.15.26Rm151-13UnityHarmony%26PeaceOutline.pdf

Love is willing to sacrifice freedoms in matters of conscience for the sake of others around us who might struggle with such freedoms in their own conscience unto God.  For to violate one’s conscience in action is to sin against God who is alive in you. To self-sacrifice a freedom for the sake of a brother/sister, is not to avoid causing offense, but to avoid causing the ‘weak in faith’ to stumble if/when they follow your pattern of behavior. We must use our freedom in Christ in a way that builds others up in Jesus, making for peace in the church, not in a way that tears others down.  For God calls us to demonstrate that the exercise of our freedom in Christ is not more important than the exercise of love for our brothers and sisters. This is the love that Jesus demonstrated for us (Philippians 2:6-8), so this is the love that we demonstrate to and for others.  It is a sacrificial love-walk… willing to sacrifice. This Week’s Bulletinhttps://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aYUBrd0YXLCxVeR0_02.08.26Rm1413-23SacrificialLove-WalkOutline.pdf

With such diversity in the church of Jesus, we must humbly seek to live together in and with a diversity of ‘practices of faith’ without holding another with contempt or passing judgment on one another.  Eating of foods (or not) and the keeping of special days (or not), and all secondary elements that reflect our faith unto God are simply matters of our conscience as we walk before our Master to Whom we belong.  He is and will be the Judge of all who bear His Image: Jesus is the Creator-God-Judge.  And of those He has saved by His redemption, He will judge and reward according to our deeds done on this earth: He is the Savior-God-Judge.  We live and die to an Audience of One as we love and honor each other, working-out our lives unto the God to whom we belong. This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aXvMcQIvOtkhCGRJ_02.01.26Rm141-12ChristianDiversity%26JudgmentOutline.pdf

Paul continues with his description of a ‘Life as a Sacrifice’ offered to God.  He strikes a parallel of paying what we owe to civil leaders and paying what we owe to each other, which is ‘love.’  This indebtedness is a response to the mercies of God in Jesus. Since he fulfilled the Law by His perfect life and sacrifice, we now also fulfill the Law by living-out His Spirit in us, and God is love.  This walk of light is the ‘putting-on’ of Jesus and His ways while we ‘cast-off’ the behaviors of our old self (flesh), for you cannot walk according to both Light and darkness.  In all this, Paul points to an urgency, given that our ultimate salvation draws closer with each passing hour. This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aWpLhAIvOtkhBpu6_01.18.25Rm138-14WalkofJesusOutline.pdf

Let’s reconnect to Romans by recapping the key points that have led us to the spot where we left-off in Chapter 13.  After Paul’s thesis statement (1:16,17), there are Three Great 'Therefores' that will allow us to do that quickly.  After declaring with depth, that all humanity is in the pit of death (1:18-3:20), Paul gives us the resolution of the Good News that brings Life… the Gift of Righteousness, purchased and given by Jesus (3:21-26). THEREFORE:  Romans 5:1 is the truth that since we have been declared righteous by God’s grace as a gift, we now and forever have peace with Him.  And with that peace, Romans 8:1 tells us that condemnation will never be a part of our present or future, since the Spirit of Christ is in us.  And thus, Romans 12:1 tells us that the only reasonable/rational response to God’s mercy, is to offer-back to Him our whole life as a sacrifice, living to/for God. This is the love response described in the remainder of the letter.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aWAGaQIvOtkhBIUR_01.11.26Rm1-13Reconnect3ThereforesOutline.pdf

The intimate connection to what was just stated in Chapter 12, about not seeking personal vengeance, must now be seen in what Paul says next to the church at Rome, and to all of us who are part of the church.  God has instituted governing authorities to maintain civil obedience with the means of executing punishment; in so doing, they represent the wrath of God upon evil. This does not mean that all governments are moral and good (by God’s measure), nevertheless, all are permitted by God to rule with authority over those that they govern.  Ideally, governments protect those who do good and punish those who do wrong.  By submitting to their authority, Christians demonstrate submission to God who has allowed them to rule. Therefore, as Christians, submit to the laws of the land: we pay taxes (whether we deem them fair or not!), and we show respect and honor which is due, according to their position of headship over us.  And we do this, even if they are not respectable and honorable as individuals.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aR8wAGGnmrmGqFMW_11.23.25Rm131-7God-Government-ChristianOutline.pdf

