2022_07_13 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Romans 3-4
Romans is a dense letter that goes beyond just applying the truth. In this letter, Paul gives us the reasoning behind what we believe and how we are to behave as followers of Christ. Don’t be concerned if initially, at times, it is tough to grasp what Paul is saying. In one of the letters, Peter even said this, “our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture.” 2 Peter 3:15–16 (NLT)
If you wrestle with some of what we are covering in Romans, you are in good company… keep wrestling!
Confusion or not, one thing that we can be certain of is that God treats everyone rightly – even if they don’t do the same toward Him. In our reading this week, we are reminded that even though the Jews were the chosen people, God treats Jews and Gentiles the same. In building His case, Paul reminds his Jewish readers that long before the 10 Commandments, God rewarded those who trusted in Him. Using Abraham as the example, we see that God accepted Abe simply based on his faith. Without the Bible or the Temple to worship in or any other Jewish trappings, God accepted Abraham as His son and friend. What I love about this is that it confirms that anyone who is open to God and willing to accept Him – will be found by Him. God isn’t limited in communicating with His creations and is constantly working to get our attention no matter where we are. At the end of life, everyone will give an answer to God for how they have lived. No one will be treated unfairly or unjustly. We will see the reality of our lives and how we responded to God’s advances toward us. All who respond in humble faith will be saved, and all who don’t will be forever separated from God. Just like with Abraham, God will make sure everyone has the opportunity.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor