Monday, December 10, 2012

The Book of James- The "How-To" Book for Christians


James is a book of practical living, which challenges us away from just being saved to where the "rubber" of our faith "meets the road" of life.

Key Historical Factors Related to the Book of James:
- it was not a letter addressed to or meant for a particular person or group, but rather meant/sent to all known Christians/Jews at the time as a handbook on how to endure persecution, model authentic faith and be encouraged, he was primarily talking to the Jews in Jerusalem who were starting to face persecution. 
- At the time it was written, most Jews. Greek Philosophers believed we should just gain knowledge, for knowledge's sake. To them its only purpose is that it improves who we are as a person, but no requirement to put the knowledge into practice. This book was written at the end of the "honeymoon" period of being ignored by religious leaders, they were getting comfy and feeling good.
- James is thought to be the oldest of Jesus' brothers (Joseph's Son) (Matt 13:55, Mark 6:3)
-  James did not follow God until AFTER Jesus' died and rose again and came to him. Then her believed in the Lord and became the Christian he was.
- Probably written between 44-60 AD. only around a decade after Jesus' death and resurrection.
- At this time they had NOT split from Judaism yet.
- They were being singled out and picked on for having faith. The persecutions were starting.
Key Points of the Book of James:
- even though we are taught that we are saved by faith alone- James clarifies that good works WILL FOLLOW true faith. Romans 3:28 (So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.); 2:14 (Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.), 2:17 (You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.)
- Christ Directed and Faith Centered Life, this is a book about the application of our faith and the importance of learning and growing in Christ.
Our short-term setbacks will produce long-term results that glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 
- Faith without Works is DEAD - James 2:14-20
- Right Belief = Right Behavior
- It's about personal responsibility by aligning one's beliefs to be right so that ones behaviors are right.
- Seems to be a commentary for Psalms 15
- We grow in faith & maturity so we can apply our christian character & conduct in how we are to others.
- The knowledge we gain from our experiences in life must be rooted in our hearts so it can bubble up into our daily life! The knowledge in our heart must equal how we live our life.
- If faith has NOT changed you over, you will lead a life of problems, without purpose and one of no distinction or betterment to yourself or others.
- Hands on living to control our attitudes and tongue, to be listeners and to stay away from pride and sin.
Chapter 1: How do we react to pressure? Faith will not break when it is real, even when times are dire. We are stable because who we are in Christ and not because of our circumstances.
I. Trials are a part of life.
1:1 Greetings
1:2-4 Seeking Jesus to deal with problems! We can declare them joy(Matt. 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23)
1:5 Seeking wisdom to deal with life; receiving from God (Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:19)
1: 6--8! Asking for faith and not doubting (Matt. 21:-22; Mark 11:22-24)
II. Temptations will come.
1: 9-11 Humbleness ; seeking the proper perspective on life (Matt.13:6; 23:12;Mark 4:7;Luke 14:11;18:14)
III. How will you handle trials and guard against impurity?
1:12 Importance of perseverance (Matt. 5:11-12)
1:13-18 Holding on to the goodness of God (Matt. 7:12; 19:16; Luke 6:27, 35)
IV. We have to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.
1:19-20 The importance of listening (Matt. 7:11; Luke 6:46-49).
1:21-27 Our call to be compassionate toward those who hurt (Matt. 25:34-36)
Chapter 2: When Faith is authentic, it will show it in our lives. We will have real, dependable love that transitions into respect for God, for others, and for ourselves!
I. Favoritism and prejudices.
            2:1-4 Paying attention to what is important (Luke 12:21)
            2:5 The poor will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5; Luke 6:20)
II. Apathy and wrong mindsets.
2:6-9 Love your neighbor as your self (Matt. 22:39; Mark 12:30-31)
2: 10-12 Do not break the commandments (Matt. 5:19)
2:13 Mercy triumphs over Judgment (Prov. 21:13)
            2:14-26
III. Obedience and action are the proofs of faith.
2: 11-13 Faith without works is meaningless (Matt. 18:23-34; 25:41-46)
 2:14-26 We show our friendship with God by our obedience (Matt. 7:21-23, 26; 21:28-32; John 15:13-15) (Faith without works is dead)
Chapter 3: When our faith is real, we will show control and humility. We will have constructive ways of being encouraging by our communication!
I. How we use our words reflects what is in our soul.
           3:1 Teachers are more responsible (Mark 9:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)
           3:2 We are judged by our words (Matt. 12:37)
           3:3-6 Real corruption comes from our mouth (Matt. 15:11, 18; Mark 7:15,20; Luke 6:45)
           3:7-12 We cannot do both good and evil together (Matt. 7:16-20; Luke 6:43-44)
II. How we express our attitude shows how real our faith is.
3:13-15 Bitterness and envy destroy relationships and opportunities (Prov. 13:30; 27:4)
            3: 16-18 Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. 5:9)
Chapter 4: When faith is working, we will be expressing patience. We will be able to handle conflict and strife and resolve the tough issues of life!
I. How we control our desires shows whether we want God's will or ours.
           4:1-3 Desires will consume us (Matt. 4:39)
           4:4 Spiritual adultery (Mark 8:38)
           4:5 Friendship with the world means being enemies of God (John 15 18-21)
II. Pride destroys
           4:6 God hates pride and loves humility (Psalm 49; Luke 14:11)
III. Humility shows our devotion
           4:7 Flee from the devil (Matt. 12:26-28)
           4:8 Submit to God (Matt. 26:39)
4:9 Laughter turns into mourning (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:25)
4:10 God is the One to lift us up (Matt. 12:17-20; Luke 3:16)
IV. We have no right to judge
4:11 Do not slander (Matt. 7:1-2)
4:12 Only God has the right to judge (Matt. 10:28)
4:13-16 Do not plan ahead without God (Luke 12:18-20)
4:17 We sin when we know God's will but do not do it (Luke 12:47-48)
Chapter 5: When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.
I. How we handle our money shows our devotion and what matters to us.
            5:1 Woes to the rich and to corruption (Luke 6:24)
5:2-4 Wealth in time is all worthless (Matt. 6:19-20))
5:5-6 Self indulgence is sin and is of no benefit (Luke 16:19-20, 25)
II. Patience perseveres our faith.
5:7 Be patient (Luke 18:1-8)
5: 8-9 Watch because Jesus will return (Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:35-39)
            5:10 The Prophets are our example (Matt. 5:10-12)
III. We are called to act with kindness to others.
            5:11 God is kind to us (Psalm 94:12; Job 1:21-22)
5:12 Do not swear oaths (Matt. 5:33-37)
5:13-14 Meeting needs of others (Psalm 50:14-15)
            5:15-18 Power of prayer (Matt. 6:6-8; Luke 11:2-4)
IV. Our call to care and bring back those who stray from the faith.
            5:19-21 Our call to help restore the stray sheep (Matt. 18:15)

