He will judge. He is fair. He has the final say. He wants to partner with us. He rescues. He is the end. He is with us. He is grace. He loves us. He died for us. He is justice. He is righteous.
I watched the Bible Project’s overview on the Book of Amos and it was very enlightening—these words regarding the necessity of doing justice, seeking good, and living righteously are so appropriate for the present day. I know I have gotten caught up in the idea of “looking” good rather than actually “doing” good and actually helping my neighbors.
4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Wow! What great pairing of texts. Guilt and Grace side by side. And the grace is even to be found in Amos. God corrects His people but He also preserves
I found it interesting how many non-Hebrew nations the Lord is promising to punish: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. These were (are?) enemies of Israel. And yet Israel & Judah, the divided kingdoms after Solomon’s reign, are still held accountable and are also listed among those deserving punishment. Many hold a belief that, until Christ, Gentile (non-Hebrew) nations weren’t accountable to the Law (the 10 Commandments and other OT Law). I think this disputes that idea—clearly the Lord took notice of their sins & unholy living, how they treated their neighbors. And Israel, God’s chosen people, is not immune from punishment either! We all are guilty before a holy God!
But Jesus…the contrast in Romans 5 is amazing–While we (ALL) were sinners, Christ died for us (ALL). Jesus reconciles God’s enemies through His death. As sin reigned in death, so GRACE reigns through Jesus’ righteousness, bringing eternal life in place of deserved condemnation.
I definitely appreciate these words! I was missing the powerful connection. (Focused on details in the reading instead of seeing the whole picture.). Thanks’
Just started this plan in October and going backwards some days. In reading more OT here and alone, I’m amazed at what I DON’T know after being in church 30+ years. I love how you pointed out the judgement on all men, not only those whom God had claimed at this time. There’s so much I don’t understand in the OT-reasons behind certain actions, why God chose to demolish certain people. But I’m gleaning a whole new insight to God’s view of those societies that HAVE professed His name.
Even though we were sinners, because God loves us so much, he sent his only son in flesh to die for our sins, so we may be washed and come clean. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is. His Grace is enough
“When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life — a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.” (MSG)
Reading a chapter like Romans 5 makes all the struggling through some of the tougher chapters of the OT sooooo worth it! I’m just overjoyed when I read these verses! We are free! I’m so excited about Grace!!! :)
Today’s lesson is to remember God’s love and to give GRACE to others to lead like his son Jesus!
Roman 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
This verse: Romans 5:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
What truth! Paul talks about the free gift of grace..and where sin increased, grace abounds all the more. This whole chapter is so rich, and I do think it’s a wonderful section to read after the start of Amos. And even the opening of Amos gives hope: 2:7 “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” This just reinforces the importance of staying in the word of God and keeping it close to our hearts and minds.
I love the evident contrast between Amos and Romans. Amos shows the wrath of God and how much we actually deserve from Him, whereas Romans shows His heart and love towards us! He wanted us to avoid His wrath and be with Him; therefore, He gave His son!!! A blameless, holy piece of Him to be the bridge so we can live in Him and His beauty!!!
Thank you for sharing your sight on this! I was struggling to read Amos and find the life in it, but seeing the connection you draw between it and Romans shows such a stark contrast, I can’t help but be even more thankful for Jesus!
Romans 5 – Wow! Where to even start? Personally, I love verses 3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope. ” When memorizing this scripture, I can’t help but sing the song “Bring the Rain” by MercyMe. We could all write books and books about trials and tribulations but if we continue to go back and cling to these two verses, we’re reminded that our lives are overflowing with blessings even when we can’t see.
He will judge. He is fair. He has the final say. He wants to partner with us. He rescues. He is the end. He is with us. He is grace. He loves us. He died for us. He is justice. He is righteous.
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Starting this journey today! A little unconventional but I’m excited!
