“…Christ died for the ungodly…” Romans 5:6c

The five understandable words for today are just one set in a package of five which communicate this basic tenet of Christian faith. Verses six through eight are packed with rich theology – presented in five-word phrases:

• “…at just the right time…” (v.6a) – God’s timing is always perfect, and Jesus’ earthly appearance was no different. From ages past, God had set a plan to redeem man to Himself (read Galations 4:4; Philippians 2:5-11).

• “…when we were still powerless…”  (v.6b) – It is not by works one secures right-standing with God (read Ephesians 2:8-9), and no one is able to decide how one is qualified for heaven’s eternal joy except God. We simply cannot save ourselves, no matter how good we may be (read Isaiah 64:6; Galatians 5:19-21).

• “…God demonstrates His own love…” (v.8a) – The one word describing God’s essence is love (read 1 John 4:7-8), it is God’s love which leads to His trait of goodness. God is good all the time, and that goodness looks for ways to demonstrate His love by blessing others with the gifts of His mercies and grace. His mercies are new every morning (read Lamentations 3:22-23), and His grace is sufficient for anything one may face at any moment (read 2 Corinthians 12:9). In fact, God’s power is demonstrated most powerfully through us in our weakness – when we are powerless!

• “…while we were still sinners…” (v.8b; review 3:23) – Sin in every person is the ball and chain which makes one powerless to qualify for Heaven… to stand before God fully reconciled to Him. Sin is what weighs us down to earth’s perspective, leaving one unable to see through the eyes of faith (read Genesis 4:4-7). This phrase also lends one to understand how the dynamic or pattern of sin is disrupted once one comes to a saving knowledge of faith in Christ. Christians are simply to turn from sin through the power God provides as we walk in The Way of Righteousness.

Within the treasure trove of five understandable words, Paul described how God’s love stands in contrast to man’s love: “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” (v.8) People are reticent to die – even for good causes. Jesus, however, took heaven’s assignment of redemption for mankind, dying on a cross for those totally unworthy. The descriptions of man’s unworthiness were found in the phrases we just reviewed: “without strength,” “ungodly,” and “sinners.” Christ died for the ungodly. Theologian Stewart Briscoe described man’s fallen condition this way:

“We lack the power to live as we ought even though we may have the power to live as we wish because our standards are so low. We lack the attitude of reverence and holy awe which a correct understanding of God’s person requires and demands, and we lack the capability to hit the mark or achieve the divine expecttions. This pitiful description would hardly move mankind to love such failures, but God’s love is demonstrated in the supreme sacrifice of the Son for such people.” (The Communicator’s Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 116, pp. 1, lines 5-12).

Each one who comes to faith in Christ arrives at that point only after agreeing with God about his/her condition: powerless, ungodly, sinner, and even an enemy of God (v.10 – which we will discuss in greater detail on Monday, Lord willing). Once one recognizes his/her total inability to achieve any right standing before God on personal merit or works, one is able to repent of one’s sinful nature (to turn away from the pattern of sinful practice; read Proverbs 28:13), confess one’s sin(s) and begin the lifelong journey of transformation. If you have not turned from your pattern of sin, perhaps King David’s prayer of repentance may help you have a serious discussion with God about it:

“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to Your Word. I gave an account of my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of Your precepts, that I may meditate on Your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me Your law.” (Psalm 119:25-29, NIV)

Once you have repented, ask Jesus to come and give the new life He offers… the same life He spoke of to the woman at the well (read John 4:10-14). Then, ask Christ to live through your life, that it may be a pleasing offering to God (read Psalm 19:13-17; 1 John 1:7-9). Then… tell someone! Tell your family… your spouse… your friends (especially those who are Christians, as they will rejoice with you)… and those who need to hear of your new life in Christ. For heaven’s sake, even tell a stranger!

I hope you have a blessed weekend…

“…we rejoice in the hope…” Romans 5:2c

The Believer is able to stand before God by His grace (v.2a&b). God’s grace is poured out to all who come before Him in faith, trusting Him to work things out for the good. It is truly something to rejoice over; and not only that, the Believer is able to rejoice in the hope of Heaven, where one will behold the glory of God!

Paul then explained that he could even rejoice in his sufferings! Times of sufferings don’t tend to lend one toward rejoicing. However, Paul explained how he was able to rejoice while suffering:

“…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our lives by the Holy Spirit, Whom He has given us.” (vv. 3c – 5)

There are so many ways to suffer – some which are self-imposed from poor decisions. We suffer mental anguish and sorrow after some great personal loss, and one may also suffer physically during moments of grief. Certainly, those injured in an accident or in battle suffer pain. Most would agree that we work to endure the suffering with the hope of healing. The scars of life work in such a way as to create perseverance – the courage to continue working through the suffering.

Once one has developed the discipline of perseverance, the natural by-product is the character one has grown – a new perspective developed directly from the suffering. It is that same new perspective which empowers one with hope – the sister of faith, for hope confidently looks to God’s intervention and provision to end the pain and suffering.

While Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to persevere through the hardship of persecution, he was pointing them to the one hope that would never disappoint: the hope of heaven. This hope is poured-out into Believer’s hearts by The Holy Spirit, Whom God gives to all who believe (v.5). It is this hope that will enable us to see the glory of God (v.2)!

Keep believing… keep trusting… even through the hard times. Soon we will behold Him!

