Issues In Perspective

The Holy Spirit confirms we are God's children, is the source of our hope and prays for us when we cannot verbalize a prayer.

Paul counsels on the doctrine of sanctification and the Holy Spirit as his answer to the struggles with the flesh in chapter 7.

Paul details the struggle at the heart of sanctification--between the flesh and the Spirit.

Because we are dead to sin (6:1-14), we are no longer in bondage to sin and we are dead to the Law.

As Paul begins his transition from justification to a discussion of sanctification, he constructs the new identity of those who have been justified by faith.

Paul explains why, in terms of God's redemptive plan, Adam and Jesus are the two most important people in history.

The Apostle Paul develops the doctrine of our reconciliation with God through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Paul answers the important question, "How was Abraham justified?”

The saving Righteousness and the judging righteousness of God meet at the cross making it possible for God to justify all those who place their faith In Jesus and His finished work.

Paul answers three Jewish objections and then demonstrates the universal depravity of all humanity.

Paul reviews the witness of God's law on our hearts and the witness of human conscience.

Paul details the three consequences of rejecting God's revelation--perverse human sexuality, a depraved mind and the downward spiral of evil.

Paul explains the three reasons for his letter and proposes the thesis of his book: justification by faith.

Romans 1:1-8 - Paul introduces himself as a servant and Apostle of Jesus, who is the Messiah and Son of God, vindicated by HIs resurrection as the Lord.

As Joseph administers relief from the famine, Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, and then his others sons, securing the promise from Joseph to be buried in the Promised Land.

Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, brings the clan of Jacob to Egypt where they settle in the rich Nile Delta at Goshen.

Joseph oversees four tests of his brothers to see their faithfulness, their honesty and to sensitize their conscience to effect repentance in their lives.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is elevated to power in Egypt, where he oversees the preparation for the famine God said would come, and meets his brothers for the first time in 20 years.

Genesis 38, 39, 40: These chapters contrast the egregious immorality of Judah with the faithful loyalty of Joseph to His God.

Rachel gives birth to Benjamin, tragically dies, while Isaac dies as well, setting the stage for the rise of Joseph.

Jacob's daughter, Dinah, is raped by a Canaanite leader; as spiritual leader of his family, Jacob does nothing but his sons respond with an evil act of vengeance.

God wrestles with Jacob, breaks him of his rebellious will and changes his name to Israel, after which he is reconciled to Esau in a wonderful demonstration of God’s grace.

Jacob, under God's protection and care, leaves his uncle Laban, with his wives, his children and wealth, and heads for the Promised Land.

The Birth of Jacob's children form the basis for the 12 tribes of Israel.

In a dream, God renews the Abrahamic Covenant with Jacob, after which Jacob worships God, changes the name of a Canaanite sanctuary city Luz to Bethel. and makes a vow to God.