WenC

Having been purchased not for our value other than what God sees in us, we now have to live as if we are the most precious jewel. Reconciliation is about bridge-building. We say it to our children all the time

I have been wondering what Paul meant by

Suffering and tribulations teach us valuable life lessons and shape our character. Our character s a reflection of God

In Romans 4: 16 Paul reiterates that “Therefore, the promise comes by faith". This is the key – Faith. The word is repeated in Chapters 4 and 5 many times. Abraham could not “justify” his good standing with God by his good works; it was credited to him by his strong Faith. In the context of Chapter 5 Dr Wilson has defined Justification to mean vindication, as if being released from guilt, pardoned. This release is only gained through Faith in Jesus Christ. My definition of justification, in my understanding, means that I stand innocent, no longer accused. I should stand secure in this knowledge.

If you ignore tendancies towards anger and pride then you end up with someone whose own opinion is more important to them then God's. It is important to them to "win the fight" regardless of tactics. They make quick dicisions and judgements about others. If we chose this sort of leader we end up with a church big on doctrine and low on grace.

The things we should examine are the things that are not self evident through everyday discussion such as their attitudes towards their family and its members. Also look at how the person performs under exteme pressure; it brings out character and shows mettle. Impotantly examine their character, for instance, whether they can be faithful listeners or do they gossip and do they encourage only good and upright behaviour in others.

The first verses in Chapter 3 all infer family stability; polygamy would be a cause for division and strife, as would unruly children. Church leaders need a stable and peaceful homelife in order to best serve the church. Paul is suggesting that the state of the family's homelife be used as a yardstick for the individual's potential for leadership and teaching ability. If they have not taught their family things of God, how can they be trusted with the teaching of the broader church family?

The first verses in Chapter 3 all infer family stability; polygamy would be a cause for division and strife, as would unruly children. Church leaders need a stable and peaceful homelife in order to best serve the church. Paul is suggesting that the state of the family's homelife be used as a yardstick for the individual's potential for leadership and teaching ability. If they have not taught their family things of God, how can they be trusted with the teaching of the broader church family?

This part of chapter 2 of Paul

I am sure there were probably class distinctives between the women, as there will always be. To emphasise one

In an INCLUSIVE sense of global salvation, to emphasise Jesus

I am really encouraged by your response. It is insightful and to the point. And where i tend to draw on my professional opinion you have drawn on the Word of God to prove your point succinctly and clearly. Thank You.

Paul emphasises in Chapter One that the church in Ephesus have turned their complete energies inwards and ignored the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. Paul is exhorting them to change this behaviour and look to the lost of all creeds, colors and political persuasions. This would be my prayer for the relatively new leadership here and the astonishingly new guard in the US. It is easy to have a focus on your dominant culture; we are all

I wonder if when you consider the saying

Paul's declaration of his state in Grace reminds the Jewish people of his credentials as one qualified to talk into their culture. As well as having "Been there; done that" as someone put it, he understands their psyche. He is saying "I understand. But it's not OK". He is reminding them that the only culture that matters is the one where God is center and radiates out; not one where God is acknowledged and allowed to filter in! This is inspiring and fun! WenC