BJ McConnell
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Sept 28, 2019 2:32:20 GMT -5
Posts: 246 Amens: 13
Favorite Verse: 2 Cor 5:17
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Post by BJ McConnell on Mar 16, 2020 13:55:38 GMT -5
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans, Chapters 14-16 Read It OnlineWritten from Corinth in A.D. 60 This week concludes our study of Romans. This study is now closed.
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BJ McConnell
Forum Owner
Sept 28, 2019 2:32:20 GMT -5
Posts: 246 Amens: 13
Favorite Verse: 2 Cor 5:17
Bible Study Member?: Yes
Born Again Christian?: Yes
User Offline
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Post by BJ McConnell on Jun 6, 2020 16:26:10 GMT -5
Many times while reading the scriptures I've wondered how differently the books of the Bible might have been written if some of the new testament epistles had been closer to our current century. Granted I'm sure some of the messages would remain the same, such as warnings against false prophets, or proclaiming the coming of our Lord's return. But what about things like Paul's teachings on circumcision or chapters such as this week's in Romans 14 where Paul discusses eating food sacrificed to idols? Obviously that's not much of a concern today. We often heard sermons containing such chapters and many times the preacher/pastor will tell us, this is not relevant to our lives today but the apostles wrote about the times in which they lived. However, what we have to realize when we come across these "dated" teachings is that we need to boil the scriptures down to the basic message and apply them to our current lifestyles. For example, we don't need to be concerned about meat sacrificed to idols, but the real warning of Romans chapter 14 is that Paul is telling us that some believers faith is strong enough that they can eat the meat because there is grace, but other believers faith may not be strong enough and that by eating the meat may create a stumbling block for them. So the real message is be careful how you exercise the grace we have been given in front of believers who may feel differently about what we are allowed to do or say. So meat sacrificed to idols, no - but, what about watching R-rated movies, or listening to secular music? And a big one for the Christian community, what about drinking alcohol? We can easily apply those things to Paul's message in chapter 14 to make those scriptures completely relevant to our daily lives. So be careful not to dismiss anything in God's word, even if at first glance it sounds like it no longer applies to us because of the time gap. God watches over His word and I'm sure He keeps every word relevant in some way.
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