Three Minute Thoughts

Paul says some powerful words in this chapter. Among those powerful words are the idea that dead or alive Christ is key.

The focus of the relationships Paul lists isn't about the people in those relationships, but about Jesus who makes those relationships possible.

Paul gives some clear directions for men and women of God, but when not heard properly they can be a bit disheartening.

Paul reminds us that we are one in Christ. So why divide what Christ has united?

The mystery will soon be revealed. What could it be? I'll give you a hint. It's about Jesus, Israel and the world.

Paul describes the power of the gospel. The message of the gospel is the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. But what good did it do? Why did it happen? What difference did it make?

Paul writes this letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus. They are strong in their belief but Paul still wants to encourage them and warn them of things going on in the world.

Paul wraps up this letter to the followers of Jesus at Rome with an encouragement to stay unified on the things of Christ and distance themselves from those who seek to divide for personal gain.

Paul here reminds us that our proper focus in life is to put Jesus at the center. He should be our primary focus. Then we look to the needs of others. Finally, we pursue our own ambitions and happiness. Jesus, Others, Yourself it's pretty easy when our heart is in the right place.

We love to divide over things that really are not worth dividing over don't we? I mean what we eat, what we wear, where we go, what car we drive. We let these things cause division and animosity between friends. There's a better alternative and Paul explains it here.

Paul clearly says that we're to obey those in authority over us. That means that government officials are to be obeyed. But what happens when the government goes a little off the rails? What happens to betraying conscience? Paul is very clear in what he says. Yet even more clear in what he does elsewhere.

When we realize that worship isn't just about an hour on Sunday but a life between the weekends our whole outlook changes.

When we don't understand Jesus we don't get any of what the Bible really is all about.

We are not made right by our actions but by God's actions for us.

There's a huge misunderstanding in the Bible over who's in and who's not in. It's a misunderstanding about what it means to be part of Israel. Is it a nation or a people group or both?

The law is meant to show us where we are to go and where we have gone wrong. But the law can't do some things. So don't make the law something it's not meant to be.

The law is a hard thing for some. Maybe it's because we like to play too closely to the boundaries? Maybe it's because we don't understand it's purpose? Whatever the reason this chapter is all about seeing the law for the right reasons.

Baptism is one of those hot button topics. Some think it has to be only for adults while others believe baptism is for babies too. The issue is what baptism does and who the primary "doer" in baptism is.

When we have faith it not only impacts our eternity but also our lives today. Paul explains exactly how that happens in this chapter.

Some times we need to see a real life example in order for us to really understand what's going on. Here Paul gives one.

Paul will wrestle with the topic of the value of following God if we're saved by grace. The idea of faith is expounded in this chapter as well.

All of creation speaks to the existence of some form of creator. The cool thing is the Bible has the answer as to who that creator is and Paul will show just some of his power here in this chapter.

Romans is a book heavy on the message of the gospel. The gospel will be unpacked and expanded through this book. Today we see how the gospel has power and it's nothing to be ashamed of by any means.

The final words of Matthew's gospel are a reminder to all of us that there's so much more than just sitting around hearing. We have a mission ahead of us and it's time to get moving!

The end of the road for Jesus went as predicted but not as many hoped. Jesus is bold. He's unwavering. He's consistent even when his followers are weak and mushy.