How to Kill & Be Killed 101: Systematic Boldness - The Gospel v. The World

Romans 1:1-6 - The Gospel Defined.

Up and against much of the spurious and aberrant teaching of his day, Paul makes a clear distinction from the outset of what the "Gospel of God" truly is...

Romans 1:14 - The Intended Audience.

Paul is making it clear, (as he states in Rom. 1:8) that the Gospel is UNIVERSAL. It is meant to be proclaimed and heard among everyone, everywhere. Complete and total "everyday apocalypse" -- regardless of status, education, race, finances, etc.

Romans 1:16, 17 - A Declaration of Boldness.

Paul's affirmation and unwavering confidence in the Gospel is the hinge point of this chapter. Everyone is familiar with what the message entails. And in such a culture as Rome, it would most likely be deemed as foolish by the majority. This could be his way of encouraging others to follow his example of bold proclamation even under the threat of ridicule or even death. Also to be noted is that he lets the reader and listeners know that this gospel is only wrought by faith and faith alone from beginning to end -- from dust to glory.

Romans 1:18-32 - The Current State of Affairs (or Why It's Necessary)

Paul's weightiness of his unashamed proclamation (Rom. 1:16) is emphasized here by an awareness of the wrath of God that looms over the creation due to man's hardened and ungrateful heart, and willingness to believe lies instead of the truth. The long list of sinful behaviors starts off with sexual sin (including homosexuality), but he is not trying to put emphasis on this as more of a sin than others. What Paul is trying to show here could be seen as a two-fold consequence:

1. As a result of man not acknowledging God, he now acts like the things he worships -- an unreasoning beast, driven by base and lustful desires.

and,

2. Being driven by said desires, he often engages in acts (both sexual and non-sexual) that have natural consequences that lead to ultimate demise (inability to reproduce or replicate themselves, and/or leading into war, murder, strife, etc.). Therefore, not only unable to have communion with the Creator, but with each other as well; this will sever any chance of truly being fruitful and multiplying. Sin causes the image of man to be seriously broken on all levels; thus the need for a bold, unashamed proclamation of the Gospel in the person and work of Jesus Christ.


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Beef

“What’s beef?”

That’s the question everybody wants to know

In other words:

“Do we have a problem and how do we settle the score?”

Well, what it’s not is what happens

When MC’s battle with songs

It’s when all you’ve got left

Is nothin’ but wrong…

 

Beef is when the creature

Takes the created order

Only to use it as a weapon

And lead the Maker to a slaughter

It’s when you look your Creator

Right in the eye

Seal your love for him with a kiss

While you’re piercing his side

 

Beef is what happens

When the Devil asks a question

And we forget what God said –

Even start to second guess him

Next thing you know

We’re runnin’ –

Lookin’ for clothes

Duckin’ behind trees

Every time the wind blows

 

It’s when even after all of that

He still pursues you with love and grace

And to show your appreciation

You throw it back in his face…

 

Yeah, that’s beef –

Sometime it’s your own people

Not the lions in the wilderness

But the wolves under the steeples

They’re runnin’ with the numbered

Talkin’ about peace

(A very beautiful notion

Covered with a steel-toed cleat)

 

Now some beefs are big

And some beefs are small

But the one I’m talkin’ about

Is a result of the fall

 

Beef is when it’s over two thousand years later

After he showed us true love

And dudes still call him a “hater”

It’s when he finally comes back

He’ll be clearin’ his name –

Stoppin’ the world on its axis

And puttin’ death in the grave

Then the Judge will be handin’ down

That long prison sentence;

An eternity in Hell

In a few short minutes

 

Beef is when you hear

That he’s the King of the World

But it doesn’t even matter

Because you’d rather be screwin’ your girl

 

Beef is when your sin debt

Is gettin’ bigger and bigger

While hold you hands out for that handout

Like, “Pay me, Nigga!”

 

Now some beefs are big

And some beefs are little

But when it comes to his Word

You can’t change one dot or tittle

 

Beef is self-righteous man

Comin’ up lame

Failin’ to see that they lack the capacity

To bring about a soul change

Thank God for the God-Man

Because he took the blame

On Calvary Hill

Where beef and redemption

Come from one and the same

 

So…What’s Beef?

 

(cf. John 3:36; Romans 1:18; 2:5,8; 5:9; 8:1; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 3:6; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9)

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Posted via email from THE CENTER (ROOM 116)