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Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 21st -1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 - 2nd Reading: Romans 1:1-7 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
December 7, 2025: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. You'all know I love Hallmark Christmas movies. However, there is nothing quite like the ultimate story we hear at this time of year – A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. And as much as I love Hallmark, they just do not compare in their remakes of that classic, to the ones that star Alister Sims or Sir Patrick Stewart. Now, we are in Advent, not Christmas, so why do I bring this classic tale of Christmas up? For the same reason I did many years ago when I was preaching on the texts for this Sunday – especially the one from Isaiah, because Dickens knew how to create a setting. And, the truth is, while the movie adaptations are good, nothing is better than the actual book in telling that important part of the story. I mean, isn't that nearly always the case – Lord of the Rings trilogy, Dune, the Chronicles of Narnia – I know, I am showing my fantasy/scifi side. Even the Harry Potter movies, while really good, were not as good as the books. The same is very true for A Christmas Carol. The opening paragraph of this Dicken's seasonal classic makes one thing absolutely clear. It reads, “Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country's done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.” So, I guess Marley, old Scrooge's business partner, was very much dead? Or, as we get from the coronor in The Wizard of Oz – Marley is “…not only merely dead, [he's] really most sincerely dead.” Clearly we do not need to ask, in our best Monty Python voice, “Is he dead yet?” Marley is dead. Got it. But why all the fuss – why all the repetition? Well, as we continue in the story we realize that if we weren't quite sure about Marley being dead, than it throws off the basis for the very strange set of Christmas Eve visitations that result in a miracle of new life for Scrooge. And it is this new life that is an important part of our Advent journey. The life that grows out of death. Now you might be thinking, isn't that Easter, not Advent? Well, it is both, as will see in the passage from Isaiah, and also from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans (who quotes the very scripture in Isaiah we heard today). The passage begins with this: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” That branch, the passage continues, is the birth of a new leader – one who is righteous and faithful, who has compassion for the poor and the meek. Oh, how we yearn even today, for that. Now we often hear these words and think of Jesus, but Jews then and to today know these words as applying to King Hezekiah of Judah. Still, everyone all over the world yearn for this type of leader – one who has compassion for her people, and knows they are not God, but are there to serve God's people. The prophet's words remind all of us what is expected of those that lead the people of God. And it is a proper metaphor for the incarnation too. So, let's get back to that stump, that leftover remains of a very dead tree. A tree that, as Dickins would likely say, is as dead as a door nail. Why is this imagery so important to the people then, or us now? Well, remember last week? The prophet was speaking of a vision of a new world where swords would be turned into plowshares? Well, that hasn't come about yet. The Assyrians were still a threat to Jerusalem, and had destroyed many a city in Judah and Israel. In fact, in the chapter before the one we read from today, we hear about those rulers who oppress the people, turning aside the needy from justice, and robbing the poor and vulnerable. It was a time of darkness for the people, where hope was far gone and everyone seemed like the walking dead. The stump is a metaphor for the people who felt dead inside. The shoot is the birth of a new leader who is righteous, faithful, and good. That would be a miracle to those so worn down by the reality in which they lived. But the passage doesn't stop there. This new life is beyond anything anyone has ever experienced – beyond even swords being made into plowshares. It is what we have come to call the peaceable kingdom…where “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid…” Of course, this image has been depicted in religious art, and is the stuff of poets. But given the circumstances then and today, many of us might say, “The wolf might lie down with the lamb. But the lamb won't get much sleep!” We greet these words with a big “Bah Humbug!' Not because we don't want it – oh we so dream it could be true. No, we are skeptical because we have become so used to the very unpeaceable kingdom – war, violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, cyberbullying, and leaders who attack the people they are meant to serve, not to mention difficult times in our own lives. We can feel devoid of dreams like this because it can all seem too big to imagine – this time of peace and love for all. It seems like a pipe dream. We can be so very weary from what life throws at us that we become like those people long ago – the walking dead. Our faith withered so much that we keep a watchful eye, a bit like a lamb near a lion, for what might next prey upon us, and not for miracles of new life. And so this prophetic witness of Isaiah is not only meant for those long ago, but for us too. Maybe that is why St. Paul quotes the prophet in his letter to the Romans we heard a part of today. He writes “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope….and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”” St. Paul is reminding the people in Rome, and now us, of the promise of Isaiah – that new life grows out of what seems to be very much dead, bringing hope to all. And folks, as I said last week, hope is a most powerful force amidst the darkness of the world. It is the stuff of transformation, and the heart of Advent. Hope is the spark in the soul that can defeat the darkness, can overcome the strongest enemies, can make dreams – God's or our own – possible. And hope is the root of joy. Now, to be clear, joy is not happiness. Joy is not connected to external events. Joy is the inner peace we carry knowing that no matter what life