Adam's sin created a fractured humanity, but Jesus initiated something far more profound than a simple fix. Through an engaging exploration of Romans 5-6, we uncover how being "in Adam" versus being "in Christ" fundamentally reshapes our identity and purpose.

Our guests draw fascinating connections between ancient biblical truths and cultural wisdom traditions. Lisa introduces us to the Ghanaian concept of "Sankofa" – symbolized by a bird with its feet forward but head turned back – teaching that properly moving forward requires understanding our past. This perfectly illustrates why Paul takes us all the way back to humanity's beginning to explain our current condition.

The discussion reveals how Jesus functions as a "second Adam," but with a crucial difference. While one man's disobedience brought sin and death to all, Christ's obedience brings righteousness and life – not just restoring what was lost, but dramatically exceeding it. As Lisa beautifully explains, it's like the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery repaired with precious metals becomes more valuable than before it was broken.

We tackle challenging questions about Christian living: Why can't believers simply continue in sin if grace abounds? What does it mean to be "united with Christ" in his death and resurrection? How should we understand the freedom Christ gives? The answers reveal that true freedom isn't doing whatever we want, but rather being liberated from sin's enslavement to serve the One who designed us to flourish.

The conversation culminates with Romans 6:23 – contrasting the wages of sin with God's gift of eternal life – offering a perfect picture of the difference between what we earn through our own efforts versus what God freely gives through Christ. Join us as we discover how Jesus hasn't just fixed humanity – he's completely rebooted it.

Learn more about all the Book by Book study books and video programmes.

Book by Book (biblicalframeworks.com)

Biblical Frameworks - YouTube

The theological heart of Romans pulses with a radical truth - the only remedy for our spiritual condition comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This episode dives deep into Romans 3-5, exploring how Paul dismantles human pride and establishes the foundation of justification by faith alone.

What does it mean that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"? Our panel unpacks this universal diagnosis that places everyone—regardless of background or religious observance—in the same spiritual position. Using the vivid analogy of passengers missing a flight, they show how we've all failed to reach God's perfect standard, whether by minutes or hours.

At the center stands the profound concept of propitiation—how Christ's sacrifice turns God's righteous anger into peace. Unlike human attempts at reconciliation, here the offended party (God himself) provides the means by offering his own Son. This stunning reversal reveals divine love at its most radical.

The conversation explores why Paul reaches back to Abraham and David, demonstrating that justification by faith has always been God's method. Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, while David experienced forgiveness despite his failures. Both understood that right standing with God comes through trust rather than religious ritual.

Perhaps most powerfully, we discover why suffering doesn't derail God's purposes but actually serves them. Like a chemical catalyst transforming substances, trials refine our character and strengthen our hope. And the ultimate proof of divine love? "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." If God loved us at our worst, how much more does he love us now?

Join us as we examine why the message of the cross appears as foolishness to some yet stands as the power of God to those being saved. Have you encountered God at the only place he's promised to meet us—at the cross of Jesus?

Learn more about all the Book by Book study books and video programmes.

Book by Book (biblicalframeworks.com)

Biblical Frameworks - YouTube

Why can't we fix ourselves? This profound question launches us into a challenging exploration of Romans chapters 2-3, where the Apostle Paul confronts both religious and irreligious people with an uncomfortable truth: we are all broken beyond our ability to repair.

Our panel of theologians and pastors dig deep into Paul's argument, revealing how moral superiority and religious observance often mask pride and self-righteousness. As Tobias Brown powerfully notes, "What Paul is saying is that your good fruit does not really matter in the eyes of a holy God, because it's not about your actions, it's about your attitude." God looks first at the heart, not the hands.

The conversation explores significant theological concepts like the true meaning of circumcision (symbolizing our inability to produce spiritual life through natural means) and the transformative power of having God's law written on our hearts through faith. Dr. Paul Blackham explains that true transformation comes not from external rules but internal renewal: "I need to be rewritten at the deepest level."

Perhaps most provocative is the discussion of Paul's assertion that "there is no one righteous, not even one." Rather than being discouraging, this universal diagnosis places everyone—religious leaders, moral crusaders, and notorious sinners—on equal ground before God. Only when we acknowledge our complete inability to save ourselves can we truly grasp the magnificent gift of the gospel.

Ready to challenge your assumptions about goodness, morality, and salvation? Join us for this eye-opening conversation that will deepen your understanding of why we all desperately need Jesus.

Learn more about all the Book by Book study books and video programmes.

Book by Book (biblicalframeworks.com)

Biblical Frameworks - YouTube