DOCSLIB.ORG

St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE ORTHODOX CHURCH PO Box 12635 • 5400 Annie Oakley Drive • Las Vegas, NV • 89112-0635 702.898.4800 • www.lasvegasorthodox.com Weekly Bulletin for the Week of June 22-28, 2020 THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL’S TODAY’S SCRIPTURES Please confirm with Father John your EPISTLE: Brethren: but glory, honor, and peace to intention to attend any Sunday liturgy. All may attend weekday services and and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality Vespers without notification. witheveryone God. whoFor as works many what as have is good, sinned to thewithout Jew first law TODAY: 2nd SUNDAY will also perish without law, and as many as have AFTER PENTECOST sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not — Tone 1. All Saints the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, of North America. Martyr Julian of Tarsus Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the in Cilicia. Hieromar- thingsbut the in doers the law, of the these, law althoughwill be justified; not having for whenthe tyr Terence (Tertius), law, are a law to themselves, who show the work Bishop of Iconium. St. of the law written in their hearts, their conscience Julius, Presbyter of No- also bearing witness, and between themselves vara, and his brother, their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in St. Julian the Deacon. the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Martyrs Archil II and Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Luarsab II, Kings of (Romans 2:10-16) Georgia. GOSPEL: At that time: Jesus, walking by the Sea of Greeter: Osburn Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and APOSTLES FAST CONTINUES - Father John out of town through Thursday Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for immediatelythey were fishermen. left their Then nets andHe said followed to them, Him. “Fol WEDNESDAY, June 24: low Me,Going and on I willfrom make there, you He fishers saw two of othermen.” brothThey - ers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his broth- er, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending Nativity of St. John the Baptist SATURDAY, June 27: Great Vespers, 5:00 their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. pm SUNDAY, June 28: Divine Liturgy, 9:00 am; 3rd And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 2. All synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, Saints of Britain and Ireland. Translation of the and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of Relics of the holy and wonderworking Unmerce- disease among the people. naries Cyrus and John. Ven. Xenophon, Abbot of (Matthew 4:18-23) Robeiksk. Ven. Sergius and Herman, Wonderwork- ers of Valaam. St. Paul, Physician of Corinth. Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Three Hands”. Hieromar- tyr Basil. Holy Martyr Pappias. Greeter: McAuley Do You Have a Financial Need? PARISH CLERGY The parish council has made discretionary funds available Very Rev. John J. Dresko, Rector through Father John. Even though things are opening up, 860.833.4921 mobile there are already people in our parish who have lost their fatherjohn (at) lasvegasorthodox (dot) com jobs or had income drastically reduced. If you have a finan- cial need, please contact Father John. All assistance will Deacon W. Andrew Demko be confidential. 702.813.3541 Stewardship ANNOUNCEMENTS So many people have stepped up and continued support of the parish. Thank you! If you are not affected nega- Father’s Day tively by this crisis, please continue your stewardship, and We remember and honor all of our fathers, grandfathers and even raise it if you can. Please note that even with increased godfathers in our country today. May God grant them Many attendance, we will not be taking a collection during Years! And to all of our fathers, grandfathers and godfathers the service. The collection plate is in the vestibule by the who have fallen asleep before us, may God give them rest candles. If you bring your stewardship, please just leave it in with Saints and make their memory eternal! the collection plate. There is a PayPal button on the front page of our Apostles Fast website. If you prefer mail, please send your checks (no The Apostles Fast continues until the celebration of our cash, please) directly to the church at: patronal feastday of Ss. Peter and Paul on June 29. Please try to keep these holy days with a personal effort of fasting and St. Paul Orthodox Church prayer. PO Box 12635 Las Vegas, NV 89112 Father Away Father John will be away through Thursday, June 25. Please For the sick and suffering... welcome Fr. Peter Carmichael, who is serving for Fr. John this Metropolitan Theodosius Colleen (Sufana) weekend. As usual, if you have a pastoral need or emergency, Christine (Sechrist) Tanya (Riley) you may still contact Fr. John by cell and we will arrange an James (Hutchings) Kimberly (Wolfgang) appropriate local response. Peter (Jolevski) Alexander (Flansburg) Marteen (Moore) Daniel (Geralt) Schedule Change Michelle (Chong) Kathryn (Kessler) Our June schedule originally had Vespers for Ss. Peter and Adrian (Geralt) Ann (Procho) Paul following liturgy next week. We are just going to serve David (Poe) Alla (Jascolt) liturgy as usual. This minimizes group exposure with the cur- Martin (Rizov) Elizabeth (Santos) rent uptick in virus cases. We will have liturgy for our parish Anita (Maresca) feastday on Monday, June 29 as scheduled at 8:00 . In every test, let us say, ‘Thank you, my God, because this Service Notes am was needed for my salvation.’ Please inform Father John if you wish to attend Sunday St. Paisios the Athonite liturgy. Weekday liturgies and Vespers are open to all, as we would probably not approach 60 attendees. We will discuss and reassess all future moves at our parish council meeting and review in the next couple of DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS weeks. Please continue to exercise caution and stay safe. June 22: Romans 7:1-13 Matthew 9:36-10:8 ALL SERVICES WILL STILL BE LIVE-STREAMED. You June 23: Romans 7:14-8:2 Matthew 10:9-15 can join us by following this link: June 24: Romans 13:11-14:4 Luke 1:1-80 https://www.facebook.com/lasvegasorthodoxchurch/ June 25: Romans 8:22-27 Matthew 10:23-31 June 26: Romans 9:6-19 Matthew 10:32-36; 11:1 Confessions June 27: Romans 3:28-4:3 Matthew 7:24-8:4 With the increase in numbers allowed at liturgy, the Eucha- rist is available to more and more people. All are reminded STEWARDSHIP 2020 that proper preparation is necessary to receive Holy Commu- Stewardship 6/14-6/20: $ 3,199.50 nion — prayer, fasting, and repentance. With everyone still Total Income 6/14-6/20: $ 3,592.50 limited in activities, do you have an excuse not to come to Vespers? If you have not been to confession since (or before) Weekly income needed: $ 3,860.00 Lent, it is time to prepare yourself and come. Confessions will be heard by appointment only until further notice to allow 2020 INC GOAL (24 wks): $ 88,780.00 for social distancing during the confession. Please contact 2020 INC ACTUAL: $ 115,381.61 Father to make an appointment. Percentage of Budgeted Income: 129.9% UNLV STUDENTS IN NEED We have been made aware of about 35-40 students at UNLV who are stranded on campus for the summer because they have no family to go home to. The university is reaching out to faith communities for help. Iuliana Hatch has been working with them to offer assis- tance. Our parish council has authorized the purchase of 50 $25 gift cards to be distributed to the students by the university. Father is waiting for instructions on doing this. But we can help out by bringing items for the students. From the university’s outreach letter: options) and gift cards to supplement their needs during the next few months.” “Therefore, we (the school) are working on finding food donations (especially healthy food Please see below for a list of needed items: Healthy food options like fruits, vegetables, etc. to be delivered on a weekly basis to the residence halls Gift cards for surrounding UNLV restaurants Pasta strainer (4) Tupperware-type items of all sizes for leftovers Toilet Paper Paper Towels Dish Soap Sponges Cleaning supplies: bathroom, kitchen, everyday Seasonings, salt, pepper, oil, condiments, etc. Set of personal utensils, plates, bowls, cups (for 40 students) Non-perishable food items If you can help, please bring your items to the bin in the vestibule of the church..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Romans 7 and Sanctification by Andy Woods
    Romans 7 and Sanctification by Andy Woods Introduction This article will argue that one’s understanding of practical sanctification is profoundly impacted by how one views the “I” in Romans 7:7-25. Specifically, the article will argue that the “I” in Romans 7 is Paul, and in verses 14-25 Paul is reflecting upon his post conversion experience. In addition, the article will maintain that a post conversion view of Romans 7:14-25 leads to a dual nature view of the believer. This view teaches that although the believer has a new nature that he received at conversion, his Adamic nature still exists within him and continues to tempt him to return to his former sinful lifestyle throughout the course of this life. Finally, the article will contend that viewing believers through the lenses of the dual nature view shapes one’s understanding of practical sanctification in several important ways. Who is the Speaker in Romans 7:7-25? Three options for the speaker in Romans 7:7-25 have been proposed.1 First, some have proposed the theory of the Rhetorical “I”. According to this view, the pronoun “I” in Romans 7:7-25 serves as a literary device that depicts all of humanity. Thus, the “I” is not autobiographical but rather represents the experience of everyone. Second, others have proposed the theory of the Representative “I”. According to this view, the pronoun “I” in Romans 7:7-25 depicts the life experience of a representative figure that is typical of every person including the speaker. For example, the “I” of Romans 7:7-25 could represent the experience of Adam at the time of the fall.
