Paul and His Letter to the Romans: Part Three (Udemy.com)

I am doing this course during a time of political upheaval in the U.S. where the barriers for unity seem to be enormous. The message to the Roman Christians to persist in unity in Christ across cultural barriers is a message we need to hear today. Another important message is about living in a time when you may personally oppose the government, but recognize and respect its authority which ultimately comes from God. While many questions remain, I found hope and comfort in Romans.

Some of the quiz questions a vague and not quite accurate to the material or the Bible. Or it could be I don't agree with the interpretation of the question's answer. In which case it is what it is.

Professor Wright in his very important study of Paul's Romans allows readers to avoid the pitfalls of denominationalism. The spirit leads to truth and unity, not the divisions of the denominsations. Pro. Wright demonstrates beyond doubt that God was consistent through out history so there was no plan A and plan B. God all along planned to sum up everything in the Son of God, himself a Jew yet without sin.

I have now 'finished' all three parts of the total course on Romans. I lament my own failure to grapple with the letter at a much earlier stage of my preaching ministry; nevertheless, my next comment is of praise for all that I have learned from Prof. Wright.Not least I am conscious of having heard a great preacher who touched me as only a preacher can. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks be to God.

I loved Professor Wright's response in session 9 when the interviewer turned to politics with what appeared to be the hope that Wright would condemn the fellow who was elected as President of the US in 2016. Wright's response was the apolitical response of a responsible scholar. I miss the days when this was the rule rather than the exception.

In each and every lecture I gained a clearer understanding of Pauls teaching. How the book of Romans is constructed and hangs together. I especially liked the teaching on the last portion of the book. Pauls teaching on the unity of the church and how that is to be accomplished by thinking and reasoning like Jesus. I was personally challenged in this practice of unity. The church as a whole has failed in this practice. I'm sure that in time the Holy Spirit will make a course correction for the church. Victory is assured.

N.T.Wright shares keen insights that I don't believe are readily available in many other places. Besides some keen insights on the letter to the Romans in general, which he is uniquely qualified to share, his insights into such areas as the Jewish question, the faithfulness of God even when he exiles the Jews, his arguments from Deuteronomy 27-30 and other Old Testament passages, and his arfuments regarding the Sabbath and God's new time, to name a few, are so valuable and enlightening.

I truly enjoyed this book. It seems to have a lighter tone and a familiarity with the members of the church there than I have experienced in other books. I've listened to Phillipians twice now, and each time I'm left with a feeling that I've become a part of a bigger picture--the purpose God had in mind for us all when the Bible was written.

It seems all other religions have their major prophet/spokesman just appear suddenly with no prior history. Not so for Jesus/Messiah. The OT is a 2000 year narrative establishing his human lineage. This course tells that narrative giving us the major texts in Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Psalms and Isaiah that are especially relevant. Then the exodus of the Jews foreshadowing our exodus from slavery to sin is very meaningful. People who think all religions are the same should take this course. I have learned so much and am assured that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. An informed faith is a strong faith!

The Fourth Movement of this symphony called Romans is a powerful finale defining what it means to live as the people of the Messiah King Jesus, faithfully doing and being the gospel. Wikipedia lists over 800 Christian denominations; with that, a discourse on unity and holiness from NT Wright couldn’t be more appropriate. People from all walks of life will benefit when they join in the lively discussions.