Romans 8 has to be one of my favorite chapters of the entire Bible. Why? It’s opening words: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Why not? Jesus sets us free from sin and death (verses 2-3). Then, after a full chapter of commentary on the topic, Paul concludes with the powerful words: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any... Read more
The apostle Paul is not the person you would expect to admit to his struggles with sin. He was the leading evangelist of the early church, wrote numerous New Testament letters, and was seen as the leader of Christianity to the non-Jewish world in his time. Yet he continued to struggle with evil. He wrote: 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner... Read more
Many people are alive yet never truly live. How do we truly live? What makes us come alive, moving beyond mere existence to significance? According to Romans 6, it’s God. Verses 11-14 reveal: 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an... Read more
Sometimes I come across a person who expresses doubt that God loves them. I used to struggle with how to respond. However, reflecting on Paul’s words in Romans 5 has provided me with the best answer I have found to this issue. In verse 8, he wrote: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The “proof” of God’s love for us is the death of Jesus. While we... Read more
Paul used Romans 4 to make clear one major issue regarding salvation–it’s God, not us. His evidence? Abraham, the beginning of the nation of Israel. He lived before the time of the law of Moses, yet Paul writes: 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham... Read more
Romans 3 includes on of the basic axiom’s of human life–nobody’s perfect. In Paul’s words, quoting the Old Testament, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” That’s the “bad news” of the gospel message. We all mess up, make mistakes, sin–whatever we call it, it is clear we are all flawed and frail in our humanity. The “good news” is that God has provided a way for us to know him despite our flaws. This is the gospel, that... Read more
Romans 2:11 reads, “God does not show favoritism.” But doesn’t it seem like God blesses some people more than others? This doesn’t make sense, does it? Interestingly, the context of this chapter reveals a discussion of differences between those who sin as Jews or Gentiles (non-Jews). Paul was writing to non-Jews in Rome and wanted them to understand that it doesn’t matter who they are ethnically, God both offers salvation for those who believe and judgment for those who reject... Read more
When Paul wrote his now famous letter to the Romans, he had not yet visited the city or the Christians there. He wrote to encourage and equip these early believers with the knowledge of the Christian faith, yet he began with one clear statement. It is found in verse 16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. For Paul, his stand regarding the message of... Read more
The Book of Acts end on a conflicted note of the apostle Paul under house arrest yet sharing Christ with people in his nation’s capital. The closing words read: 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! At his weakest point–a prisoner–Paul spoke with the greatest boldness. His... Read more
Acts 27 chronicles the incredible shipwreck account of the apostle Paul as he was transported from his jail sentence in Jerusalem to Rome. As a prisoner, he had no status, no position, yet God used him powerfully. How exactly? First, Paul saved the lives of the prisoners on the ship through his influence and advice. The guards had planned to kill them, most of the 276 passengers on board. This alone is a major accomplishment. Second, Paul offered spiritual direction.... Read more
Holy Writ
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