The Letter to the Romans...

[konroh]

The wrath of God is one of the keys to understanding Romans. The wrath of God is currently being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth. Rom 1:18

Being justified saves us from God's wrath presently. Yes we have eternal life, yes we are saved from the future wrath against all those who are thrown in the lake of fire, but we are saved from God's wrath presently, and even more so, we can be saved presently by Jesus' life. Rom 5:9-10

 

[Hoffco]

To konroh, Thank for you good post. The word "wrath" is used in Romans 11 times ,so you are right to say this is a key word for Romans. It is key in developing the doctrine about God's character. Should we say, "God is good to us all the time."? If you would be so kind, you could develop the wrath of God more for us. Christians have been saved from much of the wrath of God in this life. Christians do die in natural disasters and sickness which are a part of the curse, wrath of God, on this earth. It is a special delight to know that Jesus comes to us spiritually and saves us by the new birth to our spirits. Acts 3:26,"To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Someone,who is able to cut and paste,or whatever we call it today, I would encourage them to print out all the verses on the wrath of God and make a contrasting study with the love of God. If someone gets it started others will joint in. Make a statement and allow others to add to it and try to perfect it, together, at the least each one can make a comprehensive statement of their own on the subject. Bring in related verses also. This will help develop your systematic Theology. Use a good translation ,NKJB , NASB ,No paraphrases. Love to all,Hoffco.

 

[Hoffco]

As we study the subject of the wrath of God we might find that we never should use wrath to describe God's attitude to His Chosen children. Rom.9:22-24 "..vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,...vessels of mercy which He had prepared beforehand for glory, Even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?" Job called his hardships as the "adversity" "calamities" He received from the hand of God. And as we study one word, we find other words that are explained in the same setting. LIKE, the Word "whom He called" this is the powerful,effectual calling to Christ that God gives us in the miracle of the new birth. As in 1Cor. 1:26 "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." Now, CLASS,! Keep in mind ,the classroom setting, we have all paid the tuition, we are strangers, we are here to learn together, we need to submit to the teacher and to one another, or we get thrown out and lose our investment. LOL, OK, so act like a class of loving people here to learn. Our two class mates, have set a good example for you all, kind and gracious in their comments. Praise God. Love to all, Hoffco, your teacher and fellow student. Lets teach each other!

 

[Hoffco]

From all the New Testament we know we must have two experiences to be saved: 1. Be born of God and 2, be forgiven of our sins. The first is part of sanctification of the Spirit (God), the "calling" being "born again"of God, and the second is received as we repent of sin (s), trust in jesus and start obeying Jesus, which is Justification. Please, DON'T tell me that Justification comes before Sanctification, that doctrine is of the Devil,and is damning many souls, and is not allowed in MY classroom, and if you take the FLOOR to teach that you will be blocked. We are saved by the "sanctification of the Spirit" first "and belief in the truth"(Jesus) second, according to 2Thess. 2:13. And all of the Bible teaches this: (the O.T. assumes it and the N.T. declares this, LOUDLY) 1Cor. 1 is all about "sanctification, 1Cor.1-30a, with only one verse on Justification, vs.1:30b. 1Thess. is all about Sanctification and NOTHING about Justification.(.) Do you have a question? Please ask it. If you disagree, state so politely. But Please, DON"T take the FLOOR, just quietly learn, or leave the class room. I want others who agree with me to state it with proof texts. This is how a class works. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

In our Bible class last night, I shared from Rom. 6 that those who have been born again by the baptism of the Spirit are commanded to be baptized in water, and that today we will go to denominational picnic where we can submit to water baptism. There was a lot of excitement and some will be baptised today. Water baptism does not save but the confession we give in being baptized saves us, in an ONGOING way. AS we are BEING saved, as God continues to SAVE us as we walk with Him. We have a HOPE of future salvation as well as having salvation NOW. This is called the PERSEVERANCE of the saints. Those who endure to the end shall be saved. It does not contradict that we are saved now, it complements it. Paul says ,hope that is seen is not hope, we hope for what we don't have yet. BUT, if we mature in our faith,by our works of faith, then our hope grows and become a sure foundation. Assurance is a very deep subject. Love to All, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Good morning class, It is AM. here in the Philippines, Just 12 hrs ahead of N,Y. city. I lived in Chestertown, N.Y. for most of my life. I miss everything about N.Y. except the winter. I live the Philippines but don't have the money to travel to the most beautiful spots. I love my new full time ministry D.R.E.A.M.; It has cost my live's savings and now all my income. I miss my family, but God has given me a few very close children and adults which is my family now, and I am married to a young, beautiful Phil. Christian lady. I am praying for my family in N.Y. & N.C. to visit me. Please pray for them and our ministry here. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

