Hey Gang,

I hope all is well with everyone. Has anyone finished reading Romans? What are your thoughts? Anything stand out?

If you have not finished, I would encourage you to do so this week. We read up through chapter 8 for the last class. Take a real strong look at chapters 9-11. Paul has an extremely important lesson for us in this mini sermon of 9-11 on the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. I have spent literally hundreds of hours on these three and amazingly come up with differing answers as to what Paul is saying.

Question: What does Paul say happen to Jews in chapter 11 (focus on verses 25-17)?

Finally, take a close read of chapter 14 and 15. This is truly some beautiful thoughts on how we as the church (or the body of Christ) are to get along. How often have we seen churches and church people fight like cats and dogs over silly little things that happen on Sunday or whatever? A lot!!!!! Paul is addressing this in 14 and 15. To put Paul's languag in the common vernacular I think he would simply say CHILL OUT PEOPLE.

What Paul says and does so well is that he freely expresses himself as a Christ follower without making other people feel uncomfortable. I need to heed this one! I love what he says in 14! Let people worship and be who they are. They do not need to be changed! If someone desires to wear a three piece suit, only read the King James, and attend every Republican function on God;s green earth then by all means respect that! If someone wants to wear shorts and a tank top on Sunday, listen to only secular music, get tatted up, and march in every peace rally in the nation ten let him!

Take a second and read chapter 14 again. Go on DO IT!!!!! Do it now you lazy beast!

Question: What kind of Christian do you judge the most harshly? Be honest. The blog is the great nest of cyberspace. You are safe in here!

Post your comments. I look forward to reading them and seeing you Sunday. We will discuss the church itself (what Paul sets up) and the Holy Spirit. Tongue talking optional.