Romans Pre Chapter 4 Primarily for new or non Christians but all are welcome

                

                 

                                                                                 

                               

                  

                           

                           

    Series begins with ...   Definition  1

      Ok ... let's jump back to the Gospel of  John;  Nicodemus, a teacher of the Jews knew that  the miracles Christ was performing could only be done through the power of God. He waited until night to go out and question Jesus. John  chapter 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

That is a scary term to some people. Fanatical :)  But if Jesus said it ... we need to find out what He meant. He is not a fanatic. He is One who knows the truth.

We just found out in Romans 3 that we are all born dead. Strange huh?  Adam and Even passed their dead spirits on to all the children. God's plan is taking shape.

Now finally the answer was coming that prophets had waited on and searched for for years.  Nicodemus said "How can we be born again when we're old? Enter a 2nd time in our Mother's womb?  Jesus explained to Nicodemus, you were born into this physical world by a gush of water ... you will enter into this 2nd birth by the Spirit.

Water ushered in the dead spirit. When you put your faith in Christ ... you are filled with a new and eternal spirit.  Just as the first time life and spirit came out of your parents and went into you ... in the 2nd birth life and a living spirit come out of Christ ... the one who hung on the cross and rose again and entered heaven.  He, Himself is birthing children into the kingdom of heaven.

Revelation 3:20 Christ says to you this very minute "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If ANYONE hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him and will dine with him and he with me."

Everybody has there own idea about how to get to heaven. God takes His creation very seriously. He laid out His wishes and plans very clearly. Remember Romans 1 said we are without excuse for not knowing Gods will.   Consider that today. You have just read His words. No matter what I think or what you think ... God has spoken. The next step is yours.

I'm going over putting your faith in God again because I was very surprised how pivotal the 4th chapter of Romans is.  The first 3 chapters tell the terrible problem the world has found itself in. Sin is explained; and death. The third chapter spells out no one can be good enough to earn heaven.  That you must receive new life from Christ by simply putting your faith in Christ.

Now ... the 4th chapter gives an example of a man that actually found salvation by putting his faith in God rather than earning new life by obeying the law.

Then from the 5th chapter following ... it is assumed the reader has made that decision and has been born into the family of God.

Now ... if you've received eternal life ... you are two natures living in one body. Now God rolls up His sleeves and begins to raise His child.  Every day we have the pull of two natures on our hearts and minds.  Do you live for your own pleasure ... or God's?  You will find a whole new set of desires and feelings in you. You will feel love for God for the first time. And so the battle begins :)  Chapter 4 through 8 give us instruction on how this battle is waged and how it is won.

If you've by any chance received the Lord recently ... or even through reading this series, please feel free to share that with us. It is so exciting to find out someone has been born again.  We would love to share your joy. 

***************************************************************

Lori S just commented on a poem I wrote long ago. I notice the poem is an odd story over the exact material we studied in Romans. I'm giving the link in case anyone is interested in reding the poem. Thanks Lori.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977358670

The Dark Planet