I seek to bless, " in Jesus' name", always "in Jesus name"; Because I don't want the Muslims to think, that I am blessing them in Allah's name . I publicly preach that Allah is a false god. That "Jesus only" is a false god. The "Father only" is a false god. GOD is ,Father Son and the Holy Spirit. Love to all. Hoffco

It is so important to witness to God's saving grace to all we can. I am not afraid to teach in our public jeepneys that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. The christian world and the muslim world are so divided, between them, and in their own camps, Many that don't accept the Bible are ready to accept any terms for peace, at any cost. what they will get is false unity that will never last. But, many welcome the positive witness in Jesus name. I believe it is a ripe time for winning many souls in the Philippines. People love my messages of Jesus. I invite them to open their lives to Jesus and pray for them to love God ,father ,Son and Holy Spirit ,as I ride the Jeepneys. I am told that even in Iran, when one speaks of Jesus on the street , many stop to listen. They are tired of all the warring in their countries and long for peace. Soon, the Man of Sin will renew a peace treaty between the Jews and the Arabs, for 7 yrs. And the rapture of the Church of Jesus will soon follow. But, it will be a day of great destruction to the world, this is a point we must stress, that if one is left behind ,.it is only misery and suffering. If we repent and follow Jesus it will be Heaven and we will come back to earth to rule with Jesus 1,000yrs. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

We will move on to the next section of Romans. 9:1-11:36. This section is number V. in our interpretive outline.
V. God is righteous, just and loving in each dispensation/age of His sovereign, electing and saving grace. 9:1-11:36. A. God chose Israel as His chosen nation. Israel's past was glorious but salvation was only for the chosen remnant.
The Old Cov. age. 9:1-29.
B. God sets Israel aside for judgment and God now focuses on the Whole world. Israel is presently a disobedient and obstinate people. The New Cov. age. 9:30-10:21.
C. Israel will have a glorious messianic age with their Messiah Jesus. the Millennial age, 1,000 yrs. 11:1-36.
Please keep reading, meditating on these three chapters.

[/QUOTE]

I was just witnessing on the ride to and from the Mall today. I always receive a great reception fron the people, They love to interact with an Americano. The were excited to hear of the latest news of God's working on earth . God has His chosen People the Jews, in place for the return of Jesus to earth. It cold be as short as 4 yrs. Love to all Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

In Rom. 9 we see the "unconditional" election of God. "For the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of words but of Him who calls), It was said to her, the older shall serve the younger." 9:11-12. The unconditional election is true, and the call of God is all powerful in saving us; But, on the other hand/side, man's side in salvation, we are also involved in our sal. because we must "call upon the lord, 10:13, for Him to CALL us to Himself for sal.. God and man are both, 100% involved. Each does their part. But the bottom line is: God acts first. as Jesus said, "you did not choose Me, no, I have chosen you." Love, Hoffco

