Romans – URC Learning

(32:07) The call to love our neighbors is not pious advice, but a commandment. It is not a vague generalization but is a summary of all the commands God has given us regarding how we are to interact with others. Nothing absolves us of this duty, and yet, as individuals, we seek constantly to have […]

(37:34) When we speak of morality on the personal level, we turn immediately to God’s law for guidance. Sadly, when the role of the Christian and his relation to the magistrate is discussed, we often bring in a new morality, might makes right. To give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, we must search the Scriptures […]

(31:33) You are often told that if you follow the checklist of approved behaviors and prohibitions articulated by the speaker, then you will be right with God, and therefore, saved. This is wrong on two counts. First, God saves sinners by grace, not by their works. Second, the call to righteousness for the Christian is […]

(36:27) We all see the disgrace paraded on TV where so-called “Christians” are busy denouncing this or that sin or sinner. They think this demonstrates their holiness, but actually it reveals their pride and self-righteousness. Loving service to the believing community, formed and guided by God’s written revelation, is what displays a growing sanctification worked […]

(32:12) Only after Paul has proclaimed the wonders of God’s grace in Election and Justification, does he now turn to Sanctification. Already hinted at, now he expounds the calling of the redeemed man to be a living sacrifice to God, a response of gratitude, being conformed to the mind of Christ his Savior. This is […]

(32:53) Throughout the New Testament the Apostles declare that the prophesies of the Old Testament are now being fulfilled in the Christian Church. In Romans 9:6 we are told not all Israel is Israel, and in chapters 9-11 Paul is making the argument that God is calling in Jews and Gentiles to be the true […]

(35:23) God has scattered Israel as punishment for her unbelief, but this is a blessing for the Gentiles, because among the dispersed are the Apostles and the believing Jews who are now proclaiming the Gospel of grace. Ironically, God will use the ingathering of the Gentiles to now bring the Jews to faith, and when […]

(28:36) God had warned through the Prophets that mere external religion did not qualify as worship which he would accept. Most of national Israel foolishly ignored the warnings, and was rejected by God, but a remnant, preserved by grace, did hear and repent. Paul declares that he is part of this remnant, proving God’s promise […]

(33:27) God is not looking for a people who are righteous so that he will have someone to love, since none will be found, whether from the Jews or the Gentiles. Therefore, he has sent the preached word, the Gospel to call sinners to repentance. The Jews will be made jealous as they see God […]