Rob’s Rhetoric…

Discussion Question: After reading the book of Romans, How would you summarize the mystery of revelation that Paul preached?

Romans 16: 25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my Gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past.”

I Corinthians 15: 2-4, “By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to scriptures,”

Romans 11: 25, “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”

Ephesians 3: 2-6, “ Surely you have heard about the administration (dispensation) of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s Holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body, and sharers together in the promises of Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 1: 11-12, “ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel I preached is not of human origin.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”

Colossians 1:25-27, “I have become its (the church/Christ’s body) servant by the commission God gave me to present to the Word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Acts 26: 15- 18, “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord? “ ‘ I am Jesus who you are persecuting, ‘ the Lord replied. ‘ Now get up and stand on your feet, I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.  I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ ”

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

 Romans 15: 1-33

1)Those who are strong/mature in their faith in Christ should be willing to support and encourage those who are weak and new in faith.
     a) It is important to rightly divide the word of Truth so we do not become misled or deceived (II Timothy 2:15 -19).
     b) Paul was concerned about protecting and proclaiming the Gospel he preached (Galatians 1:11- 2:1-10).
     c) Paul was concerned about promoting unity in the Body of Christ though diversity of gifts and talents in (I Corinthians 12: 12-31, Ephesians 4: 1-7)).

2) Paul was called as a minster of the Gospel to the Gentiles (non-Israel) through the revelation of the mystery not made know in other generations (Ephesians 3: 1-13, Romans 16: 25-26).
     a) Jesus came to the nation of Israel first but they rejected him (John 1: 9-14.
     b) The 12 disciples were called to proclaim Jesus as Messiah and the kingdom of heaven has arrived in Israel; displaying the power of God through signs and wonders/miracles (Matthew 10: 5-8).
     c) The nation of Israel at large rejected message of Christ during His earthly ministry (Mathew 23: 1-39).

3) Paul was burdened for his fellow Jews but was called by Jesus to proclaim a mystery given by Jesus Christ, through revelation, for the Gentiles (Acts 22: 17-21, Acts 23:11, Romans 11: 25-28, Ephesians 3: 6).
     a) Paul called himself a minister of the new covenant (II Corinthians 3: 6-18).
     b) Paul commands us to be imitators of him as he follows Christ (I Corinthians 4:14-17, I Corinthians 11:1, Galatians 4:12, I Thessalonians 1: 6)
     c) Paul promoted life in the Holy Spirit over works of the law (Galatians 5: 2-26).

Discussion Question: What does it mean to be a new covenant believer and should it look different than those who are committed to follow the law given by Moses?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

 Romans 14:1-23

1) Accept the one who is weak in faith without quarreling over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).
     a) How do you feel about disputable matters: alcohol, tattoos, dancing, Bible Translations, style of worship music, non-kosher food? 
     b) Each person must stand alone to give account to Christ one day for their our own personal convictions (Romans 14:12).
     c) God has given us all a measure of faith.  Together we form the Body of Christ and depend on each other for mutual edification and to accomplish the work of Christ upon the earth (Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12: 12-31).

2) Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another, instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister (Romans 14:13).
     a) Do not allow your personal freedoms/convictions in Christ hinder the spiritual maturity/growth of someone who is weak in faith.
     b) Legalism is imposing personal convictions over someone else’s convictions when dealing with disputable matters.
     c) We did not die for the sins of our brother. Make sure the love  of Christ and the truth of God’s word speaks louder than your personal judgment and convictions in the life of a believer.

3) Do not puke your doctrinal convictions all over someone who is learning to walk and grow in Christ.
     a) We are called to be "fishers of men", but allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to clean the catch.  We have a tendency to be just like a Pharisee when we try to make other believers look, act and think like us.
     b) Give people room to work out their own salvation before the Lord. Give them freedom to discover joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Sprit on their own.
     c) “A pinch of praise is worth a pound of scorn. A dash of encouragement is more helpful than a dipper of pessimism. A cup of thankfulness is better than a cupboard of criticism.” William Arthur Ward.
 
