I have Secondary Progressive MS and have lived with the disease for twenty seven years. I have been under the care of a physician and neurologist for the past thirteen years. To this day, the only treatment that I have received is medication to relieve pain. Every two weeks, $300 is spent at the Pharmacist. I take high levels of…
Romans 1:16-17Romans 1:16-17
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
17 For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
WP-Bible plugin
The book of Romans is a compelling book that Paul wrote to carefully and thoroughly describe the depravity of man and the power of the gospel.
As I read Romans 18-32, I see the downward that mankind has taken. On the last step are those that practice immoral and same-sex relationships. The hard truth thought is that we’re all on that step. We may not be having an immoral relationship, but look at the long list that follows:
As I think through the list I cannot help but begin to understand how desperately we need a solution from the God that we have wilfully sinned against.
Paul is in Corinth at the time he writes this. The city lies in the shadow of Mount Acrocorinth with a plateau at 1900 feet above the streets of Corinth and upon which the temple of Aphrodite overlooks the city.
Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty and sexual pleasure. The temple was known for its prostitutes that would entice visitors. These “ladies of the night” were highly valued priestesses and were honoured guests at public festivals in Corinth and surrounding areas. Furthermore, a high-born male was expected to have a young boy for sexual pleasure. In both the Grecian and Roman culture, pedophilia was not only condoned, it was considered part of their education.
As Paul writes this great epistle, he is sitting in the shadow of the mountain top temple. While he is overwhelmed with the deep depravity of man, the Holy Spirit speaks directly to Paul about the pleasures at Corinth. We are reading those words in the book of Romans which include what God thinks of our sin and his impending wrath on the unrighteous.
Here’s the point: It’s a tough one. We stand alongside the pedophiles in need of God’s solution. We have all wilfully made choices against God and deserve the full extent of God’s wrath. You need to see this because understanding the depth of our sin and our separation from God. This is our first step in receiving salvation.
Here’s what I’m all about. I want to turn you on to reading and studying the Bible, applying it to your life and falling in love with God in the process. I pray that a God revolution will start around you while you love for God and engage in the plans that he has for you.
For years I have wanted to take the time to read, study and journal my way through the book of Romans.
I have preached through this book, studied it in College but this is different. Previously, I have studied Romans with the objective of delivery; whether for a professor or a congregation. This time I am going through Romans and seeking what God has to say to me. It’s personal.
I visualize Paul as a man that is showing the marks of an apostle. You can see the marks of one having survived being stoned and beaten. He has walked months and years in the hot sun. He may show the effects of arthritis and other infirmities.
Yet today he is full of strength, pacing the floor, overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, the words that become the great book of Romans flow from him. Paul’s penman writing with the greatest of care these powerful words.
Did Paul have any idea the power this letter would have for the centuries to follow? Martin Luther’s heart was revolutionized as he became acquainted with the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and then reintroduced it to the world. It ignited the mind of Jonathan Edwards, strangely warmed the heart of John Wesley and then fuelled the revival fire with George Whitfield.
Here’s my point: I want to invite you to journey with me. Read the selected passages of Romans and study with me. Each day I plan to pen the story, truth and application as I read through Romans.
If you are interested in having a daily Bible study through the book of Colossians, consider using my Bible Journal as a daily resource. It’s a great resource if all you want is to do is read through Colossians.
Excerpt: Colossians 4:2-6Colossians 4:2-6
English: World English Bible - WEB
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
WP-Bible plugin
The Story: Paul is famous for his style of writing. He first teaches doctrine, that often takes the first half of the book, and then he tells you how to apply the doctrine. In this passage it’s good to be reminded why we should do what he’s telling us. “If you want Christ to be Lord of your life, then you need to do the following.” That’s the subliminal thought here.
Luke 23:46Luke 23:46
English: World English Bible - WEB
46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.
WP-Bible plugin
During Passion week our thoughts are often set on the physical suffering of Jesus. It is true that no matter how hard we try, our words cannot clearly describe the extent of Jesus suffering. It is also true that if our attention is only on the physical aspects of Jesus’ final hours on earth, we just might miss the greatest meaning of all.
When we pause to remember today’s events in Jesus’ final week, the words that come to mind may be: Agony, torture, humiliation. And just maybe, the most important word picture of all is Satisfaction.
Let me explain.
Remember the last moments of Jesus on the cross? “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And the Father welcomed him with loving satisfaction.
Throughout this last day we see Jesus in frequent communication with the Father.
