Alright, I'll give that explanation a try, Blake. Which, by the way, Blake, props to you. :) I think you might be one of the only one checking some of these. lol Thanks for the comments :)

It might be hard to explain, though, because I'm having some sort of difficulty explaining it to myself.

Romans 5. I think what caught my eye the most was the beginning portion.

1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Everyone knows the oh, so quotable verse 8. I memorized that verse for Sunday School, multiple years, Awanas, school. It became ingrained. Not that that's a bad thing. I like the verse. I just think we skip over the rest of it.

It's like a logical plan of how to use bad times to gain hope. Not just hope, but a hope that will not disappoint. It reinforces the idea that God is there, sent Christ to die for us for no other reason than the fact that He loved us. Undeserving humans. Therefore, we exult in God, who gave us peace and an introduction to this faith through His grace.

Following that, it seems more like a logical progression in explaining how our lives as sinners came about, including the newly supplied grace.

Somehow, it seems a disappointing lead up to a magnificent end. You know, something like those movies who have such dark story lines, or disappointing (I can't really think of the right word to use for it, but I hope you understand what I mean.), then you realize in the end that the story line til then was so dark to reinforce the absolute wonderfulness of the ending! If the story line had been light all along, then the ending wouldn't have such a great impact.

Does that make sense?

All that to say, chapter 5 started wonderful, then reinforced the sinfulness of Adam bringing death on the world to lead up to the last 3 or so verses (19-21):

19For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

It stresses that our sin came about; therefore, grace was supplied all the more. I don't really know how to explain why that struck me so. I had been going through stressful times, and then I read that passage. It really was a comfort to me. Hope and peace were what I was searching for, and bam, there it was.

I hope that explanation is acceptable. I tried, lol. :)

Wow, checking up on these, and I realize it's been forever since I've posted anything. I'm still not quite sure what to post. But I guess I'll just share what I've been remembering here lately.

Flip through my notes here recently, in almost any class, and you'll see several times that I've written Philippians 4:4-8 in the topmost margin.

biblegateway.com:

Philippians 4:4-8 (New American Standard Bible)

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Though you'll only see the reference, picturing me zoning out and quoting the complete Scripture in my head. (Not that I advocate zoning out in class...) But seriously, this Scripture has meant alot to me. It's one of the best comforts I've had throughout this summer and the beginning of the semester. It seems like I've shot myself in the foot so many times. There's been so much going on in my life, in the way of joys, disappointments, upsets, and simply just hurt. Then I flip to that passage. Paul says rejoice in the Lord, always. Don't be anxious about anything. Give it to God, and you'll receive that wonderful peace. Dwell only on the upright and good.

I'll be honest. I was after that peace. It seems like so much turmoil has come up, whether it's my own, or others, or just in my head. Then you might notice that the rest of the Scripture is a lot of common sense. Think. If you dwell only on the upright, you'll be happy, or maybe more content is a better word... and peaceful. If you know that, whatever you're doing, yes, it might hurt then, but in the long run, it's for the best, you'll be content.

The best part is knowing that, even if you feel the whole world is down on you, and, if you're like me you want to run away, God is always there, providing for you and protecting you. For instance:

1 Peter 5:6-7

6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

To be honest, I was really sad when I thought Garrett was going to skip over that particular verse when preaching on it this summer. But he didn't, and I was happy for the reminder. It came at a great time. I always focus on verse 7, cast all your cares upon Him. It puts me in mind of the Psalty song, which used to be pretty much my favorite song ever:

I cast all my cares upon You.
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And anytime I don't know what to do,
I cast all my cares upon You.

That particular passage and song is a great reminder for me to rely on God. He cares for me! How much more could I ask for? Why should I then be upset? I have all I need right there.

There's more I could write, as I was once asked why I liked Romans 5 so much. Which I never got to explain.... But, it's getting late, and I'm curious as to whether these are even checked anymore.

So, I had inspiration and wanted to journal. I hope what I see is a comfort for someone else in hard times. Remember, God is always there! So, BE HAPPY! Rejoice in Him! Give Him everything and He'll guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!