Romans Audio, part 1, 2009

Character of God Controversy? The first 3 chapters of Romans provides the perfect platform to discuss some of the questions that surround the character of God.  Paul reveals to us both sides of the coin. On one side, Paul describes again and again that the Good News is about "the righteousness of God" as revealed by Jesus and that this is what wins us back to trust in God again. Paul takes up the challenge of Habakkuk's theodicy question (Habakkuk chapter 1) and responds that "The righteousness of God" as revealed by Jesus is the answer to the dilemma of a loving and powerful God and a cruel world. But Paul also shows us "the other side" - not a dark side of God's character - but rather Paul discusses what will happen to us if we choose not to respond to the gracious character of God as revealed by Jesus. What happens if the Good News about God does not win us back to trust? What will God do to us?
 

click here to watch the powerpoint slides with the lecture (strongly recommended!)

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In this BIble study, I referred several times to the excellent piece written by Sigve Tonstad, entitled "Reading Paul in a New Paradigm". I think that this article is very important in understanding the thesis of Romans as well as the entire theology of Paul. My understanding is that the book of Romans revolves around the question of God's righteousness, God's faithfulness, and God's character. click here to read the article.