Pastor Rice pointed out that in Romans there is a court hearing. I believe that this court hearing is a picture of the Great White Throne Judgment(WTJ) Rev 20:11-15. Jesus in John 5:45-46 tells us that truth is sometimes seen in pictures Gen 22, Exodus 12 & Numbers 21 all are a picture of Jesus though Jesus is never mentioned in the OT. In Romans in Chapter 1,2,3 we get to get a view (a picture) of this hearing call the White Throne Judgment (WTJ). In Chapter 1 beginning in verse 18-32 the bailiff reads the charges and then in chapter 3 beginning in verse 10 the verdict is being read and in verse 19b of chapter 3 we read “Guilty before God”. One of the things that I find interesting about this hearing are the arguments that will be presented by the lost, who by the way have no representation because they have rejected Christ, 1 John 2:1. So, they are Pro Se. Beginning in Romans 2:1, we see one of five arguments that the lost will give at the WTJ. That being the argument of “the self-righteous” were they blame others while doing the same things they are accusing others of. Next in verse 12 “what about the Heathen”. Verse 15 says they have the law written in their heart. So they will be judged verse 16 tells us. Next, we see in verse 17 the defense of “I’ve been religious” In all of this discourse Paul is addressing the Jew but these offenses as well as the defenses transcend all humanity. Verse 17 could read indeed you are a Catholic or indeed you are a Baptist. Paul ends the chapter by saying circumcision is of the heart and not outward. In other words your religion can’t save you. In chapter 3 we see the last two of the five defenses. In Romans 3:3 we see the Atheist. He is dismissed quickly. Let God be true and every man a liar verse 3:4. Finally, in verses 5 through 8 of chapter 3 we see the philosophical argument which says “God, my sin makes you look better so what’s the big deal.” So after these arguments are given and the verdict is in we find a three letter conjunction in Romans 3:21 “But” and in Romans 3:23 we see were the Romans Road to salvation begins and Paul starts to show us how we can avoid this judgment. Thank You Jesus! Jay Jeffries
A quick question to you Pastor Rice. I am a member of the Inspirting Body Of Christ (IBOC),but came to visit with my best friend and found you doing a series on one of my favorite books of the bible. So since week one I have been here and plan to be until you finish. My question is should I pay my tithes here doing these four weeks? Or should I just pay offering and send my tithes to IBOC? Please let me know, I want to do what is right.
Hi Payton, It's a great honor to partner with the great IBOC to assist in your growth in the Lord. Our tithes should always be given to the house that we are members of, in your case IBOC. Thanks Pastor Rice
Pastor Rice, grace and peace to you in the glorious and great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In your message this week and last, you stated that we (Christians) don't have a religion but a "relationship". How might we reconcile this assertion in light of such scripture as Acts 9:2, 1 Timothy 5:4, and James 1:26-27? Isn't it fair to say that we do have a religion (e.g., we have a scared text, houses of worship, a deity [true deity]) that we pray to, etc. Can't we argue that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner? God bless you, Pastor!
Previous comment revised (typos): Pastor Rice, grace and peace to you in the glorious and great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In your message this week and last, you stated that we (Christians) don't have a religion but a "relationship" (with Christ). How might we reconcile this assertion in light of such scripture as Acts 9:2, 1 Timothy 5:4, and James 1:26-27? Isn't it fair to say that we do have a religion (e.g., we have a sacred text, houses of worship, a deity [true deity]) that we pray to, etc.). Can't we argue that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner? God bless you, Pastor!
Hey Bro. D Thanks for the comments. A small correction though, I did not say that we don't have a religion or were not identified as a religion. What I was saying (or at least was trying to say) was that God's emphasis in the New Testament is not on forms, methods, or religious practices, but rather on a relationship with Him. Because of this my personal approach and philosophy of life and ministry is to emphasize the relational aspects of the faith that dominate the bulk of the New Testament text. However I do agree that the methods (that you referred to as religious practices) utilized to carry out the mandates of God are valid and even vital. And I totally agree with your statement "that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner?"
Greetings Family: I do not have a question for Pastor Bob but, I do have what I hope, to be an encouraging message to someone. I'd like to share in regards to an Ironmen Growth Group topic (Sunday's right after service...space still available). Last Sunday we had been discussing Sharing the Gospel, and inviting people to church. Before we left on Sunday we were reminded to prepare ourselves, because God will give us another chance to witness to someone this week. Well, I was working at the church on Wednesday when, a young man from the nearby community came in, ask to volunteer at the church, and I was asked to show him what he can do. As we worked hard together, and through small talked I found out a lot of things about him, some things we had in common, I also found out that he wasn't saved, but he had some questions. When we were all done we took a break in the fellowship hall, the place where the Ironmen have their growth group (on Sunday's after church), as well as Pastor Bob's growth group on that Wednesday night; there were bibles still on the tables, so we were were able to read through some of his questions. I had a chance to tell him that we were studying the book of Romans that night, and we are dealing with some of the things he had questions about, and invited him to join us. I had a chance to share the gospel with him, and we exchanged phone numbers. I was reminded also on last Sunday that "We must remember that when we're confronted with sharing our faith with someone, God often is preparing that person heart/mind to receive", and God just want to use us. I want to be clear; I'm in no way claiming any personal victories, or seeking any pats on the back. I was able to see how God using his people to accomplish his purpose, which is reaching the world for His Glory.
Pastor Rice pointed out that in Romans there is a court hearing. I believe that this court hearing is a picture of the Great White Throne Judgment(WTJ) Rev 20:11-15. Jesus in John 5:45-46 tells us that truth is sometimes seen in pictures Gen 22, Exodus 12 & Numbers 21 all are a picture of Jesus though Jesus is never mentioned in the OT.