As the meaningful climax to living-out God in this newness of transformed life, Paul now seems to focus on how we respond to those who do not show us love.  Again, much of this parallels Jesus’ theme in the Sermon on the Mount regarding how we respond to those who position themselves as our enemies.  Love your enemies and do your best to be a blessing to them, even if they seek to do harm to you!  A harder, more challenging ‘personal lifestyle’ can hardly be imagined. It is God’s job and promise that He will repay the wicked with His wrath.  And when He does so, it is righteous wrath, whereas, when we attempt to act in personal retaliation, it is inevitably unrighteous wrath.  We are called to overcome evil by doing good.  God uses the same to reach the lost with eternal life.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aRYxELpReVYa4cp0_11.16.25Rm1214-21LoveTheLostOutline1.pdf

We are all becoming something, whether it is more like the world or more like Jesus is the primary question. Romans 12:9-13 is a look at the transformed heart and life considering Romans 12:1-2 and all previous 11 chapters that Paul writes. When we allow ourselves to be transformed by the Spirit living within us, our desires and our nature begin to change to look more like Jesus. As we learn to love one another, Paul lays out healthy markers for us to measure ourselves against. This list is not a pre-requisite to salvation, but a guide and a gauge for us to evaluate our transformation process.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aQOhJbpReVYa32Ud_Rm129-13MarksofaChristianOutline.pdf

The offering of yourself to our merciful God is now explained in application.  Given that this life you now live came from God, you must not think too highly of yourself apart from Him, as you seek to make your offering… which is your very self.  Your Savior’s presence has uniquely equipped you to bring Him glory by serving Him as you serve others in Him.  In fact, since He is in you, and you no longer live for you, you belong to others in whom He lives, and they belong to you.  This reality of belonging is the wholeness of the body of Christ as all the individual parts come together, each uniquely different, serving Him as we serve one another.  His mercy compels you to live Him out in loving service to others. This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aPqKErpReVYa3oDg_10.26.25Rm123-8HumilityThatServesOutline.pdf

We have stated that there are three great mountain-peak ‘Therefore’ passages in Romans, 5:1 (peace with God), 8:1 (no condemnation) and now this one: offer all of yourself living to God.  Beginning here, Paul engages his final broad topic in the letter (Chapters 12 – 15): a believer’s response to their salvation, which is God’s mercy.  This is the climactic response to the mercy of God that has been poured-out to and on the believer; one who is alive in the Spirit with unshakable, irrevocable love that guarantees life now and forever. This mercy, when rightly understood, MUST compel a responsive offering of your new life so that everything you do and everything that you are, is an offering that pleases God.  We know who we are in this new life, and we know what we ought to do, because the Spirit of God who lives in us works to change us inside (Transformed!), that we might think the thoughts of God’s will for our lives here and now.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aPDwPZ5xUNkB2DYU_10.19.25Rm121-2LivingOfferingOutline.pdf

This is the climax of Chapters 9 through 11 as Paul points to the end of this age when God will rescue Israel and she will call Jesus her Savior.  There is a clock that is ticking when this age will close and Jesus the Messiah will return, but it is not about years and months and days, but about the fullness of salvation of those outside of Israel (the Gentiles/Nations).  When that fullness is reached, God will call Israel to Himself by His unprovoked, unmerited mercy, and she will believe upon her Messiah, Jesus.  For now, Israel is hardened toward Him, but He will call and save the remnant, and Israel will be saved.  For God’s great plan is to consign the faithless to disobedience, so that He can show His great mercy and call them to faith in Jesus, Jew and Gentile alike.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aObO2J5xUNkB1wjH_110.12.25Rm1125-36GodSavesIsraelOutline.pdf

