PCHRIS

" "Count" (NIV), "consider" (NRSV, NASB), "reckon" (KJV) is the verb logizomai, which is primarily a mathematical and accounting term, then used of cognitive processes. The basic meaning is "to determine by mathematical process, reckon, calculate." Paul often uses the term in a transferred sense: as a result of a calculation, "evaluate, estimate, look upon as, consider." Now we are in Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit is a work in us we become sensitive to sin. As I have heard "we start to hate the things we used to love to do"

As Pastor Ralph's notes said; "How have we been freed from sin's bondage? By being united with Christ and thus being part of his death on the cross. Christ's literal death to sin is ours, too. Christ's death on the cross broke the power, the bondage of sin. Since we are united with his death through baptism, we are part of that death and of that victory!" We can only get through our struggles with temptation in Christs strength.

Paul then says that since Christ died to sin, and now lives to God, so we are counted the same. That is, as He died once to sin and lives to God, we must reckon we are as Him

Buried = we are dead to sin so one is submerged under the water. Raised up = anewed in Christ.

For me baptism is an outward sign/proclamation of an inward working/change. A proclamation made to those witnessing that one has died to self and ressurected anew in Christ

When we repent and beleive in Christ and through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit we move from the headship of Adam to the headship of Christ Union with Christ in baptism meant a certain participation in Christ

In this section Paul takes up the principle of the solidarity of the human race. The whole race is in Adam, so that what he did is what the race did. Through this first man sin and death came into human affairs, not having been there hitherto. He sinned: it sinned. He sinned and death came upon him and the whole human race. There is another man

Thus Paul is saying that as the sin of one (Adam) led all men into condemnation, just because the law wasn't in place sin still happened. Disobedience and pride is sin. Paul knows that the law will always figure highly with the Jewish mind and says that death for Adam

Thats an excellent example Eudora used what happened in Oregon. Tolerance of unbiblical behaviour is strife throughout the whole world (yes, I realize the world is crumbling into apostasy and the likes, Christ is coming back very soon, are we prepared?) So it comes through our political leaders, church leaders, teachers and parents then that filters through to our nation/state, churches, schools and family unit.

How Pastor Ralph put it there's nothing I can add to it except praise God that He had His redemptive plan even before the world began.

Paul amplifies the matter of God

Concluding that we are Justified by faith he says the outcome is; we have peace with God, we now stand continually in grace, and we have hope, ie. of sharing in God

For Abraham it was obedience; submitting to the will of God, his confidence in the Lord. For us, it is obedience unto God. When one puts their faith and beleive on what God has done for them even when one was a depraved, God hating criminal, Christ stepped into our place to take the punishment of sin. When one accepts that truly and lives accordingly our Lord sees us justified, redeemed.

That God equips us with everything good for doing his will and may he work in us what is pleasing to him. To do good, to communicate, and to live our lives for Him. ( 2 Corinthians 5: 9 ) While eternal life is a free gift given on the basis of God's grace to each of us we will still be judged by Christ. This judgement will reward us for how we have lived. God's precious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirements for faithful obedience. All Christians must give account for how they have lived, Living according to God's will, being obedient to what the word tells us. Let our lives represent Christ to glorify Him and the father. We were created for His Glory. Thanks Tabatha

Because of the drift away from their faith and wanting to go back to the old ways the writer needed to reiterate that Christ is the same yesterday [ OT] and today [NT] and forever [eternal, always there for us when we need Him.] The same reiteration happens for me- knowing that He was around for those who had been before, He is around for us NOW and will be forever more. Christ is one who never changes and He is for me so what can man do against me. The same power back then is the same power working in me and in others.