ReplyDeleteIn Romans in Chapter 1,2,3 we get to get a view (a picture) of this hearing call the White Throne Judgment (WTJ). In Chapter 1 beginning in verse 18-32 the bailiff reads the charges and then in chapter 3 beginning in verse 10 the verdict is being read and in verse 19b of chapter 3 we read “Guilty before God”.
One of the things that I find interesting about this hearing are the arguments that will be presented by the lost, who by the way have no representation because they have rejected Christ, 1 John 2:1. So, they are Pro Se. Beginning in Romans 2:1, we see one of five arguments that the lost will give at the WTJ. That being the argument of “the self-righteous” were they blame others while doing the same things they are accusing others of. Next in verse 12 “what about the Heathen”. Verse 15 says they have the law written in their heart. So they will be judged verse 16 tells us. Next, we see in verse 17 the defense of “I’ve been religious” In all of this discourse Paul is addressing the Jew but these offenses as well as the defenses transcend all humanity. Verse 17 could read indeed you are a Catholic or indeed you are a Baptist. Paul ends the chapter by saying circumcision is of the heart and not outward. In other words your religion can’t save you.
In chapter 3 we see the last two of the five defenses. In Romans 3:3 we see the Atheist. He is dismissed quickly. Let God be true and every man a liar verse 3:4. Finally, in verses 5 through 8 of chapter 3 we see the philosophical argument which says “God, my sin makes you look better so what’s the big deal.”
So after these arguments are given and the verdict is in we find a three letter conjunction in Romans 3:21 “But” and in Romans 3:23 we see were the Romans Road to salvation begins and Paul starts to show us how we can avoid this judgment. Thank You Jesus!
Jay Jeffries
Great Comments Jay
DeletePastor Rice
A quick question to you Pastor Rice. I am a member of the Inspirting Body Of Christ (IBOC),but came to visit with my best friend and found you doing a series on one of my favorite books of the bible. So since week one I have been here and plan to be until you finish. My question is should I pay my tithes here doing these four weeks? Or should I just pay offering and send my tithes to IBOC? Please let me know, I want to do what is right.
ReplyDeleteHi Payton,
DeleteIt's a great honor to partner with the great IBOC to assist in your growth in the Lord. Our tithes should always be given to the house that we are members of, in your case IBOC.
Thanks
Pastor Rice
Pastor Rice, grace and peace to you in the glorious and great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In your message this week and last, you stated that we (Christians) don't have a religion but a "relationship". How might we reconcile this assertion in light of such scripture as Acts 9:2, 1 Timothy 5:4, and James 1:26-27? Isn't it fair to say that we do have a religion (e.g., we have a scared text, houses of worship, a deity [true deity]) that we pray to, etc. Can't we argue that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner? God bless you, Pastor!
ReplyDeleteSLEDGE
Previous comment revised (typos):
ReplyDeletePastor Rice, grace and peace to you in the glorious and great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In your message this week and last, you stated that we (Christians) don't have a religion but a "relationship" (with Christ). How might we reconcile this assertion in light of such scripture as Acts 9:2, 1 Timothy 5:4, and James 1:26-27? Isn't it fair to say that we do have a religion (e.g., we have a sacred text, houses of worship, a deity [true deity]) that we pray to, etc.). Can't we argue that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner? God bless you, Pastor!
Hey Bro. D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments.
A small correction though, I did not say that we don't have a religion or were not identified as a religion. What I was saying (or at least was trying to say) was that God's emphasis in the New Testament is not on forms, methods, or religious practices, but rather on a relationship with Him. Because of this my personal approach and philosophy of life and ministry is to emphasize the relational aspects of the faith that dominate the bulk of the New Testament text. However I do agree that the methods (that you referred to as religious practices) utilized to carry out the mandates of God are valid and even vital. And I totally agree with your statement "that we have the TRUE religion that brings salvation to the penitent sinner?"
Thanks
Pastor Rice
Understood Pastor. Thanks and God bless- this is an informative and very necessary series.
ReplyDeletePeace,
SLEDGE
Greetings Family:
ReplyDeleteI do not have a question for Pastor Bob but, I do have what I hope, to be an encouraging message to someone. I'd like to share in regards to an Ironmen Growth Group topic (Sunday's right after service...space still available). Last Sunday we had been discussing Sharing the Gospel, and inviting people to church. Before we left on Sunday we were reminded to prepare ourselves, because God will give us another chance to witness to someone this week. Well, I was working at the church on Wednesday when, a young man from the nearby community came in, ask to volunteer at the church, and I was asked to show him what he can do. As we worked hard together, and through small talked I found out a lot of things about him, some things we had in common, I also found out that he wasn't saved, but he had some questions. When we were all done we took a break in the fellowship hall, the place where the Ironmen have their growth group (on Sunday's after church), as well as Pastor Bob's growth group on that Wednesday night; there were bibles still on the tables, so we were were able to read through some of his questions. I had a chance to tell him that we were studying the book of Romans that night, and we are dealing with some of the things he had questions about, and invited him to join us. I had a chance to share the gospel with him, and we exchanged phone numbers. I was reminded also on last Sunday that "We must remember that when we're confronted with sharing our faith with someone, God often is preparing that person heart/mind to receive", and God just want to use us. I want to be clear; I'm in no way claiming any personal victories, or seeking any pats on the back. I was able to see how God using his people to accomplish his purpose, which is reaching the world for His Glory.