Paul continues to explain his sure hope for Israel, acknowledging that he desires that his ministry to the Gentiles will produce a sense of spiritual jealousy among the Jews.  Jesus came as the Messiah to the Jewish nation, but she, as a nation, rejected Him, opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles.  Therefore, mercy shown to the Gentiles who were far away and undeserving should never result in arrogance or pride over those who were hardened.  Recipients of mercy never boast in their position.  Rather, they tremble at the thought, and weep for those who do not have it! And if God saved the Gentiles who were not His chosen nation, how much more will He save those for whom He promised to come; those who descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to whom He made the Promise of love.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aN7U9Z5xUNkB1bUf_10.05.25Rm1113-24HumilityBringsJealousyOutline.pdf

Paul addresses God’s irrevocable heart for Israel.  Though, as a nation of people, they are disobedient to God’s call, as they still stand in opposition to Jesus as their Messiah, God is still working in their midst on the basis of His sovereign grace.  Their fall and rejection of God’s grace and His Son, their Messiah, served to allow salvation to come to the world.  So even now, as national Israel watches the Gentiles in Jesus, who believe in their God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God would have them to be jealous; jealous of grace, mercy, and salvation by faith in Jesus the Messiah (Christ).  When they recognize and believe on Him, the world will rejoice in peace.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aNV9IZ5xUNkB1HO3_09.28.25Rm111-12FallenNotRejectedOutline.pdf

Given that salvation comes to those who simply have to call out to Jesus and believe upon Him, Paul raises the issue of those who have never heard of the One to whom they are to call.  How can someone place their faith upon the Good News of Jesus if they have never heard the Good News of Jesus?  The question is not posed as some kind of unsolvable puzzle, but rather one where the answer compels us to send and go with the Good News.  God chose to send His saved ones to a world that is desperately lost and in need of hearing the Gospel of God.  Are you part of God’s sending, going, and telling those close and far about Jesus?  And if not you, then who? This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aMwZR2GNHVfTPXtF_09.21.25Rm1014-21SenttoSaveOutline.pdf

As Paul continues to express his sadness over Israel, he makes the clear point that salvation is received by faith and not by the keeping of the Law (self-righteousness before God); this was Israel’s great error with her Lord.  God is calling us to believe on Him alone for our righteousness, knowing that the Good News of this salvation, received by faith alone, is close and available.  There is no mountain to scale nor valley to descend into; the Word of salvation is right here and right now, available for the willing heart that desires to receive God as their righteousness.  We need only call on Him, believe in our hearts as we confess Jesus with our mouths, and we will be saved.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aML_-2GNHVfTPEDN_09.14.25Rm101-13SalvationCloseOutline.pdf

The sad truth of Israel is the sad truth of all mankind… If God does not interrupt our wickedness and hardness, then none of us would remain before Him.  And God patiently endures the wickedness of some, up until the point of wrath, for the purpose of revealing the greatness of His mercy to those who have received it.  Paul concludes that Israel failed to attain righteousness, because they were unwilling to pursue it by faith in God.  Instead, they attempted to pursue righteousness by works of the Law, and as Scripture predicted, they stumbled upon Jesus, Son of God, who called them to believe on Him.  So, Jesus becomes to Israel (and to others) either a Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense, or the source of ultimate victory. This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aLmpAmGNHVfTOqWE_09.07.25Rm914-33ObjectsofMercyOutline.pdf

With such an emphatic statement of the security in Jesus that comes from God’s loving call, Paul turns his heart to the condition of Israel, who has, as a nation, rejected Jesus.  As Paul is broken-hearted over this reality, he wants the church to know that their rejection is not a result of God’s Promise being broken or His call being somehow compromised.  He chose Israel, yet not all of Israel responded, but only the part of her that is chosen for mercy as part of His sovereign plan and Promise.  That part, Paul says, is the true Israel and those are the true children of Abraham, not just his physical decedents.  Those are foreknown, pre-appointed and called to accomplish His good plan, in accord with His good purpose, which is not depended upon the work and will of men.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aLCjSWGNHVfTOavm_08.31.25Rm91-18GodsSovereignElectionOutline.pdf