The point can be made: Jesus never lost communication with His Father, regardless of the circumstance. It is often is it different with us.
During the recent hours, a host of individuals had unscrupulously put their hands on the Son of God. He was slapped, whipped, pushed, tortured and abused. At last he was in his Father’s hands, embrace by the loving arms of God where there was safety, security, comfort, love and acceptance.
Satisfaction!
“Father, I completed the work you sent me to do.” “It is finished.” “Father, I have completed the plan to bring man back into a relationship with you.”
My Point: Jesus voluntarily gave up His life to satisfy the Father’s plan and desire; to bring man back to Him. Satisfaction!
Lift your face heavenward and express an overwhelming thanks to our loving Heavenly Father. The debt of our sin has been cancelled, satisfied.
John 17:1John 17:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
17
1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
WP-Bible plugin
It’s early Friday morning, about 1:00am.
Jesus and 11 of his disciples have left the upper room where the Passover meal was celebrated. They walk across town toward the Eastern Gate which would lead them to the Garden of Gethsemane. Along the way they have to pass through the temple courts and by the altar where lambs have been sacrificed, their blood poured on the altar as an offering to God.
I need for you to think on what they must have seen.
The number of lambs slain for the Passover was immense. A census was taken thirty years after Jesus ascension to heaven – the number of sheep slain was 256,000. (And yes, I double checked that number.) No doubt Jesus has seen this many times, but today he has chosen to be THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB for the sins of the entire world.
Does Jesus pause to take in this scene?
From the altar, down to the brook Kedron, a channel has been excavated; developed to allow the blood of the Passover lambs to drain away. No doubt the brook is still red. Jesus walks down that very slope and over the brook. He sees the blood that has been shed as an offering to God. Does Jesus stop to ponder the words that he has just prayed? “The time has come. Glorify your Son” (John 17:1John 17:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
17
1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
WP-Bible plugin). Jesus, the Son of God, Deity, the name that is above every name continues on the path to the olive garden.
What’s my Point: While the image of this scene may be grotesque for us to visualize; pause for a moment and know that Jesus saw all this, knowing his blood will be shed this very day as God’s perfect sacrifice. There were moments when Jesus could have called it all off but he continued so that you and I could be reconciled to God. What’s my point? Jesus’ intense love for you. He continued because of you and me. There’s not a better time to reconfirm your love and devotion back to him, our Lamb of God.
”Thank you Lord………(finish that sentence)
Luke 20:20-26Luke 20:20-26
English: World English Bible - WEB
20 They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor.
21 They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me?
24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
25 He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26 They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent.
WP-Bible plugin
A funny thing happened in the Temple Courts. It all started when the religious authorities sent some of their best debaters in to trick Jesus in a mental game. Think on that one a moment. The creator of our universe on one side of the debate table – on the others side the created. The odds in Vegas were not that great.
First a little background. The stuff you may not know.
The Jewish people were forbidden to have in their possession any image to worship. The last thing they would do was to bring such an image or idol into the temple. Only a few years earlier soldiers came into Jerusalem with great banners in hand with the image of Caesar on them. They attached them to the Antonia Fortress next to the Temple. The Jews were incensed with anger and were willing to die if they would not be taken down.
The problem? Caesar was worshipped as a deity. With his image facing the temple, they had to look at this idol every time they entered the temple of the Lord. The banners were relocated in order to avert a riot.
Back to the story. Jesus is teaching people while in the Temple Courts. Spies from the Religious Department approach Jesus and asked him if it was “lawful to pay taxes to Caesar 
or not”. (chuckle, sneer)
I love how Jesus responds! “Show me a Denarius” and one of the men reaches in his cloak and pulls one out. Big mistake. Jesus specifically asked for a Denarius because it had upon it the image of Caesar – to the Jew it was considered an idol and one of the accusers has brought it into the temple courts. Caught! “Then give to Caesar the things that belong to him and give to God what belongs to him.” End of story. Hypocrisy exposed.
Here’s my point: If Jesus would ask you to give to God what belongs to God, what would you give? What are you holding in your pockets?
This is Passion Week. Pray that the Holy Spirit would show you aspects of your life that you are withholding from God. It all belongs to him.
Acts 16:25Acts 16:25
English: World English Bible - WEB
25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
WP-Bible plugin
There is no time on our annual calendar that has the right to exude more joy from our heart than in our now. It’s that kind of joy that is synonymous with hope eternally. It’s that kind of emotion that cannot be subdued or suppressed.