throws at us, God loves us – loves us enough to break into the darkness of our lives with the birth of Christ Jesus. But here's the thing. This new vision of the world – this peaceable kingdom and life out of death – this hope and joy – well, we have a role to play in bringing it all about. St. Paul adds this instruction we heard today “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” This welcome isn't a polite greeting like we do at the peace, or we might when being introduced at a party. That is far too tame. The Greek used here is more on the lines of “fully embrace.” And it isn't meant just for people we know well, or even like. It is to fully embrace like Christ! Or to put it in Christ's own words “love one another as I loved you.” We are to be the counter-cultural witness to the goodness of God in how we treat one another, how we treat those who are different than ourselves, how we treat all of creation. When we love as Christ loved us, we become the very sprouts of new life for a world that feels dead as a stump. That is how we, by his incarnation in our heart, give birth to God's vision of love and peace. It happens one welcome – one full embrace – one moment of unconditional love at a time. It is the hope of nations, and the promise of the child we await. Think about the story of old Scrooge for a moment. His transformation didn't come about because he got frightened out of his wits by a bunch of ghosts. It started with a warning from Marley, to be sure, but what exactly was Marley telling him? First, he told Scrooge that the chain he was wearing he forged in life, and that Scrooge's was just as long and growing ever still. And when Scrooge said, “But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,” Marley shouted back – “Business!” “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!…At this time of the rolling year, I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?” Then the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future arrive one by one. What did they show Scrooge? Images of hell to scare him? No. They showed him love – love he once had for another person, love of the Cratchit family even amidst all their lot, love his nephew showed to him despite Scrooge's nasty clapbacks at him. And the reader or viewer sees how the absence of love from others can deaden many a child of God. That is what the Spirits showed to Scrooge – love. Love not based on being treated well, love not based on the circumstances of life. Just love – that full embrace St. Paul implores us to give – that commandment of Jesus to us all. It is the very thing that will bring forth the shoot of hope and joy from even the deadest of souls, including our own. So next time you are watching your favorite version of A Christmas Carol, remember this passage from Isaiah and the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Remember and see that even a soul as dead as Dickin's Mr. Scrooge may be given new life through the power of love. Remember too that this miracle of redemptive grace is for everyone – for you and for me. It is the hope that will heal the world and bring about the beloved kingdom for us all, so long as we do our part to bring it about. And so I leave you with this, the two benedictions St. Paul includes in this part of his epistle. Maybe they be something you can say each morning as you start the day – a reminder of Advent and what is possible by God's grace, when we share with others our hope and joy in love. “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rec-001-Sermon-December_7_2025.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge December 7, 2025 Advent 4 – Year A 1st Reading – Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 2nd Reading – Romans 15:4-13 Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12 The post “The Power Of Love” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.
Full-chapter, Jesus-centered Advent readings, rooted in themes of longing, preparation, incarnation, and hope. Each passage invites joyful anticipation of Christ's coming. May this daily rhythm of listening to God's Word shape your heart in this season of waiting
Full-chapter, Jesus-centered Advent readings, rooted in themes of longing, preparation, incarnation, and hope. Each passage invites joyful anticipation of Christ's coming. May this daily rhythm of listening to God's Word shape your heart in this season of waiting
December 9, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 15:4-13Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:1-19; 1 John 3:1-24"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I've sometimes heard people say they like Jesus pretty well, but that Old Testament God sure sounds mean. As tempting as it is to point out that Jesus isn't always smiles and sunshine (Hello, cleansing of the temple!), it's better to find out why. If not, we won't understand why He tells His people to conquer a land and get rid of the people who were in it before. Not understanding that when God's people fall into the same idolatry as those before, the Lord has many harsh things to say and do to them, too.Why is God angry? Because they hurt those whom God loves. They weren't just going about their own business, and then one day got smited by the Lord out of the blue. The Canaanites were offering their own daughters as prostitutes for their idols. They slaughtered their own sons for a mute statue's favor. Wouldn't you get angry if the people around you demanded the most vile things imaginable from your own family members in order to get an inanimate object to love them? Or worse, so they could prove to themselves how good they were?Sin isn't just the breaking of arbitrary rules. Sin hurts those whom God loves. Sin hurts your neighbors, your relationships, your self, your own body, your own soul. Wouldn't you expect the Lord to get angry over such things? And yet, what do we do when that sin is ours? What do we do when God has every right to be angry with us?We give those sins to Him. The Lord's anger isn't like ours. It's not like anything else in this world. God's anger is focused into action. Focused on righting the wrong, healing the wounds, making whole what is broken, taking our sin away. And that doesn't mean that our sin gets ignored, as if it weren't real. It is carried by Christ. Christ, our ram caught in the thicket, who dies instead of us on God's altar. Christ, our brother, who goes ahead of us into death in order that we might live, fed by His Body and Blood. Christ, who parts the sea of sin and death that we may cross over by the Baptism He gives us into a new kingdom. Christ the suffering servant, who bears the sins of the world, including all yours and mine. All the anger over sin has been poured out upon Jesus at the cross for your sake. And He did it for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us (LSB 333:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 7th -1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 - 2nd Reading: Romans 15:4-9 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
