Devotion
Introduction and Alignment
Last workshop, we discussed a lot of relatively bad news-our sin and its consequences. But finally, on to the good news!
Background Information
Is there any hope for mankind? That question is asked often. This workshop, we will explore the good news heralded in the bible.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood-to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Questions to consider:
How does this verse answer our questions from the last workshop?
How do God's justice and mercy (love, grace, and compassion) come together in this passage?
Why did Christ have to die (shed his blood)?
Christ died, according to this verse, to justify sinners, and in doing that, to demonstrate that God is still just, even if he justifies sinners. That is good news! Because he took our punishment, "therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Rom. 8:1 (New International Version)!
Make an initial post regarding the 5.1 Devotion in this workshop. Did you learn anything new from the devotional?
Additional posts may ask questions regarding concepts, problems, or assignments that you find difficult or confusing. You may find that a classmate has the information or insight to make things clear.
Make observations regarding how the subject matter of this workshop is exemplified in your world. Do you see the concepts presented in the textbook or the workshop devotional material exemplified around you?
Share insights, new understandings, or "ah ha" moments resulting from your reading and/or work on assignments.
Post a comment or question that deepens the discussion by raising the application or the implications of a concept presented in the textbook or devotional materials.