Have a blessed day…

“…we have peace with God…” Romans 5:1b

Romans is a letter written to the church in Rome. In the letter, Paul exposed these first century Believers to the first systematic theology of Christian faith and practice:

1. Everything created points to the Creator.

2. Mankind prostituted creation and perverted its purpose.

3. Mankind rejected God’s standard for living, losing favor with God (sin).

4. God made a provision to bring men/women back into favor with Him.

Paul’s ‘argument’ or ‘proof’ is frequently laced with the word, “therefore”, and anytime the word is presented, one should see what it’s there for – to process through the information leading to “therefore”- forming a conclusion. Up to this point, “therefore” has been used to state the condemnation of mankind (3:20), and the justification of souls by faith (5:1).

Today’s five understandable words is the conclusion Paul gave once one accepts God’s provision for right-standing with God by faith in Jesus Christ and His divine work of redemption upon the cross (v.2). One is justified fully before God through faith alone, bringing God’s peace (vv. 1; Philippians 4:7). Peace and love are supernatural by-products of being in Christ – The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Peace is just as necessary for us today as it was for the first century Christian. Peace allows one to see beyond the pain and suffering of this earth, while lending courage to endure hardship and persecution. When one walks with the God of Peace (Philippians 4:9), one is encouraged to persevere and live victoriously through life’s challenges. I hope you can testify to that peace in your life.

Have a blessed day…

“…it was credited to him…” Romans 4:22

As we saw yesterday, “…Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him: ‘So shall your offspring be.’” (v.18) We discovered that faith in God through the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice is what will unite Persians, Jews, and Christians alike… for they all trace their roots back to Abraham. (Read 4:1-17)

Abraham and Sarah were as good as dead when it came to reproduction. However, they both believed God’s promise and were rewarded by God awakening their bodies to be able to produce a son, Isaac. Paul used this premise to show how Jesus died and rose again. God, who gives life to the dead, can call things that are not as though they were (v.17). Paul concludes that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (v.22), then he provides an explanation of the phrase… the same five words we consider today:

“The words, ‘It was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in Him Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (vv. 23 – 25)

All of chapter four leads up to the above statement. Paul skillfully revealed how God established one’s acceptability before God on the basis of faith – not works. He reviewed how the practice of circumcision began – as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham. Then, Paul explained how the old covenant pointed to the new covenant through Jesus Christ – which was also achieved through faith. In both instances, one’s works – how one lives out life – are empowered through faith.

So, we discover today that our faith, like Abraham’s, is credited to each of us – just as it was to Abraham! It’s the way God established it to work. So, how is this to affect our living today? To answer a question with a question, I can only ask: Why do we keep feeling the need to check the boxes of our Christian practice? What things are we doing out of a sense of false guilt or from a self-imposed expectation based on the lives of others?

You know what I’m talking about. We imitate the practices of others who call themselves faith-walkers, even when they aren’t getting it right. What Paul is pointing us to is the process of transformation through faith and how that process is enhanced through time in God’s Word. It was the sacred texts that Paul pointed to in his message to the church at Rome. The Word is alive and sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel for performing spiritual surgery (Hebrews 4:12)… cutting away the cancers of doubt, despair, and defeat, while also removing sin’s guilt and damage as it transforms one’s thinking and living.

Aren’t you glad IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM as righteousness? And we will receive the same favor through the mercies and grace of God’s riches!

Have a blessed day…

“…guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring…” Romans 4:16

As we have seen, Abraham received the sign of circumcision after first demonstrating his confidence in God to fulfill the promise God gave him: the promise of an heir from whom many nations would come (vv.11a & 17a). Abraham then is, “…the father of all who believe, but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.” (vv.11b – 12)

Faith is the confidence one places in God to work all things out for the good to those who are called according to His purposes (v. 8:28). Faith is being sure of things hoped for and certain of those things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1). And it is by faith that God’s promise (of new life, abundant life, daily mercies, and heaven) is guaranteed by grace to all Abraham’s offspring – both the circumcised and uncircumcised, those whose lives have been lived by the law and those whose lives are lived by faith.

Perhaps by this platform of faith, we can see how Jews, Muslims, and Gentiles can be infused by the Holy Spirit with the spark of abundant life through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, may Christ’s redemption be offered to all mankind, that at His feet we will worship together around Heaven’s throne. May all who are dead in their sin become alive through Jesus Christ (v.17c), so that Paul’s inspired words would come to life in our day:

“He (Abraham) is our father in the sight of God, in Whom he believed – the God Who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” (v.17b-d)

Pray with me for people of every color, tribe, and tongue to be born again – called to life through the Holy Spirit as we hold out the Word of Truth. Their faith in Christ will show God’s promise is GUARANTEED TO ALL ABRAHAM’S OFFSPRING.

Have a blessed day…

“…righteousness that comes by faith.” Romans 4:13c

Paul continued in his diatribe, that faith is credited as righteousness, by restating it another way:

“It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” (v.13)

By articulating the idea of God’s promise, Paul reinforced the premise of faith being the platform from which works originate. By believing God’s promise, Abraham trusted God enough to:

• venture to a land he knew nothing about (Genesis 12:1-4).

• receive the sign of the covenant through circumcision at the age of ninety-nine (Genesis 17:1-12)!

• believe how God would bring about a great nation through him, even as an old man (NOTE: though I would have to point out that Abraham was far from what one would think to be a model saint, since he gave his wife away twice to save his own neck. [Genesis 12:10-15; Genesis 20:1-3], and was duped by his wife into thinking the promise would be fulfilled through her maidservant after God had told them both the promised heir would come through their seed. Read Genesis 16:1-4).

• believe God could raise his only son up from the dead after being instructed to offer him to God as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18; Hebrews 11:8-19).