2nd Sunday of Advent 1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 2nd Reading: Romans 15: 4-9 Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12
Reading - Romans 15 4-13 by St. John's Church, Southbourne
December 3, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 13:(8-10) 11-14Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps you remember the story of Paul Revere, the Boston silversmith who warned the American revolutionaries that, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” If you don't remember Paul Revere, you might remember that student in your elementary classroom who stood in the doorway when the teacher left the room. As the rest of the class got up to their shenanigans, the lookout would loudly whisper, “Shhh! The teacher's coming back!”Holy Scripture doesn't need Paul Revere or the classroom lookout because the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write that it's time to wake from sleep. There is no time for sleepiness, laziness, or shenanigans for God's people. The Lord's salvation is near at hand, and Christ is returning soon. Live like Jesus is coming in glory soon! Live as one of the Christians who is forgiven by Jesus and for whom Jesus died.It's hard to live in a constant state of readiness. Have you ever had a class at school where your teacher warned you that you could have a pop quiz at any time? It was really stressful, wasn't it? Or if you have a job, you know how nerve-wracking it can be when your boss watches your normal tasks and then asks to have a private chat. You are covered by the grace of Christ. That doesn't mean that you can let your guard down or live in a spiritually lazy way. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Live out your faith because you are a beloved child of God. Jesus is coming back. Yet, your life of faith isn't something you need to do because you are afraid of God, but because that is who God has made you to be. While it can be hard to remain dedicated to the loving service that God has called you to do, don't grow weary. Don't give up. Don't stop serving and loving your neighbors. After all, God put those people in your life for you to love. He has also called you to love Him with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. As hard as it is, simply do that until the day that Jesus returns in glory.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love's revealing light In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share. (LSB 848:3)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, November 30th -1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 - 2nd Reading: Romans 13:11-14 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
20251116 6PMp CD Romans 14 Serving with Love for each other. Reading: Romans 14:1 to 15:13 Circumstances in the Early Church in Rome brought about a community of different backgrounds in the church at Rome. This resulted in disagreements about practical matters in the community, such as what to eat or drink. Paul writes to them telling them to act in love toward the weaker brother, reminding them that they are not the judge. We can learn from the example of Jesus. Speaker: Chris Donald.
Thank you to Earl, Paul, Jim, and Don for being part of the service. Happy birthday this week to Charlotte. Songs from this service: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus - https://youtu.be/zN3kMiIvdE0 -- Come Thou Fount Come Thou King - https://youtu.be/xpiitB3_G3M -- Good Good Father - https://youtu.be/ibbsFuX_eHg -- Lord Speak To Me - https://youtu.be/jvYSoGP7pwM -- O To Be Like Thee - https://youtu.be/GzvNYgQa74k -- Blest Be The Tie That Binds - https://youtu.be/_RUu93KoX-0 Scriptures from this service: Communion - Ephesians 2:4-10. Reading - Romans 9:14-16. Sermon - Exodus 33:18-19; Joshua 24:29; Judges 2:18; 2 Kings 13:28; Psalm 103:1-2; Jeremiah 12:14-15; Hosea 2:19; Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:32-34; Luke 15:20; Romans 9:15; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Philippians 2:1-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14. [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][/accordion]
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, November 7th -1st Reading: Romans 15:14-21 - Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-8 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, November 3rd -1st Reading: Romans 14:7-12 - Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, November 4th -1st Reading: Romans 12:5-16ab - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:15-24 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, November 2nd -1st Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9 - 2nd Reading: Romans 5:5-11 - Gospel Reading: John 6:37-40 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, November 3rd -1st Reading: Romans 11:29-36 - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:12-14 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 31st -1st Reading: Romans 9:1-5 - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1-6 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 28th -1st Reading: Romans 8:31b-39 - Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, October 27th -1st Reading: Romans 8:12-17 - Gospel Reading: Luke 13:10-17 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 24th - 1st Reading: Romans 7:18-25a - Gospel Reading: Luke 12:54-59 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval. - Romans 13:3
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 23rd - 1st Reading: Romans 6:19-23 - Gospel Reading:Luke 12:49-53 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
