Tag Archive | Bible

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/6) Mark 2:1-12

Jan6

A 5-day per week study.

January 6 – Reading Mark 2:1-12.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Mark 2:5

 

The Gospel According to Mark 2:1-12.

Vss 1-2.

Jesus, and a few disciples, had been away preaching and casting out demons throughout all Galilee for several weeks or months. Then, after the glorious healing of the leper, Jesus had gone into seclusion for a bit because of the crowds thronged Him. 

Now, He had returned to Capernaum, to Peter’s house, and after a few days … it was reported that He was back.  Immediately many came to hear and be healed. They pushed into Peter’s house till it was packed like sardines, and they crowded around the door to try and hear Him. 

In that crowd, were some Scribes who had mananged to come inside. They were “sitting” and watching Jesus with hawk eyes.  And Jesus preached “the word.”  (The Gospel of grace, faith, and forgiveness.)

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Vss 3-5.

In Capernaum, there lived a man who was paralyzed in his legs. We aren’t told if this was an injury or a birth defect.  But this man was very fortunate. He had four friends, perhaps former co-workers, who cared about him deeply. They heard that Jesus, the miracle-healer, was back in town.  They got a stretcher for their friend and jogged (double-time) to Peter’s house. 

But before they got close enough to even hear Jesus speaking inside, they saw the crowds straining and pushing around the door. 

Perhaps they stopped, took in the situation, speaking among themselves. What to do?  Should they wait outside till Jesus came out?  Did the paralytic tell them to just take him home, that maybe later….

But no!  One had spied the steps leading to the roof of Peter’s house. (It was a flat place where the family could sit or sleep when it got too hot inside.)  The friends nodded. They went around the house and carefully carried their friend up the steps.  Once there, they began removing the roofing material, surely laying it aside neatly so they could later repair it.

Inside, Jesus was aware of their efforts.  Soon everyone was, as an opening appeared in the ceiling. Gasps? Dismay? Outrage? 

But Jesus saw something else.  He saw THEIR FAITH.  And as they let down the paralyzed man, Jesus said to him, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 

(Was there joy on the man’s face?  Was THIS his main problem, the one that haunted him even more than his useless legs? What joy he must have felt!) 

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Vss 6-9.

Ah, but those Jewish scribes.  What were they thinking?  You could tell by their faces they weren’t happy. 

One was thinking, “Why does this man speak like this?“

The second one, “He is blaspheming!”

The third one, “Who can forgive sins but GOD alone??”

Just like Jesus could see into the paralytic’s heart, he saw the darkness in these men’s hearts.

“Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk?’  But, that you man KNOW that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

The man, whose sins were forgiven, rose and immediately, picked up his bed, and went out before them all.  The parting crowd was amazed and they glorified God.  They said, “We never saw anything like this!’“

 

(And of course, the friends of the man ran down the steps two at at time. The embraced him and joined in glorifying God. 

Yes, I think later they returned and repaired the roof.)

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(Back to the question Jesus asked the Scribes.  “Which is easier TO SAY?”  This is different from, “Which is easier TO DO?”  Anyone could say anything, but did that make it true?   Jesus had backed up His words with actions. The Scribes didn’t believe their EARS, but they had to believe their EYES.

The paralyzed man of course believed his ears at both things Jesus said. And so did his friends.  He was forgiven.  He was healed.   And he had acted on both. He got up and went home, a forgiven man.

Oh, Lord! for FAITH to believe ALL You say to us in Your Word! Like You said to Thomas, ‘Blessed are those who don’t see and yet believe!’)                                       

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/5) Mark 1:29-45

Jan5

A 5-day per week study.

January 5 – Reading Mark 1:29-45.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38

 

The Gospel According to Mark 

Vss. 29-31. 

In the last reading/study I wondered if Peter & Andrew and James & John had gone into the synagogue with Jesus, heard his teaching and witnessed the casting out of demons from the man.  Well, here, it seems that the four new “fishers of men” disciples had indeed been there, for after the service, they “left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew.”

(Hmmm, brother Andrew lives there too?)

Peter’s mother-in-law (probably a widow) lived with them, and when they came in from the Sabbath Day’s service, they found her in bed and sicker than they left her. (Luke’s gospel [4:38] said it was a “high” fever, maybe life-threatening, and Luke WAS a doctor after all). 

Peter and/or his wife immediately told Jesus about her, and Jesus went to her bedside.  He took her by the hand and lifted her up. At the sight and touch of Jesus, the fever fled, and she was restored to health…so much so that she began to serve them. (A cold Sabbath meal, perhaps?)

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Vss. 32-34. 

Later, after sundown when the Sabbath was over and the people were released from the prohibition of “carrying” anything, they began to bring to the door of Peter’s house, ALL who were sick of various deseases and conditions or were demon-possessed.

Jesus went outside and began healing them (as He had Peter’s mother-in-law).  He met the needs of the people of Capernaum long into the night.

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Vs. 35. 

Very early in the morning, Jesus got up, dressed and left Peter’s home.  In the cool, quiet morning, he walked to a desolate place. There he prayed to His heavenly father. 

In this time of communion with God, Jesus was strengthened, assured, and directed to His next tasks.  He felt joy, and again yielded himself to all God’s plans for Him.

(I imagined that part, but isn’t it what WE feel when we take time, early in the morning, to pray, worship, read the Bible, and commit ourselves anew to the Lord?)

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Vss. 36-38. 

When everyone in the house got up, they found Jesus missing. (Was there a bit of fear in their heart? Where was He? Had he deserted them?)   The four “fishers of men” searched everywhere for Him, and evenually found him in that lonely place.