    [Show full text]
  • BINDING OBLIGATIONS in ROMANS 13:7: a SEMANTIC FIELD and SOCIAL CONTEXT Thomas M
    Tyndale Bulletin 48.2 (1997) 307-327. BINDING OBLIGATIONS IN ROMANS 13:7: A SEMANTIC FIELD AND SOCIAL CONTEXT Thomas M. Coleman Summary Insufficient attention has been given to the meaning of the four distinctive terms φόρος τέλος φόβος used in Romans 13:7: ‘tribute’ ( ), ‘tax’ ( ), ‘reverence’ ( ), and τιμή ‘honour’ ( ). This article will discuss these terms in relation to the Graeco- Roman semantic field of political obligation, dividing them into the categories of ‘tangible’ obligations (tribute and tax) and ‘intangible’ obligations (reverence and honour). We will also examine Romans 13:7 in light of the social context of the Neronean era, in which there was an increasing burden of taxation and the introduction of legal penalties for failure to show due reverence and honour to those in authority. I. Introduction Commentators have glossed over the significance of the four terms which Paul uses in Romans 13:7—terms which describe the obligations that Christians have toward civic authorities: ‘tribute’ φόρος τέλος φόβος τιμή ( ), ‘tax’ ( ), ‘reverence’ ( ), and ‘honour’ ( ). For example, in his pre-war commentary on Romans, R.C.H. Lenski commented, in regard to Romans 13:7, that there was no unique significance in Paul’s use of these terms.1 Lenski argued that the apostle’s ‘great positive principles… apply to all times, to us as well as to the Romans, to our relation to our secular government as well as to their relation to theirs’.2 C.E.B. Cranfield, likewise, discounted the particular relevance which Paul’s words may have had for the Roman Christians, but for different reasons.
    [Show full text]
  • Experiencing the Glory of God Genesis 28:10–19A Romans 8:12
    Andrew Kinoti Vermilion July 23, 2017 Experiencing the Glory of God Genesis 28:10–19a Romans 8:12–25 The Hebrew word for glory is Kabod, usually used in connection with God. Its basic meaning is “weight” or “importance.” It is the term that has been used to describe the importance or the significance of God when encountered by the humans. Mainly the term is used when God reveals God-self to humans eliciting a complete sense of awe and excitement. When God reveals the divine-self, there is a sense of glow that that accompanies it, bringing with it a spontaneous realization of the divine presence. It is this sense of glow that may have led English to translate this term as glory. That means an extra-ordinary shining that can only be majestically divine. In Old Testament we see several examples where the glory of God shines upon specific people. Patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) all had those instances where they experienced the presence of God in their own specific ways. We also see God revealing the Divine-self to Moses in the burning bush experience, as he is sent to redeem the Israelites from Egypt. It is the same glory of God that follows the Israelites in their exodus journey in a form of “cloud of fire.” In these examples, among many others, we see God’s glory shining upon a particular person with immediate realization of the divine experience. When these individuals experience the glory of God they react in a way of worship.
    [Show full text]
  • Getting Romans to the Right Romans: Phoebe and the Delivery of Paul’S Letter
    GETTING ROMANS TO THE RIGHT ROMANS: PHOEBE AND THE DELIVERY OF PAUL’S LETTER Allan Chapple Summary How did Romans reach the people for whom it was intended? There is widespread agreement that Phoebe was the bearer of the letter (Rom. 16:1-2), but little investigation of or agreement about the exact nature of her responsibilities. By exploring the data available to us, especially tha found in Romans 16, this essay provides a reconstruction of the events surrounding the transport and delivery of the letter to the Roman Christians. In particular, it proposes the following: Phoebe conveyed the letter to Rome, probably by sea; the church in Rome at this time consisted of house-churches; Phoebe was to deliver the letter first to Prisca and Aquila and their house-church; Prisca and Aquila were to convene an assembly of the whole Christian community, the first for some time, at which Romans was to be received and read; Prisca and Aquila were to be asked to arrange for copies of Romans to be made; Phoebe was to deliver these copies to other house-churches; and Phoebe was to read Romans in the way that Paul had coached her at each of the gatherings to which she took it. 1. Introduction It is the spring of AD 56 or 57, and Paul has just spent the winter in Corinth.1 Now he is on his way to Jerusalem with the collection (15:25- 1 For his spending the winter of 55–56 in Corinth, see C. E. B. Cranfield, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (2 vols; ICC; Edinburgh: 196 TYNDALE BULLETIN 62.2 (2011) 322).
