6/26 Conclusion: Paul's letter to the Romans

The final section of the Romans is often skipped or skimmed. However, it is too significant to understand the gospel according to Paul.

Before the closure of his letter, Paul restated his apostolic ministry. Through the special grace of God, Paul was given to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. In order to fund the churches for non-Jews, Paul wrote his letters as substitutes for his presence, just as he had stated his travel plan at the end of chapter 15.

The texts of "Against Factions" (16:17-20) and "Doxology" (16:25-27), though well represented in the manuscript tradition, were probably not originally part of Paul's letter to the Romans. However, in some respects, these texts are good summary of Romans.

(cited/referenced from "ROMANS The Good News According to Paul", by Daniel Harrington)

Arthur will lead us the discussion in the conclusion of Romans.

Date/Time: 2009-06-26 (Friday), 7:45pm ~ 9:30pm
Subject: Romans 15:14 - 16:26
Study Lead: Arthur
Snacks: Daniel
Location: 10110 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino CA.

God Bless

6/5 - be transformed by the renewal of your mind ...

This week, we are going to study Romans Chapter 12. 基督徒應有的生活.

... if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute (you), bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Rather, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Bettina will lead us for discussion. The following is our meeting information:

• Date/Time: 2009-06-05 (Friday), 7:30 pm ~ 9:30 pm
• Subject: Start from Romans Chapter 12
• Study Lead: Bettina
• Snacks: Bettina
• Location: St. Joseph of Cupertino School (Art classroom)
• Address: 10110 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino CA.
• Map direction: Please click on the link for Art classroom location at blue dot. ( http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=106160617455888468411.0004523c011c84031aa36&ll=37.324319,-122.030153&spn=0.003306,0.005214&z=18 )
• 7:30 - 8:00pm - Children sing along praise and worship session. Please arrive promptly
• Our 2009 Q2 Schedule: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pZoGJjNOFo7bgMvjXKkgxGw . Please sign-up for your lead schedule (We have one slots left on 6/26).
• Our group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CornerstoneCBS/ (You can see all of our email archive here.)

God Bless.