Paul’s controversy with the Judaisers continues into Chapter 2 with decisions that must be made regarding the election of the Gentiles. Many years pass before the debate comes to a head for resolution. We read today of the First Council of Jerusalem, 46 AD. The heads of Christ’s Church in Jerusalem recall how Jesus taught from the Law, and so thoug…

In the second half of chapter one, Paul is defending both the gospel he preaches as well as the authority by which he preaches. He reminds the churches in Galatia of who he was before Christ and how he was saved. When God revealed himself to Paul and commissioned him to proclaim the gospel among the Gentiles, that’s exactly what Paul did. Without c…

Galatians 1 sets the stage for the letter's overarching defense of the true Gospel. Paul's transformation from a fierce persecutor of the Church to a fervent apostle reinforces the transformative power of God's grace. This chapter serves as a potent reminder to remain grounded in the true Gospel, be wary of distortions, and continuously praise God …

Paul has been traveling in this second section of Galatians 1. He gives testimony of the changed life he has received, and gives us an abbreviated overview of how he ended up teaching of Christ, rather than persecuting Him. He assures the readers of this letter that this change has come about because of the wonderful works of God. His knowledge of …

The Epistle to the Galatians that we begin today is not just a for a single Church. Asia Minor, which we refer to as Turkey today, was at the time of the letter called Anatolia. The region known as Galatia covered a large area of central Anatolia. There in that part of the country we find cities that we have read of in Acts of the Apostles: Antioch…

Romans 16 emphasizes the power of personal connections and unity in the body of Christ. It is a testament to the many unsung heroes who worked with Paul in the spreading of the gospel. It also serves as a warning to maintain unity and stay alert to divisive influences. The final doxology serves as a reminder that it is God who strengthens us, as we…

This final chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is in three parts. The first part takes us through verse 16, as Paul provides an introduction for Phebe, the courier of the Roman Epistle, and then offers greetings to friends, and family alike who are in the Church at Rome. The Roman letter introduces us to some of Paul’s family, who were also Bel…

In chapter 15 of the book of Romans, Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong (mature) are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he plead…

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans was written while he was yet in Corinth. He’s ministering to two churches at once, hundreds of miles apart. The grass did not grow under Paul’s feet! We learn in this passage that Paul is planning on taking the Gospel to Spain, and along the way, planning a stop in Rome to see those of the Church there. He kept moving f…

In chapter 15 of the book of Romans, Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong (mature) are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he plead…

On Thursday of this week past, we witnessed a new Pope being voted into his official position as Bishop of Rome. As head of the Roman Catholic Church, his outreach is world-wide. Of his many titles, he is also referred to as the Vicar of Rome, and the Vicar of Christ. Though it is the Anglican Church where the title Vicar is most often used, it is …

Romans 14 is a profound chapter in the New Testament that addresses the themes of Christian liberty, the importance of love and unity within the body of Christ, and the necessity of living out one's faith with a clear conscience. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul speaks to the Roman Christians about the need to accept one another despite difference…

We are back in Romans today, and in spite of the title “First Amendment,” the message is not about the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but about the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus! If we were to “reverse think” the premises for the Bill of Rights, we might well find its basis right here in Romans 12, 13, and 14. Romans 12:1-2 may even supp…

Today's message is a character study on one of the apostles. Didymus, also known as the apostle Thomas was a doubter. He simply could not believe in the risen Christ unless he saw with His own eyes. Jesus showed His hands and side to “doubting Thomas” and called him to stop doubting and to believe. Thomas immediately responded to Jesus, “My Lord an…

It was about ten days ago that Christians around the world acknowledged Good Friday. Quite literally, “The Word of God” was executed and put to death. I use that phrasing because of what John wrote: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14)...

Happy Resurrection Day! Today we are going to learn about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Without question, the resurrection is central to everything we believe and is the fountain from which flows all our hope for today and our hope for the future. We serve a risen Savior. The empty tomb is proof that Jesus has the victory over sin and evil and…

As we enter into this wonderful week of remembering the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that it all began with what is commonly called Palm Sunday, that Sunday in which Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and did so to the waving of palm branches and a hailing of him as King. And, of course, it ends with the resurrection. This is a great …

We open today with the first of the Messianic Psalms, Psalm 2. In twelve short verses it covers the history of God and His people. It is truly The Psalm of the King: His rejection; His establishment of His Kingdom; and finally, His reigning over the nations. It does not name Him, but it does describe His ability to bring the Will of God to pass. Fr…

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week for Christians. For the Jews, it marks a return to Jerusalem, particularly for the Feast of Passover. . .

Romans 13 is a call to responsible Christian living. It underscores the importance of respect for authority, adherence to the law, and love for others. Above all, it is a call to action, a call to wake from spiritual slumber, to live in the light, and to clothe ourselves with Christ. It is a reminder that we are on the brink of salvation and that e…

With Resurrection Sunday approaching, our hearts turn toward Jesus’ victory over sin and death. God has made a way for us; it’s a narrow path, not a wide road. Paul’s 13th chapter in his Epistle to the Romans reminds us of the righteous lifestyle that God’s children are to seek out and adopt in our daily lives. But before addressing these issues in…

Paul's letter to the Romans begins with teaching on doctrine and ends with teaching on how we should live because of what is true. Romans 1—11 focused intently on the doctrine of salvation by God's grace and through our faith in Jesus. Knowing those truths, how then should those saved by God's grace live today? How should we respond to the incredib…

Romans 12 – The Apostle Paul has seen both sides of mankind, and he learned more about God and His desires for mankind than even he thought possible. He did not learn these things at the feet of his teachers in the ways of Judaism. He learned them during his wilderness experience with the Holy Spirit. The author of the Scriptures brings a greater d…

Because Paul accepted the OT as God’s word, he had every reason to expect the restoration of his people already announced in the prophets. He addresses this matter most clearly in Romans 11. In this chapter he is clear that God has not rejected his people (11:1-2). That a remnant remains, as in times of Israel’s wider apostasy in the OT, indicates …

Last week’s message from Paul’s letter to the Romans continues, with a warning to Gentiles who might be tempted to gloat that some Jews have been removed from their “Chosen” position with God to make room for new Gentile Believers. No one is being “made room for.” It’s not like God’s heavenly Kingdom has a maximum number that can fit! Can you imagi…

Having considered Israel’s past and God’s sovereign purpose in Romans 9, and then Israel’s present situation and God’s continued patience in chapter 10, one crucial question remains: Is God done with Israel? Has he rejected his people for good? This is what Paul begins to address in chapter 11 as he focuses on Israel’s future and God’s glorious des…

The dogma’s of today’s church are sometimes a bit bizarre. Among them today remains the heresy of “Replacement Theology,” where the Church replaces Israel in prophecy. I say bizarre because of the scriptural evidence against it. It’s therefore quite strange. God’s promise is that all Israel is to be saved, and all Israel in this case means all spir…

In Romans 10, Paul continues his discussion on the righteousness that comes from God, emphasizing faith in Christ as the means to attain righteousness, not adherence to the Law. Paul continues to expound on the necessity of faith for salvation, the universal offer of the gospel, and the importance of proclaiming it. This chapter is crucial for unde…

Today, Paul’s expose’ on righteousness, salvation, and justification takes us into the realm in which faith operates.

Throughout Romans 9, Paul systematically shows that God’s sovereign election has been in force from the very beginning. Reviewing the history of Israel, Paul shows that God chose Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. Just in case anyone thinks that God was choosing these individuals based on the faith or good works they would do in the future, he…

Lately on the media’s world stage of politics, we are confronted with the idea of sovereign nations. The Ukraine, Israel, China, and even the United States. With it, we have also learned the modern term, “Foreign Influence.” The meaning behind sovereignty comes from the French word, “souveraineté,” as a government or an entity becomes the sole ruli…

As we begin chapter 9 of Romans, Paul is heartbroken that his people, the Jews, have rejected Christ. He insists that God will keep His promises to Israel, but that not everyone born to Israel is truly Israel. God will show mercy to whomever He wishes, calling out His people from both the Jews and the Gentiles to faith in Christ.…

The Apostle Paul’s conversion to Christianity was nothing less than astounding. From a persecutor of Christians, he became an evangelist to the lost. ..