Discussion Question: In what ways can we promote peace and mutual edification in the Body of Christ without compromising central Biblical Truths?

(Background noise courtesy of the clothes dryer!)

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 13:1-14

1) Let everyone be subject to governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
     a) If you want to be free from the terror of authorities than do what is right.
     b) The one in authority is God’s agent to bring wrath on the wrongdoer.
     c) Pay respect and taxes to those God has placed in authority.

2) How do we handle ungodly people in authority?
     a) Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers of spiritual forces in this dark world (Ephesians 6: 10-20).
     b) Our need to invoke our rights is less significant than our ability to do what is right for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mathew 5: 43-47).
     c) We demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and make it obedient to Christ (II Corinthians 10: 1-6).

3) Our citizenship is Christ’s Kingdom and under His authority.
     a) Satan has blinded the mind of the world to the Truth of God’s Word.  We fight for Truth (11 Corinthians 4: 1 -12).
     b) The return of Jesus Christ to gather the righteousness is imminent. We need to be prepared and ready for His arrival (Mathew 24: 36-51).
     c) Intercession in the spiritual realm enables changes to occur in the natural realm through God’s intervention. God alone allows leaders to rise and fall ( Daniel 2: 21).

Discussion question: What kind of action is appropriate to resist worldly leaders and authorities that are not promoting a Biblical world view?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 12:1-21

1) Therefore, because of the mercies of God, we are commanded to offer our bodies to Christ as a living sacrifice. This is our pure, proper, and perfect form of spiritual worship.
     a) Our bodies should be dead to sin in our thinking, attitudes, actions and conversations.
     b)After all Christ has given us through His death burial and resurrection, dying to selfish pursuits and passions is a reasonable request of service.
     c) Paul desired to know Christ, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His suffering, becoming like Him in His death.

2) We are either being conformed to the pattern of this world and Satan or being transformed by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit.
     a) A transformed mind has the ability to comprehend the perfect will of God.
     b)A transformed mind is governed by the Truth of God’s Word. A believer operating with the mind of Christ does not fall prey to the shallow and deceptive philosophies of human wisdom and logic which are so prevalent in this world.
     c) We face daily pressure from our flesh, Satan and the world to conform to the patterns of this world. A living sacrifice has an intense and intentional commitment to resist evil. We must push forward to please God in every step, thought and moment of life.

3) Do not be deceived, all of us are sacrificing something for someone or something (career, relationships, experiences, money, material possessions).
     a) “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Not only do the followers of Jesus renounce their rights, they renounce their own righteousness too.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
     b)”If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a heavenly king be considered a sacrifice?” -David Livingstone
     c) “It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed.” -Charles Spurgeon

Discussion question: What does it mean to worship God as a living sacrifice?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 11: 1 - 36 (Olive Tree Root and the Mystery)