This is the climax of everything that Paul has stated in this letter concerning your salvation that comes by the Gospel of God.  This is the climactic conclusion that now must motivate the child of God to live a life that glorifies God.  The fact of the matter is this… that God has loved us with an everlasting love that can never be damaged, broken or separated from us.  Never.  Anyone or anything that might attempt to do so will be fighting nothing and no one less than God Himself, for the Spirit of God lives in you.  What God does, nothing and no one cannot undo.  The one whom God chooses to love will be loved forever and in this presence of love, the believer conquers in all things according to God’s good purpose.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aKYhHKTt2nPbai_5_08.24.25Rm829-39InseparableLoveOutline.pdf

In the midst of this mountain-top proclamation of no condemnation, given that we are Sons of God that now cry-out ‘Abba Father’ to God Himself, Paul is not slow to recognize that suffering will be part of our lives on this earth.  We should and must expect to suffer.  For it is clear that all creation groans in the Fall, and we who are fallen, yet Sons, will groan inward, and the Spirit who dwells in us will also intercede on our behalf with groans to our Father.  And God uses all this groaning to conform us who love Him to the likeness of His Son as we trust and rest in the God-Hope of what is yet to come.  He does this as He brings us into His glory; a glory which outweighs any possible comparison to the suffering that produces our groaning.  In this life, you will experience suffering and groaning.  Do you suffer with Him as His child, or do you groan and suffer alone?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aJYCL6Tt2nPbaEk6_08.10.25Rm818-28HopeThatGroansOutline.pdf

With such a great cry of ‘no condemnation at the beginning of this chapter,’ Paul now moves to the next great cry from the believer in Jesus, that is, ‘Abba, Father.’  The assurance of belonging to Jesus by the presence of His Spirit is demonstrated by living for Him, and not for our old nature.  This living is the life of a child that brings glory to their father.  It is, in-fact, living proof of intimate relationship.  And this is the guarantee that we have as children of God: we will inherit, with Jesus, the Kingdom of Jesus.  We ask again… are you a child of God?  And if so, you will reign with Him in His Kingdom!This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aIt70qTt2nPbZnBy_08.03.25Rm812-17ChildrenofGodOutline.pdf

Romans 8 may well be the pinnacle of the entire letter to the church in Rome. The opening words (literally) are: ‘Nothing Therefore Now Condemns Those In Christ Jesus.’ Wow! Do you believe that truth? Neither sweeter nor stronger words can hardly be spoken to those who believe in Jesus. It is this confidence and security that compels us to live our lives for God as we await what is yet to come, guaranteed by the Spirit who lives in us. And what is coming? Resurrected life. Therefore, we now walk by His Spirit that dwells in us! Do you set your mind on the things of God and walk by them, or on the things of your fallen nature, and walk by them?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aIKIAlGsbswqTOw1_07.27.25Rm81-11Alive%26FreeOutline.pdf

What shall we say then?  It’s the question Paul asks again as he has given us much to consider.  What does it mean to be dead to sin?  What about dead to the law?  How are we to put that into practice in our daily lives?  These are the questions that get addressed in this next passage.  Not just addressed, but answered in a personal way that I hope encourages and challenges you today.Though we are no longer slaves to sin we still struggle with the sin patterns that we have grown so accustomed to.  Though we are no longer held to the law, we still struggle with an intense desire to follow a “thing” and not a Person.  Seeking to walk in holiness before God and acknowledging the sin that “so easily entangles us” is the mark of a maturing Believer.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aHlPAEMqNJQqIFDk_07.20.25TheBattleWithin-Romans7.7-25-.pdf