Paul then contrasted the law against faith by stating:

“For if those who live by (the) law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath (the consequences of sin, as well as judgment). And where there is no law there is no transgression.” (vv. 14 – 15)

So, we see then that faith is made useless if we place our confidence in our works. What’s even worse, though, is if there were no law – everyone would be a law unto themselves and there would be complete anarchy. It is through the law one is made conscious of one’s sin and the need to be saved. The law’s purpose is both divine and practical, leading one to repentance while warning of evil things one should avoid.

I am thankful that God’s promise empowers me to trust God enough for my future supplied through His provision, His protection, and His peace. If you lack faith, ask Jesus for it – for He is The Author and Finisher of our faith. Then, like Abraham, follow God’s direction.

Have a blessed holiday weekend… be safe.

“…faith is credited as righteousness.” Romans 4:5b

Now that Paul had introduced the radically new, yet ancient precept of faith apart from works, he supported his stance with evidence from the ancient manuscripts, while pointing to the forefathers of the faith. He devoted the entire fourth chapter to a teleological proof for faith as the requisite for earth’s peace and Heaven’s passport.

Paul began with the obvious: if anyone could boast about works, it had to be Abraham, who gave-up family and friends to travel to a place he knew nothing about (vv. 1 – 2; Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham put feet to his faith… he proved his faith was genuine by trusting God and stepping out. So, we see that faith preceded his works. Abraham’s works were merely how his faith was worked-out in his living. Paul reminds the reader that God credited such faith to Abraham as righteousness – in other words, good standing before God, The Ruler of the universe. He explained the dynamic like this:

“Now, when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts in God Who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” (vv. 4 – 5)

Pointing to another forefather, Paul asserted King David knew all too well that righteousness came through faith, and that David spoke of, “…the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works…” (v.6). Quoting the minstrel king, Paul cited Psalm 32:

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin The Lord will never count against him.” (v.7)

Paul then confronted the scholars of Jewish literature by asking if the blessing was only for those circumcised or for all (v.9). He skillfully leads them to the point at which Abraham’s faith was credited to him… before he was circumcised! So, what’s the big deal about circumcision? It was a seal of the righteousness that he acquired through faith before the procedure was ever done (vv. 9b – 11b). Paul surmised that Abraham’s faith makes him the father of, “…all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.” (vv. 11c – 12)

Circumcision, as a faith practice, may seem odd to us today. Though widely done as a medical procedure, it is not the ‘seal’ recognized by God for distinguishing one who walks by faith. The seal I speak of is a new circumcision – of the heart. This circumcision is performed by The Holy Spirit when one dies to self and lives to Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14). Now, we exercise our faith by welcoming Christ to live in and through our lives. That is the evidence we carry before the world and each other. The world will know we are his followers by our love for each other and acts of love toward the world.

What will your random act of love be toward someone today?

Have a blessed day…

“…man is justified by faith…” Hebrews 3:28

Paul transitioned his letter with the words, “But now…” (v.21). Having uncovered the law’s purpose as that which God uses to make one conscience of sin, the idea of a righteousness apart from the law was then introduced. Paul was about to present the greatest truth humanity has ever heard. This righteousness is God’s provision to all who have transgressed the law – and that, Paul stated, is everyone (v.23). God provided a new covenant through Jesus Christ, whereby one is granted good-standing before God by faith in Christ (vv.22&24).

Paul explained God’s provision this way:

“God presented Him (Jesus Christ) as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and The One Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” (vv. 25 – 26)

To lean on one’s pedigree, then, bears no merit before a holy and just God. Paul, a Jew’s Jew – schooled under Gamaliel, and a learned Pharisee who exercised enough zeal to hunt down those Jews who confessed their faith in Christ before he himself did so – maintained that one is justified fully before God by one’s faith, not by one’s heredity. He clarified this position with the words, “Is God the God of Jews only? Is HE not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, Who will justify the circumcised (Jews) by faith, and the uncircumcised (Gentiles, non-Jews) through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.”

Paul was not disposing of The Law’s value or function, and maintained, instead, that God’s Word should be held up before the world to work-out its purpose by God’s divine power. By inspiring Paul to present this argument, God reflects his perfect justice – where He is both judge and justifier: God upholds His own law by punishing sin, and demonstrates love to the sinner through the blood shed by Jesus, Who fulfilled the requirements of the law’s demand through His own sacrificial death.

We find, then, that both the absolute and relative attributes of God are manifested through His love. God is love, an absolute attribute of God’s character (1 John 4:8); God relates to us by His divine expressions of love through mercy and grace. In His mercy, God does not give us what we deserve (death and hell); and in His grace, God bestows that which we do not deserve (salvation, the hope of Heaven, and all the blessings of living we have each day).

Thank God for this indescribable gift found in Jesus Christ!

Have a blessed day…

“There is no one righteous...” Romans 3:10

Paul introduced a concept which was foreign to the thinking of Jews and those who believed their spiritual heritage guaranteed them acceptance before God. He entered into a lengthy argument using hypophora, challenging their ancient practice which they believed was God’s ‘paradigm’ for the security of their souls – a system based upon heredity and works. They were half-right, for as we have seen in Paul’s words, to those who persist in doing good receive glory, honor, and immortality (v.2:7). God’s system for healthy humanity has always been based on faith which is evidenced through people who live good lives, because they know there will be a moment of accountability for each person’s life (vv. 19 – 20).

With hypophora, one asks and answers a series of questions to make a point. It is used as a critical thinking exercise for presenting and defending an argument. Paul presented another series of questions in chapter three which he used to bring his letter’s recipients to a point of readiness for receiving the greatest truth for humanity ever told. Here are the questions Paul posed to the Jews in Rome and the 1st century Christian church there:

• “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?” (v.1)

Paul asserted that there was a GREAT advantage in being a Jew. Why? They have been entrusted with the very words of God (v.2). Paul had great reverence for the ancient texts and for the history of salvation found in them.