It’s that kind of praise that was coming from Paul’s heart and those of his companions while in lock-up, illegally none the less. After quenching the evil spirit of a fortune-telling slave girl and squelching income of her owners, facts are misconstrued to the point of lies and the magistrates find it reasonable to lock them up. Shackled and guarded. Injustice. Yet Paul has organized a praise choir and is belting out the Gaither songs he learned as a child. Nothing but praise and joy because the one to whom he has surrendered has singled him out and declared loved, forgiven, valued and with purpose for all eternity.
In calculated rhythm, Jesus walked the path that has already been decided in the eternity
past. While the devil’s minions march his bidding against our Saviour, our Sovereign God has already chosen the path. In the garden Jesus begins to sweat blood because of the intense emotions which try to consume him. He yields to his creation and allows them to whip him with leather straps with sharp bone at their tips. A crown of nail-like thorns is pressed down on his head and then 3/4 to 1” wide nails are driven through his hands and feet. Finally a spear is thrust in his side and into his heart.
Calculated, sovereign choice, love driven. It’s personal. Paul cannot subdue the love for his Saviour. An effectual love that appropriated it’s fullness in the lives of those that call him Lord.
I hasten to my point: Christians everywhere should contemplate the cross of Jesus Christ. Doing so will put everything else in its proper perspective. The God that balances the world on the tip of his finger wept for you and desired more than anything else your joy that flows from the knowledge of the cross story that gave you forgiveness and hope.
Please download my gift to you: http://bit.ly/a2Binz
Revelation 2:12-17Revelation 2:12-17
English: World English Bible - WEB
12 “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write:
“He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13 “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise TR reads “which I hate” instead of “likewise”.
16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, Manna is supernatural food, named after the Hebrew for “What is it?”. See . and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.
WP-Bible plugin
What is normal Christian living?
I have heard it often. An individual that i am witnessing to will We may look a particular person and see them as a fine Christian Often when I look, think, “If that’s Christianity, I’d rather not be one.” Our back-patting each other has lowered our idea of normal Christian living.
How distant are you from that? Somehow lost power? Somehow stopped spiritual growth? How did it happen? Answer found in this Church.
Read Rev.2:12-17
Capital City of Asia. Noted for worship of many Greek gods, including Athena & Zeus. Home of a great university & library (200,000 books). Books became gift from Mark Anthony to Cleopatra, who carried them off to Egypt.
“where Satan has his throne.” Religion was big business there, most of them directed by Satan. His headquarters were there. Headquarters have moved. He’s not in hell, he’s “prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:81 Peter 5:8
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
WP-Bible plugin). But the atmosphere in Pergamum was charged with the presence of Satan.
“words of him who has the sharp, double edged sword.”
To this city that is overrun by the occult, Jesus introduces himself as one with a sword. Jesus presents Himself as conqueror, victor.
While Satan may have liberties right now, his time is coming, he knows it & so doing all he can now. Jesus is inviting you to stay on the victory side.
1. “I know where you live” Tough place for Christians. Occult & Paganism.
They were a small Church with limited resources. Jesus knew it & commended them. Pergamum needed the gospel. Needed truth.
2. “Yet you remain true to my name.” They could not be criticized for their doctrine. They believed & defended the Deity of Jesus Christ.
3. “You did not renounce your faith in me.” There were those that were faithful to death. Antipas is mentioned, 1st Pergamum martyr. Many others followed that fearlessly stood for the gospel.
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you” The problem wasn’t that they rejected or denied Christ, more so, it was that they did not reject other teachings. They were embracing the occult, they were permitting lifestyles of the world. It came to the point that they lived no differently than the world.Except Church on Sunday=hypocrite.
They had compromised with the world! They looked at the appeal the world has to offer, and decided to incorporate it with their faith. In fact, they had to tell Christ to step aside.
1. Teaching of Balaam (14)
“You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam,”
(cf.Num.22) In brief, the Israelites had settled in the plains of Moab. This unsettled Balak, King of Moab, & so he summoned Balaam, somewhat of a prophet, & offered to pay Balaam to curse the nation of Israel. After prompting, Balaam agreed. Every time his mouth opened to curse, out came a blessing.
Balaam then counseled Balak to seduce the children of Israel into accepting Moabite ways of life & religion.
2. Teaching of the Nicolaitans (15)
“you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans”
Different group, same problem. Nicolaitans believed you could live an adulterous life, and there would be no negative effect in your relationship to Christ.
The only time the Christian has the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit at his disposal is when he is obedient to the will of God.
