Living the Good Life

Back in the first century CE, the famous Christian apostle Paul wrote a topical occasional letter, by no means a systematic theology, to Jesus-following Gentiles and Jews in Rome. Paul was concerned that they would be able to mix together graciously in community - a community that would accede to the teachings of Jesus as interpreted by Paul himself, and, in so doing, bring glory to the name of God. Since Paul's own conversion and call on the road to Damascus, he believed that he had a unique mission to bring grace to the Gentiles and see them unequivocally included in the collective of God's contemporary children. With all of Paul's experience on the journey from place to place - in successful church planting, in responding to practical theological matters, and through difficulties and opposition - he was certainly able to offer clear advice on how to live well in freedom and joy. Let us not mistake Paul's emphasis on making the message of Jesus and his grace available to all without putting roadblocks or hindrances in anyone's way! Chapter 8 of Paul's letter to the Romans covers many important themes pertaining to our faith, while chapter 12 moves such insights into areas of ethics and credible interpersonal and community living. Here we learn how to live a good life! In this commentary, there are 82 daily readings each with a brief principle to take forward. This is the third in a series of books by this author, each with daily studies on various scriptures - the others cover the Gospel of Mark from a missional perspective and the broad theme of the Kingdom of God.