I was talking to 3 young college girls today at the G Mall. They stopped by to get my Gospel tract. They were professed born again believers in The Lord Jesus Christ. I shared with them Romans 6:22-23. I asked them if they could quote Rom.6:22. they could not. This is alway the case. Christians only know one verse. This is a big mistake of pastors who don't teach the Bible contextually. People don't know the meaning of 6:23 with out v22. Do you know 6:22? Please look it up , so you can know the Meaning of "eternal life" Love to all Pastor Doug, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Listen to the God's clear words, God always has the final say. We see the trying time that God put Abraham and Sarah through, to teach a lesson, of His sovereign chose. "Rom.9:8 "children of the promise" Sara's "flesh" womb, was dead, but, rom.4:17 Abraham believe in God, "who gives life to the dead and calls (into being) those things which DO NOT exist as those they did; Isaac was the child of promise. When God brings us to faith, we too believe in God who can bring us into spiritual life. God said Eze.36:26-27 &37 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you ... and cause you to walk in My statues"..."I will also let (require) the house of Israel (Israel and Judah,37:16) to inquire (to ask) of Me to do this for them:" As a nation, Israel is dead to Her GOD, but Jesus will bring her to life at HIS second coming. Rom. 9:10-11 Rebecca 's children were not yet born and God said, the older shall serve the younger, "Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated", before they could do any good thing or bad. "to foreknow" is not knowing before, but, loving before. v16,"So then it is not of him who wills nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy." The potter has power over the same lump of clay, SINNERS, to make good or bad vessels. How clear God's words are. Love to all, Hoffco

I was sharing with the riders on the way home,in the jeepney, that Jesus could be coming in the sky in the next 4 yrs, But , I don't want a discussion of the rapture . I only mention it so we will be zealous to win the lost to Jesus today , the "day of salvation". My birthday was the 26, 71 now. I was awakened at 3am, with the beautiful voice of 15 of my congregation singing for me. It was such a delight to receive cards from so many children who thanked me for teaching them to love Jesus. My congregation and neighbors makes me feel loved each day of the yr.. We feasted upon God's love and good food and fellowship all day .. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

"Pray for the peace of israel" I love that command,and, it is a pray that I seem to be always draw to. The reason is: when God grants the " peace and safety" to Israel, Jesus' coming. the rapture of the Church ,out of this world, is very close . But, that pray has a down,bad side for Israel, because when the rapture happens , "sudden destruction" will come upon Israel, like a mad thief at night. !Thess.5. I don't wish anyone destruction, but I know God's plan for their punishment for rejecting Jesus , their Messiah, as if they have not suffered enough, God will make them suffer more. BUT, the up side for Israel is: when Jesus returns to earth, 3 and a half yrs later, the remaining Jews left here alive, will "look on Him whom they have pierced" and be saved. And Jesus will rule the world from Jerusalem for 1,000 yrs. That will be a glory day for Israel! To have their Messiah, King on His throne in Jerusalem. Israel was set aside for 2,000yrs. for the salvation of the world, and when the Jews are received back again , it will be the time of live from the dead. Rom.11:15. People's jaws drop when I tell them of this soon coming news. Love to all, Pastor Doug, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Romans 11 is so clear, God did not totally cast away His chosen nation of Israel, the Jews. Their national closeness is not salvation, most Jews were lost, only the spiritual choseness means salvation, only the individual Jews, like Jacob, are saved, the Esau's are all lost, they were not "foreknown," fore loved. What we read in today's news, was prophesied by Rom. 11 and ,by. the whole Bible, God has begun to deal with Israel as a nation once again. Rom.11:2 " God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew." (This "foreknowledge" is like the ineffectual "loved" of Jh, 3:16, which is a fact but not a saving act of God's "calling" effectual "love", "GRACE and MERCY" which saves the elect ones only, is seen in Jh.3:21,3,5.7. these verse are the effectual "love" that saves. The"love" of Jh. 3:16 is only provisional to those who will repent of sin, trust only in Jesus. and obey Jesus. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

