Partners in Ministry: The Joy of serving Jesus with your spouse.

"Marriage is fun."

"Marriage is crazy."

"Marriage is tough."

 Marriage is a process."

 "Marriage is what you make it."

"Marriage is great."

"Marriage is for old people."

"Marriage is a waste of time."

"Marriage is the greatest adventure on earth."

 

Above is a short list of things my wife Taylor and I heard before we got married. If you're married I'm sure you can remember everyone and their mama giving you their opinion/advice. Some good and helpful. Some encouraging and uplifting. Some not so encouraging and uplifting. People are fun!

 

My guess is that you don't need someone else's take on marriage, and especially when that someone has only been married for 8 or 9 months. So, I admittedly know nothing, but I was thinking on it today and wanted to share. 

 

The question crossed my mind: "When are Taylor and I the closest?"

 

I began to think about our lives together. We do almost everything together. We spend lots of time together and it probably seems odd to friends and family when they see one without the other. So out of all that time together, when are we closest?

 

Taylor and I are closest when both of us are close to Jesus, and both of us are closest to Jesus when we are serving Him. So, my conclusion is that our marriage is best and we are closest when we serve Jesus together. I feel closest to Taylor when we are partners in the Gospel ministry.

 

I don't think this is rare among Christian couples. And, I don't think that this should surprise us. I mean, why do most Christian couples go through pre-marital counseling with their pastor before tying the knot? Maybe because they have to before the pastor will marry them, but I think some do it with the intentions of making Jesus the foundation of their marriage from the start. So, why does it seem rare that we are distant from our spouse when one, or both, is distant from God?

 

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Matt 7:24-27 (NLT)

Also, seeing Jesus work through Taylor makes me want Jesus to work through me. One of the greatest joys in my life is watching Taylor serve Jesus. Sometimes I like to take a step back and watch. I admire and long for Taylor most when she admires and longs for Jesus. I pray that I, as her husband, set a good example in this and that my relationship with Jesus would be one that makes her long for Jesus more as well.

"As iron sharpens iron,

so a friend sharpens a friend."

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

 

 

We also obviously think and act more biblically when we are closest to Jesus, therefore we treat each other with love and respect which can only work out well. We are closest when we are closest to being who God created us to be. I hold Taylor closest when she models the life of a biblical wife (which is usually :D), and she holds me closest when I model the life of a biblical husband. This is logical. It should not surprise us that faithfulness to God and obedience to His Word is a blessing to our marriages.

 

"For wives, this means submit your husbands..." Ephesians 5:22 (NLT)

"For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.."
Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)


 So, what's my take on marriage?

Serve Jesus together.



Here's a few things that Taylor and I try to do to keep our relationship with Jesus and each other fresh. We are not perfect and we are not the model. These are just a few things that have been recommended to us and have blessed our marriage thus far.

1. Pray together. Allow your marriage to be a triangle with Jesus at the top. Get on the same page with Jesus and your spouse.
2. Devotions Together. We both read the bible daily, but sometimes we study the word together. Make sure that you and your spouse have the same authoritative voice speaking into your lives.
3. Worship Jam Sessions Together. Sound cheesy? I love riding down the road with Taylor sitting in the middle seat of my pickup truck and us singing out to Jesus together. I'm sure others wouldn't enjoy it, but I think Jesus does.
4. Serving Jesus together in the Church and in the Community.
I don't even know what the ministries I'm involved with would look like without Taylor. Seeing her serve unselfishly pulls me closer to her and to Jesus. Sit down with your spouse and pray about where Jesus wants to use you and jump in.

I think most of this is basic, but so easy to miss. Don't miss out on God working in you're marriage. Serve Jesus together. 

Take Joy Where? (Thanksgiving)

Well, it's that time of the year. Thanksgiving is next week. The holidays are officially here. It will be Taylor and I's first holiday season as a married couple. I love my wife, I am thankful for her, and I excited about being with our family as a family.

Thanksgiving is a neat holiday to me. We set this time of the year apart from the rest of the year to be thankful which is kind of weird. I hope that we really exhibit an attitude of thankfulness year-round.

Thankfulness is easy at times and not so easy at others. This week I was to tempted to have one of those others. My truck has been acting up. Tuesday morning was a breaking point for me. I had to be at a local school pretty early. I went out to get in my truck to leave and it started having some issues. It caused me to run late. I loathe running late. I wanted to kick, spit, and cuss. I was on my way and began to pitch a little hissy fit to God. And, then, like a hammer on my heart, God hit me with Philippians 4:4...

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Phil 4:4 (NLT)

So often we want to place our joy in things other than the Lord. That morning I wanted to place it in my truck running well. That sounds silly. But, I allowed my joy to depend on my truck. Maybe its not your vehicle. Maybe its your relationship with your parents, children, spouse, or some boy/girl. Maybe your joy depends on your bank account or how things go at work/school.

I would like to remind you that Paul wrote Philippians 4 while being in jail for worshipping Jesus. He had all the reason in the world to be in the dumps. But, he chose to be joyful. Not in his freedom. Not in his status. Not in his living arrangements. But, Apostle Paul's joy depended on Jesus. So should ours.

Our family situations change. People let us down. Things, like trucks and cars, break. Finances can hit a wall. We live in a changing and inconsistent world. But, as Christians, we belong to an unchanging and consistent Jesus. He doesn't walk out. He doesn't leave. He doesn't break. He can handle anything and everything we throw at Him.

This Thanksgiving, and every other day of the year, I challenge you to place your joy in Jesus. Let your thankfulness depend on Him, not your circumstances. He can handle it. Take joy in belonging to Jesus.

ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!

 

Quality Christian Music is hard to find...

All Christian music is not good music. The lyrics may be awesome, but from a pure listening to music on the radio, ipod, or whatever device you choose, there is a lot of "Christian" music that is just not easy to listen to. I don't mean to sound sac-religious or insult your taste.

Over the past month or so I have heard a few sounds from bands that I'd never heard. Maybe you've known them forever, but maybe you're like me and have been searching for music that is filled with Jesus and that is as good on the ears as it is on the soul. Here's a list of 5 bands that I've come to enjoy, both new and old. Listen, leave what you don't like, and enjoy what you can!

1. Rend Collective Experiment.

2. All Sons and Daughters

 

 

3. Trip Lee

4.  Shawn McDonald

5. DC Talk (Wanted to throw in an "oldy" but a goody)

 

 

You Are Not Alone...

I struggle with constant worry. I worry about everything. I ask way to many questions out of fear that something will go wrong. I'm all about having a plan.

It may seem odd to you that I deal with fear and worry yet constantly post about evangelism, stepping out in faith, and being "on mission" with Jesus.

Well, since I'm in the confessing mood, those things do not come easy to me. Most of my posts are usually pointed more at myself than at anyone else. I, like many, constantly struggle to get out of my bubble and do things that just don't come natural to normal people.

So, am I just writing this to tell you that I'm a jacked up person. No, you already knew that. What I want to do is give those who are struggling with worry or who are fearful of being all in and all about Jesus a little bit of encouragement that the Word has given me lately.





"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt 28:19-20 (NLT)

With one of the greatest commands Christ ever gave He also gave a promise! Christ tells us that WE ARE NOT ALONE! He has called us to live a life that comes with challenges and opposition, but He let's us know that we don't have to live this life alone.

If you are a true follower of Jesus, whatever you're facing, or whatever you feel God's leading you towards, remember that He is with you. You are not alone.

Blazing. (The Week After Youth Camp.)

Last week we took our students to Fort Caswell in Oak Island, NC for Youth Camp. It was one of those awesome, turn you upside-down weekends. Worship was free, fellowship was fantastic, and the preaching was on fire. If you've ever been to youth camp, you know the kind of week I am talking about. It's kind of like a revival for teenagers, but at the beach. The kids were away and soaking in God's word for a whole week.

But, we're back and a big question we must answer is, "What now?"

We (yes, WE) are all on this spiritual mountain top and ready to set the world on fire for Jesus. But, that's how it is every year. We go to this awesome camp, we get emotional, and we come back committed to Jesus...for about two weeks. So, my question is, how can we make this year different? How can we fan the flame of our hearts for Christ, and not allow our selfishness or our surroundings to damper our enthusiasm for Christ?

 

"Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."

-Isaiah 43:19

 

 

 

God wants this for us. I believe with all my heart He is wanting to do a new thing, and He is calling out a generation for it. But, we have to decide if we are going to get on board with God. God has a plan, and is calling us to take part in it. Will we be obedient? Will step out in faith and see God fill our hearts with passion for His name? Will we rise up as John's, or fall away like Judas?

 

Think today, what is one new thing that God is wanting to do in YOU? Maybe He is calling you to walk away from a sin, start reading the bible daily,

pray more for lost family, or start a relationship with a neighbor who doesn't know Christ. The possibilities are endless. What new thing is God wanting to do in and through you?

 

 



4 Parts of Effective Focus

Focus is important. What we focus on helps make us into who we are.

 

Here are 4 parts of the Christian walk that we need focus on to be effective members of the body of Christ.

 

 

 

1. Love Jesus:

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."

Deut. 6:5

 

It all starts with us responding to His love with our love. Falling deeper and deeper in love with Jesus is what our entire Christian life is to come from. Without love from God and an increasing love for God, we will surely be a hotter mess than we already are.

 

 

2. Share Jesus:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

 

When you fall in love, you can't keep it to yourself. When Taylor and I got engaged last September, I wanted to tell everyone. We ought to feel the same way when we experience God's love for us. How could we ever keep a love that saves a secret. We must focus on sharing Jesus and His love with our community and our world.

 

3. Make Disciples of Jesus:

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:19

 

A love that saves is a love that changes. Focus on making an investment in the lives of others in order to see Jesus change them and make them more like Him. In the process, He'll be changing you too.

 

 

4. Celebrate Jesus Together:

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near"

Hebrews 10:25

 

A love that saves and changes ties those who have been saved and changed together. Focus on hanging out with other followers of Jesus to encourage each other and make much of Jesus. Don't get bogged down with routine. Just focus on Jesus and grow together. It's that simple.

 

 

See the common factor in all of these?

 

Jesus.

 

Focus on Jesus. He is Life, and our source for being who He has created and saved us to be. It's...

 

ALL ABOUT JESUS!



You Choose: Example or Excuse

It is easy to make excuses. I am a major mess-up, so I know all about them. They're easy to make when we sin. Others are easy to blame when things go sour. Its easy to expect much of people, but take no responsibility for/on ourselves.

 

I'm young and dumb. I come from a broken home. I grew up in a house where drug abuse and addiction played a big part. I have struggled to read. I go on stuttering rampages. I am not the coolest. I am a little ragtag. My pockets aren't usually full. I'm just all-around very good at making messes.

 

Those are some of the daily excuses that I battle, and my heart would usually love to use them. But, God says...

 

 

"NO!"

 

I'm chosen, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, and accepted by the one, true, living God of all creation. That gives a thumbs down to all excuses. That erases any ugly past, and any skeletons in your closet. His presence in us makes up for our stutters and stumbles. His grace empowers us to be more that young, dumb, and inexperienced. So, RISE UP. Rise up over your excuses. Rise up over your past. Rise up over your imperfections. Rise up over your surroundings. RISE UP! Christ did! And, haven't we been united with in His death and His resurrection? Rise up!

 

I believe that the Timothy of the bible had excuses. I believe Timothy had those who would look down upon him for his age and lack of experience. Why else would his mentor, Apostle Paul, say to him...

 

"Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

1 Tim 4:12 (NLT)

 

What will you be? Just another pile of excuses that point back to a broken and wasted life, or an example that leads others into the footprints of Christ? Will you continue to allow your downfalls to keep you down? Or, will you rise up in your new identity found in Christ Jesus? You are no longer to be an excuse. I believe those died on the cross too. Be an example today. The world needs Jesus. He has chosen you to show them His great love.



People Matter.

We were all created. We will all die. Whether we die young, or live to be old, we will expire. Most would say that this truth proves a conclusion that says "time matters." However, I think that the bible teaches that, more than time, people matter.

"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

2 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

We will expire. So how do we make it count? We don't try to make as many memories as possible, because they will be forgotten, or, in essence, die. We don't run out and stock up on milk and bread like the 2nd great depression is coming. No. We are to love. We are to invest ourselves in what matters. That is not time, memories, or something that will delay an inevitable ending. We are to invest ourselves in the lives of people. They matter.

I once heard Paul Washer say, "I am to preach as a dying man to dying men."

This quote has made an impression on my heart. It reminds me that I am to live with an extreme since of urgency. I am to do this, because I am dying and others around me are dying. And, if they die without knowing Jesus as Lord, they will not rest for all eternity. But, they will labor in hell. This is to drive us. People that God loves, and that God commands us to love, are dying without knowing God's love. This is horrific. The fields are white for the harvest. Where are the Lord's workers?

The Holy Spirit is teaching me more and more that people matter. People were the reason Christ came. People were the reason that Christ died. I'm not to forget this. Jesus remembered me. I am to remember others. I'm not only to remember them during prayer request time in Sunday School. I'm not to only remember them when they get sick. No. Christ has called me to be a missionary in my home, and in my community. Jesus has called us to more than just saying, "I'll pray for you." Christ has called us to GO and DO. (Matthew 28:16-20/James 1:22)

My challenge today is this: Pick someone today, and pour your life into theirs.

What do I mean by this? Find someone, anyone, who needs to know the love of Jesus. Then, do whatever it takes for that person to know the love of Jesus. This may be risky. It may cost you gas money or time. It cost Jesus his life on the cross. It may be frustrating. They may not get it quickly. Jesus prayed that God the Father forgive them anyway. People matter to Jesus. So, they should matter to you.

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

1 John 3:16

This is Taylor with some of our Youth at Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC.
Taylor has been leading small group with our girls on Wednesday Nights.

All About Jesus.

FOR US (Good Friday)

 "But He was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed."

Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)

Last night I sat and watched  The Passion of The Christ. With me was Taylor, my girlfriend, and Matthew, my 9 yr old little brother. This movie is what it is called, passionate.

Jesus passionately prayed in the garden as He sweat bullets of blood.

Jesus compassionately placed the soldiers ear back where it belonged.

Jesus passionately sought after His Father's will.

Jesus passionately took being beaten with rods.

Jesus passionately took being whipped with whips of glass and rock.

Jesus walked passionate steps as He carried our cross to Calvary.

Jesus died a passionate death as He poured out His life and was nailed to that tree.

But, what struck me this most?

IT WAS FOR US!

This wasn't just a movie. These were real events. Jesus was a real man, who was also God. He was really beaten. Real nails went through His real hands. And, yes, His real body arose from a real grave.....

and it was all for us!

That's the glory of the Gospel. The God of the universe sending His Son for our rescue. His Son paying our ransom. Its universal in the fact that He died for all, but its personal in the fact that He died just for you. Each whip, nail, and drop of blood was for you. What should have been us, was Him. He took our place.

For Him?

Realizing this must make us think. We must go further than teary eyes and a tossed stomach. Remembering Christ's cross and suffering confronts us with the question: Do we know Jesus personally? Have we given up our old life and are we living THE NEW LIFE with Jesus? Is our old life dead, on the cross, and have we been resurrected with Jesus?

Good, Pleasing, and Perfect.

We spend our whole lives searching. We search for something solid. We look for something steady. We look for something that stands up when others sit down. We live our journey focused on something that will make us happy. We pour energy into finding something that works. We have sleepless nights and stressful days while striving to find that perfect path...or one that at least works half of the time.

Search no longer.

If someone has ever told you that the Word of God isn't true that person is a liar. If someone has told you that the Word of God is not applicable don't listen to another word they have to say on the subject.

Romans 12:1-2 has been on my heart big time the last 2 weeks.

Romans 12:1-2
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

In a world full of uncertainty, this passage tells us that we can be certain. As the world rushes around searching without a clue, the Word says that we can have much more than a clue. God has HUGE plans for your life. He has a plan for your life that leads to good things. A plan that is pleasing to you, and Himself. This plan is perfect, unlike any other plan. But, none of that matters unless we respond correctly to God's grace.

The way to respond to God's grace is to offer ourselves back to Him. The bible says that by God's grace we were bought at a high price. Therefore, we no longer belong to ourselves. As believers, we have been made a new creature by belonging to Jesus. He deserves us. He is worthy of our lives. He is calling us to give up our life so that we may live a life that glorifies Him, but one that also satisfies us.

How awesome is that? God has our best interests in mind. Though He wants our life, He wants to give us one that is worth living. God loves you so much that He wants to give you something that will be good, and that will last forever. This is the calling that you have been searching for!

Turn it over. Don't debate if it's worth it or not. Jesus is better. I can tell you from being in the will of God and not being in the will of God, that following Jesus is much better than not. That doing what God has called me to do has been much more pleasing than living a life full of lust and sin. Knowing God's plan for my life by giving it to Him has been far more peaceful than living on the edge and not knowing what will come next.

You may be looking at what you will lose, but you will get so much more in return. Something that is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Jesus is better.

Nothing Whorish, but Very Whole-ish

A man once said, "Waking up each morning is grace. Demanding anything more is greed."

I like the choice of words. In the first statement he speaks of grace. Stating that the breath of daily life is much more than a given. In the second he uses the term demanding. The terms desiring, wanting, or attempting to have were not used.

The term "Content" is a lot deeper than seven letters. What does it mean?

Content: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation

To be content does not mean to settle. As believers, we often settle for less than what God has for us. We do this for many reasons. Sometimes its because of a fear of failure. Sometimes we just get distracted, and forget that God has a bigger and better plan than twitter and facebook. Sometimes we just tired of looking and trying. Settling seems to be easy, but it is surely not a way out.

We seem to settle in many areas. Maybe you are exhausted, and settle for a job just because you need one, and not because it is the one God has set apart for you. You have probably settled in relationships. You settle for less than Mr. or Mrs. God's plan for you. This means you have settled for less than love, less than moral, and less than right. No matter where you settle, you will always get less. Settling is not in the definition of being content, but being satisfied is.

To be content is to be totally satisfied by what God has blessed you with today. To be totally satisfied by God is to see Him as more than satisfactory. Another key to this is to view every circumstance as an opportunity, and a blessing, not a curse. Our goal in those blessings and opportunities cannot be to please me, but to please the One from whom all blessings flow.


Romans 12:1-2

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,* I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.*2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The end of verse 2 hits me hard. God's will  for me is good, pleasing and perfect? That's right. To be content is to see it that way. If those words were the words of Paul's heart, he was a very content man. If we are truly content, and believe that God's will for us is really good, pleasing and perfect, then we will accomplish the rest of these two verses. If we are satisfied by God's perfect will then we will automatically become a living sacrificing. Being content is not only a state of the heart and mind, but the body. Being content will make us doers of the words that we hear. (James 1:22)

I challenge you. Be satisfied by Christ. Search for nothing outside of Him, because it will only leave you more empty than before. No trophy, no buzz, and no fifteen minutes with the opposite sex will make you feel the way Christ can. You will not be at peace with anything outside of Him. There will always be something missing. Fall in love with Jesus. Dance your life away as an offering to Him. Pour yourself out at His feet, leaving no more to be waisted on anything else. He is where you will find rest.

Living and Dying (Romans 11 and 12)

In Romans 9 and 10, Apostle Paul goes into deep detail about the choosing of His Children, both Jews and Gentiles. He talks about our sins, and God's grace. He continues in this trend through Chapter 11.

Tonight we will cover two chapters. We will read through Chapter 11 together, reflecting on the choice of Christ, and then move into Chapter 12 to discuss the call of Christ. I must say that Chapter 12 is my favorite Chapter in Romans, and one of my favorite Chapters in the entire Bible. It's a good one, so hold on!

Romans 11

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.


2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said,3 "LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."*


4 And do you remember God's reply? He said, "No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!"*


5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel* have remained faithful because of God's grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them.6 And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.


7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened.8 As the Scriptures say,






"God has put them into a deep sleep.


To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see,


and closed their ears so they do not hear."*






9 Likewise, David said,






"Let their bountiful table become a snare,


a trap that makes them think all is well.


Let their blessings cause them to stumble,


and let them get what they deserve.


10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see,


and let their backs be bent forever."*






11 Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.12 Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it.


13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this,14 for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them.15 For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead!16 And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.


17 But some of these branches from Abraham's tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree.18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.


19 "Well," you may say, "those branches were broken off to make room for me."20 Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn't believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don't think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won't* spare you either.


22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree.24 You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong.






25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters,* so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.26 And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say,






"The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem,*


and he will turn Israel* away from ungodliness.


27 And this is my covenant with them,


that I will take away their sins."*






28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.29 For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.30 Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead.31 Now they are the rebels, and God's mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share* in God's mercy.32 For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.


33 Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!






34 For who can know the LORD's thoughts?


Who knows enough to give him advice?*


35 And who has given him so much


that he needs to pay it back?*



36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.


Boast in nothing but Jesus. He is King and His grace is clear. We are not worthy, no matter who your family is. Don't look at denomination, or earthly preferences. Look to Jesus.

Romans 12

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,* I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.*2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.


3 Because of the privilege and authority* God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.*4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.


6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.


9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.10 Love each other with genuine affection,* and take delight in honoring each other.11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.*12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.


14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!


17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.


19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,






"I will take revenge;


I will pay them back,"*


says the LORD.






20 Instead,






"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.


If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.


In doing this, you will heap


burning coals of shame on their heads."*






21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.



I absolutely love this Chapter. I am in love with it because it is frank. I am in love with it because it is honest and doesn’t hold back. But, I am also in love with this Chapter because it is full of grace. I find my heart beating faster and faster due to the eloquence that Paul exhibits as he writes this letter of declaration and truth.



In this chapter, we see what we are called to be. We are called to worship. We are called to be humble. We are called to use what God has given us. We are called to love others and be patient with them. We are commanded to forgive. And, finally, we are called to live VICTORIOUSLY! How about that?





Called to Be…

To start off Chapter 12, Paul tells us that we are to do a whole lot more than just exist. Paul pleads with us to give our lives as a sacrifice. A living one at that…



Basically, Paul says that we are called to give up our rights. In our country, we have rights. With the constitution, and etc., we are given freedoms. In our Christianity, we are called to give these rights to Christ. We are to be crucified with Christ.



To follow Jesus, is to do what Jesus does. Well, Jesus was a living sacrifice to the Father. We find Him in the garden on Gethsemane, praying that God’s will be done over His own. We find Him being obedient as He is beaten beyond recognition. And, we see the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings, being a living sacrifice as He dies. Even in his death He remained what The Father called Him to be.



We are to have the same life as the man we follow. We are submit our every desire to the cross as we shout, “Your will be done”, to the Father. We have been called to throw out every plan of man, and pick up our lives to follow Jesus. This means we go to school where Jesus wants us to attend. We work the job that Jesus wants us to work. We marry who Jesus wants us to marry. The call of Christ is to crucify our every right, so that we may have the freedom of Christ. And when we do this, we become the most blessed people on earth.



Acceptable? Paul writes that being a living sacrifice is the only thing that God sees as acceptable. Heart Check: Have you submitted your life to Jesus? Are you taking the steps that Jesus wants you to take? Or, do you find yourself in a self consumed world? I can tell you, submitting to God’s will is not comfortable, but it’s worth it. There is such a peace. Do you have peace about the future? Do you have a peace about the now? Oh, and by the way, you may not understand why God is telling you to do something. Good news: God isn’t calling you to understand, but to obey.



We are called to be a living sacrifice.



Called to Worship

Everything that we do is an act of worship. But, who are we worshiping? If we are anything but a living sacrifice to Christ, then we are not worshiping Jesus.



To follow the commands, and to walk every step in the Spirit, is true worship. We see this as Jesus speaks with the women at the well in John 4.



We are to rise and worship in Spirit and in Truth. Look at your life. Look at who you hangout with. Look at the music that you listen to. Look at the TV shows that you watch. These are all acts of worship. Who are you worshiping?



Called to Humbleness

When asked what a great characteristic of Jesus is, you have to mention humbleness. Jesus was a humble man.



To be a living sacrifice to the Father, we must be HUMBLE. In verse 3, Paul gives the Romans a warning. He tells us to not think that we are better than we are. Recently, God gave me a heart check here. I must say, He wanted to crush my pride. So often we think that we are invincible, and to our surprise, we are not. This is why it is so important to place every thought and desire on the walking altar.



We must make sure that we are not the focal point of our lives. Christ has to be. The glorification of HIS name has to be our top priority.



Who are you? Boast in nothing but The LORD.



Call to use the Gifts of God

As workers in the army of God, He has equipped us with the tools to get the job done.



Paul writes that God gives us these gifts and abilities through His grace. His grace makes these gifts a privilege to use. We should not boast about them, but feel free to use them.



God has given His children different gifts. But, they are all of value. If you follow Jesus, He has blessed you with spiritual gifts so that you may glorify His name. What a privilege! Are using yours?



Called to Love and Love with Patience

People get on your nerves like they do mine. As believers in Christ, we are called to have a SINCERE love for others. Paul reminds us to not pretend, but to be real.



Who do you struggle to love? Why do you struggle to love them? Think about it. Is it something silly, like them smacking their food when they eat? Or is it a serious habit? Do they struggle with honesty or commitment?



Just Saying: You struggle too. Just like me. But, through our stubbornness and sin, Jesus still loves us with a genuine affection. Are we not called to be living sacrifices for the cause of Christ? Then, should we not love the world and be patient with others? Yes, they are annoying, but we are too.



Called to Forgive

This leads us to forgiveness. As Christ loved us, He forgave us.



We have all been hurt. We have all been at the place where we feel that we’ve been wronged.



GIVE IT AWAY! Paul tells us not to hold on to this junk. Unforgiveness drags us down. We have to leave vengeance up to the Lord.



What if Jesus were to hold a grudge against you? What if He refused to show you pardon?



Who are you holding a grudge against?



Called to Victorious Living!

I love verse 21. “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”



God’s will is good, as we discussed earlier. Do God’s will. This is where the extreme blessing comes in. Because, God’s plan contains no worry and no doubt. We can be sure that God’s will is right. We can be sure that when we follow God’s will, we have been made right.



When we walk the way we want to, we walk in defeat. When we walk with Jesus, we walk in VICTORY!



Are you seeking God’s will? Do.

Pretty Feet and Big Hugs (Romans 10)

In Romans 9, we discussed Jews and Gentiles, Promises and Breaking Promises, and Faith versus Works. The Holy Spirit continues to work on us through Chapter 10...

Romans 10

1 Dear brothers and sisters,* the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal.3 For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God's way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.* As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

5 For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.*6 But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth).7 And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)."8 In fact, it says,






"The message is very close at hand;


it is on your lips and in your heart."*






And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.11 As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."*12 Jew and Gentile* are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."*


14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"*


16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, "LORD, who has believed our message?"*17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.18 But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have:






"The message has gone throughout the earth,


and the words to all the world."*






19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said,






"I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation.


I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles."*






20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying,






"I was found by people who were not looking for me.


I showed myself to those who were not asking for me."*






21 But regarding Israel, God said,






"All day long I opened my arms to them,


but they were disobedient and rebellious."*



Re-cap:
 
In verses 1-4, Paul re-caps Chapter 9. He writes about his love for the Jews. Paul had the love of Christ within him. He re-establishes the fact that they refuse to follow God's way, which is The Way: Jesus. I love that the NLT uses the word "clinging" in verse 3. I can see the entire human race with a tight grip around their sin, refusing to let go of themselves. (We are all guilty)
 
News that is Good
 
Starting in verse 5, Paul writes the Gospel. Paul preaches the good news through writing utensil and paper. He establishes that Christ came for us. He did not sit in heaven, pumping His religious fist, but He left his throne to come get His people.
 
Work? The bible clearly teaches that salvation is a free gift. This passage re-iterates that. Verse 8 expresses that salvation is within easy reach. How awesome is that? It is in easy-reach because Jesus brought it straight to us. Straight to the manger, straight to the cross, and straight from the grave. Jesus brought it.
 
So what does that mean  for us? Read it, hear it, believe it, and live it. We must know and have confidence that Jesus saves, and that He is capable of saving us. Jesus is the only one capable of making us right with the Father, and we must trust in that fact through every smile and every trial.
 