-The opposite end of this coin of doing nothing with our faith is legalism-- the forced practice of being good by means of a set of rules and regulations. Even though these rules may be good, they come from obligation and not from a heart of gratitude.

-Sanctification is not a part of legalism because the qualities of Christ we are called to emulate are not present.

-Psalm 15 and James are about living out a life of holiness, not because we have to, or we feel compelled by obligation; rather, because we want to please the Father, we want to grow in Christ, and we want to be empowered by the Spirit. It is not about receiving our salvation; it is about what we do with it once we have it. (intothyword.com)  This is the Psalm for the Christian who is real, authentic, and desires to glorify our Lord, model His precepts, and be impacting to others!
 
These are the traits of faith that will produce results in a life that is victorious and impacting (Phil. 1:6; 3:7-11; 4:4-9). Being willing and able to develop your faith and Christian walk will help, along with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to build your maturity and character (Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving


Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 106:1, NIV).

It's Thanksgiving Day again, friends and family across America will gather around beautifully decorated tables filled with warm, scrumptious food to give thanks. Many people will be experiencing personal problems today like ----the lonely but committed soldiers covered in the dust of battle will patrol foreign borders, fighting for our freedom while their families back home long for word of their safety. The homeless will make their way to the nearest soup kitchen, hoping for a warm meal and a smiling face as so many celebrate this day of abundance. An empty place at the table will be a painful reminder of the loved one lost not long ago. A worried husband and dad will sit at the head of the table, wondering how he is going to tell his family that he just lost his job. The list of wounded hearts and unmet needs is endless.
We all tend to convince ourselves that life will be better when we have more money, when we find the right spouse, when we get the kids raised or move into the right house. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a fancier car, when we get a promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we can retire. We keep trying to find joy, contentment and peace in lifeless places and things.
BUT ------- Jesus Christ is life. He is joy and love, and He took our place on the cross. That's why we can give thanks when it seems as if there is nothing for which to be thankful.
Yes, we live in a broken world and life is filled with pain, challenges, dark times and trials, but today can still be a day of thanksgiving and praise because praise and thanksgiving have little to do with the Thanksgiving holiday and everything to do with our inner attitude toward God. It really doesn't matter how much we lose here, my friend. I have read the Book and we win … for all of eternity! We just need to take the time to remember … and give thanks.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

After Life

I'm working on some research on what happens when we die. And I'm confused, excited and scared!