In the passage this week, Paul is giving another illustration to help us comprehend our freedom in Christ.  Paul wants us to fully understand what it means to no longer be held to a system of rules for our salvation, but to allow ourselves to live from the inside out.  Under the law there is judgment and condemnation.  But, if Christ lives in us, we produce the fruit from His Spirit. If He lives in us, we can rest. We can abide in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us.  Death breaks the bonds that holds us to the law and gives us the freedom to live in Him.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aHAnC0MqNJQqHxcn_07.13.25Romans71-6NewWaytoLive.pdf

God is expressing through Paul’s voice the declaration of freedom and victory that is found in Jesus Christ.  In our freedom from the old taskmaster of sin, we seek to be servants of our new Master of righteousness, where the production of obedience (the fruit of our life) leads to our holiness (sanctification).  Before, the production of service to sin led to ungodliness, which ultimately led to death.  But now, in Jesus, the pull of righteousness is felt, leading us to holiness as we experience the life of grace that leads to eternal life.  See the simplicity and beauty of his final words in this passage, as verse 23 may be the most succinct and descriptive verses in all of Scripture describing the sure effect of the Gospel of God.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aGV3O3fc4bHWi-P__07.06.25Rm615-23FreeServantsOutline.pdf

If we are saved by grace, should we keep on sinning? Absolutely not. Grace doesn’t excuse sin—it transforms us. As baptism symbolizes, through union with Christ in His death and resurrection, we have died to sin and risen to a new life. This passage reminds us that grace leads to freedom, not a license to sin; identity, not excuses; and power, not passivity. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God—called to live as instruments of righteousness in response to the incredible mercy we’ve received.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aF2glHfc4bHWiw8A_06.29.25Rm61-14DeadtoSin%2CAliveinChrist.pdf

Paul now explains how Jesus is a type of Adam to all mankind.  As the father of all mankind, Adam’s one act of sin led to and leads to the condemnation of all mankind, because all followed him in sin and death. Jesus, who is the sinless man who satisfies the cost of sin and conquers death, His one act of righteousness leads to the life of all who receive His free-gift of grace.  This is for all mankind who believe on Him.  So as the one sin of Adam ‘abounds’ to constant increase unto death, so the one act of the Righteous One abounds to constant increase of eternal life. You are born of Adam, but are you born of God?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aFRUiXfc4bHWijTI_06.22.25Rm512-21ByOneTheManyOutline.pdf

Paul now clearly moves to express the incomparable benefits of being credited with the Righteousness of God by introducing three words that all in Christ must know: Peace, Love and Reconciliation.  We are now in a state of peace with God, because He chose to love us.  For God’s love is proved by the undeserved and unprovoked move of the Cross.  He does this for us, who are His enemies, so that we would have a restored relationship with Him who made us for this very purpose.  In Jesus, we now ‘belong’ with Him, forever secured, reconciled and at peace.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aEndarNJEFaPX4V8_06.15.25Rm51-11PeaceSecuredOutline.pdf

Paul concludes his case that we are saved by Jesus Christ, by His grace (unmerited favor) as a gift (no payment) received through faith alone.  And since this is so, our salvation (life in Him) rests entirely upon God’s promise, not on our performance.  Our assurance of all that He has given, and of all that is yet to come rests solely upon Him. In this Promise of God, we have hope!  And this ‘God-Hope’ is an unshakeable, unwavering guarantee, that teaches us to ignore the broken circumstances of this broken world. Do you take Him at His Word?  That is to say, do you believe on Him, resting in/on His guaranteed grace in your life, forever?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aDh0ISdWJ-7kSr-J_06.01.25Rm413-25PromiseKeeperOutline.pdf

Now Paul takes the argument of salvation by God, received by faith alone all the way back to Abraham, the father of the Jews.  This ‘righteousness from/of God’ came to Abraham by faith, and not by the works that Abraham would do.  So, Abraham is not just the father of the Jews, but in God’s way of salvation that comes by faith, he is the father of us all.  God only saves unrighteous and ungodly people who have faith in Him, upon which he credits to them His righteousness.  This is salvation!  And James adds that when faith in God is alive, it will ALWAYS be accompanied by good works.  Do you have true faith?  Do you trust that God is 100% of your standing before Him?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aCZUcydWJ-7kSLSd_05.18.25Rm41-12AbrahamFaith-FatherOutline.pdf