“Everyone is looking for you!” said Simon.  (Did that mean only those in Peter’s home, or were the needy again lining up at his door, looking for the great Healer?)

Jesus had compassion on the sick and demon possessed.  But sin was at the core of this suffering.  He had come to deal with sin, and He wanted to get to preaching and teaching about his mission, and turning HEARTS to Himself. 

“Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out,” He said. 

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Vss. 39.   

So that is what He did.  And the four men followed Him.  (Did they go back to pack a lunch and get a cloak?  Did Jesus first heal those who had come in the morning?  We don’t know.

But we DO know that from there and at that time, “Jesus went throughout all Galilee, PREACHING in their synagogues and casting out demos.”  (This is but a short verse, but the time frame was probably weeks or even months.) 

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Vss. 40-45.  

Mark records one incident that happened during this time of travel.   It was an astounding healing showing Jesus’s heart and pity for the lost and sick.  It also shows the problem they faced when Jesus did such miraculous healings. 

A leperous man aprroached Jesus.

(Since leprosy was contageous, lepers were required by the Law to stay 50 paces away from other people and constantly call out “unclean, unclean” to warn them.)

But this man, came close to Jesus, kneeling right infront of Him and begging.  “If You will, you can make me clean.”  The man did not doubt Jesus ability, only His willingness to do it.  

Jesus was “moved with pity.”  He reached out and ….. touched the Leper.  He TOUCHED the diseased man!!  And instead of the vile disease passing to Jesus, clean wholeness passed to the leper.  “I will,“ Jesus said. “Be clean.“

And immediately the leprosy left him.

“Now listen,” Jesus warned him sternly. “See that you say nothing to anyone. Go show yourself to the priest, then give the offerings Moses commanded as “proof” of your cleansing.” (See Leviticus 14:1-32)

But, and who can actually fault him, the joyous man began proclaiming far and wide the miracle of cleansing Jesus had done for him.  “I’m clean!  Look at me!  Jesus cleansed me!  Clean!  No more leprosy!  I’m cleannnnnn…..”

And the lepers massed to Jesus, their desperate eyes full of hope. 

No more could He teach or preach in the towns for the lepers and sick crowded and called for healing and pleaded for mercy and tried to touch Him.  (Sigh.)  And so Jesus was forced to go out into desolate places until the excitement died down.  

But some good came of it. It was “alone” time with those few disciples.  And there were sweet times of prayer to His Father. (See Luke 5:16)

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(NOTE: This section reminded me of the stress – body and spirit – that our own ministers and pastors experience in serving and teaching us. There are lots of expectations, needy people, “things to do.”   They can get rung out, desperate for that alone time with God.  Do we allow and foster that for them?  And do we pray for them?  Let’s do that his week.)

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/2) Mark 1:16-28

Jan2

A 5-day per week study.

January 2 – Reading Mark 1:16-28.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Mark 1:17

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The Gospel According to Mark.

Verses 16-20.  As Jesus walked along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, He saw four fishermen.  Two were casting a net into the sea and two were in their boat mending nets.  Nets need mending before they can be thrown out to catch fish. 

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Jesus was going to teach these four fishers of fish how to mend and cast out the kind of nets that would bring in a harvest of men (and women) for the Kingdom of God.  It would take three years of training, but these four (two sets of brothers) were willing.  They “immediately” left both their nets and their “boss” (father) and fellow workers to follow Jesus.

Now this wasn’t an out-of-thin-air call to follow a stranger.  John, one of Zebedee’s sons, had been with John the Baptist when he’d pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.”  Simon’s brother, Andrew, had also heard the announcement. These two had followed the Baptist’s pointing finger.  They walked after Jesus, and when the Savior turned and asked who they were seeking, they responded, “Teacher, where are you staying?” 

“Come and you will see,” Jesus had said mysteriously.  So they went, saw where, and stayed with Jesus the whole day. Andrew and John knew who was asking them to follow Him.

So did Peter.  When Andrew realized the treasure he and John had found, he ran to Peter, shouting, “We have found the Messiah!” and brought him to Jesus.

“So, you are Simon, bar Jonah,” Jesus had said to the big fisherman.  “You shall be called Cephas (or Peter).”

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Verses 21-22.  And they went to Capernaum….  This was Peter’s hometown.  He had a house (and a wife and mother-in-law) living with him.  It must have been a good sized house because Jesus made it His headquarters while in Galilee.

There was also a prominant synagogue in Capernaum. 

“Immediately” on the Sabbath, Jesus entered it and began teaching.  (Any Jewish man who could read the Scriptures was allowed to read and “give a word” from them. He would stand to read, then sit to teach.)

Jesus, well, He not only knew the Scriptures, He had basically (via His Holy Spirit) authored the entire Old Testament. He knew what was “meant” by them, and did not have to quote other famous Rabbi’s to prove His point like the scribes did.  He taught with “authority.”  His listeners were astonished at his teaching. 

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(Remember when Jesus was twelve and had stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover celebration? (Luke 2:41-51)  His earthly parents were worried about Him, thinking He was “lost.” When they found him, they scolded Him, but Jesus told them, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”  

And what had the boy Jesus be doing?  He was in the temple, sitting AMONG the teachers (Pharisees), listening to them and asking them (profound) questions. “All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.”)

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Verses 23-28.  “Immediately” (after Jesus’ authoritative teaching) a demon-possessed man in the synagogue cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have You come to destroy us?  I know who You are – the Holy One of God.”

It was like the man had been sitting there quietly before this. Perhaps no one knew that he was demon possessed.  But in the presence of “the Holy One of God” the demons inside him could not be restrained.

What a shock that must have been to the other people in the synagogue!  Eyes stared. Jaws dropped!