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5:6
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5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
I watched the Bible Project’s overview on the Book of Amos and it was very enlightening—these words regarding the necessity of doing justice, seeking good, and living righteously are so appropriate for the present day. I know I have gotten caught up in the idea of “looking” good rather than actually “doing” good and actually helping my neighbors.
We can rejoice in suffering because we know it’s not meaningless- but instead is part of gods perfect plan to build character in us
4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
18Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.
When it’s sin verses grace. Grace will win hands down every time! I love this
Amen to all! Loving this interaction and wisdom!
Wow! What great pairing of texts. Guilt and Grace side by side. And the grace is even to be found in Amos. God corrects His people but He also preserves
I agree Joanne!
I found it interesting how many non-Hebrew nations the Lord is promising to punish: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. These were (are?) enemies of Israel. And yet Israel & Judah, the divided kingdoms after Solomon’s reign, are still held accountable and are also listed among those deserving punishment. Many hold a belief that, until Christ, Gentile (non-Hebrew) nations weren’t accountable to the Law (the 10 Commandments and other OT Law). I think this disputes that idea—clearly the Lord took notice of their sins & unholy living, how they treated their neighbors. And Israel, God’s chosen people, is not immune from punishment either! We all are guilty before a holy God!
But Jesus…the contrast in Romans 5 is amazing–While we (ALL) were sinners, Christ died for us (ALL). Jesus reconciles God’s enemies through His death. As sin reigned in death, so GRACE reigns through Jesus’ righteousness, bringing eternal life in place of deserved condemnation.
I definitely appreciate these words! I was missing the powerful connection. (Focused on details in the reading instead of seeing the whole picture.). Thanks’
Same! What great insight. Thank you!
Just started this plan in October and going backwards some days. In reading more OT here and alone, I’m amazed at what I DON’T know after being in church 30+ years. I love how you pointed out the judgement on all men, not only those whom God had claimed at this time. There’s so much I don’t understand in the OT-reasons behind certain actions, why God chose to demolish certain people. But I’m gleaning a whole new insight to God’s view of those societies that HAVE professed His name.
Even though we were sinners, because God loves us so much, he sent his only son in flesh to die for our sins, so we may be washed and come clean. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is. His Grace is enough
“When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life — a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.” (MSG)
Wow. If you don’t read this in the message version take the time to read Romans 4-5 in this version. So. Wonderful !
Reading a chapter like Romans 5 makes all the struggling through some of the tougher chapters of the OT sooooo worth it! I’m just overjoyed when I read these verses! We are free! I’m so excited about Grace!!! :)
5:21
so also grace might reign through righteousness
Today’s lesson is to remember God’s love and to give GRACE to others to lead like his son Jesus!
Roman 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
This verse: Romans 5:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
What truth! Paul talks about the free gift of grace..and where sin increased, grace abounds all the more. This whole chapter is so rich, and I do think it’s a wonderful section to read after the start of Amos. And even the opening of Amos gives hope: 2:7 “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” This just reinforces the importance of staying in the word of God and keeping it close to our hearts and minds.
I love the evident contrast between Amos and Romans. Amos shows the wrath of God and how much we actually deserve from Him, whereas Romans shows His heart and love towards us! He wanted us to avoid His wrath and be with Him; therefore, He gave His son!!! A blameless, holy piece of Him to be the bridge so we can live in Him and His beauty!!!
Thank you for sharing your sight on this! I was struggling to read Amos and find the life in it, but seeing the connection you draw between it and Romans shows such a stark contrast, I can’t help but be even more thankful for Jesus!
Romans 5 – Wow! Where to even start? Personally, I love verses 3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope. ” When memorizing this scripture, I can’t help but sing the song “Bring the Rain” by MercyMe. We could all write books and books about trials and tribulations but if we continue to go back and cling to these two verses, we’re reminded that our lives are overflowing with blessings even when we can’t see.
So very true! Thanks for your insight!
Wow! What great pairing of texts. Guilt and Grace side by side