Pretty Feet-
 
After we believe, we are given direct directions. In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus tells the disciples to go and make disciples. Meaning, go, preach the Gospel, and teach them that Jesus is Lord. Paul knew this. Paul writes in verse 14 that those who do not know Jesus, will not know Him unless those who do know Jesus, tell them about Him. You get all of that?
 
If you believe, you are called to tell. You are called to tell the precious message of God's love to those who do not know it! And if you do this, you have beautiful feet.
 
I hate feet. They gross me out. Feet have never been seen as glorious or precious. That is why it was such a big deal for Jesus to wash the disciples feet. They're gross. Those feet belonged to men who wore flip-flops and rode camels. They belonged to men whose top priority was probably not their personal hygiene. Jesus did this to serve. We are to serve. One way to serve is by sharing the Gospel. The word tells us that all who share the good news have gorgeous feet.
 
What does God see when he looks at your feet? Are you spreading the Good News? Did you share it today? Why or why not? Heart-check.
 
Big hug...or Not?
 
Paul makes it clear that many will not cuddle up to the Gospel. Many people will reject what you have to say if you are telling the truth about Jesus. It will not be a bunch of big hugs, but you may have to deal with a rejection. As believers, this should break our heart in a way that motivates us to tell so many more souls!
 
If you have embraced Jesus, rejoice. If you have led someone to Christ, rejoice.
 
God's Love: Take it and tell it. It's a gift, and a privilege!

Faith, Faith, and Faith (Romans 4)

We took the weekend off. I hope you've gotten caught up. I hope you're ready. Here we go...

Romans 4

1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God's way.3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith."*

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:






7 "Oh, what joy for those


whose disobedience is forgiven,


whose sins are put out of sight.


8 Yes, what joy for those


whose record the LORD has cleared of sin."*






9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles?* Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith.10 But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!


11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith.12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.


13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.14 If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)


16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations."* This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.


18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!"*19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb.


20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous.23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.



Old Testament?

Paul goes back to the old testament here. We often ignore, or neglect the old testament, and we shouldn't. It is important. Paul goes there a lot, and, more importantly, Jesus did too.

Forgiveness and Faith are Gifts

Salvation: We don't deserve it, we don't earn it, and we can't buy it.

God gives us faith. God gives us forgiveness. We can't work for it, and we are surely not good enough for it.

Joy in the Gifts

In verse 7 and 8, Paul continues to take a look at the old testament. Here, he quotes David.

David says that those who are forgiven have great Joy.

We are to be excited and enthused by the God that saved us, and by the God that we have the privelege of serving. WOW!

Do you have Joy? We learn in Galatians 5:22 that joy is a fruit of the spirit. Are you bearing that fruit? If you have the spirit, and have received these gifts, you should be.

Works vs. Faith?

So many people disagree here. But, the bible is clear here. Works and Faith are not the same. We are saved by the grace of God and faith in His Son. But, faith and works do not oppose one another. But, the two work together. Verse 11, and the surrounding verses, makes it clear that works are a product of our faith. Bearing the right fruit is a result of having the right root (Luke 6). If you have been given faith and forgiveness through Jesus, you have been saved. And, If you have been saved, then you have been set apart to work for the glorification of Christ.

It starts with faith in Jesus, and Jesus changes our hearts and lives to do work for Him. Wow!

Persistent Faith

How persistent is your faith?

Paul continues his journey through story time in verse 16. He speaks very highly of Abraham and his faith that just won't quit. He speaks of Abraham keeping hope and belief in what God had promised him.

Paul writes that this kind of faith is what made Abraham right with God. Do we have this kind of faith? The kind of faith that is given by God, so that we may be made right with God? Examine your life and see if it leads back to a faith that is rooted deeply in the promise and presence of God. Take a moment to reflect, pray, and to seek God's face. Really.

It seems that Jesus is the system, and that faith is the key to the system. Do we have this gift? Is our faith persistent? It seems that we must consistently search ourselves for the presence and the presents of God. And, remember that you cannot have one without the other.

Declaration of Dependence (Romans 3)

In Romans 1 and 2, it was good. It gets even better in Romans 3.

Romans 3

1 Then what's the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision?2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.*

3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him,






"You will be proved right in what you say,


and you will win your case in court."*






5 "But," some might say, "our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?" (This is merely a human point of view.)6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?7 "But," someone might still argue, "how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?"8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, "The more we sin, the better it is!" Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.






All People Are Sinners


9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles,* are under the power of sin.10 As the Scriptures say,






"No one is righteous—


not even one.


11 No one is truly wise;


no one is seeking God.


12 All have turned away;


all have become useless.


No one does good,


not a single one."*


13 "Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.


Their tongues are filled with lies."


"Snake venom drips from their lips."*


14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."*


15 "They rush to commit murder.