Paul now begins his deep dive into the blessing of GRACE, which if understood correctly, locks-out all religious boasting.  It is grace (unmerited favor) that makes the argument for ‘all’ people being saved: ‘There is no difference.’  For if the rescue from the pit is a gift of declared righteousness from and of God, then all pre-qualifications are gone.  A gift can only be a gift if it involves no merit and no payment.  In this way, the ‘unity’ of God is demonstrated: for there is One God and One gift of Life, and One Salvation, and One people who are rescued. Do you understand grace?  Or are you hanging onto a version of  mock grace that diminishes the very essence of God?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aB3_jydWJ-7kR1MJ_05.11.25Rm327-31Grace-NoBoastingOutline.pdf

Considering one of the most succinct and comprehensive declaration of the Gospel (Romans 3:21-26) from the Apostle Paul, today we take some time to be reminded of what we are called to do. Go into the whole world and see that the Gospel is shared. Live it, teach it, take it everywhere you go. Let’s celebrate together as we hear from God’s Word and hear how His Church is growing around the world.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aBPWfPIqRLdaBzMp_05.04.25Rm113-16IntentionalGospelOutline.pdf

BUT NOW!  Having finished the most comprehensive description of how all mankind is lost to God because of our unrighteousness, Paul now gives us the evidence of hope for all.  Here we find the fulfilling description of that to which his thesis statement in 1:16 and 17 had pointed: The Righteousness of God, revealed.  This paragraph has been described by some as the most important single paragraph in the Bible.  The source of the Righteousness of God is revealed, by which salvation of all can be received… all who believe in Jesus.  He is our redemption, our justice, our mercy, and the source of our grace.  He is God’s wrath satisfied against unrighteousness, and he is God’s mercy given.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aAqLQPIqRLdaBlte_04.27.25Rm321-26RighteousnessRevealedOutline.pdf

This is THE DAY that we were waiting for… in the pit.  For this is THE DAY of resurrection, which is life after the pit of death.  In truth, Jesus enters the pit of unrighteousness and satisfies the only way out… the cost of death endured by taking the wrath of God against unrighteousness.  And then, on Sunday, He came to physical life again in His glorified body.  He is Risen!  And when by faith on Him we die with Him and live with Him, we gain by Him, life forever.  That is joy after the pit!  And that, not just in the future, but now and forevermore.  He is Alive!  And in Him, we too are Alive!This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aAFQH-vxEdbNPNRS_04.20.25Rm321JoyAfterPit-EasterOutline.pdf

Paul’s summation describing the condition of all mankind is finally delivered, that is, all of us are wholly and desperately lost in and under our sin and thus, we are all unrighteous before a Holy God.  There are no possible exceptions among all mankind… not one.  If you are willing to accept this bad news for you, then the Good News is available for you too.  This is the need for Palm Sunday, as the humble King is hailed and then rejected by Jew and Gentile alike. And this is the need for Good Friday, where the bad news of you is taken, so that on Sunday, the Good News of Jesus can be given.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z_f2HOvxEdbNO3Rq_04.13.25Rm31-20AllFallenAllDead-PalmSunday-Outline.pdf

Paul has shown that those who make-up their own gods are lost, and those who seek to live by their own moral conscience are lost, so now he explains that those who have the very Law of God and see themselves justified by keeping it, they too are lost.  The Jews were given the Law of God, but it was never intended to save them, but only to help them be aware of sin, that they might walk in holiness. Salvation was always and only by faith in the God who gave the Law, and never by keeping the Law.  For the Law was intended to shape the heart, not qualify the soul before God.  If you aim to justify yourself before God by keeping the Law, you will fail; guaranteed.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z-7eK3dAxsiBwS_e_04.06.25Rm217-29FailureofReligionOutline.pdf