“Be silent, and come out of him,” Jesus commanded.

The unclean spirit, convulsing the man and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

Wide eyed and aghast, the congregants sat amazed.  Then they turned and whispered among themselves, questioning just WHO this Jesus was?  A new teaching with authority!  He commands and unclean spirits obey Him!!

And at once Jesus’ fame spread everywhere in the surrounding region of Galilee. 

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Were the four fishermen who “followed Jesus” there when this happened? The Bible doesn’t specifically say. They had followed Jesus on a “work day,” and this was the Sabbath.  Would they normally have attended this synagogue?  Perhaps. 

Peter must have heard about, or actually witnessed this, and later told it to Mark.

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/1) Mark 1:1-15

Jan1

A 5-day per week study.

January 1 – Reading Mark 1:1-15.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“…Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”  Mark 1:14b-15

 

The Gospel According to Mark (and probably Peter)

“John Mark” was a close companion of the apostle Peter. It was to Mark’s mother’s home that Peter went when the angel miraculously released him from prison.  Like Paul with Timothy, Peter called Mark, “my son.” (1 Peter 5:13)

We all remember how the youthful Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabus and Saul on their first missionary journey, and how when the trip had only just begun, Mark quit and went home.  This was a black mark on Mark for Paul, and he said “No,” when Barnabus suggested taking him on the second Missions trip.  Paul ended up taking Silas, and Barnabas took Mark with him to his home on Cyprus.  With a name like “encourager,” Barnabas probably patiently trained and taught the young man to be useful in ministry. 

Mark later became a valuable help to both Paul (Colossians 4:10, Philemon 24, 2 Timothy 4:11) and Peter, who, himself, knew what it was like to fail. It was probably from this close assocation and listening to Peter’s account, that Mark got the details about the life and ministry of Jesus. Peter might even have dictated some of it to John Mark.  Mark is sometimes called “the memoirs of Peter.”  

The Gospel was probably written while both Peter and Mark were in Rome. His gospel was for Roman believers, probably mostly Gentiles.  Since Christians were under intense persecution in Rome, Mark presents Jesus as “the Suffering Servant,” emphasizing Jesus’ deeds and service more than His teaching. 

 

Mark 1:1-15.

Vs. 1. The “gospel” means “good news.” Mark’s book is the good news about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah),

 

Vss 2-3. Right off the bat, Mark quotes Isaiah (40:3) and Malachi (3:1) about the coming of John the Baptist. There is no mention of John’s birth, or the geneaology and birth of Jesus. Mark gets right to the topic.

(You’ll notice that this story moves rapidly. It’s a book of action. Mark often uses the word, “immediately.”)

 

Vss. 4-8. Mark moves quickly from “a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord” to John the Baptist, in the wilderness, proclaiming repentence and baptism as a way to prepare hearts for the coming Messiah. He also portrays John the Baptist as a prophet, looking a lot like Elijah. And, amazingly, “all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem went out to him to confess their sins and be baptised.”

 

Vss 9-11.  And suddenly Jesus shows up.  He walked all the way from Nazareth to the Jordan River in Judea to be baptised.

Now in Mark, we see no objection by John to baptising Jesus.  It’s like Mark is saying, “You can read about that in the other gospels. The main point is that He was and John did it.” 

Oh, and that beaufiful sign of approval from God – the Spirit decending like a dove on Jesus (from a ripped open sky – did you get that?).  It was affirmation that Jesus’ most important, world-changing, 3-year ministry had truly begun.

(And from the other Gospels, we know that the dove also affirmed to J the B that Jesus truly was the “Lamb of God” who would take away the sin of the world.)

 

Vss 12-13.  Mark says that “IMMEDIATELY the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness. (You wonder if he was still dripping wet from the baptism!!)  He was out there 40 days. Satan tempted Him. There were wild animals there too.  Oh, and angels ministered to him.

(There is no mention of Jesus’ powerful, reflecting answers taken right from the Old Testament (See Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.)  I missed that, for it teaches me how to respond when I’m tempted by “the world, the flesh, and the devil.”)

 

Vss 14-15.  With John’s main job done (preparing the way for Jesus, identifying Him, and baptising Him), the prophet is now arrested by Herod, who hated his “yakking about my marriage to my niece!”  (We’ll see more about John and Herod in chapter 6.)

With this, Jesus moves north to Galilee. 

(Jesus did minister some in Judea/Jerusalem before this, including cleansing the Temple, and His midnight meeting with Nicodemus. He also encountered “the Samaritan woman at the well” on His way to Galilee.) 

But Galilee will see the majority of ministry by Jesus, interspersed by trips to Jerusalem for the Jewish Feasts/Festivals, some of which Jewish men were required to attend.  

Here Jesus began proclaiming “the gospel of God,” saying, “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”

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WHAT time was fuliflled? 

Take a peak at Daniel 9:25.   “Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of the Annointed One, a Prince, there shall be seven weeks.“

Seven weeks? That is seven weeks of years = 490 years.   Counting from when God stirred Cyrus, King of Persia, to allow the exiled Jews to return to the Holy Land to rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23), until the coming of the Messiah (Jesus), would be 490 years.  And it was.  John the Baptist had been the first prophet of God to speak to Israel in over 400 years. And he had announced the coming of the Messiah, the Annointed One.

Jesus’ message?  Repent and BELIEVE.

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 361

Dec27

Day 361 – Reading – 2 John and 3 John.
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 John 

These two letters are “short and to the point.”  The apostle wrote 2nd John to a specific church that he knew and loved.  Perhaps for protection in a Christian-persecuted world, he disguised their identity.  He calls this beloved church, “the elect lady and her children.”   