• “What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?” (v.3)

Paul answered, “Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar.” (v.4; Psalm 116:11) Then he quoted from Psalm 51:4b, “So that You may be proved right when You speak and prevail when You judge.” (v4d)

• “But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) (v.5)

Again, Paul answered, “Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?” (v.6; notice that here, he answered his question with another question to show God’s worthiness to judge all people – even those He chose to take the light of faith and freedom to the nations) Paul covered all his bases, showing how far from reality the thinking of that time truly was, he presented the following question:

• “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? Why not say – as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say – ‘Let us do evil that good may result.’?” (vv. 7 – 8c)

Paul condemned those with such distorted thinking: “Their condemnation is deserved.” (v.8d) He was particularly disturbed by their rational and by the accusations by others who claimed Paul taught such an idea.

Paul closed this section of questions with the question:

• “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better?”

And again, he answers negatively: “Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.” Paul borrowed from the ancient manuscripts to support his conclusion: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (v.10; 1 Kings 8:46) Again, reaching into the truths of the ancient texts, Paul supports the statement with these words:

“…there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (vv. 11 – 18)

The words above are all taken from the ancient texts. I’ll let you look up the references provided in most Bibles today. Suffice it to say that no-one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by mere observance of ‘The Law’. The purpose of ‘The Law’ is to make each person become conscious of sin. The law works in concert with one’s conscience to dissuade one from sinful acts, to bring one to repentance after sinning, and to provide wisdom in choosing righteous acts over sinful ones.

Jesus, The Word that became flesh (John 1), provides a righteousness through faith, apart from works. We will discuss how it happens tomorrow.

Have a blessed day…

“…not by the written code.” Romans 2:29

In his letter to the Roman church, Paul confronted the entire social order through the arguments of absolute truth, the law of God, and the certainty of accountability to God (vv. 2:1-16). He was calling them into account for how they were complicit in enabling the abominations of the various hedonistic practices of their city (vv. 1:18-32). He warned these Christians that they were storing- up wrath against themselves for their unrepentant heart (v.5).

The first century church in Rome was predominantly Jewish, and the local Jewish community was quite curious about these followers of Christ. It’s quite apparent that the letter would be read to those in the local Jewish temples, as they exhibited the same problem as their Christian spiritual cousins: failing to be light in a society darkened by a focus on pleasure and entertainment (sound familiar?). In verses 17 – 29 of the second chapter, Paul clarified the purpose of the law and the how to distinguish when one is genuine in their faith.

Paul posed a question to challenge one’s genuineness of faith, referring to one’s faith practices, “if:

• One relies on the law (v.17b; and for Christians today, The Word);

• One freely identifies oneself as a Jew (v.17a and c; or as a Christian);

• One searches the ancient texts for discerning God’s will (v.18a);

• One is convinced on the superiority of God’s Word (v.18b; 20b);

• One is convinced of one’s life example before the world (v.19); and

• One uses God’s Word to teach others (v.20a).

Does one teach oneself or not” (v.21)?

More questions were presented in rapid-fire order to make his point:

• “You who preach against stealing, do you steal?” (v.21b)

• “You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?” (v.22a)

• “You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (v.22b)

• “You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” (v.23)

Paul summed up their hypocrisy by referring to Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22):

“As it is written: ‘God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (v.24)

To us today, it may appear that Paul is trying to pick a fight. That really was not the case. Paul was a prophet of his day. A prophet is one who uses The Word to confront the church (God’s people) and society with the lies they believe or with sin. The lie the Jews were believing (and which Christians are believing today) was that their spiritual ‘heritage’ guaranteed their legitimacy as a child of God. Paul refuted their belief this way:

“Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as you had not been circumcised. If those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.” (vv. 25 – 29)

Circumcision was God’s instruction to Abraham as a sign of the covenant between them (Genesis 17:1-14). It is a minor surgical procedure performed on males which removes extra skin at the tip of the male’s reproductive organ. Should a male Jew wander from a path of what is good and right, circumcision quickly revealed one as a Jew (who was to reveal God’s righteous precepts). Thus, God’s name was being profaned throughout an unbelieving world by those who winked at sin and joined the practice of self-indulgence.

With God, faith has always been about the heart. Faith should affect our behavior, which mirrors the truth of one’s relationship to God. God desires relationship with you… not to be a ‘kill-joy’ of life’s enjoyments, but to lead you into godly living to discover the real joys of life. So, we see that if evidence of a good heart is absent in one’s life, one fails the litmus test of being a legitimate faith-walker. The proof is in the pudding: our lives must be transformed by the power of The Word for us to claim true kinship to Christ.

Have you failed yourself, your spouse, your family, and God by rejecting the guidance of God’s Word? Has today’s time in God’s Word convinced you that one’s legitimacy as a child of God is found, NOT BY THE WRITTEN CODE, but by a changed heart sincerely living-out one’s faith through actions that mirror God’s goodness? If you are able, make a difference in someone’s life today through a random act of kindness. If you are unable to do that, make a difference in someone’s life through the power of your prayers.

Have a blessed day…

“…God will judge men’s secrets…” Romans 2:16

Rome was a hotbed of perversion, licentiousness, idolatry, and polytheism, with an “anything goes” mentality of self-centered satisfaction. Paul confronted its influence on the 1st century Roman Christians with the arguments of absolute truth, the value of God’s law, and ultimate accountability to God.

Paul asserted that all who sin apart from the law will perish apart from the law (v.12). They will be held to a higher standard: the law of heaven (absolute truth), made evident through all that God created (vv. 1:19 – 20). He pointed out that those who sin under the law, will be judged by that law (Mosaic and Levitical law). Those who will be declared righteous before God are those who kept God’s commandments and precepts, not those who just heard them and failed to act upon them (v.13).