* 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 - Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

* Dan. 12:1-3 - At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

* 1 Thess: 4:15-18 - According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

In these three passages it sounds an awful lot to me like when we die we will be in our graves, just waiting

 for the rapture. And then when the rapture happens, we all go up to Heaven, or Hell, at that time. Together.

Friday, October 12, 2012

LOVE a good church mission statement of belief's :)

I love this one because it's right on and references the appropriate scripture!


1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three
personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal
and are one God.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2
Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a
sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all
people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to
demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and
will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1
Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in
the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in
every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with
power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is
right. He give every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians,
we seek to live under His control daily.
Scriptural Basis: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12,
3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galations 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the
supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for
Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without
any mixture of error.
Scriptural Basis: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6;
Proverbs 30:5
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.
People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has
tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of
disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God
and causes many problems in life.Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up
for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as
God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn
from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins
the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Scriptural Basis: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6,1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26;
Romans 5:1
7. About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is
secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you
cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by
the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives
us this security.
Scriptural Basis: John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
8. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from
God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be
eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal
life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Scriptural Basis: John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1
Cor. 2:7-9

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Switchfoot - Restless Lyrics

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SONG!!!

Lyrics:

I am the sea on a moonless night
Calling falling, slipping tides
I am the leaky, dripping pipes
The endless, aching drops of lights

I am the raindrop falling down
Always longing for the deeper ground
I am the broken, breaking seas
Even my blood finds ways to bleed

Even the rivers ways to run
Even the rain to reach the sun
Even my thirsty streams
Even in my dreams

I am restless
I am restless
I am breathless
I'm looking for you

I am restless
I run like the ocean to find your shore
I'm looking for you

Running for the other side
The world that I've always been denied
I'm running for the infinite
With the tears of saints and hypocrites

Oh, blood of black and white and grey
Oh, death in life and night in day
One by one by one
We let our rivers run
They run restless
Run restless
Drifting and breathless
I'm looking for you

We run restless
We run like the ocean to reach your shore
I'm looking for you

I can hear you breathing
I can feel you leading
More than just a feeling

I can feel you you reaching
Pushing through the ceiling
Till the final healing
Everything completing

Until the sea of glass we meet
At last completed and complete
Where tide and tear and pain subside
And laughter drinks them dry

I'll be waiting
Anticipating
All that I aim for
What I was made for

With every heartbeat
All of my blood bleeds
Running inside me
I'm looking for you

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Rules for Sharing Christ

image
Jesus made himself and his divine powers known to the world while he was in Jerusalem for the Passover (John 2:13-23). He soon returned home only to be rejected by his own brethren in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30). From there, he traveled to Capernaum where he cast out devils and healed many of the sick (Luke 4:31-44). It was time for him to choose his first personal disciples.
Jesus had made disciples already. There was Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (John 1:35-49). Not to mention, other disciples which remained unnamed or only alluded to by the gospel writers. However, while teaching by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus chose four men–two of which were already disciples–to literally follow him during his earthly ministry (Luke 5:1-11).
Jesus was calling these four men to eventually be apostles. On the day he called them away from their lives as fishermen, he said they would become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). Whatever role we have in the harvest (John 4:35), the Bible provides us with certain principles to follow. Keep in mind, while we labor, it is the Lord who provides the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7).

The people had heard about Christ. Many of them had seen his miracles. They desired to know more about him. They wanted to hear him teach. So, as he stood by the sea, the crowd pressed him to teach and declare the word of God (Luke 5:1).
If we are to get anywhere in the harvest–leading people to Christ and to the church–we must begin with the truth. Paul encouraged the Ephesian elders to declare the whole counsel of God and leave nothing out (Acts 20:26-28). That doesn’t mean we all need to be deep theologians. My favorite testimony of all the Bible simply said, “I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). It does mean we should not dumb down the truth or try to lure people with anything else.
Remember, the child of God, born of the Spirit, has the truth written in his heart (Romans 2:14-15). When he’s ready, he will crave the truth and we don’t need to offer anything but the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

When Jesus approached Peter after Peter had spent the night unsuccessfully trying to catch fish, he tells him to go back out and drop the net again (Luke 5:2-4). Peter may have been apprehensive, but he proved himself to be willing (Luke 5:5).
Many disciples and many churches have failed in following the commandments of God. I don’t mean they’ve taken up idolatry or committed murder. I mean some have failed by doing things their own way and others have failed to do anything at all.
First of all, we should never add to what the Bible teaches us. Through the Bible, we’ve been given all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). There is often room for liberty, but our own ideas never trump the Lord’s (Proverbs 3:5). Peter might have thought it was better to wait until later to fish again, but he did as the Lord said anyway.
Second of all, we should always be very active in our harvest labors. We should be active in all of the duties the Lord has given us. However, there are times when our good works become stifled for many different reasons. We should not allow it (Galatians 6:9). Imagine if Peter has refused to go out fishing again.