When Christians step into politics, how much compromise comes with the territory? Can we preach about loving enemies on Sunday while voting to bomb them on Tuesday? Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise and author of the Smashing Idols newsletter, joins us to explore what happens when believers trade the cross for a ballot, and call it discipleship. From a high school election that may have been rigged to the very adult reality of war-making, political idolatry, the allure of power, we ask: what happens to our witness when we outsource sin to Caesar? Jake shares his journey from Republican Club president to his tug of war between faith and politics, highlighting the compromises often required in politics and presenting a firsthand look at how politics pulls Christians away from the teachings of Jesus. Craig and Jake dive deep into the inconsistencies that arise when Christians prioritize political allegiances over Jesus' teachings, particularly in hot-button issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Together they revisit 1 Samuel 8, Psalm 146, the Sermon on the Mount, and why Romans 12 must shape any reading of Romans 13. The heartbeat: No King but Christ is a reminder that Scripture consistently warns us against putting our trust in rulers and systems that thrive on coercion. Through it all, Craig and Jake call the church back to consistency, repentance, and allegiance to a Kingdom that doesn't run on violence or votes. Jake explains the mission behind his podcast, emphasizing the importance of addressing modern idols (including politics and Christian nationalism) that often distract from true faith. If you've ever wondered whether Christians can follow Jesus without compromise in a world obsessed with power, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you live out your loyalties. Because at the end of the day, there's only one political statement that matters: No King but Christ. Highlights & Takeaways Why “small” political compromises become soul-sized contradictions for disciples of Jesus. The high-school election story that exposed politics' deep messiness. How participation can cause real harm (especially when the rulers we empower unleash violence) 1 Samuel 8: Israel demanded a king. God forecast the taxes, conscription, and sorrow that followed. Psalm 146 as a Christian political manifesto: “Do not put your trust in princes.” Read Romans 13 through Romans 12 (enemy-love before empire-law) Why consistency (“love your neighbor/enemy”) draws seekers, while hypocrisy drives them away.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21
For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? - Romans 11:15
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, October 21th -1st Reading: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 - Gospel Reading: Luke 12:35-38 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17
This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. - Romans 9:8
Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, October 20th -1st Reading: Romans 4:20-25 - Gospel Reading:Luke 12:13-21 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 17th -1st Reading: Romans 4:1-8 - Gospel Reading: Luke 12:1-7 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. - Romans 7:24-25
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 16th -1st Reading: Romans 3:21-30 - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:47-54 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." - Romans 4:7
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, October 14th - 1st Reading: Romans 1:16-25 - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:37-41 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. - Romans 2:29
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16
Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, October 13th -1st Reading: Romans 1:1-7- Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
For the longest time, Paul's Epistle to the Romans has been used to justify misogyny, homophobia, eternal conscious torment, and blind allegiance to the State. But the truth is that the Apostle Paul never intended his letter to Jesus gatherings in Rome to teach any of those things. Authors Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano join Michael to discuss their new book that corrects these misunderstandings and illuminates the true meaning of Paul's theological masterpiece. Drawing on leading "Pauline" scholars, this content is a must-watch-listen-read for anyone who claims to align with Christ or is deconstructing conservative Christianity. the book, Reading Romans Right, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964252393 Keith and Matthew are also publishers at Quoir. Discover other books that aren't afraid to challenge assumptions, see beyond comfort zones, and expand the collective consciousness: https://quoir.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Book of Romans in your King James Bible is one of the most-powerful pieces of scripture in the New Testament, a book that is heavily built on the writings of the prophet Isaiah and applied to Christians in the Church Age. Reading Romans can be like a really good Fourth of July fireworks display, it can also hit you like an IED and run you right off the road. Where you wind up depends on how you start, and we highly recommend a rightly divided and dispensational approach to navigating it.“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we begin our look at the epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, and settle in to learn some hardcore, strong meat Bible doctrine. A study in Romans will show us the New Testament doctrines of salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, predestination, adoption, regeneration, and glorification. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch from our study in the Book of Acts? He got saved with salvation by grace through faith by reading in the book of Isaiah. Another salient point to keep in mind that Paul is the apostle to the Romans, and not Peter as the Roman Catholic church falsely claims he is. There is no biblical record that Peter was ever in Rome.TONIGHT'S STUDY: Here in chapter 13, we read what Paul wants us to know about the government and their level of control over the citizenry. Paul is very clear, we are not working to bring in an earthly kingdom, neither are we rising up against our appointed rulers, though this chapter is oft used to promote both those things.
