Romans (2010)

If there were a vitamin that would make us wiser, more content, and have a more fulfilling life, it would probably be the best-selling vitamin of all times. Listen to this lesson to learn that instead of swallowing a pill, making a habit of studying and applying what you learn in the Bible can do that and more for those who accept Christ as their Savior. Take this opportunity to review the entire book of Romans and see what major verses should be noted in each section. Learn more about two attributes of God: Righteousness and Justice. See the significance of Baptism by the Holy Spirit and the difference between inability and total depravity. Find yourself responding to God's Word as you daily apply its truths to the everyday events of your life.

Armchair travelling, anyone? If you can't visit Israel, then enjoy hearing recent travelers recount their insights into Biblical sites they visited. Then return to the book of Romans for a final wrap-up and hear about the people who sent greetings to the church in Rome. See the many references Paul made to the grace of God. Appreciate the majestic benediction that glorifies God the Father, His magnificent attributes, and all He has done for us.

It's great to be appreciated and nicer still if we thought people would still be reading high praise of us years later. Listen to this lesson to learn about Paul's commendations in his letter to the Romans. Although little is known about many of these people, there has been much speculation. Heed Paul's warnings about divisive people and allow this lesson to encourage us in our ministry to others

What is your vision of how the world works? More important, what is your view of God? Listen to this lesson to see how your views impact everything else, including your politics, your ideas of economics, and even how you view the differences between men and women. See how the Apostle Paul explains to Timothy what the role of women in the church should be. Find out what is meant by women not having authority over men or formally teaching them. Understand that Paul's views are based on the order of Biblical creation and the subsequent disobedience of mankind.

Are you a shrinking violet? Rationalizing that you are only keeping the peace as you wilt when faced with making a decision that puts you at odds with the current pagan culture? Listen to this lesson to see how important it is to have a Biblical viewpoint and be willing to stand firm no matter what the consequences. Realize this is a part of the angelic conflict and spiritual warfare and that we don't get to pick our battles. As the book of Romans draws to a close, see how the Apostle Paul mentions his Roman friends, giving us insights into these believers' lives.

Letters written by famous people give us insight into what mattered to them. The book of Romans is an inspired letter written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome in the 1st century. Listen to this lesson to see how Paul closes out the letter by taking six areas he wrote about in the beginning of the letter and referring to them again in the end. See how he describes a mature believer as someone filled with goodness from the knowledge of the Word of God so they can encourage others to go forward. Follow along as he asks for continual prayer as he faces opposition. Accept the priority he lays out that whatever we do in life we are to serve the ministry.

Do you know you're a priest? Yes, you! Whether you're a man or a woman, if you've trusted in Christ's death on the cross for your eternal salvation, the Bible says you're now a priest and the focus of your life should be on your priestly service to the gospel. If you're wondering what that means, listen to this lesson to gain a clear, in-depth explanation of the gospel. Understand the meaning of unlimited atonement. Arm yourself by learning the three steps of the Faith-rest drill as you face the troubling disasters on the horizon so you can experience the joy and peace of God in your life.

"Now, what?" you ask, throwing your hands in the air as a steady stream of bad news spews out of your TV. How should we handle all the threatening events in our lives and in our country? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is always in control and we can have confidence that all is working according to His perfect plan. Understand the ten spiritual skills available to believers in Christ that enable us to have this firm hope in God and the peace and joy that follows even in the midst of disaster. Focus daily on the many Scriptures that encourage us and take us out of the mire of despair.

Terrorists. Wars. Diseases. Violent weather. What can we do to be safe in all these disasters? Listen to this lesson to learn about God's promises of protection as we face whatever comes our way. See how Paul uses quotes from the Old Testament to point out that God's plan was always for Jews and Gentiles to worship God together. Understand that God the Holy Spirit gives us a confident hope as we grow spiritually with the result that we have joy and peace in our lives.

Do you know any troublemakers? Listen to this lesson to learn what the Apostle Paul has to say about people in the church who cause trouble by holding to false beliefs. Understand that there will be controversies and that some people may have to be excluded but this should be done with gentleness. Follow Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to explain that Christ came into the world to be a servant to Israel. See that His becoming a servant illustrates that the path to greatness is through humility, which is obedience to authority. Notice that Gentiles, too, have reason to praise God for all He has done for them.