When a person’s nature inclines him/her toward goodness apart from the guidelines of God’s Word, they become a law unto themselves, affirming and pointing to the wisdom of The Word. Paul described it as God’s law having been “written on their hearts” (vv. 14 – 15). In this dynamic, God recognizes their consciences and thoughts bearing witness for or against them. So, it seems Paul is defending God’s right to judge… even when a culture or people group have not been exposed to His precepts.

In any case, everyone – every man, woman, boy or girl will stand (or kneel)  before God in judgment. It will be a day when God will judge men’s secrets… and many of us may have secrets that we would just as soon not tell anyone else about, and prefer no one else discover. Yet, it is certain, those secrets were never kept hidden from God, Who sees all and knows all. Paul gave a qualifier in his description of the day men’s secrets will be judged: all will be judged through Jesus Christ (v.16). Jesus is the heavenly defender for those who have embraced His righteousness and lived their faith out through works of goodness and truth. When it comes down to a verdict upon one’s soul, God’s Son is also the filter through which all God’s discerning power flows. We have a Defender in Jesus Christ, and we have the character of God’s mercy which flows through the Lamb of God – slain from the foundation of the world (Isaiah 53:7; Revelation 5:9&12, 13:8).

One in Christ need not fear the secrets of one’s past… it is all water under the bridge… the past is past for a reason… and it was all nailed to the cross of Calvary. Jesus will not resurrect your past – He is not a joy-kill, He is a life-giver! So, be sure you are reconciled to God through Christ today – don’t wait.

Yes, God WILL judge men’s secrets which are filtered through the blood of the cross… and one is deemed white as snow.

Have a blessed weekend…

“…you are storing up wrath…” Romans 2:5

 Though salvation comes entirely through faith, those who reject God’s way through an unrepentant heart store up wrath against themselves. How? According to Paul, every person will appear before God to give an account for one’s actions at the time of judgment. For those who sought to do good through life, God will reward with eternal life. For those who sought selfish causes and evil practices, God will return the evil back to them and they will experience trouble and distress (vv. 5 – 10).

Many theologians use this section of scripture to support a more liberal interpretation of salvation by works. Indeed, James (the half-brother of Jesus) provided a clearer perspective of the significance of works in one’s life:

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.

But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deed is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

We see, then, that the disciples thought it expedient that those who profess Christ had to back up their words with actions. This is seen in the first days after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, whose name became Paul. The disciples and other Christians were quite tentative toward Paul, especially considering how he had been the leader of those who were hunting-down Christians to have them stoned to death (read Acts 7:58, 9:1-19).

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul clarified his remarks on one’s actions: “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (v.13) So, we see that even Paul would concur with James about one’s deeds validating one’s faith.

Have you rejected faith in Christ? You are storing up wrath against yourself. You may not believe it, but what if you’re wrong? Are you willing to place your soul in such jeopardy? Eternity is real. Consider the claims of Christ. He died for your sins which separate you from God. Pray, asking Christ to speak to you and surrender your heart and soul to Him today. Then… live so that others would never question your faith walk, for faith without works is dead.

Have a blessed day…

“…God’s kindness leads to repentance” Romans 2:4

Paul did not mince words with those new Christians in Rome, stating they were complicit in the licentiousness of their own culture IF they enabled those who practiced those things God finds detestable (vv. 1:18 – 32). All mankind is without excuse (vv. 1:20 & 2:1) to continue in rebellion towards God, since God’s invisible qualities have been clearly seen through what was created. First century Rome reflected the heyday of Hellenism: a hodge-podge of polytheism, hedonism, polygamy, and Greek philosophy… all changing to suite the demands of the ruling class and then filtering ‘down’ through the layers of society. In his letter to the Roman church, Paul was confronting the entire Roman social order. He wasn’t necessarily charging the Roman Christians with compromise, though he was making it clear that they had better be salt and light in a very dark environment – not unlike America today.

Most Christians of the first century were converted from Judaism, believing Jesus to be The Promised Messiah Who was sent to establish a new order, thus a new covenant which replaced the old covenant through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Paul’s letters would be surreptitiously shared to the local Jews (v. 2:17) who knew exactly what Paul was referring to in this next section of his letter: the religious leaders who live corrupt lives, similar to the historical account of Eli’s two sons (read 1 Samuel 2:12-36). Paul did not want the early Christian church to be polluted by such a mindset, giving stern warning to church and temple leaders who might consider compromising one’s life to ‘fit in’ with their society whose predominant theme was, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

The first verse of chapter two is often misused by liberal theologians and those who live compromised lives. They leave off the end of the verse. Here’s how the entire verse reads:

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

Paul is indicting the licentious acts filtering into the community of faith. He confronts them, once again, with the ideal of absolute truth – God’s unchanging standard of righteousness (v.2):

“Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.”

Like a skilled litigation attorney, Paul is building his case to eventually show that everyone will stand guilty before a holy, righteous God… but I’m getting ahead of myself. The absolute truth is revealed through what was created. Paul’s indictment continues against the compromised religious leaders with the weight of a witness against them (as the accused know that God sees everything):

“So, when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? (v.3)

While Paul is presenting the absolute truth that all will be held accountable before God, he also presents the loving character of God, Who is rich in tolerance, patience and kindness, desiring that none should perish (vv. 4 & Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; & 2 Peter 3:8-10). God’s wrath should never be presented without revealing His longsuffering and desire to see all come to repentance. Indeed, God’s kindness leads to repentance… and repentance leads to the heart of God through Jesus Christ.

