MONDAY LIVING FOR GOD (EPHESIANS 4)
In the American church, we often see a difference between Sunday and Monday Christianity. Paul calls believers in Ephesians 4 to live worthy of their calling–sinners who have been chosen, redeemed, and adopted to live according to their new position in Christ. Doing so also makes us gospel lights and brings glory to God as we reflect his character. Take a moment to read and watch. Ephesians 4 NET
CONFIDENT PRAYER TO GOD (EPHESIANS 3)
Ephesians 3 contains a well known doxology of the Apostle Paul. As well known as these words are, they express the confidence Paul has in God as he reflects on what God has done in the church and asks God to do specific things within the Ephesian church. Take a moment to read Ephesians 3 and watch. Ephesians 3 NET
BUT GOD…(EPHESIANS 2)
A few words can changes our lives forever: Will you marry me? We’re pregnant! I’m sorry to tell you. I have bad news. In Ephesians 2, Paul makes a statement that speaks of the radical change in believer’s lives – “But God…” When he steps into the scene, everything changes! Take a moment to read Ephesians 2 and then watch. Ephesians 2 NET
ALL ABOUT HIM (EPHESIANS 1)
American Christianity often focuses on ourselves. The star of all of scripture though is God. We see that in Ephesians 1 as Paul writes about what GOD has done. He chose, he predestined, he adopted, he did, he lavished, etc. And if we remember what Paul says about us in Romans 5, God is definitely worthy of our praise as we read Ephesians 1. Take a moment to read and watch. God bless. Ephesians 1 NET
BE ON YOUR GUARD – ROMANS 16
Recently we’ve been asking the question a lot: what is true? In times of confusion, we turn to the Word of God which is truth and comes from Truth himself. I read an article the other day though that sought to discredit the Word of God. The Apostle Paul warns us about such people in Romans 16, our chapter of the day.
PURPOSEFUL STRENGTH – ROMANS 15
And we’re back…in the book of Romans. Paul talks about purposeful strength in chapter 15. He encourages those who are strong to not use their strength for selfish means but to build up the body of Christ, specifically those who are weaker. The strong in faith are to imitate their Savior who gave us his rights for the benefit of others. What a challenge in an age of selfishness!
FROM HIM, THROUGH HIM, TO HIM – ROMANS 11
What about me? I have heard that statement numerous times over the years. In Romans 11, Paul tell us that it is all about GOD! Even as Israel has rejected the Messiah, the gospel was preached to the Gentiles and spread throughout the Roman Empire through them. God has not given up on them. All is going according to his plan. As Paul concludes, from him and through him and to him are all things. To Him be the glory…
JESUS IS LORD – ROMANS 10
Jesus is Lord. Such a simple statement yet is a profound truth. That simple statement reminds us that he is the only one who can redeem us, who can save us. It reminds us as well of the place he is to have in our lives each and every day.
LOVE FOR THE LOST – ROMANS 9
Paul’s concern for his fellow countrymen is poured out in the text of chs. 9-10 or Romans. He is so concerned for them, so moved by their present condition, that he will do anything in order that they might be saved. The question we are begged to answer today is this: do I possess that kind of love for the lost around me?
GOD IS FOR US – ROMANS 8
Romans 8 is great chapter! It is a conclusion in the middle of the book to the first section (chs. 1-8). Paul has traced in these chapters man’s great problem (sin), the avenue to salvation (faith), and what God has done to provide the solution (life in/through Christ Jesus). Chapter 8 concludes reminding us amazingly how God is for us! Take a moment to read it and then watch this video.
GRACE & LIFE – ROMANS 6
I love Romans 6 in part because of how it came to life for me when I went to college. Not only that but an important part of the Romans Road to Salvation is found in this chapter telling us that sin leads to death but there is life in Christ. Amazing words! Check it out!
REJOICE, PRAISE TO THE LORD!
In Romans 5, three times the Apostle Paul calls us to rejoice. As you read that text today, may you rejoice in what the Lord has done through Jesus Christ our Savior. As we think through the history of the world and even current events, all is going according to God’s sovereign, good plan.
SUFFERING & FAITH – ROMANS 5
Paul in Romans 5 talks about suffering as a good thing. That’s strange. We don’t normally think of suffering as something that is good. James joins in as well to form a chorus on this subject–God uses suffering for our good. Let’s see what they both have to say on the matter and how God uses this tool.
PEACE & LOVE – ROMANS 5
Romans 5 paints for us both sides of the gospel message. We that we deserved judgement and yet God showed us love and through faith in him we have peace. We praise God who has loved us so greatly, even when we were unloveable.
FAITH & GRACE – ROMANS 4
I remember my heritage being mentioned various times as I grew up, especially in the phrase: “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much.” The Jews took pride in their heritage, but it gave them a false sense of security. Paul tells us in Romans 4 that salvation has never been by works. Rather, it is a beautiful portrait of faith and grace.
CREATIONS SPEAKS – ROMANS 1
The book of Romans is a great book with a variety of content. Paul speaks about creation, salvation, the Christian life, God’s plan for Israel, and so much more. Chapter one contains some great verses but also a very solemn message.
A MISSION OF HOPE – MATTHEW 28
Matthew 28 is a wonderful chapter as it concludes the book with a message of hope – CHRIST IS RISEN – and then calls believers to share that message with the world around them. We are comforted by the assurance that God himself is will us always as we do this.
GOD IS GOOD – PSALM 103
With everything going on around us, we may question God’s goodness. Yet Psalm 103 reminds us that God is indeed worthy of praise because he is good. David then proceeds through the Psalm to testify to God’s goodness. These words are encouraging reminders for us today.
GOD IS…
Holy. That word was in my mind today, in part because of a song that has been in my head most of the day. Holy is so much more than just moral purity as we describe God. It refers to the distinctness of every facet of his character – he loves with a holy love, he judges with holy justice, he has holy mercy, holy grace. And he has called us to be holy as he is holy (1 Pe…
HERE’S YOUR SIGN – MATTHEW 27
At various points in the Gospels, we see Jesus telling people that his death and resurrection will be a sign of who he is – the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Yet that sign was rejected as we see in Matthew 27. He didn’t save himself though so that he might save us.