This church faced some of the same challenges that the churches John wrote to in his circulating sermon/letter of 1 John. Mainly, the false teachers, whom he calls deceivers and antichrists.

But first, he tells this church how much joy it brings him to know that “some” of the members (her children) are walking in the truth.  He reminds them to continue loving one another, as the basic command “from the beginning.”

Then, as in 1 John, the old Pastor warns this church about those “who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.”  This is a basic tenet of true Christianity, for if Jesus was not wholly “man” as well as wholly “God,” He could not have died in the place of sinners like you and me, and “paid” the sin-debt we owed. 

Then a stern command: If some of these deceivers come to you, DO NOT RECEIVE THEM INTO YOUR HOUSE (church), or even give them a greeting!  “For whoever greets these people takes part in their wicked work.”

(WHOA!  Does this apply to those from “other” cults and beliefs coming to our doors today?)

John signs off on this brief letter by saying he wants to visit in person. It would fill him with joy. Okay, a letter of ink on paper is good, but a personal vision and touch is the best! 

(I’m thankful John wrote these letters, or else we wouldn’t have had them, too.)

John then tells them the members of their sister church (Ephesus) greet them, too.

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3 John

Here’s another very short letter from John. It is actually less than 300 Greek words, so it could have fit on a single sheet of papyrus.  This letter is the most personal of the three, sent to a sole recipient – his “beloved Gaius.”  He was a member of one of the churches overseen by the aged ‘Pastor John’.  Sadly, nothing else is known about this faithful man.

John gives a personal prayer to this man, “I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”  

(What a wonderful prayer and example for us to pray!)

John was also so grateful that his man was “walking in the TRUTH,” and not the prevailing false teaching. John exclaims, “I have no greater joy to know my children (converts) are walking in the truth.”  

Then he commends Gaius for his hospitality towards the men he sent to the church, and encourages him to “send them on their way” when the time comes. (In other words, to help them financially and materially as much as he can.) 

THESE MEN are different from the false teachers John tells the other church NOT to greet or help.  THESE MEN are missionaries. They are going out “for the sake of “the Name.” (For God’s glory and not their own.) John tells Gaius that when he helps men of God, he is actually sharing in that ministry.

Then John candidly tells Gaius that he’s written to the church and to the leader, Diotrephes (who likes to put himself first), but the man has ignored John’s instructions. He could have been supporting the false teachers!  “I’ll deal with him when I come!” was John’s assurance.

Then he testifies about Demetrius (possibly the one delivering this letter to Gaius), and tells Gaius he is worthy of support and hospitality as well.

John ends with his desire to visit him “face to face.”  How much better than a missive of pen & ink!

Greet all my friends there!

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NOTE: It makes you wonder if the aging John ever got to visit these churches. He is probably in his 90’s by then, and his last years have been hard. (Imprisonment, torture by Nero)  Some time after he wrote these letters, the Roman authorities arrested him and exiled him to the island of Patmos, where he received the inspiration for The REVELATION.  That book was also sent to be read in these churches in Asia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 359

Dec25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  For unto you a Son is given!

…He (God) gave his ONLY begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life!

Day 359 – Reading – 2 Peter  1 – 3,  and  Jude  1.
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Peter 

Simon Peter’s second letter to the exiled believers in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was written shortly before his death.  As in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where Paul describes his impending martyrdom, Peter also knows he is facing execution.  (“… since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.” 1 Peter 1:14)  

As in the letters of Paul, James, John, and Jude, the primary purpose of Peter’s letter was to expose, thwart, and defeat the waves of false teachers invading the churches.  It seems that wherever God is working salvation by grace through faith, the devil comes in to disrupt and cast doubt on His “so great a salvation.”  Wicked, immoral men were somehow turning the heads and hearts of the suffering believers.

  • They denied Christ.
  • They twisted the scriptures.
  • They scoffed at faith.
  • They mocked the second coming of Christ. 

And Peter, knowing this was his last chance, came down hard on these heretics, while at the same time motivating the believers toward godly Christian character.

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2 Peter 1.

Peter’s readers are mostly Gentile believers who “obtained a faith of equal standing with ours” by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Peter tells them that the Lord’s divine power has assured them of “all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him,” “the privilege of partaking in His divine nature,” and “an escape from the corruption that is in the world.” (Praise Him!)  

He then lists the godly qualities that should be increasing in their lives: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.  He keeps reminding them of these qualities, so that “after his death,” they will be able to recall them. 

Peter tells them HIS teaching was NOT “cleverly devised myths.”  He taught them about Jesus Christ from personal knowledge and experience. He (along with James and John) was on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured, and when God spoke from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” He SAW Jesus’ glory!

And there is even a more SURE way, the words of the prophets in the Scriptures.  Why?  Because “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” None was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke (or wrote) from GOD as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Eyewitness and Holy Spirit spoken Scriptures.  THIS is what they should believe, and NOT the sensual heresies and blasphemies of the false prophets!

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2 Peter 2.

Peter reminds the believers that the condemnation of those false prophets who are exploiting them is sure.  After all…

  • God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them into hell.
  • He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved only righteous Noah.
  • He turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes as an example, rescuing only righteous Lot.

God KNOWS HOW to rescue the godly from trials (Peter’s readers), and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment… especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and who despise authority. 

(Peter goes on to describe their willfulness and blasphemies, their deceptions, adulteries, and greed. Even the false prophet Balaam was restrained by a “speechless donkey who spoke with a human voice and restrained his madness.” Not so, these “accursed children” who troubled the “exiles.”

Peter gets very descriptive of these evil false teachers. (Read 2:10-22), and calls them dogs returning to eat their own vomit!

