INTRODUCTION: We rightly refer to father Abraham. He is the central model for us from the pages of the Old Testament, living out the implications of radical faith, faith at the root. As we walk in imitation of him, we are his children indeed. As we walk in imitation of him, we have the family …
Learning to Say “Geronimo” to Yourself in the Pulpit
“The apostle believes that boldness in preaching is at heart a question of getting the message of Christ out clearly, despite the fearful threat of unpleasant consequences. In short, as I said before, boldness in the preacher is the willingness and ability to be clear in the face of fear” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 42).
Blessed Is the Man/Romans 14
INTRODUCTION: The word imputation may seem like one of those technical-sounding theological words to make your head hurt, but it is really quite straightforward—and full of blessing. THE TEXT: “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof …
Preaching that Damns the Torpedos
“Essentially, whether the Greek term is translated ‘boldness’ or ‘confidence’ (for ‘plainness’ or ‘sincerity’), at the heart of the idea is freedom to make the truth of God known without fear of opposition or consequences” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 41).
The Just God Who Justifies/Romans 13
INTRODUCTION: If God failed to fulfill His promise to Abraham, then He would be unjust. If God fulfilled His promise by simply declaring that everyone was now justified, then He would be unjust under that circumstance as well. If He doesn’t save the nations, then He is unjust. If He saves the nations, then He …
Not Optional
“While it may not be difficult to find churchgoing people who are pleased with ‘preaching’ that lacks biblical boldness, it is not at all possible, as a preacher, to please God without it” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 40).
That Every Mouth May be Stopped/Romans 12
INTRODUCTION: One difficulty that presents itself while working through a book like Romans in small segments is that it is very hard to find a place to stop . . . becauses Paul frequently doesn’t stop. This week we need to run a little ahead and stop in mid-thought, and next week we will back …
When the Preacher Slips His Leash
“As we will see a little later, apostolic boldness is something people are not likely to understand until they actually hear it, and then they are not exactly sure that it is what they wanted after all!” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 40).
Righteous Vengeance/Romans 11
INTRODUCTION: Paul is walking the world through the meaning of honest confession before God. The unbelieving Gentiles don’t want to honor God as God, or give Him thanks, and so Paul set the grandeur of God right in front of them, as displayed in every created thing. The Jews don’t want God, and so Paul …
Let God Be True/Romans X
INTRODUCTION: We learned from the end of chapter two that not all Jews are Jews, along with the corollary that not all Christians are Christians. But keeping up with the apostle can be a strenuous effort sometimes, and we now learn in the first part of chapter three that the Jews who are not really …