Romans

November 4th – Romans 10:9

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Romans 10:9

I am thankful for the freedom to have heart that believes and a mouth that publicly confesses Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior

Paul makes it clear that there are no works we could ever do to earn salvation. It’s a gift that God offers to all who believe and receive Jesus as their Savior. Yet Paul also says we that we must believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. But isn’t making confession mandatory fall in the category of works? Is Paul adding conditions the Lord never intended? The truth is, Paul meant confession isn’t a requirement for salvation, but rather the evidence of salvation. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, it was a tumultuous time for Christians. It was one thing to confess Jesus as Lord behind closed doors. But to confess Him as Lord publicly, meant certain persecution and possibly death. Paul himself was beaten, imprisoned, and beheaded for his faith. So He knew well the weight of a public confession. But he also knew that those who were truly saved, would not only believe in their hearts, but confess with their mouths for all to hear; no matter the consequences.

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November 1st – Romans 1:16

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Romans 1:16

I’m thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

When the apostle Paul was in Rome, he boldly, and publicly declared how he wasn’t ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And even bolder still, he wasn’t afraid to share that gospel with others. Because not only is it a privilege to carry on the work of Jesus and share His message, as the only one true gospel it has the power to save lives. So how about you? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Before you answer, let me ask you this? I once read to live unashamed of the gospel means we proclaim it, but we also show our belief in it through our actions and how we live our life. We cannot talk the talk and not walk the walk. For that makes our testimony useless and us no better than a Pharisee. Paul’s life choices supported his message. He did not preach one thing and live another. Instead he lived a life of obedience and represented God with bravery and enthusiasm. And out of thankfulness for sacrifice of Jesus, we should do the same!

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October 27th – Romans 8:16-17

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Romans 8:16-17

God’s Promise – “Jesus is happy to share His inheritance with you.”

We’ve all heard the saying, “you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family.” But God in His goodness gives us the chance to do just that. Because once we choose to receive Jesus as our Savior, we become adopted heirs into God’s family. His beloved children reborn through the blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit who comes to indwell us, testifies before the Lord that we are His. And we receive the great privilege of calling God, “Abba, Father!” Better still, we become joint heirs with Jesus to all the glories of God’s kingdom! Our Father in heaven never intended for us to walk through this life alone. That’s why He created families. And He longs for each of us to join His. To receive His perfect love, comfort, and guidance. God invites us to climb unto His lap, and rest in the arms of a loving Father. The One who gave His only begotten Son to offer adoption papers to the world!

October 27th – Romans 8:16-17 Read More »

October 10th – Romans 8:1

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Romans 8:1

God’s Promise – “Because of Jesus, you are free from all condemnation.”

One day each of us will stand in the court of God to be judged. But for those Jesus calls His own, no guilty verdict will be found nor penalty to pay. Why? Because once we were in chains, slaves to sin and burdened under the Law of God which we were unable to obey. But out of His great love, Jesus died to free us from that bondage. He became the perfect fulfillment of God’s Law. And His work on the Cross paid full restitution for every past, present, and future sin. As a result of Christ’s sacrifice, we are now reconciled to God and declared innocent. The pull of sin is strong, and we all struggle. Even the apostle Paul wrestled with succumbing to sin. But because Jesus loves us so much, He refuses to leave anyone in their wickedness. And so He offers to all who believe upon Him the chance to have their sins blotted out forever. To stand before God declared righteous, justified, and forgiven!

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Growing In Faith – Luke 7

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Luke 7

In Luke 18:8 Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Why is faith so important to God? Hebrews 11:6 gives us the answer. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” In order to please God we not only need to believe that He is who He says He is, but also trust in His promise to reward our faithfulness. …

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Growing In Faith – Luke 7 Read More »

September 10th – Romans 5:8

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Romans 5:8

The attacks of the Enemy have been coming at me fast and furious. Each day he’s been putting to the test my thoughts, tongue, and actions. And although some days I pass that test with flying colors, more often than not I fail miserably. But you know what? I don’t have to fear, because it doesn’t matter to God. His love for me isn’t based on anything I do but on everything He does. Whether I succeed or fail, God’s love never waivers! So when I’m feeling particularly discouraged, I read the words of Paul who tells me, “Newsflash! God knows your failings and loves you anyway!” The Lord knew from the beginning how we would rebel, reject, and disappoint Him. And so what did God do? Far from doling out the punishment of death we all deserve, He gives to us the precious gift of His unmerited grace and mercy. Sparing no expense, not even His only begotten Son, God Himself provides the path of reconciliation to Him, declaring us justified through faith in Jesus!

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Spetember 8th – Romans 7:18

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Romans 7:18

Christian author, Lysa TerKeurst once wrote, “You are more than the sum total of your feelings and perfectly capable of that little gift from Jesus called self-control.” Being a Christian means no more excuses for sin or being satisfied with merely the desire to do better. And no more saying, “I can’t help it, the temptation is too great.” Jesus faced every temptation we ever will. And the same power He had to walk in righteousness is available to us. Satan knows our weakness. And He takes great glee in dangling the carrot of sin before us. But God has always been one step ahead. He knew left to our own devices, we’ll choose sin every time. That’s why in His great love and mercy, He provided a way out. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us. And through Him we have the strength to triumph over sin, win every battle, and overcome any temptation. So claim the power that is yours, and never again fear the enticement of the Enemy!

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August 16th – Romans 11:22

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Romans 11:22

I love sitting on my front porch and enjoying the view of the large oak tree in my front yard. The beauty of its leaves in autumn is surpassed only by the size of its massive trunk. It bestows the kindness and nourishment of its leathery nuts to all who hunger. And protection from the storm to those seeking harbor in its sturdy branches. God is the mightiest of oaks. Providing spiritual sustenance and divine protection to those who feed on His Word, and shelter in His branches. A privilege reserved for those He calls His own. And because of His unequaled kindness, through the gift of salvation, we are grafted into His roots. And as long as we “continue in His kindness,” staying firmly perched in His tree, never rejecting Him or His Word, not ever will we hunger, nor any storm overtake us.

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Commending A Crook – Luke 16

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Jesus often taught earthly stories with heavenly meanings, called parables. And usually the stories He told were clear in meaning. But the parable of the “Unjust Steward” upon first glance appears to find the Lord commending a crook. For in it we find Jesus seemingly condoning the dishonesty of an unrighteous manger. Yet in truth, Jesus uses the story to teach the importance of caring about our futures. And to warn against the worship of wealth above God.

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Commending A Crook – Luke 16 Read More »

July 13th – Romans 9:3

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Romans 9:3

Paul’s heart ached for his fellow Jews and their rejection of Jesus.  So much so, that he was willing to be separated from the Lord if it meant salvation for Israel. The apostle received horrendous treatment from the people. Yet he never stopped hoping he would know the joy of seeing them receive Jesus as their Savior and experiencing the new life awaiting them. Such a selfless love is hard to fathom. After all it’s easy for us to want the best for those whom we love, and who love us in return. But what about those who don’t? Can we have the attitude of a Paul? Can we have hearts so full of love for Jesus that we mourn over His lost and rejoice over His found? Through our own strength such a love is impossible. But if we let Him, God will build in us that same kind of humble, self sacrificing spirit. The kind that joyfully leads others out of the darkness and into the light of Christ.

July 13th – Romans 9:3 Read More »