This continuing study of Paul’s distinctive use of lament really emphasises the Gospel message as God’s response. Suffering was predominant in the early Church – personally and collectively – but we, in turn, can find comfort in these things for our own time. The answer to all suffering through sin, affliction, and separation from God has been assured and resolved for us ultimately through Christ’s resurrection. Part 2 of 2.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans echoes the cries of lament which are so prominent throughout the Psalms. This is identifiable as a pattern of prayer in most distressing circumstances, by beseeching God for deliverance followed by praise. This certainly indicates faith and trust in His divine power. Although suffering might be perceived as judgement, Paul speaks of God’s righteousness and promise as it is fulfilled in Christ, delivering us salvation as rescue from our sinful state. Part 1 of 2.

For the idea of Sanctification as ‘making holy’ it is helpful to review the rituals commanded by God’s Law in the Old Testament. The former sacrifices and cleansing, necessary even to enter the temple, we recognise has been fulfilled for us by Christ. Yet it is by faithfully attending the church service and receiving God’s Word and Sacraments that we are incorporated into. This renews us, delivers us from our status as sinners and compels us to lead a Christian life in faith and filled with gratitude for our justification by grace.

The concern of how our salvation can be verified has caused for much concern and different understandings within the Christian Church. Dr Tom Winger speaks of his article ‘The Reformation of Salvation’ to explain the Lutheran perception of how we are justified by grace, as the plan of Salvation which was fulfilled by the Son of God.

The integrity of this book is a valid response to the academics who strive to invalidate the real physical Resurrection of Christ. With a world view, these critics apply their own rational and philosophical strategy so as to deny the incident as possible, plausible, or probable. Yet Bombaro poses an authentic dispute with their own implausibility, in the very technical details and development of the early Christian Church. From that time, believers upheld their faith and confidence in the event of Christ Risen, indeed!

Rev Dr John Bombaro introduces the core of his book justifying the Resurrection of Christ against doubt and critical human logic. Respected scholars tend to identify discrepancies in details of the Scriptural accounts, yet the mystic and spiritually-infused texts are correlated with natural facts and likelihood which can be compared. Most distinct and superlative in the significance of our Sacrament of Holy Communion is the moment of recognition of Christ by the apostles, upon His breaking of the bread.

This second review of Lutheran theology scrutinises the Classic logic which fell short in his revelation of the interplay of God’s grace. The Catholic concept of the merit and measure of righteousness incited his defiance posting the 95 theses, generating further arguments over hermeneutics and Humanistic understanding. Ideas inevitably cause for divide within the Church; yet Luther’s focus upon Christian vocation as a responsibility and product of faith is a fine belief we can activate in our lives today.

Here is a review of the different efforts for religious reform which had been pressing prior to the Reformation: regarding the political structure and papal leadership in Rome, individuals such Wycliffe and Huss, civil revolt and logical thinking in the era. The success of Luther’s revolution was related to many circumstances coming together at that time. Notably in his theology of Grace is understanding that it is delivered by God to the personal level, so also it is universal – and therefore, available to all.

The message and language of the Psalms tend to touch deeply to a universal human experience and understanding our relationship with God. Professor Jeffrey Pulse identifies this into three categories and a cyclical pattern which is common throughout the course of Scripture and our own lives. It follows from the time of Creation, to a wayward fall and tribulation, to lamentation and confession, then restoration with great praise when we are renewed in the presence of God once again.

The generous gift Christ delivers during this season is His Light promised to ALL the World. Dr Richard Harvey describes the celebration of Hanukkah from the Messianic Jewish perspective, respecting Christ as Lord. His powerful statement, ‘I and the Father are ONE’ – was contentious and not well-received by his own society at the time. Discussion here emphasises the Lutheran understanding of faith, granted us as a gift from God, being the genuine means to salvation.