The title for today’s teaching reflects the Apostle Paul’s heartache, from the time of His Damascus Road Conversion. Having lived on both sides of the fence, first as a Jewish believer, following The Law to perfection, and then as a Believer in Jesus, enjoying the freedom of His new-found faith...

This week we are finishing up chapter eight in the book of Romans. We have learned that when God grips you by his grace, He will never let you go! No one can snatch you from Him, and nothing can separate you from His love. Romans 8 is arguably the greatest chapter in the Bible. It begins with "No Condemnation," and ends with "No Separation." Romans…

Today's look at the final third of Romans 8, brings us to one of the great promises of Jesus to every reader. Who would not want to have an assurance that everything will work out to benefit us, without the Lord’s backing it up. But this promise is spoken with two caveats: 1) that we love God, and 2) that we are the “called” of God, meaning we are …

Romans 8:14-27 focuses on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, highlighting how the Spirit guides, empowers, and gives assurance of adoption as a child of God, even amidst suffering, because of the future glory to come; the key theme is that those led by the Spirit are truly children of God and can confidently anticipate their inh…

Upon teaching the reader of the difference between a fleshly life, and a Spirit-Filled life, the Apostle Paul informed the readers of this Epistle, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, and walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). The curse of the Law is undone ...…

We are in Romans 8, which is one of the most beautiful chapters in all of the Bible. Romans chapter 8 carries with it assurance of great victory found in the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

As we begin Chapter 8 of Romans, Paul tells us of the victory he has found: “No condemnation” for them that follow after the Spirit, in spite of the flesh demanding satisfaction.

Paul has been spending some time in Romans 6 and 7 reminding us that sin has no authority over us any longer. For those of us who are in Jesus, sin does not have any authority over our lives, no power over our will, and it does not set up a home inside our hearts. Jesus is king over our lives now! Yet, in Romans 7:14-25 we read of battles that are …

Our faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, of Who the scriptures say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Romans 7:1-25 In chapter 7, Paul continues to explain why Christians are not under the Law. He also shows us why we lose our battle with the flesh even when we desire to do what is right and good. In addition, Paul is very open and honest about his own struggle with his flesh and the lessons he learned. This chapter reveals his conclusions concerni…

Paul continues his teaching on righteousness, sanctification, The Law, Grace and Mercy, freedom, and bondage. The lessons in this chapter speak of his own past and testimony, learned at the feet of the Rabbis, and how exasperating it was to seek righteousness with God, via the rules of corrupted mankind.…

Whose servant are you? As Christians, we are no longer slaves to sin. Why? Paul explains in Romans 6:17, 18. It's because in Christ we have been given a new nature, and that new nature, one that has a compelling desire to know and obey God's Word. We were once slaves to sin, but are now servants of righteousness.…

Last week we referenced the Book of Ruth briefly, the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Ruth’s homeland OF Moab held nothing for her after her husband died. She clung to Naomi because of Naomi’s faith in a living God. Naomi saw the possibility of a kinsman redeemer for Ruth because of the Law. Ruth stayed with Naomi and had hope. And as we read a few weeks…

God made King David a promise that his throne would be established forever. David's descendant would be the Messiah. I read somewhere that the Jewish people had a more detailed genealogy than any other group of people in all of world history. When we get to the New Testament it begins with the genealogy of Christ. A second genealogy is found in the…

Both Mary and Joseph were of King David’s Royal Lineage as revealed in the two studies of it in Matthew (Joseph’s) and Luke (Mary’s). Much has been written about Mary’s role in the life of our Savior, but scriptures are all but silent about Joseph after Jesus was 12 years old, and His Earthly parents went looking for Him, returning to Jerusalem, an…

Justification and sanctification are two different realities, but they must never be separated and isolated one from the other. If they become totally separated, the logical end is license. If they become merged together, a “works” oriented salvation results. Paul is moving from freedom from the penalty of sin, (1:18-5:21) to freedom from the power…

Growing up, my folks put our house up for sale. My father had finished building our house the same year I was born. The Village was looking for a new Village Clerk, and to qualify for the position, Dad would need to reside in the village. Church and school would be the same, and my friends would be just outside the village. The house did not sell, …