While the theme of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is God’s righteousness, Paul had to begin by exposing the corrupt nature of man. America today is very similar to the first century Roman culture. In fact, Americans have even developed their own saying to enable compromise. Have you ever heard the words, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? And we have bought-in to the lie of embracing the sin of others with labels of “choice” and “alternative lifestyle”.

It is only when one sees oneself as a sinner, unrighteous, that one is able to grasp the divine work of Christ on the cross – dying for the sins of mankind. It is God Who made the provision for our sin, not we ourselves. We can do nothing to justify our worthiness for Heaven. God’s kindness was ultimately expressed through Jesus Christ on the cross… it all points to the cross and the empty tomb. For His kindness, we celebrate the risen Christ every Sunday, which reminds us to be forever grateful – rising every day to bless the Lord!

Have a blessed day…

“Therefore, God gave them over…” Romans 1:24

Those who suppress absolute truth are given over to degrading, destructive, demoralizing, spiritual decay. All of us sin, and some more than others. God beckons sinners time and time again to repent and turn from their sinful pattern to be redeemed and regenerated by the power of salvation, prayer, and the transforming work of The Word upon one’s mind. Those who refuse to open their minds and hearts to God’s redemptive love are given over to become prisoners of their own sinful desires leading to sexual impurity – the kind of impurity leading to momentary sensual pleasure which could be achieved in a variety of ways. I told you this may get messy.

Three times, Paul described how God gave those, who suppress His truth, over to moral and physical decay (vv. 24, 26, & 28). Those who refuse God’s truth for righteous living, changing the truth of God for a lie choose to worship the creation rather than the Creator (v.25). What enraptures one toward sexual addiction and compulsion for sexual gratification apart from God’s design leads one away from the peace of God that comes from living righteously. It is a trap leading to death. They are given over:

• “…for the degrading of their bodies with one another.” (v.24) In other words, the drive to seek pleasure leads to exploring or inventing ways to heighten the pleasure (v.30), prolong the pleasure, and discover new ways to intensify what, in the end, is only momentary. Those who venture into this abyss only know the mantra sung by Mick Jagger, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” The law of diminishing returns begins to demand a greater and greater ‘rush’, leading one to venture further into the abyss of satisfaction’s demands.

• “…to shameful lusts.” (v.26) Paul described how, in one’s quest for satisfaction, one is led to exchange God’s natural design for that which is unnatural. Then Paul specifically called out the ‘elephant in the room’: “In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” (v.27) Homosexuality has been around for thousands of years, and for thousands of years God has called it wrong – out of step with His design for men and women to experience abundant living (Leviticus 20:13). Abundant living is not found in the euphoria of a climactic moment, it is found in daily acts of love and demonstrating God’s love to those who desperately need it. One cannot live in “covenantal love” with one of the same sex, as it would be out of covenant with God. God’s design has been for covenantal love to be between a man and a woman (Matthew 19:4-6).

• “…to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (v.28) What led those who rejected the truth of God to do what ought not to be done? They did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. God provided His Word for guidance, and it was rejected… the same as throwing The Bible in the trash can. Like love and goodness, sin also, has a ripple effect… a domino effect, if you please. Those who know God’s righteous decree and approve of those who practice the sin become complicit in the sin – enabling the sinner to grow arrogant and boastful about their own sin (vv. 30 & 32). The dominos create a ripple effect of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity acted out through envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, insolence, and even to hating God and His loving precepts for righteous living… good living (vv. 29 – 30).

The ripple effect of sin continues its destructive pattern when those who have rejected God’s way lose all sense of caring for God’s righteous ways. Those ways have to become senseless to make the rationale which enable the sinful acts. Once that happens, the one caught in sin’s trap loses faith and his/her heart becomes unresponsive to the tenderness of God’s voice calling them to repentance, leading to a ruthless defiance toward God and His people (v.31).

The sin continues to even have an effect in the home as children feel empowered to disobey their parents (v.30). You see, when adults choose to reject God’s ways it leads to a domino effect which, like a germ, infects their immediate realm of influence and beyond. Pornography, prostitution, human trafficking, homosexuality, etc. all derive from a search for pleasure, satisfaction, and significance. Though, misdirected, they reflect the brokenness of mankind. We are all broken in some form or fashion – it began at the dawn of creation through Adam and Eve.

Perhaps you know someone caught in the trap of sexual sin. Pray for God’s open door and an opportunity to point this one to Jesus, Who offers freedom from sin and abundant living which offers peace. The peace come from knowing all things are well between God and those He restores unto righteous living. We perform no benefit to the world to remain silent about an issue God has addressed in His Word. Choose carefully how you present God’s love to others… avoid a condemning confrontation and foolish arguments… don’t fall into that trap. Make a difference through your loving approach and redeeming heart.

Thanking God for His power to redeem…

 Recommended read:

“Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality” by Wesley Hill

“…men who suppress the truth…” Romans 1:18c

In 1976, Francis A. Schaeffer published the book, “How Should We Then Live”. In the book, Schaeffer compared the philosophic, scientific, and religious similarities of ancient Roman culture to the post-modern culture of America. Schaeffer used those similarities to predict the downfall of America from within. He exposed the impending relativistic thought of post-modernity and predicted how it would lead to a growing fragmentation of American society, leading to the collapse of long-standing mores and an embrace of relativism in education and law.

Mankind rarely learns from the mistakes of the past, which is why history repeats itself. Paul presented an argument similar to Schaeffer’s by contrasting absolute truth and relativism, outlining relativism’s progressive degeneration of thought. Like Schaeffer, Paul even used the art of his day (the sculptured works used as idols) to support his argument against illogical thinking and the decline of society through choosing self-satisfaction over absolute truth (vv. 22 – 23).