1) God has not forsaken His Chosen people but is currently offering salvation to the Gentiles by faith in the finished work of Christ.
     A) How are the unnatural/Gentile branches grafted into the olive tree? (Galatians 3: 7-14)
     B)  What are the Biblical discrepancies between ethnic Israel and the Church (The mystery revealed found only in Paul’s writings, who was called by Jesus Christ to be the Apostle to the Gentiles… tutored by Christ, separated from the other 11 Apostles)? (Galatians 1:11-21, Acts 9:15-16)
          1) Marriage: Israel - Wife of God (Jeremiah 31: 31-32)… Church - Bride of Christ (II Corinthians 11:2)
          2) Israel - Birthed Jesus Christ in physical form… Jesus Christ - birthed the Church as a spiritual witness of Himself upon the earth in physical form.
          3) Christ’s return -  Israel - 2nd Coming… The Church - Rapture
          4) Scripture - 4/5’s written to ethnic Israel (Hebrew) … 1/5 Written to Gentiles (Greek).
          5) Birthdate - Israel - Genesis 12… Church -  Acts 2.
          6) Christ’s Leadership role - Israel - King & Messiah… Church - Groom & Head of the Body
          7) Temple - Israel - Physical… Church - Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19).
          8) Israel - Physical Nation … The Church - the spiritual body of Christ.
          9) Calendar of prophecy - Israel - Specific and literal prophecies… The Church - no specific prophecy, calendar or time line.
         10) Israel - was given the prophets, the law, and the covenant promises of God - The Church - was given a hidden mystery (Gospel-salvation of the Gentiles/temporary hardening of the Nation of Israel) not revealed in the Old Testament but only to the Apostle Paul under the new Covenant (Romans 16: 25-27) 
          11)  Military weapons - Israel is a political nation that will fight and has fought wars in the earthly realm… The Church - fights spiritual battles but not with carnal weapons. (Ephesians 6:12-18).
          12)  Priesthood - Israel - The Levites - with a literal physical temple inside of a physical nation with literal boundaries … The Church - Jesus Christ is the High Priest sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for the saints (Hebrews 4:14-16)
     C) Salvation has come to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!  God has not forgotten His promises to Israel.

Discussion Question: Is Christ enough for Salvation and righteousness… if not… do we need to place our faith in the finished work of the cross… plus what else?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 10:1-21

1) The nation of Israel did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish it on their own.
     a) The ignorance of the Jews was voluntary for they had the law, the scriptures, and the prophets and messengers (John the Baptist and the prophets) (Romans 10:18-21).
     b) The greatest hindrances to salvation (by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone) is one's own faith in their self-righteousness.
     c) Israel refused to humble themselves as a sinful nation. The Holy Spirit proves the world to be wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16: 8-11).

2) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Everyone who calls upon the Lord will be saved (Romans 10: 12-13).
     a) No man can come to the Father except through placing their faith in the finished work of the cross in Jesus Christ (John 14: 6-7).
     b) All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God is willing to accept the one who fears Him and calls upon His name (Acts 10: 34-35).
     c) God alone determines who is righteousn.  It does not depend on man’s wisdom, man’s judgement, man’s interpretation of the law or man-made religious systems.

3) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word about Christ (Romans 10:17).
     a) Refusing to believe what God says in His Word is direct disobedience. Israel heard the gospel message, but refused to accept it.
     b) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2: 8-10).
     c) People cannot receive the gospel message until they hear the gospel message first.  How beautiful are the feet of those who share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world (Romans 10:15)!

Discussion Question: In what ways is the American church becoming like Israel?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 9:1-33
1) Paul has great heaviness and sorrow in his heart on behalf of the nation of Israel. We should have anguish over lost souls.
     a) Israel birthed the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were given the covenants, the law and the promises of God.
     b) Israel’s rejection of the Gospel message did not come about by divine decree or determination by God but rather due to unbelief and disobedience.
     c) God used Israel’s rejection of its Messiah as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel message to the world.

2) God loved Jacob but hated Esau.
     a) This does not mean Esau’s descendants are not capable of receiving salvation. It means the promises given to Abraham would be fulfilled through Jacob.
     b) Esau sold an eternal birthright to his brother for a momentarily pleasure (a bowl of stew).  Even though he sought to reverse the decision in tears, the consequences of his choice were not reversible.
     c) Jesus wept over the nation of Israel because they rejected God’s plan of salvation and prophesied about its destruction in 70 A.D. (Luke 19: 41-44) (Matthew 23:37).

3) God is not finished with the descendants of Jacob. Scripture promises Israel’s eventual restoration and its acceptance of the Messiah Jesus Christ (Isaiah 11: 10-16) (Jeremiah 31: 31-40) (Ezekiel 37: 11-28).
     a) Faith is not only believing in Jesus with our minds but it also involves responding with our heart.
     b) The struggle for the modern day American Christian is making Jesus Lord over every area of our life and the focus of our attention to include relationships, finances, career choices, education, intellect, and entertainment choices.
     c) Israel’s stumbling block has become the cornerstone of our faith and salvation. We will constantly trip over Jesus when we purpose to pursue our own way separated from His Lordship.