(How frustrating to be stuck incarcerated in Rome, when this was happening to his beloved believers so far away!)

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2 Peter 3.

Then he reminds them of something else he wrote about in his first letter:  the sure Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  “Remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through the apostles.”   

Remember how they predicted that FIRST scoffers would come in the last days, saying, “Oh, where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.  Ho-hum!”

Peter tells them that they have deliberately forgotten how the world WAS judged once already – by the FLOOD.  The next time, it will be judged by FIRE!   He tells them not to overlook the fact that ONE day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, with God.  He doesn’t count “slowness” as mankind does.  He is BEING PATIENT with mankind, not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance. 

  • But the Day of the Lord WILL COME. 
  • The heavens WILL PASS AWAY with a roar. 
  • The heavenly bodies WILL BE burned up and dissolved. 
  • And the works done on the earth WILL BE exposed. 
  • What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness!!

And… since you are waiting for the promise of the new heavens and the new earth….

  • Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.  
  • And count the patience of the Lord as SALVATION!
  • Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people.
  • Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.  Amen.”

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Tradition says that Peter had to watch his wife be crucified.  And then, under the command of Nero, he was also crucified, only upside down, for he said he was “not worthy” to die as his Lord had died. 

Shortly afterward, seeing that Rome had turned against him, Nero committed suicide.

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Jude 

Jude (or Judah) was one of the four half-brothers of Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3)  He and the Jerusalem church leader, James, did not believe in Jesus before his death, but were converted after His resurrection. 

Jude does not quote the O.T. directly but alludes to it nine times, illustrating his points with the exodus, Satan’s rebellion, Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses’ death, Cain, Balaam, Korah, Enoch, and Adam.  WOW!

Jude quotes from two non-canonical, but familiar to locals, books: 1 Enoch (verse 14) and the Assumption of Moses (verse 9).  But Paul also quoted from local poets and writers (Acts 17:28b, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Titus 1:12), so Jude’s cool.

Jude’s message is very similar to that of 2 Peter – morally evil false teachers invading and threatening the church.  He even quotes from 2 Peter 3:3, about scoffers and the second coming of Jesus. The Church was very vulnerable at this point.  Rome was fierce in its persecution, and only John among the apostles was still alive.

Jude’s readers were probably believing Jews, and he writes from Jerusalem (which hadn’t yet been destroyed. (70 A.D.)

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Jude 1.

Jude identifies himself as a servant (or slave) of Jesus, the Messiah, and brother to James.  He really wanted to write a letter about salvation, but he felt compelled to write about the growing problem of Apostasy, which is “defection from true, biblical faith.” 

“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints!”

Why? 

Because “certain people have crept in unnoticed.”  They are ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our ONLY Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude then gives illustrations of people who did not believe, even though they were around believers, and were destroyed.

  • People of the exodus who did not believe.
  • Angels who did not stay in their positions.
  • Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, which indulged in sexual immorality.
  • Cain’s greed.
  • Balaam error.
  • Korah’s rebellion.

And he gives six examples from nature that describe aspects of the false teachers.

He quotes from the book, 1 Enoch, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the UNGODLY of all their deeds of UNGODLINESS that they have committed in such an UNGODLY way, and of all the harsh things that UNGODLY sinners have spoken against him.”

Then he lists some of their sins.

Jude then warns his readers as Peter did, that “In the last time there will be scoffers…. It is these who cause divisions…”

But YOU, beloved…

  • Build yourselves up in the most holy faith,
  • Pray in the Holy Spirit,
  • Keep yourselves in the love of God,
  • Wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life,
  • Have mercy on those who doubt,
  • Save others by snatching them out of the fire,
  • Show mercy with fear to others, hating even the garments stained by the flesh.

And then encouragement in the form of his doxology.

“Now to Him, who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 353

Dec19

Day 353 – Reading –  Titus  1 – 3
Read and believe in Jesus!

Titus.

Titus was another of Paul’s younger helpers, called “sons in the faith.” He probably was with Paul on his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys. He was a Gentile believer. They had visited Crete after Paul’s stay of house arrest in Rome and established a few churches. (Paul had actually been there briefly, at the harbor of Fair Havens, just before that huge storm and shipwreck.) 

Now, Paul was leaving Titus there (much like he left Timothy in Ephesus), to straighten out and steady up the new churches, who were behaving in a very naughty way (like Cretans!).  Paul later planned to send either Tychicus or Artemas to Crete, and when he arrived, Titus was then to come to Paul in Greece at Nicopolis.

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Titus 1.

Paul practically preaches a sermon on the gospel in his greetings to Titus in verses 1-3!  (Check it out and see how many doctrinal truths you can discover!!)

He states the reason why he left Titus in Crete: “so that he might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in very town, as he directed.”

As in the letter to Timothy, Paul lists the qualifications of elders, VERY important here in Crete, for they were known for their debauchery and insubordination!

  • Above reproach,
  • husband of one wife (at a time)
  • children who believe,
  • not open to charges of that debauchery or insubordination,
  • not arrogant or quick tempered,
  • not a drunk or violent, or greedy for gain,
  • hospitable, a lover of good,
  • self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
  • He must HOLD FIRM to the trustworthy Word, as taught,
  • able to give instruction in sound doctrine, 
  • and able to rebuke those who contradicted it.

Paul seems not to have a high opinion of the unsaved Cretans. He quotes one of their own prophets, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”  YIKES!  Infiltrating the church, these men were empty talkers, deceivers, teaching a “works” religion. 

“They must be silenced,” Paul tells Titus, then adds, “Rebuke them sharply!” He further says, “they profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work!”

