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What is the significance of baptism?
In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:
The Epistle to the Romans brings the explanation of the origins of sin and the forgiveness that is available through Christ. The presence of grace by which forgiveness is provided exceeds our comprehension. Some were saying that then perhaps the additional presence of sin brings more of this wonderful grace. Sin does not matter, because God will forgive anyway. In an interesting continuance of this logic, sin is a wonderful thing because sin gives the grace of God a continuing opportunity to operate. In short, sin brings grace. Paul recoiled in holy horror, “God forbid.” The thought was almost blasphemous. Paul argued from baptism that such a thought is totally inconsistent with the work of Christ in the heart of the believer. Baptism is a dividing line in the life of an individual. It marks a departure from the old life and an entrance into a new and different manner of living. Consequently, in a negative understanding, professing to live the new life while practicing the old life is a complete and total contradiction.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 28.
Pray for Absentees
Heavenly Father, I come to You again asking for Your blessing upon our class. I pray especially now for those who were absent from class this past weekend.
I pray for (list each absentee student by name) who missed class this week because (list the reason each student missed, if known).
Father, some of these who missed class this past Sunday could not avoid it because of sickness. We pray for healing for them. Encourage them in their walk with You. Help them, even though they had to miss, to study their lesson and hear Your Holy Spirit’s encouraging voice.
Some of our absentees are out of the area for various reasons - work, vacation, etc. Go with each one wherever they are. Keep them safe. Help them to worship You, even though they are out of their regular routine. Bring them back to us, encouraged in their faith, and on fire for God.
Some who missed did not come because the things of this world are more enticing to them than Your Word. Father, speak to them about their spiritual condition. Help them to see how their love for You is cooling. Convict them of this sin and reignite in them a passion for You, we pray.
Dead to Sin
Lesson 5 - January 1, 2017
Focus Text: Romans 6:1-18
Central Truth: The Christian life is yielded completely to Jesus Christ.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify specific areas of their life which are yielded to God.
Lesson Outline:
- Buried With Christ (Romans 6:1-6)
- Alive With Christ (Romans 6:7-11)
- Yielded to Righteousness (Romans 6:12-18)
Order your copy of Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights today!
The Love of God in Christmas
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Omar Lee writes:
Oh! love divine, how can we show our appreciation for it? It is only by taking what He freely gave us, which is salvation. Christmas is a great time to choose Jesus! His birth introduced a new factor into the human realm. Before this, we were all children of Adam and doomed to sin. Now Immanuel (God with us) or Jesus (Savior), the God-man gives us the realization of the hope of humanity for a Savior! His birth further assures humanity of one who understands us, having experienced trials as well as known them. His birth foreshadows our spiritual birth. He was born of a woman that we might be born of the Spirit. There can be, there must be, the supernatural in our spiritual birth. His birth is a guarantee of greater events for us! The first coming has been proven true! The second will come also. In the Christmas story we have authentication for all God had promised, and in His resurrection, we have the zeal that all that He has promised will come to pass.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 26.