The Journey: Chronological Bible Study

The letter to the 12 tribes scattered across the world begins with words of incredible encouragement and hope.

The conclusion of Philippians and why the book of James could be called the book of Jacob.

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!

Arguably one of the most influential letters Paul wrote.

Some interesting points in the greetings.

What actually happens at the Gospel is solid and real and full of infinite fullness; all other philosophies and attempts at self actualization are hollow and empty by comparison.

Paul begins to address the "Colossian Heresy" by affirming the strongest terms the supremacy of Christ.

Always be ready with the armor of God, so that you a stand firm and then...stand firm some more.

Wake up, says Paul! But wait until you see what he means by that.

Paul has explained the incredible nature of God's cosmic plan in the gospel and now moves into reminding us how incredible our own redemption is and then moves into what this means for the church as a unit.

Paul's eloquent rendition of God's Glorious plan is not to be missed! It's so important that we learn not to trade the glory and power of the Gospel for things so small as political power or fame or wealth.

Luke ends the story at a peculiar moment. Why?

The Spirit works in mysterious ways, both clearly leading Paul to go to Jerusalem and just as clearly leading others to discourage Paul from going. It's probably no accident that Luke records this part of Paul's life in ways reminiscent of his own recording of Jesus Trials.

Paul makes his most significant appeal yet. This is what it's all about.

Paul has a lot to say about generosity, but not just of our pocketbook, but of our hearts themselves .

Why does Paul do what he does? If it's not approval of the Corinthians, or his own preferences, then what exactly is it?

Imagine pouring everything you've got into a community only to have that community question everything good about you including your love for them. See how Paul deals with it in 2 Corinthians.

Now that Paul's clarified the incredible power of God's great news, he gets into some nitty gritty of living among a community of people who have been saved by this good news

If the gospel is the power of God, what now?

There is no room for elitism in the church. We are all here by the Grace and Sovereignty of God. You did not make it any easier for God to love you. He just does!

A before and after picture of the believer. The biggest thing we forget? You were not actually free to do what you wanted before you became a believer. You were enslaved by sin.

If Grace is always big enough to cover all our sin, why then not just sin to get more grace? Amazingly Paul's answer is not that they are wrong about Grace, but that they are wrong about themselves.

The beautiful inclusive nature of the Gospel

Hundreds return from Pentecost to their homes in Rome and faithfully keep functioning as the church but what do they really understand? Paul isn't entirely sure but he's heard good things. One thing he knows: self righteousness is one of our biggest enemies and Paul is working hard to make sure it isn't derailing the church in Rome!

Paul wraps up this complicated letter with some simple focus.