    [Show full text]
  • Holy Ascension Orthodox Church the Lord Is My Strength and My Song; / He Has Become My 209 S
    Tone 2 - Prokeimon Holy Ascension Orthodox Church The Lord is my strength and my song; / He has become my 209 S. Lehigh Ave. Frackville, PA 17931 salvation. HAOCA.org vs: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me V Rev. James M. Jadick 570.874.3162 [email protected] over to death. John Malinchok 570-590-2669 [email protected] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Epistle - Romans 5:1-10 Brethren: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with Sunday June 28, 2020 — 3rd Sunday After Pentecost God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have Translation of the Relics of the Holy and Wonderworking access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in Unmercenaries Cyrus and John hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh Tone 2 - Tropar (Resurrection) not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, / Thou hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead. / And when were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, / all the powers of ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet heaven cried out: // “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
    [Show full text]
  • The Chapters of Romans
    Liberty University Scholars Crossing An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible 5-2018 The Chapters of Romans Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "The Chapters of Romans" (2018). An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible. 58. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible/58 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Romans SECTION OUTLINE ONE (ROMANS 1) Paul opens his letter to the Roman church by talking about God's anger with sin. The opening chapter may be thought of as a trial, where God is the judge and sinful humans are the accused. I. THE COURT RECORDER (1:1-17): Here Paul, author of Romans, provides his readers with some pretrial introductory material. A. His credentials (1:1, 5): Paul relates four facts about himself. 1. He is a servant of Jesus (1:1a). 2. He is an apostle (1:1b). 3. He has been set apart to preach the gospel (1:1c). 4. He is a missionary to the Gentiles (1:5). B. His Christ (1:2-4) 1.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ROAD of the RIGHTEOUS Expositional Study of Romans Romans 16:21-27 Written by ©Pastor Marty Baker March 29, 2020
    The Book of Romans Romans 16 THE ROAD OF THE RIGHTEOUS Expositional Study Of Romans Romans 16:21-27 Written By ©Pastor Marty Baker March 29, 2020 hen Liz an I married in May of 1980, I took a job for one year working for Ireland Landscape in Stockton, CA. One day as I headed to my truck after taking care of the W turf at an apartment complex, I watched as a blond, long-haired, muscle-bound, tattooed mean-looking dude walked away from a car near me. As he walked away from the vehicle, I noticed he had left a book on the roof of the car. So, I yelled, “Hey, man, I think you left something on the top of your car.” When the blue book turned out to be a Bible, I started talking more in depth with him. That book, which I still have today, turned out to be the Bible he received while a prisoner in San Quentin Penitentiary. His name was Alan Reasoner and he loved that Bible because he came to know Christ as his Savior in that pen. Eventually, I got him a job working with me, so for the next year I discipled him, and he taught me much about life and dealing with really rough, wicked people. In the summer of 1981, Liz and I moved to Dallas so I could attend Dallas Theological Seminary. I hated leaving Alan, who was now my best friend, but I had to move on. I counseled him how to live for Christ, how to avoid temptation, and how to stay strong in his faith and he said he would give it his best effort.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 15 Resources
    Romans 15 Resources Previous Next Click chart to enlarge Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Romans Overview Chart - Charles Swindoll ROMANS ROAD to RIGHTEOUSNESS Romans 1:18-3:20 Romans 3:21-5:21 Romans 6:1-8:39 Romans 9:1-11:36 Romans 12:1-16:27 SIN SALVATION SANCTIFICATION SOVEREIGNTY SERVICE NEED WAY LIFE SCOPE SERVICE FOR OF OF OF OF SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION God's Holiness God's Grace God's Power God's Sovereignty Gods Glory In In In In The Condemning Justifying Sanctifying Saving Object of Sin Sinners Believers Jew and Gentile Service Deadliness Design Demonstration of Salvation of Sin of Grace Power Given Promises Fulfilled Paths Pursued Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Needed Credited Demonstrated Restored to Israel Applied God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness IN LAW IMPUTED OBEYED IN ELECTION DISPLAYED Slaves to Sin Slaves to God Slaves Serving God Doctrine Duty Life by Faith Service by Faith Modified from Irving L. Jensen's chart above HENRY ALFORD Romans 15 Commentary Romans 15 Commentary (Greek phrases translated) PAUL APPLE Romans Commentary JACK ARNOLD Romans 15:1-13 Power to Please Romans 15:14-33 The Concerns of a True Minister WAYNE BARBER Romans 14:22-15:3 Responsibilities Under Grace 16 Romans 15:4-13 Responsibilities Under Grace 17 Romans 15:14-16 Responsibilities Under Grace 18 Romans 15:17 A Right to Boast - Pt 1 Romans 15:17-18 A Right to Boast - Pt
    [Show full text]
  • Jan 31St, 2021
    Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Sun, January 31, 2021​ - P​ arable of the Talents 34th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 1. Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, and with them Martyrs Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt (311). Having received the gift of miracles through divine grace, O saints, you work wonders in the world unceasingly. You remove all of our passions through your invisible surgery, divinely-wise Cyrus and glorious John, for you are truly divine physicians. Epistle Reading - Colossians 3:12-16 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in Hymns for Today psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst Gospel Reading - Matthew 25:14-30 rise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far Life: “Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy country, who called his own servants and delivered his Kingdom! Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest goods to them.