When he disobeys God and makes alliances with the world, he is entering into a powerless state that will ruin him.
Those that study Church history see an excellent example of this.
We talked last week of the great persecution that came over the Church by way of the Roman Emperors. When Constantine became emperor in 312 AD, that changed. In fact, Christianity became state religion, and Constantine became the head of the Church.
It was then Constantine’s ambition that every person be Christian. Much money was given for operation for Churches. At same time, toleration was given to other religions, their ideas so that they would cooperate with the Roman State Religion. Many of the practices of the Pagans were embraced by Constantine & made law. The first thing he established was the question, “Who is a Christian?” He came up with the idea, “Baptism”. After making it law, Constantine was gripped with a personal question, “If I am saved from my sins by baptism, what is to become of my sins which I may commit after I am baptized? Can baptism wash away yet uncommitted sins? His fear prompted him to wait until weeks before death for baptism. (Call upon the name of the Lord, saved. Jn.3:16)
Throughout this, the Church stood opposed to implementation of pagan practices to their faith. Most of the died defending their faith. The state Church became a mighty machine but without power.
To this I say, “Stay true to the Word!” Let us not tolerate sin and the lifestyle of the sinful to become the norm in our Church. Let us declare war on our personal sin. Let us not become satisfied with living below the norm. Let us not become back-patters of others that have taken upon themselves the lifestyle of sinners.
Let us spur one another on to godliness. (Heb.10:24) Let us encourage one another to press on to maturity in Christ.
Draw picture of Christian Growth. Is there an obstacle that is hindering you? Declare war on it. Be obedient. Invite people to pray that you will have strength. Just do it. Without obedience there is no growth. To live with that obstacle there is no growth. To commend someone at an impasse is embracing that sin.
A word to our leaders. 100% of our leaders must be involved in Bible Study and Prayer group. Without it, not spiritually suited to lead.
E. Christ’s Counsel (16)
1. “Repent.” Have a change of mind that results in change of action.
- “I will soon come to fight against them…” Trib. Church full.
2. “I will give hidden manna.” - Spiritual nourishment.
3. “I will give him a white stone” Stand trial, jurors would publish their vote on the case by laying down a white stone, signifying that they acquitted him of the crime. Jesus will give you a white stone. Put your trust in him, forgiven.
Is there a road block to your spiritual growth? What is it that the Lord would have you do? Is there an area of compromise that you’ve let become a part of your life?
Psalm 8:3Psalm 8:3
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
WP-Bible plugin
I am taking time to read and meditate on “My 40 Favourite Psalms”, a reading plan I posted on my website. Something really struck me about Psalm 8. It says in verse 3, “When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place…”
Do you see what I see?
The Psalmist says that God created our universe with his "fingers”. It’s as though he sat down at the dining room table and began working on a science project – creating a universe.
I can imagine God creating the Milky Way (our galaxy) – that’s only one little corner of His project. He then gets his needle-point utensils out, included a magnifying glass and with his fingers sets our planets in its perfect place, every star – names every one of them – and then earth. With a single breath, He sets them to motion with perfect synchronism.
And then God made man. Think of our size in light of creation – the science project on his dining room table – and that he actually values the praise of nursing babies. And what does God desire? More than anything to have a personal living relationship with us.
My Point: God is amazing, incomparable, all-powerful and worthy of all our praise and devotion.
My Question: How can man suggest that he doesn’t have time for Him? How can man justify finding pleasure in something that man has created?
How absurd for a believer of God to say that he has no time to read God’s Word. His personal Word to man. It’s like lifting his puny, microscopic hand and trying to give God a slap in the face. Right?
Matthew 21:1Matthew 21:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
21
1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, TR reads “Bethphage” instead of “Bethsphage” to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
WP-Bible plugin–27
It seems easy enough. Just add Jesus to the equation of my life. My interests + my friends + Jesus + my family + going to Church + my career = a Christian life made easy. That way I get my life and heaven too.
There was a day in Jesus life when he entered the temple courts in Jerusalem and saw people that were continuing their lives as usual. The only difference was that they had added religion to their lives but even this was for their own gain. “Being part of this crowd can only be to my benefit” was likely on some of their minds.
Not much has changed over the years. We are content to be part of the Christian crowd for lots of reasons. Our friends might be there, it’s a good things for the kids, I’ve done it all my life and why change now. I like the music and even the Pastor has some good things to say about life. Basically, my life + Jesus.
![[Valid RSS]](valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")
