April 15

Romans 3:22-6:23 We are in the Church Stream today as we continue reading from the Lexham English Bible. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis 3 - this is the finale~ of this chapter. Romans 3 is not just the heart of the power of the gospel chapter.  Chapter 3 of Romans is the main heart valve of the gospel. Bible smuggling was mentioned last week regarding Romans. I'll conclude that comment this week by saying that when only a small piece of paper could be smuggled in; something the size of a 3X5 card, then the core of it all needed to be included, the content was Romans 3! It is a marvel what hinges on this chapter.  Christ expels our sin and appeases its effect upon our soul and destiny. The new bridge to the "Amazing Grace" song bursts upon the mind; "my chains are gone, I've been set free."  Romans 3 is good news that makes sense to us. Paul makes the crucifixion make sense. It is intriguing that the disciples (and everyone else) didn't understand what was happening as Jesus was dying. We do however thanks to Paul's writing to us. <div>4 - Abraham is the illustration employed here. All to whom Paul is addressing here have top regard for Abraham. The old school Jewish crew that Paul is addressing specifically need to understand God's role in salvation by remembering that Abraham was justified by faith and completely so.  He believed and was justified. Done. Circumcision was a ritual done later by Abraham and his son Isaac. Yes, it was the first next thing Abraham was required to do, but it was done after Abraham was justified. To become "children of Abraham", if that is how they were to perceive it, then one needed to simply believe God - like Abraham did. And believing God (like Abraham did) was to now follow Jesus v.s. follow Abraham in circumcision. Abraham's faith in God is what guided him, not his circumcision - that was only incidental.  This is vital to put it lightly. New Believers needed to be welcomed by the older believers and welcomed in f