I will continue in Romans 11 with God's eternal plan for His chosen nation of Israel. Rom.11:11-15 "I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not!...salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world,...how much more their fullness....For if their being cast away is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" 11:25-29 "...blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in....all(elect) Israel will be saved,...when the Deliverer will come ... ...concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your (Gentiles) sake, but concerning election they are beloved for the sake of the Fathers. For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable." How can anyone miss God's work of restoring His chosen nation, Israel, back to their land in today's news,? Well, SO, where is Jesus coming? Just be patient, brethren, this "last generation" has not died off yet! I am not in the last gen. but I think, I could be alive when Jesus returns. But, be ready to go any year now. Always be ready to die, that is the important thing,! We will NOT miss the rapture, either way, alive or dead. Amen? Love Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Romans 11:22 is a much needed lesson for the Church today: The awful truth that God is not always good to us. God;s wrath is shown to us every day. The curse of God kills us all. and makes us all sick. "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God; on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." Paul is careful to teach the eternal security of all the saints who live holy; but not for those who live unholy. God's plan is to save to the uttermost all who come to Him thru Jesus Christ. But God will not save all who make a profession of Faith who do not obey the truth. God's plan is to cut off salvation to the Gentiles and resume salvation to the nation of the Jews in the last 3.5 yrs of this age. At that time no Gentiles will be saved . The great falling away of the Gentiles nations will stop the day of salvation for the Gentiles. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

God is righteous when He is GOOD to men and God is righteous when He is BAD to men. The justice of God is seen in salvation and in damnation. This is continual theme of the Bible. It can not be denied. God received the righteous payment for our sins by Jesus' live, death and resurrection and His endless life. So, God is just in forgiving sinners by Grace, faith and works. God would not be righteous if He did not require obedience for salvation. God would be guilty of partiality if He let sinners into heaven by faith only; that is why Jesus demanded a holy life for salvation. He will not let workers of inquiry into Heaven, Jesus will only forgive those who REPENT of sin and seek to live a HOLY life, obeying the commands of Jesus. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

Please join me in this study of Romans ,ONLY, if you want to hear the WHOLE truth. Love to all. Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

We must keep in mind ,that a sinner must "be freed from sin and enslave to God " to be saved, Rom.6:22. And a sinner must be "patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor , and immortality;" to be saved. Rom.2:7. And a sinner must be " doers of the law", to be saved. Rom.2:13. And a sinner has to be dead to sin to be saved, "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him." Rom 6:8 This is the truth of Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Love Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

We know from Ro.8:29-30 that God's plan of salvation has always been the same. The spiritual Israel is the Church of Christ and we are grafted into the Jewish Church of God by the same plan as Abram and sara were . Jesus told the sam. woman, "salvation is of the Jews" We are not grafted into the physical Israel but into the spiritual, saved Jewish Church of God. The earth is of one RACE, HUMAN RACE; but of many nations from ONE BLOOD , Adam's blood, which has nothing to do with salvation, but, the saved are from every nation, tongue and tribe, Rev. 7:14. we are a sub-culture, but The Church of Christ is not divided in Heaven, sad to say, we are divided on earth. But God will weed out the tares at the resurrection unto Life, and get all Christian to agree. Every church has tares. Love to all Hoffco

Romans 8:29-30 Is God's eternal covenant of Grace. All the other covenants in the Bible are apart of this one PLAN of salvation God has for His elect of all ages and all nations and people groups. The Church of Jesus Christ is all the saved of all the ages of human history. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[Hoffco]

My wife and I had an over nighter for 5 pre teen girls and one teen girl, here at our house/church. They sleep on the roof in a tent. They had a great time and the teen girl was the spiritual leader for the night. She has my devotional/doctrinal Manuel to guide her, she loves to teach. Romans is one of my most preached on Book. Rom. ch.6 is clear: We died to sin, we should walk,live, in newness of life. We once lived for sin ,now we live for righteousness, which will result in eternal life,rom.6:22. We are to use our fleshly body parts to live lawfully and righteously. Ch. 7 tells us: Sin is much more than the Big Ten, sin is very complex,it is a heart issue involving our attitudes of of our mind. God is renewing the spirit of our mind. chs6&8 tell us: The Holy Spirit has taken care of the big heart issue, by freeing us from the law of sin and death, and making us slaves of God and of righteousness. so now we love the holy, just and righteous laws of God. God has also given us godly principles to live by in the NEW Cov.. Now if we live to the Spirit and kill the sins of our old heart, we will gain eternal life Rom.8:13. This is no problem, God is in us and for us, we are more than conquers in Christ. So, we can live free from sin, but if we do sin, we ask for forgiven, we have the Spirit of adoption , not a spirit of fear. RELAX, and enjoy your new life in the SON. Love to all. Hoffco[/QUOTE]