Paul began his argument by stating those who live righteous, good lives, do so through the dynamic of faith (v.17). The intangible nature of faith seems to be a frequent roadblock to secularists who cannot get past their preoccupation with pleasure. So, Paul confronts secularists with the certainty of an accountability before God, stating God’s wrath, “…is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” (v.18). Paul was presenting the certainty of absolute truth and its enduring quality for every generation. To support this premise, Paul then revealed the reality of God’s existence, using creation as proof:

“…since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (v.20)

Paul then asserted that relativists do not begin that way. As a child, faith is an easy concept to grasp, and discipline is accepted as a constant; also, children learn to trust caregivers, learning to believe the caregiver(s) know(s) what is best because of past experience (proofs of caring). Paul, then explained how childlike faith is abandoned for futile thinking in adulthood:

“…although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.” (vv. 21 – 23)

Idolatry was prevalent in the Roman civilization – the more ‘gods’ that could be created, the greater the acceptance of the emperor being a living god, leading to further compromise of reality and rational thinking. The dynamic hasn’t changed… secular humanists still propagate the lie of relativism based on the needs or desires of the individual. This one presupposition is the platform for many who fall into the trap of self-distrust, leading to questions of gender identity and sexual preference… both of which, at their core, are sensual gratification – the self-soothing behavior adapted in infancy (sucking a thumb, holding a stuffed animal or blanket, etc.).

Men who suppress the truth seek to propagate a system where others can be manipulated for their selfish purposes and continue the cycle of dysfunction and social destruction. We will discuss this destructive pattern tomorrow. For now, we are to be the people of the truth, expressing the truth of God through love that connects hearts to the heart of God. How is your life connecting others to The Way, The Truth, and The Life?

Have a blessed day…

“…eager to preach the gospel…” Romans 1:15

After being prevented several times from visiting his Christian friends in Rome, Paul was eager to preach the gospel to them, hoping for another harvest of souls who would be ignited in faith from hearing about faith in Christ. He felt obligated to both Greek speaking people, as well as those in countries with other languages (typifying the countries of Europe and their many evolving languages with roots in Greek and Latin: French, Spanish, Italian, Slavic, German, etc., vv. 13 - 15). Paul’s missional mindset impacted the history of Christianity profoundly, taking at least three journeys which are recorded in biblical literature. Most bibles have a map detailing each trip.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-22) was taken to heart by every disciple (except Judas, who hung himself after Jesus’ arrest). Paul’s calling revealed his zeal and boldness to spread the gospel throughout the known world. It was not a vain thing for Paul to proclaim that he was not ashamed of the gospel; he was not exalting himself, only declaring his resolve in allowing its power to save all whose hearts are quickened by the message (v.16). This statement was a risk for Paul to make, considering the way Christians were executed throughout the Roman empire during the first century.

Paul explained to the Romans that the dynamic of the gospel (the good news of salvation through Christ, making one acceptable before God by a new covenant) is evidenced through the faith one places in Christ to save. He refers the Roman faith community to Habakkuk when quoting, “The righteous will live by faith.” This reference was given in support of Paul’s statement noting God first generated faith through the Jews and then to the Gentiles (non-Jews) through the dynamic of faith in Christ (vv. 16 - 17). God’s method has not changed, God ignites faith in the hearts of those who receive the gospel message and embrace its truth, securing the hope of eternity and its joy in the presence of The Prince of Peace.

The Great Commission was not intended to end with the disciples. Christians of each generation are to take-up the mantle of responsibility for carrying the message of the gospel to all people. Do we reflect Paul’s eagerness to preach the gospel? If not, why? Allow your faith to be activated by God’s Word, empowering you to share this message of abundant life in Christ. You may offer the only words of life some may ever hear!

Have a blessed day and a great weekend!

“I long to see you…” Romans 1:11a

Sounds like a love letter, doesn’t it? For Paul, there was no withholding his affection for this beloved group of Christ-followers. Making His first love apparent in the opening lines of his letter, Paul’s second love is for this group of contagious Christians. He extended grace and peace to them – a common greeting between Christians of the first century (v.7b). He thanked God for their rapidly expanding influence in their terribly secular culture (much like post-modernity of today; v.8). Paul was earnest in his desire for a reunion, praying for the opportunity often (v.10).

Today’s five understandable words reinforces the desire of his heart to enjoy the community of these Believers who had not only embraced faith in Christ, but had also understood the mission of The Great Commission: connecting hearts to the heart of God. Not wanting to appear selfish in his statement, Paul also kept the main thing as THE MAIN THING – strengthening their faith by pointing these dear Christians to Christ and His teachings (v.11b).

Paul’s transparency is so refreshing. He admits that he, too, would be encouraged by time invested with them (v.12). That’s the benefit of a faith community: being built up together. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul explained this benefit:

“…you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Those who are outcasts, out of the circle, and marginalized by society are welcome to experience the family of God. It’s more than a religious exercise, He’s the purpose of the gathering and is among those gathered, residing in each one’s heart who has confessed Him as Lord and accepted Him as Savior after repenting of their sins. Being a part of this faith community, one is built up – not torn down… at least, that’s the way it should be…

Unfortunately, I’ve seen others who have been abused by dysfunctional churches – confederates of faith who function on control and manipulation in the lives of others, including their pastor. I’ve personally experienced such pretenders of the faith… and have been the target of their abuses.

