Theological Warfare in 8th-Century Judah
The prophets had a significant task: to call people back to the pure worship of Yahweh. Their culture, like all human cultures, were filled with false views of God. In order to understand the prophets, it is helpful to understand…
When God Says ‘Here I Am’
Have you ever been amazed, even stunned, at what the Bible says? I recently had this experience. It was a verse that struck me as so unique, so unexpected, that I had to reread it to be sure that I…
The Duty of Sonship
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45a) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains what it…
Service: A Survey of Romans 12:1-21
Romans resembles a mountain range. The intrepid reader must work to summit its heights but is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the glory of God. After a steep ascent through eight chapters, the reader attains the first—highest—peak. Three more chapters of rocky terrain separate him from the second at the end of chapter eleven. Worn out but exultant, the traveler is led gently downward through five more chapters of alpine meadows—verdant with application. It is on this path we now travel.
Fullness: A Survey of Romans 11:11-36
Paul has now vindicated God from the charge of unfaithfulness to his people. Most Jews, however, are guilty of rejecting God and suffer the consequence. Is this “stumbling” for their ultimate rejection? Paul now goes on to show that God has ordered history so that, through the ultimate salvation of ethnic Israel, he would bring maximum glory to himself.
God and History: The Hebrew Understanding of Divine Purpose
The following excerpt describes the significance of history to the ancient Hebrews. While the material comes from a secular analysis, I found it helpful. “At this point there emerges one of the notable features of Israelite literature and thought, its treatment of history. A moment’s consideration shows that history is the theme which permeates the Old Testament almost throughout…”
Isaiah’s Vision of the Majesty of God
Mortals live away their lives, consumed with routine, unimpressed by God. This was the damning fault of the Judahites, that they were ignorant of their own God! As Isaiah confronts them with their faults, he also presents God to them in a new light, as the great and all-transcendent Deity.
Remnant: A Survey of Romans 11:1-10
It matters not how desperate the situation looks; God has not rejected his people. Even when vast numbers seem to reject their Creator, God is preserving a group – a remnant – whom He guides to glory. God has not rejected his people. Rather, the remnant proves that God remains gracious.
Theological Study Questions on the Book of Romans
The idea for such a list comes from the time of Jonathan Edwards and Asahel Nettleton, when it was common for theological students to study and answer questions. A student who can thoughtfully address each of these questions will be well prepared to understand and teach the book of Romans.
Saved: A Survey of Romans 9:30 – 10:21
Israel’s unbelief causes Paul deep grief and raises a serious theological question: how can God remain faithful to his promises when his chosen nation is apostate? Paul now approaches the issue from the perspective of human responsibility. Israel’s unbelief is not only within God’s sovereign plan, but also a matter for which they are accountable.