Once Peter had went out to the sea and dropped his nets again, the multitude of fish was so abundant that the nets began to break. John and James were nearby and they were called over to help. The weight of fish actually caused the boats to begin sinking. Peter immediately fell at Jesus’ knees and declared his unworthiness (Luke 5:6-8).
The time to declare our thankfulness and recognize our dependence upon the Lord is always. However, the natural tendency to do so is diminished when we feel like we have everything we need (Revelation 3:17). If we remain steadfast in the pure truth God has given us and we follow his commandments and principles, we are bound for blessings and success (Galatians 6:8). We must remember to remain humble and thankful. We must always admit our successes are due to God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Jesus told the four fishermen, “Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” When they had seen what the Lord had done and heard his words, they brought their boats to shore, left everything behind, and followed him (Luke 5:10-11).
This is perhaps the most important lesson we could ever learn in life. It extends well beyond mere rules for leading others to Christ. Our faith, our hope, our religion, our lives–everything–it’s all about Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Important Biblical Science References to Remember


§ Roundness of the earth (Isaiah 40:22)
§ Almost infinite extent of the sidereal universe (Isaiah 55:9)
§ Law of conservation of mass and energy (II Peter 3:7)
§ Hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7)
§ Vast number of stars (Jeremiah 33:22)
§ Law of increasing entropy (Psalm 102:25-27)
§ Paramount importance of blood in life processes (Leviticus 17:11)
§ Atmospheric circulation (Ecclesiastes 1:6)
§ Gravitational field (Job 26:7)


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Romans

I read Romans for the first time. Yes, the first time. It's now my favorite book. Definitely. I read it in my NKJV bible and used the online NLT version to help study it. I usually don't go for the NLT version, because it is a thought for thought translation, not word for word. BUT when used as a tool to study this book, it's great! It makes everything crystal clear! Some little tidbits from my study of Romans:
- It is Paul's letter to the Romans. To tell them of his plans to come there on his way to Spain. It is the chief book of the new testament, the purest gospel. Some say it is "a light and way into the whole scriptures."
- It is a comprehensive statement of Paul's mature thinking and reflection on the gospel, not only to benefit the church of Rome but for the greater Christian community. It was his Presentation of the Gospel.
- His theme was justification BY faith.
- Building an airtight case for the lostness of mankind and the necessity for God's intervention.
- He refers to himself as a "servant to Jesus Christ." Servant is translated from the Hebrew word "doulos"- for a Roman citizen at that time, it was unheard of to actual refer to oneself as a servant.
- Romans 2:4- Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?  Exactly! It is God's KINDNESS that leads us to Repentance!!
- Romans 2:11- For there is NO partiality with God.  ---- He loves us all equally!
- Romans 2:12-15- For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law. for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; For when Gentiles who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel."--- People are condemned not for what they don't know but for what they do with what they KNOW. Those who know God's word and his law will be judged by them. Those who don't know the Bible STILL know right from wrong, and they will be judged because they did not keep even those standards that their own consciences dictated. People violate the very standards they create for themselves! If someone THINKS something is a sin and they still do it, IT IS A SIN.
- Romans Chapter 3- it's about God's Judgement being defended - Some say our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous GOD is.
---We are ALL under the power of sin, since birth.
Romans 3:10-18 (NLT)

10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.”[a]
13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
    Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”[b]
14     “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[c]
15 “They rush to commit murder.
16     Destruction and misery always follow them.
17 They don’t know where to find peace.”[d]
18     “They have no fear of God at all.”[e]

Romans 3: 20 is basically saying that no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands, the law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:27-28 - We Can't boast because it has nothing to do with obeying the law, it is JUST ON FAITH ALONE.
Romans 4:4- When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.
Romans 4:7-8- Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.

