Romans (2010)

The instant Adam ate, before transgression was defined in the law, the human race died. There are many kinds of death. What are those deaths and which one, or ones, occurred because of Adam’s sin? There are consequences to all men for the disobedience of Adam and for the obedience of Christ. Understand the differences in those consequences and how they not only apply to eternity, but also apply today in our lives experientially. What is experiential righteousness? How is it related to our spiritual life?

Pastor Dean continues with reports on his trip to Israel with his visit to the Knesset and the Holocaust Museum. Two vital issues for this governing body are these: what’s going on with Arab Spring and what’s going on in Iran. The liberal and the conservative views are explained. In Romans 5:12, we see the comparison and contrast between Adam (the first Adam) and Christ (the second Adam). We also take an in-depth look at sin, including its definition, its penalty, its nature, and how it is passed on. Why is death referred to as THE death and what are the seven different deaths?

Romans 5 is a transition from the foundation of justification to the working out of our salvation which Paul is using more in terms of spiritual growth. The barriers between God and man are legal (a penalty required), spiritual death as the consequence of that legal condemnation and man’s works of unrighteousness. How has this legal problem been solved? Is personal sin an issue in our salvation? What is the issue in our salvation? How did sin and death spread to the entire world? What is personal sin? If it doesn’t figure into salvation, how is it dealt with it in our lifetime? If we mistreat someone, why is confession directed to our legal authority and not all about that person we mistreated?

What do justification, reconciliation, and hope have in common. In this class we learn how Paul connects these to the cross and the so great salvation we have "in Christ." Only by living in light of this reality can we "be saved," i.e., be delivered from God's discipline and judgment in time ("wrath").

This lesson also includes 2 Peter 1:3-11

Hope is the end product of a series of choices and the upward momentum of spiritual growth. Making these choices isn’t always easy. But growth is the result of choices. Maturity and consequent happiness is a choice. We must make grown-up decisions in a world of less than positive circumstances. The spiritual life isn't effortless. Growth and maturity are often the result of facing difficult decisions. This runs contrary to the self-absorbed focus of our narcissistic culture which has rejected adult values for the immediate gratification of adolescent fantasies built on utopian dreams. In contrast, biblical hope or confidence in our certain future provides strength for facing present trials. A tough mental attitude in facing trials isn’t developed through the exercise of “no pain, no gain” mantras, but is based on understanding reality as God defines it. We face life in light of God's promises with a focus on the One who made the promise. Giving up on God’s promise of hope and endurance in order to cave into p

Hope is a process, developed, not given in total at salvation. Hope is a present reality based on a future promise, our assured destiny. Hope stands firm in adversity. Adversity is the building block of Christian character. How can there be joy in adversity? Confidence in God’s promises and His long-term plan produces a mentality of joy. Hope grows through revelation, the disclosure and unveiling of fuller knowledge through His Word. Fuller knowledge develops into an intimate relationship with God through an understanding of the all sufficiency of His attributes. Discover the joy in the certainty of His promises and the motivation to stand firm no matter what circumstances deliver.

Also includes Galatians 3:6ff and Galatians 6:16

Any way you spell it in the Greek, God's Word is clear we have peace with Him.