Following on from The Free Gift of Life (Romans 1-5) comes this next installment in Gordon Cheng's insightful studies on Paul's letter to the Romans.
The Free Gift of Sonship is your guide to the riches of Romans 6-11. You'll delve into the personally challenging teaching about obedience and righteousness in chapter 6; the demanding discussion about whether God has kept his promises to Israel in chapters 9-11; and the majestic teaching of chapter 8 regarding the Spirit, the Christian life and the hope of glory.
Whether we are male or female, the glorious gift of God through the gospel is that we are his adopted 'sons'-heirs of his kingdom and co-heirs with his Son, Jesus Christ.
| Author | Gordon Cheng |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781921441066 |
| Format | Saddle stitch |
| First published | May 2008 |
| Dimensions | 150mm x 220mm x 4mm |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 64 |
| No. of studies | 8 |
| Publisher | Matthias Media |
Our home group has just finished working through these studies and has found them really helpful. A good balance of questions and an open choice of discussion themes at the end of each one, along with added background information. Only four stars though as the final study (Rom 11) was oddly disconnected and lacking in productive questions; as if the author was somehow at a loss to know what to do with the themes in the passage. We abandoned the questions in the book and simply 'discussed' our way through Romans 11 paragraph by paragraph. A challenging chapter, but not impenetrable. That aside, I wholeheartedly commend the book and I would happily use the other two in Cheng's 'Romans' series.
We have still to do the final 2 studies in our group but, in the main, it has been a helpful tool. On one occasion I thought the author was seeking to deal with a straw man rather than actually focus on the passage (first part of Romans 8). On another occasion I felt it appropriate to take 2 weeks over one of the studies because I thought the questions skipped over some important points. I found the NIV more helpful than the ESV and in places the paragraphing differs. Parts of Romans are very difficult for those not used to Bible truth and Bible study and the author's approach was generally helpful and acceptable.
An excellent resource for a more in-depth study. Enriching, rewarding and the type and nature of the questions triggered proper study, and personal development. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. Have just ordered the other 2 Romans study guides and this one has been a genuine delight. I have had more than three 'aha moments' whilst reading, pondering and praying about the guided study. There are good cross references to specific/linked scriptures which are very informative and helpful. The only small suggestion to move to 5 star would be a little more contextual description. Having said that, I have just thoroughly enjoyed the learning to date. Fantastic!!