    [Show full text]
  • Weekly-Bulletin-January-31-2021.Pdf
    St. Vladimir Orthodox Church 812 Grand Street, Trenton, NJ 08610 (609) 393-1234 Website: saintvladimir.org Facebook: facebook.com/St-Vladimir-Orthodox-Church-Trenton-NJ-454092552035666 Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, and those with them January 31, 2021 Troparion – Tone 1 When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom!// Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest mankind!” Troparion – Tone 5 O Christ God; Thou hast given us the miracles of Thy martyrs Cyrus and John, as an invincible rampart; through their prayers frustrate the plans of the heathens, and strengthen the faith of the Orthodox Christians,// for Thou alone art good and lovest mankind. Kontakion – Tone 1 As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Thyself. Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to Thee:// “Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!” Kontakion – Tone 3 Having received the gift of miracles through divine grace, O saints, you work wonders in the world unceasingly. You remove all of our passions through your invisible surgery, divinely-wise Cyrus and glorious John,// for you are truly divine physicians. Prokeimenon – Tone 1 Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us / as we have set our hope on Thee! V.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 7: an Old Covenant Struggle Seen Through New Covenant Eyes
    MSJ 30/2 (Fall 2019) 277–302 ROMANS 7: AN OLD COVENANT STRUGGLE SEEN THROUGH NEW COVENANT EYES Jay Street, ThM The Master’s Seminary Romans 7 is possibly one of the most cherished texts in church history. But it is also one of the most controversial passages in Scripture. Many resonate with Paul’s ambivalence and insist that Paul is speaking about the Christian’s daily struggle with sin. Others strongly disagree and purport that Paul’s struggle is too defeating for the Christian life, and he must be speaking for unbelievers. However, it will be argued in this article that both sides of the debate have been speaking past each other for centuries because both sides are asking the wrong question. This is not a passage about whether Paul is speaking as a Christian or not, but whether Paul is speaking as someone under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant. Thus, when the reader’s perspective is properly adjusted, he can rightly ascertain Paul’s spiritual status in the passage—Paul is speaking as a believer under the Old Covenant before the inauguration of the New Covenant. * * * * * Introduction Most people do not realize it, but their vision is clouded. This is not referring to physical blindness or short-sightedness, but to the popular evangelical perception of one biblical passage—Romans 7:14–25. Today, this text is as popular as it is contro- versial.1 Not only is the passage well-known, it has actually been one of the most cherished biblical texts in history. This is especially the case for those who have ad- vocated that Romans 7 conveys the Christian’s battle with sin, because many have discovered an inviting home in this emotional, heart-wrenching text.
    [Show full text]
  • The Performance Treadmill (Romans 7:7-25) Study By: Keith Krell
    Spirit of Joy Men’s Fellowship Saturday Bible Study Romans 7:7-25 The Performance Treadmill (Romans 7:7-25) Study By: Keith Krell https://bible.org/seriespage/performance-treadmill-romans-77-25 This past week my children started a new job walking our neighbor’s dogs. Fortunately, these two dogs are small and easy to walk. However, I know this isn’t the case with all dogs. Perhaps you’ve seen someone walking a dog on a leash when the dog doesn’t want to go where its owner is going? The owner is constantly tugging on the leash pulling the dog back from here and there and telling it to stop and start. That’s the way a lot of Christians live. They’re on a “Law leash.” Their lives consist of, “stop that; come back here; don’t do that,” only it’s in terms of, “read your Bible; pray; witness; go to church; serve; be Christ-like.” Now, there’s nothing wrong with these things. They are all biblical. But God never meant us to do them at the end of a leash! What a difference it is when you see a dog and its owner have a strong relationship. The dog doesn’t need the leash to go for a walk. Its owner can just speak a word and the dog responds. I’m not comparing you to a dog. Rather, I’m comparing performance to relationship.1 For years I’ve been on a “Law leash.” I’ve tried to perform spiritually by reading my Bible, praying, witnessing, serving, and being Christ-like.
    [Show full text]