Discussion question: How does God use certain people and/or nations to display His glory, whether it be through salvation or destruction?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 8:31-39

1) If God is for us, who can be against us?
     a) Understanding the holiness of God and the unchanging nature of the character of God allows us to cling wholeheartedly to the promises of God (II Corinthians 1:20-22).
     b) Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
     c) Fear that one who can destroy both the body and the soul in Hell (Mathew 10:28).

2) Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
     a) Jesus bought us with His Blood.  We belong to Him (Galatians 3: 13-15, Revelation 5: 9-10).
     b) Our battles are fought in the spiritual realm carrying eternal consequences (II Corinthians 10: 3-6).
     c) Draw near to Jesus, He has supreme authority over every spiritual enemy (Ephesians 1:15-23).

3)  Fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).
     1) The fear of Lord drives away sin from the heart (Exodus 20:20).
     2) Fearing the Lord is to hate evil and perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13).
     3) To fear God is to stand in awe and bowed low in humility of heart, because of His holiness. (Revelation 4:8)

Discussion Question: Psalms 2: 11-12, says, “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling. Kiss His Son or He will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”  How does God balance His anger towards sin and His kindness and patience leading sinners towards repentance (II Peter 3:9)?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 8:18-30
1) Our present suffering does not compare to the glory that will be revealed in us.
     a) The Christian longs for the return of Jesus Christ and looks forward to being clothed in heavenly garments (II Corinthians 4:16).
     b) Creation is destined for redemption (2 Peter 3: 8-13).
     c) We wait patiently for our redemption by placing our hope and faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word.

2) Intercessory prayer was an important part of Jesus' earthly ministry.
     a) Jesus sought the will of His father (Mathew 26:39).
     b) Jesus prayed for His enemies, disciples and future believers (John 17, Luke 22:21, Luke 23:34).
     c) Jesus prayed for the nation of Israel and Jerusalem (Mathew 23:37-39).

3) Jesus intercedes for the believer in Heaven at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of the believer on earth.
     a) All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
     b) The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13)
     c) The Holy Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans and intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

Discussion Question: What does it look like to worship God in spirit and in truth? (John 4:23-24)

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 8:1-17
1) We are a new creation in Jesus Christ, through life in the Holy Spirit.
    a) Water Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to yield to God’s plan of salvation. He gives us a new nature in Christ and does not try to repair the old one.
    b) The Holy Spirit empowers the believer in Christ to overcome the controlling nature of sin.
    c) The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us.  The power of the Holy Spirit provides the believer with the ability to live a life of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

2) There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who pursue the sinful desires of the flesh and those who are led by the Holy Spirit.
    a) There is extreme confusion in the mind of a Christian that is trying to live according to both the spirit and the flesh.
    b) We need to wage war against those things that would limit God’s purpose and destiny for our lives.
    c) The sin nature is always striving to regain control of the mind and of the will of the believer.  Paul uses war language when describing this battle (“Fight the good fight of faith,” I Timothy 6: 11-16).

3) The will of the Holy Spirit is always aligned with the Truth of the Bible.  He is the author of the book.
    a) The Holy Spirit surfaces this truth in our minds and He gives us the words to say at the right time.  He is the one that empowers the believer with a bold witness to the transformational power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    b) The conviction power of the Holy Spirit draws us towards repentance of sins and draws us closer to the righteousness of Christ. Satan attempts to use the guilt of sin to separate us from the love of Christ and plunge us into despair and bondage.
    c) We are what God’s word says about us.  The Holy Spirit will confirm this truth in our hearts and strengthen our faith in Christ.