Squabbling. Sparring. Bickering. Sounds like a scene from an action movie but it's too often a description of Church history. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul is urging Christians to unite and always treat others with respect. See that while we are to accept one another, true unity must be based on accurate doctrine. Apply the virtues of kindness, tenderheartedness, and humility in your dealings with others and never fight over unimportant issues which are not specifically mentioned in the Word of God. Understand that Christian fellowship is first a result of a right relationship with God and then with other believers.

You love dancing and believe it's not forbidden in the Bible but a friend who is a new believer has been taught it's wrong. What is your responsibility toward him? Listen to this lesson to learn basic principles to apply that help us decide when to limit our behavior in order not to cause another believer to be offended or to stumble. Understand Paul's list of "dos" and "don'ts" that we can apply to our relationships with others. Keep in mind the importance of being patient and loving one another in all our actions. Gain an understanding of the meaning of the kingdom of God in this passage.

How could you do that and call yourself a Christian? If you're ever tempted to judge someone's behavior like that, you need to listen to this lesson to learn that only God has the right to judge us. Find out how to make wise decisions concerning things which are not forbidden in the Bible and welcome with open arms believers who don't see things just as you do. Be sensitive to your conscience and understand how it will change as you gain Biblical knowledge. Allow your thinking to be challenged in these areas as you apply grace orientation toward others.

Ever been puzzled over what you should do when the Bible isn't clear about whether something is wrong for a Christian to do? Listen to this lesson to learn that there are many decisions we have to make about things the Bible doesn't forbid. What is clear, though, is that we are not to quarrel with other believers about these things or do anything that causes them to stumble in their Christian life. See why we are told not to judge others but to accept them in love. Learn about the laws of love, liberty, expediency, and personal sacrifice. Accept that your spiritual life is not designed to operate in a vacuum.

"What's wrong with that guy? I don't see why I have to give up what I like just because it bothers him." Listen to this lesson to learn the difference between weak and strong believers. See what doubtful things are in the Christian life and ways we should deal with them. Understand that as we grow spiritually we demonstrate that we are disciples of Christ when we love one another and put their needs above our own.

How is it possible that Christians are called "sons of light" and then described as walking in darkness? Listen to this lesson to learn how the Bible uses light and darkness. See that at the moment we believe in Christ as our Savior we become sons of light permanently. Understand what happens when we sin after that. Accept the importance and necessity for confessing our sins so we can once again walk by the Spirit.

Time is short! Don't fritter away your life in the darkness! Listen to this lesson to see how Paul urgently emphasizes that before our life on this earth ends we have a mission to fulfill. See how all of us are born into Satan's kingdom of darkness but when we believe in Christ as our Savior we are qualified to live in God's kingdom of light. Understand the difference between being positionally in the light and the daily need to walk in the light. Appreciate Christ's role during His time on earth of illuminating the world and revealing the truth to mankind.

"I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows." Songs about what we believe are everywhere. But what does it mean to believe? That seems like a simple question but listen to this lesson to learn there are many different meanings given to belief. Does the Bible teach there is a difference between what we believe in our heart and what we believe in our mind? Learn about the four ways we come to know anything and which one is the only one we can trust. Understand that the belief that gives us eternal life is simply believing the Bible when it says Jesus Christ died for our sins.

If you found out you only had a short time to live, what would you do differently? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Apostle Paul says we should always live in the light of eternity because as each day goes by we are closer to the end of the Church Age. Understand what follows a believer's death and the issues related to cremation. Explore the meaning of imminency and its relationship to unfulfilled prophecy. Find out some of the many different ways the words faith and belief are used in the Scriptures.

Should Christians cut up their credit cards because it's wrong for them to go into debt? Listen to this lesson to learn what Paul means when he says not to owe anyone anything. Grasp the importance in the Scripture of loving one another. Review how Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes love. Understand that when we treat others in love and do not repay evil for evil, we are fulfilling the Law. Accept the overwhelming obligation of the mandate by hearing the many passages in the Bible that repeat the commandment to love one another.