Fourthstream

 

It is truly difficult to make sense out of our human history regarding philosophy, science, and theology. Philosophy in essence is our reflections upon what makes us tick – for better and for worse. Science is supposed to be conclusions based upon weighing facts to prove what is irrefutable. Theology is man’s organization of what is perceived to be true about God. Obviously there are many philosophies and theologies – and even views of “science.”

If God has spoken (and I think He has) – then Romans is the big picture on what the God Story means for the heart of mankind. When we encounter, wrestle with, and master the themes of this book – we are well on our way to understanding not only the mind of God, but how to make sense of our lives as well.

Above is a useful outline for the book of Romans. This post will encompass a reading of the first two movements of the book (1.0-2.0), providing an understanding of both the flow and the foundations of the heart message contained in Paul’s letter.

Search your current beliefs as you begin. Your worldview. Is there a God? Where do we fit in? What was God’s purpose for mankind? What went wrong? What is going right? Why is every human ever born “without excuse?” What do you think are the “secrets of men?” Where do the Jews fit in? What constitutes a “true Jew?” What weight is placed upon personal faith?

These are deep waters my friend!

Some great questions from the Book of Romans
What is a True Jew?
A Solid Romans Song
Your reading guide to Romans

We have been encouraged to number our days by the man of God Moses (Psalm 90). There are two things to keep in tension as we engage a consideration of numbering our days.

First, we are reminded that even our tears do not escape God’s notice. He sees and identifies with our pain and extends His right hand of favor to those who call upon His Name. Even when we feel alone and most isolated we can count on God not losing track of our souls.

“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” – Psalm 56:8

Next, we are reminded that we do not live our lives unnoticed by our Creator. He is a Rock to those who call upon His name.

“For who is God, but the LORD? and who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet sure like a deer, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You have planted me firmly, and my feet have not slipped.”  – Psalm 18:31-36

These two realities help to frame reflections upon our own personal gift of days. We are special. We are noticed. Our lives – our souls matter to God. As we sort out some of the gifts and challenges of the days we have been given as a gift, we can take heart that we are not living lives of “quiet desperation” or futility.

A few years ago I wrote a book entitled, Curious Journey, Your Story Matters. Here are the first few pages talking about the gifts and challenges of our days.

Here is a deeper consideration of these gifts and challenges.
Here is an insightful Gift of Days Song

 

When I first began to read and study the book of Romans, I was amazed at the run-on sentence abilities of the Apostle Paul. I don’t mean this negatively – it just blew me away how so much could be stuffed into a sentence, a paragraph, or a chapter.

Romans has been an anchor for me as I have grown in my life of translating the deep truths of God into helpful strategies for living. This is the approach I would like to take as we go through this powerful book. 1) what exactly is communicated as this letter unfolds and 2) what was the impact upon the original audience and 3) how do I bring each principle into my own attempts to experience and build Christ’s Kingdom through my own life.

As we begin to read I am struck by what had brought Paul to the place of understanding these complex, yet simple issues, which form the story of the book of Romans: “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows — was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.”  (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). A tough life with incredible highs and devastating lows.

Welcome to a letter which brings it all together: Ancient human and Hebrew roots, people frailties, and the beauty of what it means to encounter Christ and His Kingdom. Enjoy!

Your Reading Guide for Romans
A Great Teaching on Romans
The True Jew of the Israel of God
A Good Romans Song

There is a woven thread through the God Story which asks us to pay close attention to the days God has given us. Our American culture appears to be weak in our value for the strength of experienced wisdom, but this does not mean that God agrees. Of course, just because someone is older does not mean we are wise. But one gift of living many years is that we have something valuable to give to those around us.

When our kids were young I had a family friend to whom I could go and ask advice. I have never forgotten his underlying and direct approach: “I can tell you what NOT to do.” We do not need to succeed 100% to have great things to offer to those around us. And even though our culture will not necessarily seek us out for our thoughts and experiences, God is always willing to open doors for wisdom. It is His business to define and apply wisdom in our dual-wisdomed world.

To begin this conversation, I would like to spend some time looking at Psalm 90. It is a song of Moses, who certainly was blessed with many rigorous days to get to know God while he lived on the face of the earth (Numbers 34:7). As you read Psalm 90 consider these thoughts and questions:

What was Moses’ perspective on Who God was?
How does he describe the condition of man and the years we are given to live?
What is Moses trying to tell us about our lives?
Why is God angry with humanity? How may we escape His anger?
How does a person “number our days”?
What does God bring us to make the end of our days as satisfying as the gift of life itself?

Let’s think deeply friends!

Some thoughts on the Gift of Days
A Good Song of Perspective

Sometimes the kindest things done can emerge from the most difficult challenges. Looking back, can you see God’s mercy in the midst of something which seemed harsh or unpleasant to you at the time?

Every one of the early churches experienced in-common challenges, but which were each tailored to their own cities and settings. James addresses the difficult balance of faith and works. Galatians speaks to the syncretic blending which was occurring within the expanding Gentile work of through Holy Spirit. The Thessalonians were admonished to move forward as they built upon the basics and lived this life in light of the one that is to come.

1 Corinthians calls these believers to build solidly and avoid the pitfalls of pride, recognition, and quarreling with one another. The “love chapter” (13) is rightly seen as God’s expose’ on what true love looks like. As we follow the examples in the God Story, we are given a pivot in chapter 10. We can remain a Christ-follower 1.0 or we can instead press on to more mature upgrades of our hearts.

In 2 Corinthians we are reminded of the personal nature of the work of the Good News. Paul’s life included very little smooth sailing. Obedience brought with it persecution, and persecution necessitated perseverance. Those who love Jesus from the heart will rededicate ourselves to the truth over and over again. And we will take the prophetic words handed down to us and build our lives upon the Rock rather than sand. Corinthian clarity.

Your Reading Guide for 2 Corinthians
A Good Song of Care