As Paul continues to craft the description of unrighteousness, he now moves from those who practice unrestrained sensuality, to those who believe themselves to be good on the basis of their own conscience.  As Image bearers, God has made us to be moral beings with a moral conscience, that is, our conscience.  It is like a ‘law’ that is written on our hearts, and it serves to excuse us at times and will also accuse us when the secrets of our hearts are exposed.  And those who desire to be vindicated by their own conscience, while they conveniently condemn the unrestrained sinners around them, will only find that they too are unrighteous before God, and the law written on their hearts will be their accuser.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z-WFh3dAxsiBwAMD_03.30.25Rm21-16AccusingConscienceOutline.pdf

This is the first of the great ‘Therefore’ words in Romans, and it is a terrifying one. That is, God simply has to stop restraining our unrighteous behavior, and give us over to our own desires. Intentional suppression of the clear evidence of God results in our making-up of other gods, and with that, we redefine ‘good’ to fit our own broken preferences. Sexual immorality is a natural outflow of rejecting God and often perverts that which he defined as natural. Yet this is just one aspect of rejecting God, which leads to a mind that is ‘disqualified’ in all areas of righteous behavior. In fact, we openly approve of those who do unrighteousness. The terrifying reality is that might God will give us over to the broken behavior that we crave, solidifying our own unrighteousness.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z9w3HDiBA97Giu5o_03.23.25Rm121-32HaveitYourWayOutline.pdf

With Paul’s introductory words presented, he now sets himself to establishing the most comprehensive presentation of The Gospel of God in all of Scripture.  Part I: All humanity is lost in our sin and that renders all of us fallen, and thus, unacceptable before a Holy God: The Jew and the Gentile alike.  His opening argument is to show that all people are witnesses to the power and divine nature of God, because all mankind sees His creation and our place in it.  The heavens and the earth, and all that is in them testify to His eternal power and divine nature, and He did this on purpose and with purpose by His intention and purpose.  How do we respond to such a revelation?  As you look at nature, living and non-living, to what conclusions do you come?This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z9MAURsAHJWomgUy_03.16.25Rom118-23ClearEvidenceOutline.pdf

As Paul concludes his introduction to the church in Rome, he presents a summary of his entire letter: that the Gospel is the ‘power of God’ for the salvation of all mankind. For the Gospel reveals how we can stand before a Holy God, secure and assured of life eternal in the only way that brings all glory to God the Creator. And this standing comes as the gift of His righteousness that is gained only by faith. All saved-ones are gifted and lifted to the same level of standing: possessing the righteousness of God. And that is Good News for all mankind.This Week’s Bulletin: https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z8svMxsAHJWomPaW_03.09.25Rm116-17ThePowerofGodOutline.pdf

As Paul opens his letter to the church in Rome, he presents a powerful summary of his entire message: that the Gospel is the ‘power of God’ for the salvation of all mankind.  For the Gospel reveals how we can stand before a Holy God, secure and assured of life eternal that will bring glory to God the Creator. And this standing comes only as the gift of His righteousness that is gained by faith.  All are gifted and lifted to the same level of standing: possessing the righteousness of God.  And that is Good News for all mankind.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z8C6wJ7c43Q3gVQU_03.02.25Rm11-17ThePowerofGodOutline.pdf

We embark on a study of a book that has changed the lives of many responsible for shaping the Church of Jesus. Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and many others through history have been awakened to life by God through the words of Paul to the church in Rome.  Herein we will find the Gospel of God, which is the Power of God for everyone on earth who is willing to believe on Jesus for life eternal.  There is no difference, for all have died in their sin, and all are offered life as a gift from God in Jesus, Son of God.  That is the Good News of God, that His Name might be proclaimed by all.This Week’s Bulletin:https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/Z7dPeJ7c43Q3gBrU_02.23.25Rm11-7Apostle-Gospel-Church.pdf