(Yikes, Paul, let it all out!!)

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Titus 2.

“TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE” Paul instructs Titus. Then singles out members of a household.

  1. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and steadfastness.
  2. Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and train the….
  3. Young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.
  4. Younger men are to be self-controlled. (Here Paul tells the “young man,” Titus, to be an example of good works to them. He is to model integrity, dignity, and sound speech, so that their opponents will have nothing evil to say about them.)
  5. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters. They are to be well pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, showing good faith, so in everything glorify the doctrine of God.

Then Paul breaks into another paragraph of what the glorious gospel means in faith, duty, actions and words. He praises “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for his own possession…”

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Titus 3.

Paul continues to tell Titus to “remind them” to be good!  He acknowledges that “we all” were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to passions and pleasures, and we passed our days in malice, envy, and hatred.

But!   “…when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he SAVED us, not because of works done by US in righteousness, but according to his own MERCY, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our savior…. so that being justified by His GRACE we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life!”

And a final exhortation before closing, “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works (charity), so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

Grace be with you all.

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 348 & 349

Dec15

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on MONDAYS

Day 348 – Reading – Acts 27 – 28

Day 349 – Reading – Colossians 1 – 4, Philemon

Read and believe in Jesus!

Sunday, Acts 27.

And so begins the final leg of Paul’s journey to Rome, at last.  NOTE: If you are going on a Mediterranean Cruise soon, you may want to read over this lightly.

Luke joins the ship, as well as Paul’s good associate and helper from Thessalonica, Aristarchus. God oversaw the selection of the Roman centurion to accompany Paul and the other prisoners.  Julius was very lenient and kind to Paul for the entire trip. He “may” even have stayed with him after they all got to Rome.

First stop from Caesarea was Sidon, and Julius let Paul and associates leave the ship to meet with friends there and be cared for.  The weather was pithy, so they sailed close to the coast of Cyprus, Cilicia, and Pamphylia, and so arrived at Myra.  After the centurion found a larger ship from Alexandria (Egypt) heading for Italy, they started out again.  The wind was nasty and opposed their journey, but they finally slipped into a harbor in Crete called Fair Havens.

It was really too late to be traveling across the Mediterranean, even in a good-sized ship like theirs. Frankly, it was dangerous, and Paul believed they might lose the ship and everyone aboard. He advised them to winter over in Fair Havens, but the shipowner wanted to go farther and stay in the bigger port of Phoenix.  When the weather broke, they took a chance and sailed close to shore towards Phoenix.

  • “But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, whipped down from the land. The ship was caught in it and driven out to sea.  They took down the sails, managed to bring the dinghy on board, and undergirded the ship with ropes. Soon they began jettisoning the cargo, and then the ship’s tackle. 
  • For many days, neither the sun nor stars appeared, and the wild tempest lay on them. All hope of being saved was at last abandoned.

Paul couldn’t help it. He stood and said, “You should have listened to me and not set sail from Crete.  BUT… now I tell you to take heart, for there will be no LOSS OF LIFE among you.  Only the ship. 

Then he told of a vision from God, that they would all be safe. God had promised him he would stand before Caesar. “Have faith in God.  But… we must run aground on some island.”

As they were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, the sailors suspected they were nearing land.  They took soundings, and sure enough, the depth was getting shallow.   They threw out all four anchors from the stern, thinking to slow the ship and not run onto the rocks.

They prayed for the day to come.

But the sailors began to panic and planned to abandon ship.  However, Paul said if they did, ALL would be lost. Julius believed him and cut the dinghy away so they could not escape.  As dawn approached, Paul urged everyone to eat. (It had been two weeks since they’d had food.)  They listened to Paul and felt encouraged afterwards.  Then they lightened the ship even more, throwing all the wheat into the sea.

When it was light, they saw a bay on an unknown island before them, and thought they could make a run for the beach.  They cut the anchor ropes, tied the rudder straight, and hoisted the sail at the front of the boat.  They started to move, but soon the ship struck a reef and began to come apart.

The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners to keep them from escaping, but Julius, wishing to save Paul, stopped them.  He ordered swimmers to try to make it to shore, and non-swimmers to hold onto planks and try to reach land.

And so, ALL were brought safely to land.   WOW!

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Acts 28.

Once everyone was ashore, they learned that the island was Malta.  The native people there showed kindness to them, and kindled a fire to warm and dry them.  Paul started gathering wood for the fire, and…. OH GOODNES!!!  A poisonous viper latched onto his hand!

“Oh, he’s dead,” the people said, and thought Paul must be a murderer.  (Well, he was, but God forgave and saved him!).

But the snake didn’t seem to hurt him at all.

“Oh, he’s not hurt. He must be a god!” the people said.  (I’m sure Paul gave them a look that cleared THAT up.)

Publius was the chief there and entertained them hospitably for three days.  Paul heard that the chief’s father was sick and went to pray with him. He was healed, so many others brought sick people to him for healing.  (I’m sure, Paul also told them about Jesus, his death and resurrection, repentance, and the hope of salvation.)  When they eventually got another ship that had wintered on the island, the people stocked them up with food and supplies.

And so…………  three months after leaving Caesarea, they set sail again, arriving in Syracuse.  They docked there for three days getting more supplies, and then went on to Rhegium.  A favorable wind came, and they sailed the final leg to Puteoli.

Brothers, fellow believers, met them there. Paul and company stayed with them for a week, then FINALLY came to ROME.  (Just as God had promised Paul.)  Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with a soldier who guarded him.

Three days later, Paul was preaching to a group of Jewish leaders, telling his story, and the REASON for his arrest. (The belief in the “hope of Israel. i.e. the Resurrection.)  They called a larger group of Jews to listen to Paul’s “views.”  But after they heard him, most disbelieved.