Discussion question: What are the differences between self confidence and Godly Confidence?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 7:1-25

1) We no longer look to the Old Testament Law and sacrifices for salvation and acceptance from God our Father (Christ is the true substance and the finished work of the law).
     a) Only those who look, seek and try to understand the finished work of Christ, through His death, burial, resurrection, and accession to the right hand of God our Father interceding on our behalf, can truly understand the transformational message of the Gospel.
     b) Any organization that believes that good works in the flesh are required for salvation are pursing Biblical error.
     c) You cannot understand the spiritual truths of the law by attempting to please God in the realm of the flesh and by self-approved logic and understanding. Remember... being wrong is a choice.

2) True works of God can only be fulfilled through the power of the Holy Spirit.
     a) The Law/Torah are perfect and spiritual... however... you in your carnal nature are not.
     b) How can you possibly please God in your flesh, when you are corrupted to the core? You cannot even begin to understand the works of the law in the flesh. You must be born again in the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual truths are spiritual discerned.
     c) The law is powerless to release you from the penalty of sin and death.  You are saved from the condemnation of law by Christ alone and by placing your faith in Christ alone.

3) The natural condition of the human heart is evil and bent in passion against the law of God.
     a) Christ is the only being capable of preventing you from pursuing the evil desires of your heart.
     b) The law of the Holy Spirit has set you free from the law of sin and death.
     c) Without placing your faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ you cannot even begin to understand what it means to be obedient to the law and the Gospel message. The person without the Holy Spirit and true faith in Christ are given over to Satan in the form of legalism and self-righteousness. Human understanding of God is the religion of deception, false humility and self-righteousness. You must walk in step with the Holy Spirit or you pursue the desires of the flesh.

Discussion Question: What acts of righteousness can you actually perform, by your own understanding of law, to please God your Father and Creator?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 6:1-23

1) When a person is born again by the power of the Holy Spirit, they become dead to sin and alive in Christ.
     a) The person without the Holy Spirit cannot understand eternal principles outlined in scripture. Biblical concepts are ridiculous to the carnal mind.
     b) The person without the life giving power of the Holy Spirit is bound by condemnation under the righteous demands of the law and destined for God’s wrath.
     c) Jesus met God’s righteousness demands under the law through his death, burial and resurrection.  We receive the benefit(s) of Christ by faith (Salvation, Reconciliation, Glorification, Sanctification).

2) Legalism is a false sense of security that appeals to our carnal nature.  We can only be found righteous because of what Christ has accomplished alone (Mark 7: 5-23).
     a) A legalistic clings to man-made self righteous regulations instead of allowing Christ to draw out a pure inner motive of holiness birthed by the Holy Spirit (John 4:14).
     b) Any work of obedience that does not spring forth from an active and living faith in Jesus Christ and His word is a form of legalism.
     c) The Bible and leading of the Holy Spirit should never be restrained by religious traditions, human wisdom and popular opinion.

3) The grace of Christ reached out and met us at our weakest point.
     a) If we attempt to please God in the flesh and we are not empowered by the Spirit, our fleshly passions will push us deeper into the bondage to sin.
     b) The sinful state of the human heart without a saving faith in Christ is truly wretched.
     c) When we have been baptized into Christ by faith, it will be marked by repentance of sins and seeking a new way of life in the Holy Spirit.

Discussion question: What does it mean to be born in the Spirit?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 5:1-21

1) The Bible is not a self-help book, it is a Christ centered book that encourages us to depend on the finished work of Christ and on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
     a) Suffering/adversity is a tool the Holy Spirit uses to produce perseverance, righteousness, character, and hope for the future (11 Corinthians 4: 16-18).
     b) God has poured out His love into our hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to comfort us in our struggles (John 15: 26-27).
     c) God uses trials to discipline us and to train us in all righteousness (Hebrews 12: 6-11).

