Romans is Paul’s most thorough treatise on systematic theology. Paul’s opens it with his usual salutation, referring to himself as a bondservant (doulos) of Christ. Then he launches into a blistering criticism of hedonistic behavior, which he ascribes to idolatry. Paul doesn’t spare believers either, saying that we who condemn others are guilty of the same things.

God made man in His image. That’s a powerful clue to His personality, even to His motives. Specifically, our creativity generates some useful analogies.

This opens a door into deeper worship.

The things of God are wonderful, beautiful, and glorifying. We should thank God for His cleverness, creativity, holiness, and mercy every day. But Job said that he spoke of things “too wonderful for me.” Is there something we’re supposed to avoid talking about, or even thinking about?

We investigate that in this series.

Judgement is coming to Nineveh. They were once mighty, and once repented, but all will be destroyed—completely. This prophesy was fulfilled perfectly. Nineveh, which was once a great city, is now just and archeological dig.

Jonah introduced the concept of “Thinking Like a Christian.” Specifically, we saw how to have the right mindset. In Hosea, we’ll learn the right heartset. Hosea gets set up as an example of how God’s love and grace work. Unfortunately for Hosea, that will mean displaying love and grace in tough situations (just like God does).

God calls Jonah to preach repentance to a people he doesn’t particularly care for. He refuses to do it and runs away and boards a ship for Tarshish. That doesn’t work any better than we’d expect, and he ends up getting tossed into the sea. Eventually, Jonah finds himself in the stomach of a fish. Now he has time to think.

This series, titled “Faith in What?” explores the basics of Christianity, based on Romans 10:9.

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with an overview of the plan of salvation. He details how we were hopelessly lost, unable to save ourselves, and how God delivered us from this in a way that gives all glory to Himself and none to us.

It’s all about Him.

Exodus is much more than the story of Israel’s miraculous deliverance from bondage. It contains some of Scripture’s clearest portraits of man’s sinful nature – Moses’s, Pharaoh’s, Israel’s, ours.

Jesus’ resurrection launches Christianity as he shows himself to many people and then disappears into the clouds. The disciples struggle to take it all in.

Jesus prepares his followers for the trials to come. They need to not be confused about what just happened, and they need to understand what it all means. Jesus does this through a series of dramatic appearances, combined with specific teaching, so as to sear into their memories what they saw and what they learned. These well-prepared believers will become an unstoppable force, spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire – and beyond.

After telling the thief next to Him that’ll he’ll be in paradise soon, Jesus dies. Everyone witnesses this and the Centurion declares His innocence. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus but then Joanna and the two Marys find the tomb empty. Upon hearing this, Peter rushes to the tomb and finally connects the dots.