BULLETIN 29- GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND US
Greetings and welcome to all.One vital lesson in Christianity, is 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' , Psalm 111:10. Also 'Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life', Proverbs 14:27. 'Fear not I am thy shield' Genesis 15:1. These are important matters for believers, and can lead on to the righteousness of God with little difficulty. The bible is said to be written for believers exclusively. It is a manual for real Christians and not a user manual designed for non-believes, although some have been moved to belief, by study.
The apostle Paul was a prolific writer and one book, Romans, includes God's wishes in relation to righteousness, apart from being a most expansive and logical presentation of the bible. Paul's letter to the Romans was dictated to his secretary, Tertius before he visited Rome. He was likely staying at Corinth, Asia Minor for 3 months in AD 57.
The book of Romans has been very important through the history of the church as it provides a sound Theological foundation. Righteousness is a key attribute of God and he exhorts his children to obey him. 'Never suffer righteousness to be moved', Psalm 55: 22' righteousness is habitation of his throne.' Psalm 97:2'The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works' Psalm 145:17.
There is an ongoing debate about the doctrine of righteousness, that is righteousness by works or by faith. The Roman Catholics for example emphasise righteousness by works. That is shown by its engaging people into their church's spiritual charge through the practices and governance of the church. The counter argument, righteousness by faith, is a doctrine supported by most Protestants. For example Wesley emphasised Christ's work in us, that is Righteousness by faith.
Speaking on the personal influence of Romans, here are a couple of examples-Augustine, a North African in the 4th century converted from paganism to Christianity after studying Romans. He was influenced by his mother, a Christian. His father was an abusive man and a pagan. In the early church, during an age of confusion, Romans helped to provide clarity. .The second person is John Wesley in the 19th century. When visiting a meeting of Moravians with his brother, Wesley's heart was strangely warmed when he heard Luther's preface to Romans read aloud.In Romans 1:17 is the key phrase of this epistle 'The righteousness of God', that encapsulates the heart of this book 'For in the gospel a righteousness is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written. The righteous will live by faith'.Studying Romans shows how sinful humanity can receive the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ.(chapters 1-8). The vindication of the righteousness of God is in Chapters 9-11. The application of the righteousness of God is in chapters 2-16.Romans 12:1-16 and 27 tells how Christians are to display Righteousness to each other and before the world.
And modern day practice is mentioned (Romans 10:3) -' Those ignorant of God, establish their own righteousness and have not submitted to the righteousness of God'.So mankind dictates under social justice themes rather than God's law, typically on the welfare of women and children and so on, which is also justified in itself.
Overseas we find many cases of a persecuted church, much evil falling upon women and children, in particular under Sharia law practiced in Afghanistan under the Taliban, middle eastern and African nations. In these countries no Christian is safe and mostly they are converts from Islam who are killed. Regrettably most western countries such as Australia have refused to accept these potential victims. Barnabas Aid, which is interdenominational and is internationally recognised, has been helping refugees, especially families, under appalling conditions and should be supported morally and financially whenever possible. In our prayers be mindful of persecuted Christians by your petitions. Also it is optional to contact your Federal MP on these matters I hope this is helpful information.
Blessings to everyone, AMEN.
srd