Signs
Driving to my mother’s house, which means driving the flatlands known as Illinois, I spend over seven hours reading road signs. For me, the direction signs keep me on track; for my wife, the billboards hocking antiques do the trick; and, for my children, a simple McDonald’s logo ignites pains of hunger. Each of us sees the signs in a different light which is interestingly developed by our current perspectives.
When I think about it, the writings of Paul in the New Testament are something like road signs. As we read, we find concepts woven throughout his writings, and many of us can develop a sound position pulling all those verses together. Yet, two problems are readily apparent with this concept.
First, we "mature Christians" develop doctrine based upon our interpretations, and unfortunately, that doctrine can be confusing and contradictory. The context of scripture is so often cast aside in order to solidify the position that it loses its original intent…
Second, many Christians do not have the time to examine the scripture fully, so it is almost impossible to track one topic through Paul’s works. This, of course, leaves these Christians at the mercy of the “mature Christians" who formulate the doctrine…
It sounds hopeless, doesn’t it? Rest easy, Christian…
God had us in mind when Paul wrote the book of Romans. You see, Romans has all the road signs of Christianity in full view with full explanations. The Book of Romans is Paul’s doctorate dissertation on the Christian faith: sin, salvation, grace, faith, righteousness, justification, sanctification, redemption, death and resurrection (NIV introduction).
Join me for the next 10 weeks as I post comments on these road signs along the Roman Road…
Be Blessed.
When I think about it, the writings of Paul in the New Testament are something like road signs. As we read, we find concepts woven throughout his writings, and many of us can develop a sound position pulling all those verses together. Yet, two problems are readily apparent with this concept.
First, we "mature Christians" develop doctrine based upon our interpretations, and unfortunately, that doctrine can be confusing and contradictory. The context of scripture is so often cast aside in order to solidify the position that it loses its original intent…
Second, many Christians do not have the time to examine the scripture fully, so it is almost impossible to track one topic through Paul’s works. This, of course, leaves these Christians at the mercy of the “mature Christians" who formulate the doctrine…
It sounds hopeless, doesn’t it? Rest easy, Christian…
God had us in mind when Paul wrote the book of Romans. You see, Romans has all the road signs of Christianity in full view with full explanations. The Book of Romans is Paul’s doctorate dissertation on the Christian faith: sin, salvation, grace, faith, righteousness, justification, sanctification, redemption, death and resurrection (NIV introduction).
Join me for the next 10 weeks as I post comments on these road signs along the Roman Road…
Be Blessed.
posted by Pastor Dean Goneau @ 7:13 PM
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