16 Destruction and misery always follow them.


17 They don't know where to find peace."*


18 "They have no fear of God at all."*






19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.






Christ Took Our Punishment


21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses* and the prophets long ago.22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.


23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.


27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.


29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is.30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.*31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

We are wrong. Jesus is right. It's a good thing that Jesus is right.
 
WE ARE WRONG
Look at your life: Yes, the past mistakes, current struggles, and future obstacles. The statement that "we are wrong" is obvious. God uses Paul to say this in Romans 3.
 
It is obvious that we are all cursed by sin. We have been stained by the filth of this life and our decisions. Look at the statistics. They prove that we are wrong. Verses 10-18 screams of our sinfulness. Verse 15 says that we even run to murder, yes, that includes you. God's word says it. That is powerful, and convicting.
 
Romans 3:23 is one of the most used, read, taught, and preached scriptures in the history of holy scripture, and for good reason. The fact that we have all sinned and that no one is excluded convicts hearts, breaks egos, and calls us all to repentance. THIS IS GOOD STUFF.
 
So what?
 
Jesus is Right
Jesus is not only right, but He is all righteousness summed up in one name. God is good, so is His Son. Romans 3:4 states that God is true. John 14:6 states that Jesus is Truth. Both of the statements are true.
 
Jesus lived on this earth for 33 years. He did so without sinning. That's tough stuff, and it continues to be true. Jesus was righteous, blameless, good, holy, salvation, right, pure, and everything thing else that can be labeled as good.
 
So what?!

Jesus being right benefits us
Usually disagreements make people sour. If someone else is right, and we are wrong, it usually does not go over well. This situation should be handled differently. We are wrong. Jesus is right. This benefits us.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

The grace of God should bring tears of joy to our eyes.

We are sinful, Jesus was not, so he could take our place. Don't you get it? If Jesus was not blameless he could not satisfy God's holy and just wrath. Out of love and righteousness, Jesus did something scandalous. He gave us what we didn't deserve. We have reason to celebrate our perfect and worthy King. His name is Jesus.



Chapter 3 can be summed up by saying... God is good. We are not. Jesus is the answer. Boast only in Him, for He alone is worthy.

Let's declare dependence on the one and only Jesus Christ.

Goody-Two-Shoes (Romans 2)

Paul started his letter to the Romans off with a BANG! In Chapter 2, he continues his rant on sin, mentions Jews, and throws circumcision into the mix. Good stuff! Keep reading...

Romans 2

1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things.3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things?4 Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done.7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.*10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.11 For God does not show favoritism.


12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.13 For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.15 They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life.






The Jews and the Law


17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God's law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness.20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God's law gives you complete knowledge and truth.


21 Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?*23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you."*


25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God's law. But if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.26 And if the Gentiles obey God's law, won't God declare them to be his own people?27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God's law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God's law but don't obey it.


28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise* from God, not from people.
 
Apostle Paul finished up Chapter one discussing God's hate for sin. He happens to open Chapter 2 the same way. When Jesus repeats things through Paul, WE NEED TO TAKE NOTE!
 
HYPOCRISY
A sin that Paul starts off with is that of Hypocrisy. Jesus hates hypocrisy.
 
Jesus and the Pharisees and Jewish leaders did not get along well because of their hypocrisy. Jesus hates it when we do not admit our sins, but point out the sins of others.
 
We have to make sure that we stay aware of our own sin. It is tough and it will probably not boost your self-confidence, but the confession of sins and repentance is key to our partnership with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30).
 
Consequences- Paul begins expressing the consequences for our sin, stubbornness, and hypocrisy in verse 5. Jesus wants us to be on guard against sin, so that He can guard us from eternal consequences. When we do not repent, we literally build up hell for ourselves.
 
A Continuance of Hypocrisy
Verse 17: Paul continues to demolish the hearts of hypocrites. He takes this serious. SO DOES JESUS. Jesus wants us to admit our sin , so that we can turn to HIM and be saved. The first step to being saved is realizing that you're lost. The Jews in Rome struggled mightily with this. So do we. What's going on in your life right now? Need to confess some sin? Take a few moments to pray to God, confess sin, ask for forgiveness, and make a commitment to keeping your eyes on Jesus. Let's look this thing right in the face.
 
 
Religion Stinks
 
Paul was once one of the most religious people in the bible. He was once wrapped up in rules and regulations. Then he met Jesus. When Paul was confronted by Christ, his world was changed. Jesus broke Paul's religious and traditional spine.
 
The Jewish leaders did not get this. Their thick skulls and hardened hearts could not handle the words of grace and love. They were consumed by self-righteousness and regulations. They made everything about family trees and circumcision.
 
This should make us cringe. Paul explains that they made rules, enforced them, but failed to follow them. We need to do differently! We need to fall on our knees, thank God for grace, and move forward in service and obedience.
 
 
 
 
SERVE, not stink.