Observe the Word

In the fourth lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider two out of four essential covenant events in Abraham's life: the promise made in Genesis 12:1-3 and the covenant cut in Genesis 15:1-21.

In the third lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider closely the temptation and judgment of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and then step back to take a broad look at the effects of sin on all humanity described in Genesis 4-11.

In the second lesson of our Pentateuch series, we continue to follow the creation story as Moses focuses in on Adam and Eve and what he teaches us about work, covenant, intimacy, and gender.

We are starting a new survey study of the Pentateuch with an emphasis on Grace in the Law. We plan to average 6 lessons for each of the first 5 books of the Bible. This first lesson provides an introduction to the series and begins with the creation story of Genesis 1, considering the three questions: (1) Who is God? (2) Who are we? (3) And what's our mission?

In Romans 16:25-27, Paul closes out his presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a packed benediction in which he reminds us of the letter's purpose, topic, antecedent, scope and goal.

In Romans 16:1-24, Paul's final greetings to the Romans give us a glimpse into the makeup of the 1st century community of believers.

In Romans 15:14-33, Paul begins the conclusion to the letter with a focus on his missional purpose, inviting the Romans to partner with him and giving us insight into his strategy as a pioneering missionary.

In Romans 15:1-13, Paul completes his exhortation to the Roman Christians to live out the gospel by accepting one another in Christ.

In Romans 14:13-23, Paul rounds out three principles for accepting one another in the midst of disagreement over issues of conscience: the principle of the master, the principle of faith and the principle of the stumbling block.

In Romans 14:1-12, we start Paul's fifth application scenario with two principles that enable us to accept one another in spite of disagreement over issues of conscience. 

In Romans 13:8-14, Paul's fourth scenario addresses how to present yourself to God as you live out the gospel in society.

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul's third scenario for living out the gospel of Jesus hits us where we live on all levels, while also raising significant, challenging questions about justice. 

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul's second scenario for applying grace focuses on the Christian ethic of love, in the body of Christ, in general relationship and with others in society.

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul's first scenario for applying grace is in regard to the new community of grace, where we challenges us to see ourselves with sound judgment as members of a body who have unique gifts to contribute.

In Romans 12:1-2, moving from explanation of the gospel to application, Paul provides a model for Christian living: respond, present, renew.

In Romans 11:25-36, Paul warns against any kind of ethnic or moral or spiritual prejudice as he affirms the impartiality of God and looks ahead to the future revival of Israel.

In Romans 11:11-24, Paul argues that while the current hardening of Israel against the gospel benefits the rest of the world, God has future plans for Israel.

In Romans 11:1-10, Paul reassures that, though the majority of Israel is hardened against the gospel of Jesus, God remains faithful to true Israel, the remnant comprised of Jewish believers who continue to walk in faith accepting the grace of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 10:12-21, Paul completes his argument that Israel has largely missed out on inclusion in the New Covenant people of God by stubborn refusal to accept God's plan of salvation in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 9:30-10:11, Paul continues his explanation for the exculsion of most Israelites from the New Covenant people, providing a warning to all traditionally religous peoples, Christian or otherwise, tempted to exclude those who do not fit their system.

In Romans 9:6-29, Paul begins his argument that though most Israelites are excluded from the New Covenant people of God, God remains faithful to his promises to Israel.

In Romans 9:1-5, Paul introduces the third major section of his argument for the gospel of Jesus Christ with a prayer of lamnet for his kinsmen, the people of Israel.

In Romans 8:28-39, Paul concludes the second major section of Romans on the power of grace declaring for us again the secure hope we have in Jesus.

In Romans 8:18-27, Paul addresses both intellectual and emotive realities of suffering to help us understand that life in the Spirit does not mean life free from pain. 

In Romans 8:1-17, Paul restates the gospel, including the role of the Holy Spirit, and contrasts our former state in the flesh with our new state in the Spirit.