2) Biblical Christians obtain a Godly benefit package by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
     a) We have been freed from the curse of the Law and eternal damnation. We have been justified. Our sin record has been cleared.
     b) We have been reconciled in our relationship to God and He imputes righteousness to us by faith.
     c) We have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ.

3) The benefits package of Christ does us no good if we do not learn how to use it.
     a) Christians can be content in all circumstances. We can obtain peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) (Philippians 4:12).
     b) You alone are responsible for your spiritual maturity (II Corinthians 5: 10). 
     c) Christian discipleship requires us to seek out spiritual peers, mentors and trainees (Colossians 1:28-29).

Discussion Question:  Can you describe how your faith in Christ was strengthened through a season of adversity?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 4:1-25

1) Father Abraham is the Father of the Jews and our (Gentiles) father in faith through the grace of Christ.
     a) Abraham believed God before the law was given and it was credited to him as righteousness.
     b) When God sees the heart of the sinner turn toward Christ in faith, He imparts righteousness and salvation by His grace and mercy alone.
     c) Abraham’s faith is a faith that endures. He trusted, obeyed, and gave glory to God despite his imperfections.

2) Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
     a) Without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a reward to them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
     b) We all need to pass on our legacy of faith in Jesus Christ to our children and to those who God puts in our sphere of influence. 
     c) Faith and obedience are inseparable, just as unbelief and disobedience are inseparable (James 2: 14-26).

3) God has called us not just to be saved but to produce spiritual fruit and good works of righteousness by that same faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-10).
     a) There is freedom in Christ by faith that releases us from the power/bondage of sin to produce works of obedience separated from the law (Galatians 2: 15-21).
     b)  The law emphasized the eternal truth that obedience to God from a heart of love would produce a full life of blessing in the Lord. God has set before you life and death as a choice (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).
     c) King David knew by faith that God was the only one who could circumcise his heart following his deliberate sin of adultery and murder (Bathsheba/Uriah the Hittite). Despite his transgressions, David was still considered a man after God’s own heart (Psalm 51: 1-12).

Discussion question: What does “circumcision of the heart” look like?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 3:9-31
1) No one will stand righteous before God by their own justification, behavior and determination.
     a) We all have a tendency to use the Word of God, religious behavior and personal arguments to justify our own self righteous.
     b)  No one will be declared righteous by the works of the Law, rather the law makes us aware of our sinful nature.
     c) Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

2) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is built on the foundation of the Old Testament law (Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy), the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s body on the cross, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
     a) What the law was incapable of performing, Jesus accomplished on the cross (perfection, holiness, righteousness).
     b) Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law, but to establish it. He actually raised the standard of righteousness to include our thought life, desires and motives. The law deals with our spiritual nature and not just our behavior (Matthew 5:17-30).
     c) The law requires justice and holiness because it reflects the nature of God.

3) The establishment of the Old Testament law was necessary before Jesus arrival earth. 
     a)  A weak view of sin results in a weak view of the Gospel message.
     b) The law was necessary to explain our need for salvation. The law promotes the righteousness of God while revealing our sinful nature.
     c) The cross was necessary to deal properly with sin in the world.  God’s justice requires perfection or blood. God offered His Son’s blood to pay the price for our sinful behavior so that we can be reconciled to our Creator.

Discussion Question: What are the methods the world uses to deal with the guilt of sin... and how can we use those methods to explain the importance of the Gospel?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 2:17-28, 3:1-8

1) We can have a knowledge of the Truth... but not really understand the Spiritual application (what is Biblically true).
     a) We would not know what sin is... if we did not have the law (Truth of God’s Word).
     b) The law reveals and points to the character of God... Jesus Himself.
     c) Jesus said true worshipers of God will worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth.

2) Religion has no spiritual mechanism to change who you are on the inside. It can only change who you are on the outside (do not be a Pharisee!).
     a) We can become so productive in our religious activity that if we are not sensitive to the Holy Spirit we can lose our true spiritual value.
     b) Do not allow your religious activity to steal your spiritual connection/personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
     c) Remember... Religious people will hate and kill someone who is spiritually connected to Jesus Christ (what we do not understand... we will either worship or kill!). If they did it to Jesus... they will do it to you!

