Discussion questions for Romans 4

Here are the questions for next Tuesday. Feel free to post any response or questions to these questions.

No one may boast of his favor with God, for both Jews and Gentiles are declared righteous not because of obedience to God's law but because of faith in Jesus' death. (Romans 3:27). This was a hard idea for Jews to grasp. What about Abraham, the father of the nation, whom the Jews considered the most obedient man there ever was? Surely he had reason to boast of God's approval! Paul knew if he could prove that Abraham had no reason to boast, then the matter was settled for any Jew.


1. How was Abraham able to resist temptation to doubt God's promise? (4:20) What lesson does it offer us?

2. Does Roman 4:17 motivate you to trust God to do anything specific in your life? If so, what are you trusting Him to do?

3. Circumcision was a sign (pointer) and seal (outward ratification and guarantee) of the righteousness Abraham had by faith (Romans 4:11) What are the signs and seals of Christians' righteousness by faith? (See John 13:35, Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47, Ephesians 1: 13-14, 4:30, I Peter 3: 21)

4. How do you plan to apply Abraham's example in your life?

so sorry

hi ladies-

i'm really sorry i won't make it to group this week. I'm still at work at 7:06- casting for movies is taking up my life- BUT i will be there next week-promise. I hope all things go well and I will see you soon.

xxoo!
-kat

As Much Help as I Can Get

Romans is making my brain hurt.

Which is not a bad thing. :)

I wanted to blog to sing the praises of www.biblegateway.com.
What an amazing resource! I've had a difficult time with this lesson and doing a search of Romans 3 in different translations has been a blessing.

Not that I still get it at all.
But, I feel I have more to work with seeing these texts side by side.

It's fascinating how technology has even influenced the study (and discussion) of the Bible! Can you imagine what great theologians could have done with this stuff hundreds of years ago? Or even 50 years ago?

Do you think C.S.Lewis would have been a blogger?! :)

Guide Questions for Romans 3

Here are the study questions for next week! Feel free to blog responses to these questions.

1. How does our unrighteousness bring out God's righteousness more clearly?
(Romans 3:5) Do you feel more lovable and closer to God when you've been doing good things than when you've done wrong? Ask God to help you to put your trust more actively in Jesus' death than in your own performance.

2. How do we find the perfect balance between the law and faith?

3. What excuses do you/the world use to justify sin? Do you agree with Paul's reaction? (Romans 3:7-8)

4. What does "fall short of the glory of God" mean to you? (Romans 3:23)

5. What implication does Romans 3 have for your life?

See you on Tuesday!

Thanks guys!

Hey everyone! It was great to meet everyone last night. I'm just posting this to see if I can technologically savvy enough to make this work. In any case, I look forward to seeing you all again next Tuesday!

Rome or DC, NYC, LA?

While reading about Paul describing the citizens of Rome, I couldn't help but see parallels in the culture I experience on a daily basis here in DC and hear about in cities across the world. It is always amazing to me how relevant these letters are even to us today. I read the first two chapters imagining Paul was writing to us here in DC and the words seemed to jump off the page into my life! Some of it isn't pretty to read through but so necessary. Looking forward to Tuesday's discussion!

Uhhh...Anyone else confused already also?!

So, I've dabbled in Romans before, apparently. I have many things underlined from past readings of various sections, so you would THINK I have some idea of what is going on. Uhmmmm...I was SO just kidding. Just got finished reading the first two chapters and my head is spinning. Wowzah!

All I can say is that I am SO happy that we are all reading this together. Here's to a season of new challenges! (And lots of questions.) :)

Guide questions Romans 1:18-2:29

Here are some suggested questions to help guide you as you read through Romans 1 and 2. Feel free to explore other topics and ideas as the Holy Spirit leads.

1. What does failing to honor and thank God lead to and why? (Rom. 21) Have you ever experienced this in your own life?

2. Can you think of how futile thinking can lead to unwise decisions/actions? Pray that God would reveal any futile thoughts in your life. Journal anything He speaks to you. See Rom. 12:2

3. What does it mean that God gave them over to depravity? (Rom. 1:24)

4. Name some ways in which the created world reveals God's eternal power and divinity. (Rom. 1:18-20) Spend some time journalling outdoors.

5. Have you judged anyone for sin in the past week? If so, why? How can we develop a non judgemental attitude? (Rom. 2)

6. In what ways do you seek praise from men and in what ways from God (Rom. 2:29). How would seeking praise from God alone affect your actions?

Feel free to post questions or comments here or email us if you need further clarification!

Special bulletin!

It was wonderful to meet you all last night. We are sooo excited about the new semester!

Important details:

- We are switching meeting nights to TUESDAYS! We'll still meet at Daphne's, 7pm. Give Lisa or Lanre a call if you need directions

- Bible study resources:
1. Bible gateway: Tons of bible translations, concordance, commentaries and dictionaries
2. Bible dictionaries: Three different bible dictionaries and concordances
3. Crosswalk: Bible translations, commentaries, concordance and dictionaries

- Join hospitality at Ebenezers! The team needs more people as we move to 2 services on Saturday. Its a great way to serve at the church, meet and welcome new people. Come hand out bulletins and help with setup or break-down at the 5:05pm or 7:07pm services! Lanre and Lisa will be there! :) Email us for details.

- Start praying for your target! This is the person you will be interceeding for this semester. We'll have opportunities to share updates throughout the semester.

- Feel free to blog! This is your space too. We want to read what you're thinking, feeling, etc.

Semester begins !!!!

The semester officially starts this week!!! Welcome/welcome back everyone! See you tomorrow at 7pm!