ROMANS 1:8–10 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times (Romans 1:9–10). I remember when the pastor of a local Episcopalian church in Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania had gone into the hospital for extensive heart … Continue reading “MUTUAL FAITH … MUTUAL MINISTRY”
THE UNFOLDING DRAMA OF THE MESSIAH
ROMANS 1:2–7 The gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David … Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 1:2–4). Paul was separated by God for a specific mission: to be an apostle—one commissioned to proclaim the gospel of God. … Continue reading “THE UNFOLDING DRAMA OF THE MESSIAH”
ONE WHO HAS SEEN; ONE WHO IS SENT
ROMANS 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). Right at the beginning of the Book of Romans Paul makes the dramatic announcement that he is called to be an apostle. His audience understood, as contemporary believers sometimes do not, that … Continue reading “ONE WHO HAS SEEN; ONE WHO IS SENT”
THE HONOR OF BEING A SLAVE
ROMANS 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God … (Romans 1:1). The apostle begins with a simple identification of his name. As a Roman citizen, his name was Saul. But he became Paul, the one who was radically transformed on the Damascus … Continue reading “THE HONOR OF BEING A SLAVE”
YESTERDAY/TODAY/TOMORROW
Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12 Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. Proverbs 27:1 As the years go by, they go quickly indeed; Once over the hill, they pick up speed. Years do not come to … Continue reading “YESTERDAY/TODAY/TOMORROW”
WINNERS/LOSERS
The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed [win]; they shout for joy when the godless die. Proverbs 11:10 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. The Apostle Paul, Philippians 3:14 Winners find ways to make things … Continue reading “WINNERS/LOSERS”
VOTE
When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability. Proverbs 28:2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2 Where annual elections end, there slavery begins. John Quincy Adams A straw … Continue reading “VOTE”
TOGETHERNESS
How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1 There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person … Continue reading “TOGETHERNESS”
SPEECH/SPEAKER
Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies. Anyone who loves a pure heart and gracious speech is the king’s friend. Proverbs 20:15; 22:11 The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. From a wise mind comes wise speech. My child, how I will rejoice if you … Continue reading “SPEECH/SPEAKER”
SMILES
Disciplined inaction is indolence.