Monthly Archives: March 2011
evangelical unity
1 Corinthians 1:1-17. The Church at Rome had some divisions (e.g. the weak and the strong) but in Corinth they were mastering the art of division. Paul appealed to the Corinthians that they make efforts to manifest their unity, not … Continue reading
the gods dying like men
Psalm 82. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only claimed … Continue reading
friends that help, friends that hinder
Romans 16. In this final chapter of Romans, Paul puts flesh on the practical principles that he had been teaching in the letter. He does this by greeting and showing appreciation to his friends and fellow Christian workers who are … Continue reading
prayer and God’s plan
Romans 15:14-33. Paul asked the Roman Christians to pray for him. He knew what God wanted – that his ministry might be completed. What he didn’t know was whether or not he would be delivered from the Jews who were … Continue reading
drawing people to God
Romans 15:1-13. Christ is our example as we seek to preserve the faith of those who differ from us theologically. He welcomed the Gentiles and gave them the same hope that the Israelites had, as the scriptures attest. “The root … Continue reading
Posted in church, ethnic Israel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, plan of God, witness
Tagged Romans 15
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preserving our brothers’ faith
Romans 14. The church in Rome consisted of fellowships and families dedicated to Christ, some of which were Gentile in origin, and others Jewish, and others Gentiles who had been associated with Judaism before accepting Jesus as Messiah. While all … Continue reading
the debts he calls us to pay
Romans 13. Believers have been set free from the debt to sin and are now free to live in the righteousness given to us through the grace and mercy of God. Our change in status before God includes a new … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, genuineness, grace, kingdom of God, love, self-control, submission, the flesh, worship
Tagged Romans 13
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worshippers
Romans 12. Since we are products of God’s mercy and grace, we should demonstrate that fact by sacrificial lives as worshippers. Worshippers seek the perfect will of God with ever-renewing minds (2). Worshippers use their spiritual gifts to glorify God … Continue reading
God and Israel
Romans 11. Paul asks a rhetorical question — “has God rejected Israel?” He answers: “By no means.” His explanation can be summed up by three phrases 1) present remnant: Paul and others are Jewish branches currently in the olive tree. … Continue reading
one way
Romans 9:30-10:21. God planted a foundation stone dead center in Zion. His name is Jesus. All the LORD asks of anyone is that he believe in him. The Gentiles had not pursued righteousness by means of following the Old Testament … Continue reading
Devotions 