We know various species of birds by their particular markings. What are... or do the visible markings of your life indicate you are a true believer? It's not about membership or even a particular ritual, it is about how the Spirit is working from withing you to glorify God with all that you say and do.

We cannot earn our salvation, yet our works seem to be very important. How do we understand the depth of meaning given to our deeds in Romans 2, as well as James and the closing of the Sermon on the Mount?

Paul is very clear in saying that we are saved by grace through faith and grace is a 'gift.' But what about works? What is the importance and significance of our works? James says that by works we show our faith. Paul says in todays text that works will be judge, and there are only two destinies. Aren't you glad to know that God shows no partiality?

Paul says that we reveal our own character when we judge others. The Bible says that we are to judge fairly, lovingly, according to God's standards. And when we judge in any other fashion, we are without excuse.

It is much like a string of dominos... one tipping the next. We celebrate evil, but only because we have practiced evil for so long we have become hardened. The real problem is our idolatry, which causes us to not think and behave correctly.

Do you at times feel ashamed of admitting your faith? Do you seem to lack power to speak out boldly? Paul has something for us to think about

What do you treasure more than anything else in life? Paul treasured (was thankful) that the faith of the Christians at Rome was being proclaimed all over the world. What do people say about you and your church?

Paul treasured the fact that he was under obligation to share the good news with the Gentile world. Do you treasure the faith so much you feel obligated to share the message?

Paul says the Scriptures of old were written for us for teaching, endurance, encouragement... all for the purpose of giving us hope.

Paul said he was a slave and an apostle - a humble servant and one called/commissioned to an important task - proclaiming the 'gospel of God' which includes a call for 'obedience of faith.' How should we understand all of this in terms of an introduction to this very important letter?

John has written, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11) and just a bit later "...whoever loves God must also love his brother" (21). Yes, grace is unconditioned, but it is not unconditional. There are things we must/ought to do as our response to God's grace. Dallas Willard has written, "Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is action."