Paul then AGAIN turns to the Gentiles with the wonderful message of salvation.

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Paul lived there two whole years (at his own expense), and welcomed all who came to hear him “proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ” without hindrance.

Wow. Amazing.  His dream at last was fulfilled, to encourage and be encouraged by the believers in the Roman church.

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##

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Monday, Colossians 1 – 4.

This general letter to the church at Colossae, as well as his personal letter to Philemon, were both written during Paul’s time in that house and under guard in Rome.

Paul didn’t plant the church in Colossae, which was about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was founded by Epaphras, who had probably been saved during a visit to Ephesus while Paul was there.  Like many of the churches, it had a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles, so they had problems with both Jewish legalism and lingering pagan beliefs.

It seems that Epaphras visited Paul while he was in Rome, bringing both encouraging news and hints of problems back home. Also in Rome with Paul was another person from Colossae, a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had been saved and was now a “faithful and beloved brother” to Paul.

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Colossians 1.

Paul greets the people of this church as he would all believers and thanks God for what he’s heard from Epaphras about them.

He praises God for their faith, love, and hope and tells them he’s been praying for them, that they will be filled with all spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. He prays that they will walk pleasing before the Lord (who has delivered them from darkness into the kingdom of the Son) and be fruitful in every good work.

Then Paul praises and glorifies the Son who has redeemed them and forgave their sins. He is….

  • The image of the invisible God,
  • the firstborn (in preeminence) of all creation.
  • By, through, and for Him were all things created.
  • In Him all things hold together.
  • He is the head of the body, the church.
  • He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.
  • In Him all the fullness of God dwells,
  • He makes peace by the blood of His cross.

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Colossians 2.

Paul tells them (and those at Laodicea) that he “struggles” (in prayer) for them, that they will reach all the riches of assurance and the knowledge of Christ (in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge).  He prays that no one will delude them with false arguments, but that they remain firm in the faith in Christ.

  • “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

He warns them about empty philosophy and the deceit of human traditions.

  • “You, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with Him, having forgiven all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us.

He tells them not to allow anyone to pass judgment on them concerning food and drink, festivals or new moon, or Sabbaths.  Don’t let anyone disqualify you!  Hold fast to the “Head.”

  • “If with Christ, you died to the ‘elemental spirits of the world,’ why do you submit to their regulations according to human precepts and teachings?

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Colossians 3.

Paul next exhorts and encourages the Colossians in Godly living, as Christ lives in them.

  • “If then you HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST, seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
  • “Set your minds on things that are above, NOT on things of the earth.
  • “Put to death what is earthly in you.
  • “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you.”
  • “Put on love…. let the peace of Christ rule your hearts… and be thankful.
  • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
  • “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Then Paul heads towards the nitty-gritty of family life, giving instructions to WIVES, HUSBANDS, CHILDREN, and FATHERS, as well as to SLAVES and to MASTERS.  Everything, every attitude and act, should be well-pleasing to the LORD.

(Read the instructions to slaves and masters again, with Onesimus and Philemon in mind, after you read Paul’s letter to PHILEMON.)

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Colossians 4.

Next, Paul asks the Colossians to pray for him.

  • “…that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ,
  • …that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Then he sends final greetings from those who are working with him, including Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.

  • (Remember Mark?  The guy who so disappointed Paul, that he had a break up with Barnabas?  Well, Mark has matured, and become very useful in the ministry.  Praise God. There is hope for all of us!)

He tells them that Epaphras is praying for them, but will be staying with Paul a while longer.

He tells them he’s sending this letter with Tychicus, who is also bringing back Onesimus.  There will be instructions concerning him that they are to read as well.

Paul instructs them to send this letter to the church in Laodicea to be read, and to get the letter he sent to them (possibly referring to Ephesians, which was a circular letter) and read it themselves.

And to Archippus (possibly Philemon’s son), he encourages in the ministry, much as he did with Timothy.

And a final prayer request before blessing them,  “Remember my chains.”

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Philemon

This is a personal letter to the man who hosts the Colossian church in his home (Philemon), to his wife (Apphia), and his son (Archippus).  I guess they are all involved with the situation concerning their runaway slave, Onesimus.

Paul first thanks God for them, for their faith, and the work they are doing for Christ.  He has received much joy and comfort from their love (support?) and been refreshed by them.

And then to the man, Onesimus, who is patiently waiting beside Tychicus, as Philemon is reading this letter….

  • “I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus … appeal to you for my child, Onesimus.  Formerly, he was USELESS (what his name means) to you, but now he is indeed USEFUL to you and to me. 
  • I am sending him back to you, sending MY VERY HEART. (I would have been glad to keep him with me, that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent.)
  • “Maybe this is why he was parted from you for a while – that you might have him back forever, no longer a slave, but a beloved brother – especially to me.
  • “If you consider me your partner … receive Onesimus as you would receive me.  
  • “If he’s wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge it to MY account.  I will repay it. 

Paul was confident of Philemon’s obedience, knowing he will do more than Paul asked for his ex-slave.  And he tells them, he hopes to visit them once he is released.  (Prayers for that, he asks.)

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(Paul’s plea for the born-again slave is much like Jesus’ prayer for us.  He loves us, wants to keep us near Him, considers us His sister or brother, and promises that if we owe anything from our past… HE WILL PAY.  Indeed He has paid for all our sins on the cross.  And God, the Father completely accepts us with open arms because of the redeeming sacrifice of the Son.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 344

Dec10

Day 344 – Reading – Romans 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 11.

Paul continues  his thoughts on his own people, Israel, being saved.

