Where persecution existed for the belief that a crucified present from a distant land was either a stumbling block to self-righteousness or foolishness to a Platonian gnostic culture, what can be said to instill confidence to someone who has never met? The book of Romans, written from Corinth by the Apostle Paul to the Roman church in 56-57 A.D. is considered one of the best expositions of the Gospel (Hindson & Towns 2016). This exposition, inspired by the Holy Spirit, strengthen the faith of the Roman believers, and strengthen the worldview through which they endured fierce persecution, and is able to sharpen the Christian worldview of believers through all time: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16 ESV)
The Natural World (approximately 150–200 words) In …show more content…
In some worldview, people either shape culture, or are a product of their culture. Paul describes the utter destruction and devolution of a culture devoid of God. As people reject God, replace Him with the natural world, they lose their identify, destroy their relationships with each other, and result into immoral chaos. Without God, neither people nor culture can function properly. The Bible tells Christians they ought to live in the world, but not be from the world. Paul advises Christians that their first major struggle is against their own flesh, how the Spirit of God give believers victory the Christ’s sacrifice, how the whole world (including culture) awaits redemption when Christ returns, and to walk by the Spirit until the day returns. Christians out to reclaim culture for Christ by first seeking their own sanctification, and then living out the Gospel in word and deep in their families, their communities, and in the larger