3) Circumcision is of the heart... it is not a physical response... but a spiritual response.
     a) What comes out of our desires, attitudes, conversations, and behaviors dictates the direction of our eternal future.
     b) We need to realize that our personal/earthly achievements carry little value. Only what we do for Christ will last (the eternal versus what is temporary).
     c) If we chose to be obedient to Jesus and His teachings... He will put us under transformational pressure to change us spiritually speaking (do not fear the discipline of the Lord).

“Old timers” in the church used to ask the question, “How is your faith doing?” How should we approach other believers in the Body of Christ to encourage them to remain in the faith?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 2:1-16

1) We are all guilty of breaking God’s law and quick to justify personal sin in our lives. 
     a) God’s justice is based on absolute truth and unblemished righteousness which is in conflict with worldly understanding, logic and wisdom.
     b) We are called to make judgements regarding spiritual warfare: filtering worldly concepts through a Biblical worldview (II Corinthians 10:3-6, Ephesians 6:10-18).
     c) For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2).

2) We are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. However, the grace of Jesus Christ also provides us with the power to overcome sin and to become Biblically obedient.
     a) God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance.
     b) Those who refuse to repent are storing up wrath for themselves.  One day God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
     c) On the day of God’s wrath, He will judge people’s secrets.

3) We need to remind ourselves who we are and who we represent.
     a) Be patient with others as God has been patient with us.
     b) God does not call qualified people by worldly standards. He qualifies those who pursue righteousness and obedience to Him.
     c) We were bought at a price, with the blood of Jesus, therefore we should honor God in all we do.

Discussion Question:  What kind of judgements about the world and other people should the Christian make?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Romans 1:18-32

1) The Truth of God is suppressed by our wickedness. We are what is wrong with this world in our natural/fleshly state.
     a) God’s anger/wrath towards sin is central to His righteous character.
     b) We will all eventually stand spiritually naked before God to give account for actions in the flesh; both good and bad.
     c) We will be judged by God’s standard of righteousness and not our own understanding of righteousness.

2) American culture is consumed with sexual immorality and pornography.
     a) We are called to raise a standard of righteousness; to be salt and light to an ungodly generation and an encouragement to fellow believers in Jesus Christ.
     b) Any culture that approves of a homosexual lifestyle and sexual promiscuity is in an advanced stage of moral corruption.
     c) God gives us over to the desires of our heart when we reject His Truth; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. 

3) We are called to preach the Gospel to all men and to make disciples for Christ.
     a) Our worldly friends/family are destined for hell and damnation/eternal separation from God.
     b) Deception and hollow doctrine will dominate and trap those who refuse to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. 
     c) Salvation is passing from spiritual death to life.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit releasing us from the power and dominion of sin and spiritual death.

We know the secular world suppresses the righteousness of God in wickedness.  In what ways does the modern American church do the same thing by preaching a non-Biblical version of the Gospel?

(Background noise provided by Rossi, our Bull Terrier...not a bird)

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com

Rob's Rhetoric... with Rob Fell
Episode 1
Romans 1:1-17

1) We are set apart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
     a) Righteousness comes by faith and not by works.  It is believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
     b) The Gospel is the transformational power of God that brings salvation for all who believe.
     c) Discipleship is the continuation of salvation.

2) There are two kinds of people in the world: saved and unsaved.
     a) A person who is deceived places salvation in their own works.
     b) A person of faith recognizes their own sinful condition and depravity. 
     c) God is ready to raise up believers who are ready to take spiritual territory for the kingdom of God.

3) We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
     a) The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a Godly Life.
     b) The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.
     c) The Holy Spirit is our advocate/comfort in our time of trouble and adversity.

Discussion Question: What is the best explanation of the Gospel message you could share with others?

Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com