We should work to make the fellowship of faith a healthy community for building up the Body of Christ, known by our love for one another. Yes, we are called to encourage one another in the faith, in righteousness, and in truth. We are to be people of the The Word who welcome the outcasts of society and work to help in their spiritual maturing to be more like Jesus. Indeed, we are to see Christ in each other! When we do, we grow in love for each other… and we will joyfully anticipate each weekly gathering. We, too, will be able to say with Paul:

I long to see you.

Have a blessed evening…

“…your faith is being reported…” Romans 1:8b

When I was in the fourth grade, a fellow student told on me. She let the teacher and everyone in the classroom know that I had disobeyed the teacher, going against her explicit instructions concerning a Father’s Day project. Have you ever been reported? The Christians in Rome were being reported all over the known world (the Holy Land and Europe) for another reason – their strong radical faith in Jesus Christ. This gave Paul good reason to thank God for these new Christians whose reputations as fully devoted follower of Christ was spreading (v.8).

Paul professed to serve God with his whole heart through preaching the gospel (which is ALWAYS about JESUS!), the same way the Roman Christians were exposed to the truth of Christ, and His transforming power. He spoke of his earnest prayers for them, which were offered at all times (v.9). Paul obviously loved these people, and couldn’t wait to see them, praying God would open an opportunity for him to visit them (v.10).

Is your faith so strong that it is being held up as an example before the world? If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? There are plenty of people who attend church, but then there are also plenty of people that go to McDonald’s. Going to church doesn’t make one a Christian any more than going to McDonald’s makes one a hamburger. There are plenty of people that have a Bible, but then, there are also plenty of people that own an owner’s manual for their vehicle. If neither of them are ever read, there is no benefit to the owners.

I pray that your faith will grow. It’s like a muscle, the more it is exercised, the stronger it becomes. If you are lacking in faith, ask God, and He will generously supply what is lacking, for He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

I hope to hear that your faith is being reported all over the place!

Have a blessed evening!

“Grace and peace to you…” Romans 1:7b NIV

Acknowledging all who “…are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (v.6), Paul gave the simple five word greeting as an ambassador for God, The Father, and The Lord, Jesus Christ. The primary character traits of extending grace and seeking peace with others are to be present in the life of a pastor, as well as in the lives of the saints who are partners in ministry with the pastor. Paul reminded the church of their calling: to be saints – set apart for the holy, high calling of Jesus Christ to do His good works (v.7a; Ephesians 2:10).

Grace and peace are both the signature of belonging to God’s family and the tools by which all saints extend the gospel. Grace is bestowing to others what they may not deserve or worked for. The saint is to overcome any barrier necessary to carry God’s salvation and redemption to the dying race of man. Employing the power of grace to others recognizes their worth in the eyes of God and thereby opens opportunities for God to speak through the one extending God’s Word.

While peace is the byproduct of salvation, it is also the means through which the power of the gospel is evidenced. When strife between persons, cultures, races, and nations is bridged by efforts toward peace, the love of God is then extended to those unloving hearts that are quickened by its supernatural transforming power. Churches are to practice peace-making within and without their faith community, otherwise how is Jesus to be known as The Prince of Peace?

The fruit of God’s Spirit is love evidenced by joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As the saints regularly engage in worship, they enter the presence of God and into fulness of joy! The more one enters into His presence, the more one is exposed to the joy of the Lord; and the more of God’s joy one experiences, the more one works toward peace with his/her fellow man, exhibiting patience, kindness, and goodness to others. The dynamic of joy then extends to the faith-walker being trustworthy (faithfulness) and gentle toward one’s family and friends. Every one of these traits requires the self-discipline to be intentional in one’s outward expressions of the inward faith experience.

I say all this to encourage you to continue to gather with the saints in worship. If your church does not lead you into God’s presence, go where you can enter into the holy of holies in worship, while God opens your heart to love His saints… providing you opportunities to know His peace. It really does often go beyond one’s understanding (Philippians 4:7). I thank God for His grace, and the peace He brought to my soul!

Have a blessed day…

“…a servant of Christ Jesus…” Romans 1:1

In his salutation of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul begins by providing a litmus test for those called to the gospel ministry. There is a ‘hidden’ list given by Paul, which ministers should carefully examine before committing their lives to this ministry. Open your Bible and follow along with me; see how Paul quickly moves from an “I” perspective to “we”, and then to “you”:

1. The attitude for ministry should be one of humility. Ministers are servants of Jesus Christ who are to be sensitive to the needs of others over their own needs (v.1a).

2. The personal cost of one in ministry is to go where the gospel needs to be heard. The word, “apostle”, actually means, “one who is sent out”. One must be willing to leave their hometown and extended family to carry the good news where God may lead. There is a certain authority that goes with the role: one who can communicate the good news of salvation through Christ with certainty and truth… one who has actually experienced regeneration. It is not an authority to control others’ lives or to abuse others by Lording over them (vv. 1b, 5).

3. The one sent out is commissioned for the purpose of carrying the gospel message; the same gospel prophesied in centuries past (v.1c-2; I shared with you many of the prophesies of this good news in our recent study of Hebrews). The word gospel means, “good news”, so the assigned task can be a joyful one when it is received by others. A pastor, then, should be an authority on the scriptures and how they reflect the Living Word that became flesh, revealing them in a way that will connect to those listening.

4. The good news specifically focuses on Jesus (vv. 3-5), Who:

a.   Was completely man while being completely God;

b.   Descended from David;

c.   Was declared to be God’s Son;

d.   Defeated death through His resurrection;

e.   Calls apostles to carry His message of salvation by faith.

This brief list should describe your pastor’s main responsibilities and passion. If the list does not describe your pastor, the church should rethink their mission and responsibility to fulfill The Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20). Over the next several months, I hope this study on Romans will both provoke you to live Godly lives and dig deeper in God’s Word.

Have a blessed day…