Romans is probably Paul's most well-known and read letter, but how is it supposed to be read? What is Paul's purpose for writing the letter? Have our interpretations of Romans been more influenced by Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation than by Paul and the early church?Check out additional content on our website, thinkingtheologically.orgMusic:"Kid Kodi"Blue Dot Sessionswww.sessions.blue
The Book of Romans in your King James Bible is one of the most-powerful pieces of scripture in the New Testament, a book that is heavily built on the writings of the prophet Isaiah and applied to Christians in the Church Age. Reading Romans can be like a really good Fourth of July fireworks display, it can also hit you like an IED and run you right off the road. Where you wind up depends on how you start, and we highly recommend a rightly divided and dispensational approach to navigating it.“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we begin our look at the epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, and settle in to learn some hardcore, strong meat Bible doctrine. A study in Romans will show us the New Testament doctrines of salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, predestination, adoption, regeneration, and glorification. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch from our study in the Book of Acts? He got saved with salvation by grace through faith by reading in the book of Isaiah. Another salient point to keep in mind that Paul is the apostle to the Romans, and not Peter as the Roman Catholic church falsely claims he is. There is no biblical record that Peter was ever in Rome.TONIGHT'S STUDY: Tonight we are in chapter 11, the third of three chapters in a row that deal with the day when the Jews will be restored to a right relationship with God. We will also see how the Jews, temporarily, are the “enemies” of the church in order for us to get in. A misapplication of this chapter will produce the absurd anomaly of the ‘antisemitic Christian'. This is Part #11 in a series.
The Book of Romans in your King James Bible is one of the most-powerful pieces of scripture in the New Testament, a book that is heavily built on the writings of the prophet Isaiah and applied to Christians in the Church Age. Reading Romans can be like a really good Fourth of July fireworks display, it can also hit you like an IED and run you right off the road. Where you wind up depends on how you start, and we highly recommend a rightly divided and dispensational approach to navigating it.“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we begin our look at the epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, and settle in to learn some hardcore, strong meat Bible doctrine. A study in Romans will show us the New Testament doctrines of salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, predestination, adoption, regeneration, and glorification. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch from our study in the Book of Acts? He got saved with salvation by grace through faith by reading in the book of Isaiah. Another salient point to keep in mind that Paul is the apostle to the Romans, and not Peter as the Roman Catholic church falsely claims he is. There is no biblical record that Peter was ever in Rome.TONIGHT'S STUDY: Tonight we find ourselves in chapter 5 of the book of Romans, and Paul continues his masterclass on biblical justification. Justification means that the believers has the imparted righteousness of Jesus Christ, and therefore is justified in the sight of God. Paul pointes out repeatedly that the only thing we add to our salvation is the sin that made it necessary. This is Part #5 in a series.
The Book of Romans in your King James Bible is one of the most-powerful pieces of scripture in the New Testament, a book that is heavily built on the writings of the prophet Isaiah and applied to Christians in the Church Age. Reading Romans can be like a really good Fourth of July fireworks display, it can also hit you like an IED and run you right off the road. Where you wind up depends on how you start, and we highly recommend a rightly divided and dispensational approach to navigating it.“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we begin our look at the epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, and settle in to learn some hardcore, strong meat Bible doctrine. A study in Romans will show us the New Testament doctrines of salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, predestination, adoption, regeneration, and glorification. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch from our study in the Book of Acts? He got saved with salvation by grace through faith by reading in the book of Isaiah. Another salient point to keep in mind that Paul is the apostle to the Romans, and not Peter as the Roman Catholic church falsely claims he is. There is no biblical record that Peter was ever in Rome.TONIGHT'S STUDY: We begin in Romans 1 with the opening greetings of Paul to the church that is in Rome, and Paul wastes no time in getting the spiritual temperature up to a roving boil. Paul is taking no prisoners as he lays out the doctrine, so Catholic, Charismatics, Campbellites and Calvinists be forewarned, you're not going to like it much. But if you're a Bible believer, jump on in, the water's fine!
On today's livestream episode, Keith and Matthew respond to a very critical review of Reading Romans Right by former HHH panelist Dennis Knapp. To read the review, click here.Purchase Reading Romans Right, out now!To join Heresy After Hours, join the Facebook group. This is where the livestreams will take place every Sunday at 10 AM PST.If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We'll get to your calls on Friday's Bonus Show.LINKShttps://www.patreon.com/quoircasthttps://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts
Why does Pastor John believe Romans is the greatest letter ever written? And how would he encourage Christians to benefit from this monumental book?