Alumni Bible Study

A Bible study initially set up for alumni of the Senior Sunday School Class at the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, Texas. It is our hope and our prayer that this study touches the hearts of those who participate and helps spread the love and grace of Our Lord and God. All who want to learn more about God are welcome

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Location: lufkin, Texas, United States

I am a Christian family man, Lay Pastor and writer from Deep East Texas. I love life, and I enjoy working with young people. I have published two books; "A Small Mind Among Tall Trees" and "God If You Are Not Too Busy, Can You Give Me a Hand". If you want to obtain a copy drop me an e-mail or go to amazon.com or barnesand noble.com . I have been a salesman, cowman and athlete in my past. I still have a strong sense of humor and am not afraid to use it.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Romans 4:1-8

Relax, Read and Reflect
Prayer- Lord, Open our hearts and open our minds and help us learn. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."[
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What does Abraham have to do with Christian faith? Many of the powerful Christians in Rome were Jews. Like Paul, they had been taught that God started to create a favorite people with Abraham, so using Abraham as an example of faith was one they understood. Abraham was not held in such high regard because of his works, Paul teaches, we was the foundation of the Jewish people because of his faith in God.
Paul then uses David, another big Jewish character. The quote Paul uses in verses 7-8 are from Psalms 32:1-2. Even though David had problems, (lying, adultery, murder, etc.) he knew faith, and had faith that God would forgive him.
Re-read verse 4-5. When we do works, we are paid wages. These are things we earn. Faith is not paid by wages, it is credited as righteousness. We can nor earn God grace, it only comes with faith.
Prayer- Lord, help us keep our faith, and share it with our friends, family and classmates. Go-Fight-Win. Amen

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