“Has God rejected His People?  By no means!  I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has NOT rejected His people whom He foreknew. At the present time there is a remnant, choses by grace.”

Then Paul says the most amazing thing.  Yes, Israel stumbled, but they have not fallen.  Rather, because of there trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  And if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles … how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Paul says he emphasizes his calling to minister to the Gentiles, in order to make the Jews jealous and perhaps save some of them.  For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world … what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead!

He tells Gentiles not to be arrogant of their place in salvation. They were grafted into the TRUE vine of Israel.  If THEY were, surely Israel can also be re-grafted in.  (Don’t be proud!)

“A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

Right now, Paul says, “they are enemies of God for YOUR sake.  But as regards election,  they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.  For the gifts and the “calling” of God are irrevocable.”

Then Paul bursts into a doxology!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!”

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Romans 12.

And in response to his final words of doxology (To Him be the glory forever!), Paul urges his Roman readers to:

  • Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
  • Don’t be confirmed to this world.
  • Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
  • And by testing, discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And also, “Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. Think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  And he lists the gifts God has given the church for their building up.

  • “Prophecy
  • Service
  • Teaching,
  • Exhortation,
  • Generous Contributing
  • Zealous Leadership
  • Cheerfully performing acts of Mercy

Besides the Holy Spirit-given gifts, Paul lists other marks of TRUE Christianity

  • Let your love be genuine.
  • Hate what is evil
  • Hold fast to what is good.
  • Love one another with brotherly affection.
  • Outdo one another in showing honor.
  • Don’t be slothful, but zealous.
  • Serve the Lord.
  • Rejoice in hope.
  • Be patient in tribulation.
  • Be constant in prayer.
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints.
  • Seek to show hospitality.
  • Bless those who persecute you (bless, and don’t curse!)
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice (and weep with those who weep).
  • Live in harmony with one another.
  • Don’t be haughty, (associate with the lowly).
  • Never be wise in your ow sight.
  • Repay no one evil for evil (do what is honorable).
  • If possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
  • Never avenge yourselves (leave that to God).
  • Do not be overcome by evil, (overcome evil with good).

 

This list is pretty inclusive, but remember, doing these things (or abstaining from some) does NOT buy your salvation!  NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE HAVE DONE, but by God’s grace are we saved.

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Romans 13.

Paul continues his list of good Christian lifestyle, pertaining to authorities.

  • Be subject to the governing authorities. (and he gives reason why to do so is wise).
  • Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, and honor to whom honor is owed.
  • Owe no one anything (except to love each other).  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

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REMEMBER:  Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  The night is far gone and the day is at hand.  Let us walk properly as in the daytime. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 343

Dec10

Day 343 – Reading – Romans 8 – 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 8-10 is a tough section of scripture for us mortals to understand. Paul does a good job, but we need the Holy Spirit’s help more than ever.

Chapter 8 begins with a heart-swelling statement.

  • “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free IN Christ Jesus from the Law of sin and death. (Praise God!)

Here’s how God did it.  It’s the Gospel.

  • “By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us,”

Then he puts forth some serious considerations.

  • “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit IF in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. (Anyone who does not have the Spirit of God does not belong to Him.)
  • “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through the Spirit who dwells in you.”
  • “IF you live according to the flesh you will die, but IF by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
  • “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
  • “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs … provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”

And not only does the Holy Spirit of God witness that we are God’s children, He also intercedes for us when we attempt to pray.  And He intercedes according to God’s will.

Then Paul lists the order of our salvation, which is ALL God’s doing. This is hard to understand, and often hard to WANT to understand.

  • “For those whom He FORENEW, He also PREDESTINED to be conformed to the image of His Son.  And those whom He predestined He also CALLED, and those He called He also JUSTIFIED, and those whom He justified He also GLORIFIED.”  

Then Paul asks these questions, “If God is for us, who can be against us?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s ELECT?  Who is to condemn?  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

And he answers them. “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Romans 9.

Here, Paul bares his heart and soul about his fellow countrymen, the Jews.  He grieves for them for their hardness of heart and rejection of Jesus.  He says they have had and still do have so many privileges, like the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, the promise of the Messiah.  They have the patriarchs, and from their own race, they have the CHRIST.

Paul knows that not all Jews belong to “Israel.” Not all the offspring of Abraham are his “children.”  God elects only SOME of them.  It depends NOT on human will or exertion, BUT ON GOD, who has mercy (on whomever He wills, and hardens whomever He wills).

Okay. Say it.  That doesn’t seem fair.

Aha!  It’s as if Paul has heard your response.

“Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Has the potter no right over the clay to make… (what He wants, vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy, both of which will be for His glory)?  

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Romans 10.

Paul – whom God has sent to bring the Gentiles into His kingdom – has a heart aching for his own people too… another reason why he takes the message to the Jews first in any new town he visits.

“My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved!”

He says they (like so many today) have a ZEAL for God, and they are seeking RIGHTEOUSNESS.  But NOT the way God demands – by faith.  They strive by their own effort, their own strength, and do not seek or submit to God’s Way. Pride is the culprit.

God says that the “righteous shall LIVE by faith.”

  • The word (of faith) is near you, in your mouth and in your heart; because 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.”
  • For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  EVERYONE (Jew or Gentile) who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Then he asks these progressive questions that put an urgency on us today to go and preach the gospel.

  • How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
  • How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?
  • How are they to hear without someone preaching?
  • How are they to preach unless they are sent?

(How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!)

And then Paul adds his sad conclusions:

  1. But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
  2. “But of Israel, Isaiah says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

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Chapter 11 will go on with this thought, speaking of a REMNANT of ISRAEL.