Posts by Burleson Church of Christ (Page 10)
Romans 3: In case I missed anyone
Romans 1 was a blanket indictment of the sins of the Gentiles provoked and unrestrained by their reprobate minds (vv 18-32). Romans 2 showed the Jews’ manifold moral failures and hypocrisy “hidden” under the cloak of the Law. Anticipating an objection from the Jews regarding Paul’s perceived disrespect for the Law, the apostle reassures them of their place in God’s plan, for unto them was committed the oracles of God (vv 1-2). But from there Paul goes on to note…
Romans 2: You who teach another
Romans 1:18-32 is a summary judgment against the Gentiles. In legal terms, a summary judgment may be issued when it is obvious there is no need to go to trial. Either the evidence is totally lacking and the case without merit, or the evidence proves a case on its face. In Romans 1, the unrighteousness and vile conduct of the Gentiles was evident to all so as not to warrant a defense. In Romans 2, Paul turns his attention to…
Romans 1: Reading Romans Rightly
As we enter a reading of Romans, I am first reminded of the propensity of many to read this epistle as if it is the centerpiece of all biblical literature. This is a serious error. There is nothing more to Romans than any other inspired literature. Also, many read and “interpret” Romans as if Jesus never said or taught anything. Much of what is written of Romans in common theology contradicts many of the clear teachings of Jesus. While some…
Acts 28: Taking Up Snakes
After the escape from the sea and being marooned on the island of Malta, Paul had gathered some sticks for the fire built to protect survivors from the wet and cold. As he laid the bundle on the fire, a viper emerged and fastened on his hand. When the natives of Malta saw this, they thought he must surely be a robber, and that, though he escaped from the sea, fate would not allow him to live. Shaking off the…
Acts 27: I believe God
Paul’s journey to Rome was beset with many difficulties, including a storm at sea that eventually led to the loss of the ship and all its contents. Early on, Paul had intreated Julius, (the centurion charged with delivering him to Rome), not to continue once they had reached Fair Havens in Cyprus. However, Julius was persuaded by the helmsman and ship owner to try and find a more suitable place to spend the winter. It was logical for Julius to…
Acts 26: “I thought” and “Almost”
From today’s text we take up thoughts from two recent readings: “I thought” from Acts 23 and “Almost” from Acts 24. In Acts 26:9 we find Paul reflecting on his time as a persecutor of the Lord and His church, saying to King Agrippa, “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” When we have preconceived ideas of how things should be, we can allow our own thinking to direct us…
Acts 25: I do not object to dying
The matter of capital punishment has been debated in America for more than 150 years and has been a serious matter of contention for more than half a century. The Supreme Court temporarily stopped all executions in the United States in the early 1970s, but the constitutionality of the practice was reaffirmed in 1976. The practice of capital punishment may be opposed on a number of grounds: belief in the inherent value of all life, the inconsistency of practice due…
Acts 24: “When I have a convenient time”
One of the saddest and most poignant verses in all the Bible is found in today’s reading. As Paul reasoned with Felix about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go your way for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” It should be noted that Felix was not some incidental bystander to the preaching of the faith that is in Christ, for he had summonsed Paul to hear him speak.…
Acts 23: Being sincere doesn’t make one right.
Standing before the Jewish council, Paul boldly affirmed, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” In response, the high priest commanded Paul to be struck on the mouth. I’m not at all certain why his statement evoked such a response. Paul was not claiming to be right, only a person of integrity. Our focus today is on Paul’s clear conscience, and for the very reason mentioned above. Having a good conscience didn’t…
Acts 22: What does it mean to call on the name of the Lord?
In his Pentecost sermon in Acts 2, Peter concluded his quotation of Joel with this statement, “And it shall come to pass, that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, cf Joel 2:32). Paul said the same in Romans 10:13, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Among those professing Christianity, there is near unanimity that to be saved one must “call on the name of the Lord.” But…