Romans 4:14 - basically says that if God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith wouldn't be necessary and the promise would be pointless- Thank Goodness that's not so!
Romans 5:1-2- therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance and endurance strengthens character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation, and this hope will not lead to disappointment.
Romans 5:8- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
We have to remember that when Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adams one sin brings condemnation for everyone but Christs one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Romans 5:20- Romans repeats several times that God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were.
Romans 6:4- Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.....We know our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might loose it's power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin! Jesus died ONCE to break the power of sin. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead.
Do not let sin control the way you live. Do not give in to sinful desires.
We must ".....present yourselves slaves to obey....." (Romans 6:16)
"......so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness." (Romans 6:19)
Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 7 starts discussing how "the law only applies while a person is living." You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. Now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead.
Romans 7:4- Therefore my brethern, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another- to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should BEAR FRUIT TO GOD.
WE HAVE A CHOICE
Slave to sin = Death
Obey God= Righteous Living

Remember that because you are a human you were born a slave to sin.
Paul's words in NLT...."Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. It uses Gods good commands for it's own evil purposes.  In my mind I want to obey God but because of sinful nature, I am a slave to sin. I love God's law with all my heart, but there is another power within me that is at war with my mind, this power makes me a slave to sin that is still within me."

Romans 8 (Life in the Spirit)
talks about the fact that there is no condemnation for those who walk in the spirit, not in the flesh.
"....for to be carnally minded is DEATH, but to be spiritually minded is LIFE and peace." Romans 8:6
"...and if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:10
NOW we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do.
".....for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13.... You see a trend here???
I like this verse----- "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
We must wait patiently and confidently.
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26 - in other words, even when we cannot form the words to pray what we need to pray, God understands and translates even our groanings.
Romans 8:28-  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:31- "....If God is for us, who can be against us?!"
Romans 8:38- " For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ----- IT'S FOREVER LOVE!!!!!
God chooses who he will show mercy to, we cannot choose it or work for it. (Romans 9:15-16)
Romans 10:10- For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  ---- WE CONFESS OUR SINS WITH OUR MOUTH, CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD-- YOU WILL BE SAVED. :-) What a GIFT!!

SALVATION
1. Everyone Has Sinned (Romans 3:23- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.)
2. The penalty for our sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
3. Jesus Christ died for sin. (Romans 5:8)
4. To be forgiven for our sin, we must believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. (Romans 10:8-10)

Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Give Yourself to God. 

Starting in Romans 12 Paul talks about our personal responsibilities and how to behave like a Christian. Some key points:
- God has given us all different gifts for doing certain things well- I never knew this was actually biblical!
- Use your gift WELL and WITH GLADNESS (Romans 12:8)
- Abhor what is evil, Cling to what is good (Romans 12:9)
- Be patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12)
- Never be lazy, work hard for the Lord
- Bless those who persecute you. (Romans 12:14)
- Don't just pretend to love others, REALLY love them. (Romans 12:9)
- Live in harmony with each other, Don't think you know it all. (NLT)
- Love each other with genuine affection, take delight in honoring each other (NLT Romans 12:10)
- When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. (NLT Romans 12:13)

Romans 12:17- Don't pay back evil with evil, Do things in such a way that everyone can SEE you are honorable.
Romans 12:18- "......live peaceably with all men."
Never take revenge, leave that to God.
Romans 12:21- Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing GOOD.
Romans 13 is about Respect for Authority
13:5-Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience sake."
from what i'm reading this chapter is about the fact that we must obey our earthly superiors/leaders/authority because they would not be in the position without God's assistance- Everyone must submit to governing authority.
Give to everyone what you owe them, give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Authority is meant to strike fear into those doing wrong. Sent for our good, but of course we should be afraid if we are doing wrong because they have the authority to punish us.
Romans 13:8- "....except to love one another....."
Romans 13:9- ".....are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Romans 13:12- "....therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light (the shining armor of right living.".
Live decent lives for ALL to see. Don't participate in the darkness.
Romans 14- Accept other believers who are weak in faith and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Romans 14: 8- "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."
Do not look down on other believers if they don't believe the same as you. If it's for the Lord, its for the Lord..
Romans 14:13- "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brothers way."
We will all have to give our own personal account to God.
Romans 14:14- "that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person, it IS wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what YOU eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. "
Romans 14:17- "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Let us aim for harmony and building each other up.
Romans 15 - If you do anything you do not believe is right, you ARE sinning. We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this, we should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (Romans 15:1)
Romans 15:5- "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another."
Romans 15:13- "now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Personally, I LOVE the book of Romans. It states these basics OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. Beating it into my, and hopefully your, head. Read it, absorb it, Live it.