“I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable and teaching you publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20)

“I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” (Acts 20:27)

Paul didn’t hold back from preaching everything God revealed to him.  Why?  Because whatever is from God is profitable for you.  Notice the parallel between verse 20 and verse 27.  What is profitable is the whole purpose of God.  To declare God’s will is to declare what is profitable for the human soul.

The Scriptures are the manual for your soul. Within them are revealed the wisdom of the Creator to His creation.

Why was Paul so adamant to not hold back on preaching?  Why was he so passionate that he would preach publicly and from house to house?  For the same reason you would be passionate about sharing the cure for cancer if you found it.

Don’t withhold from others what has changed your own life.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Acts 20:17-27

Questions to ask:

1. How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
2. How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
3. What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
4. What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day…” (Acts 20:7a)

How important was the Lord’s Supper to the first-century church?  It was so important that even though an apostle was in town, the church gathered together to remember and break the bread of communion, and only then did they have Paul speak.

The Lord’s Supper was the reason for gathering; the preaching of an apostle was the bonus.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Acts 20:3-16

Questions to ask:

1. How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
2. How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
3. What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
4. What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.” (Romans 16:22)

            When was the last time you thought about Tertius? Likely, this is the FIRST time you’ve ever thought about Tertius!  Tertius was the man who Paul dictated the Roman letter to.  Paul’s words, but Tertius’ handwriting.

            None of us remember Tertius, but we are deeply impacted by the work he did by sitting with Paul, listening, writing carefully, and properly penning the words of the Holy Spirit.  Tertius was a tiny cog in a mechanism that turned the world upside down.

            The lesson? Every Christian matters, and all kingdom work is worth doing.  You never know when your Tertius moment will be.

Today’s Reading: Romans 16:17-27

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Romans 16:16)

            Every congregation of Jesus is autonomous.  They each have their own eldership.  They each exist and make decisions independently of one another.  There is no head church or lead pastor.  We have no papacy or authoritarian regional board.  Each congregation is commended directly to the Lord (see Acts 14:23)

            However, don’t confuse autonomy with isolation.  There ought to be a rich and deep interwoven tie that binds the hearts of all God’s people together.  When we are serving as we ought, distance doesn’t separate our fellowship, and our shared faith draws us to each other as much as it draws us to Jesus.  May we greet each other as fellow laborers in the same vineyard with an appreciation for the good others are doing in places we are not able to be.

Today’s Reading: Romans 16:1-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For this reason, I have often been prevented from coming to you…” (Romans 15:22)

            Paul had so many plans… so many people he wanted to see and places he wanted to go.  He didn’t always get what he wanted, though.  Paul wanted to see Rome and spend time with the Christians there, but he had been prevented from visiting.  He says he had longed to see them for “many years” – that’s a long time for hope to go unfulfilled!

            Perhaps you have hopes which aren’t yet fulfilled.  When our hope is deferred, it can leave us with heart sickness (see Proverbs 13:12), but just remember God’s timing is perfect.  Paul ended up in Rome just when he needed to be, and he arrived a prisoner… certainly not the timing or arrival Paul would have planned! God knew what was best with Paul.  He knows what is best with you, too.

Today’s Reading: Romans 15:22-33

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:16)

            Paul viewed his service as holy service.  The preaching he did and the work he labored in were the work of a priest offering sacrifices to God.  I wonder, how often do I think of my life that way?  Whether as a preacher, a husband, a father, or a friend… all the things we do as Christians are done as priests.  Peter made this clear when he stated that all Christians are part of God’s royal priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:9).  Paul, as a Jew, would have seen how important it was for the priests to discharge with reverence and piety their sacred duties.  It is no different for us.

            Our lives are living sacrifices (see Romans 12:1), and whatever we do ought to be done for the Master in heaven (see Col 3:17; 4:1).  When was the last time you asked yourself what acceptable offering am I bringing before the Lord?  It need not be preaching, but it ought to be offered with reverence.

Today’s Reading: Romans 15:14-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers…” (Romans 15:8)

            Jesus came as a servant.  One way He served was by confirming all the promises God has made to mankind over the years.  God says many beautiful things to us, but words without follow-through would carry no weight.  Jesus is proof that God’s Words of mercy, justice, patience, love, and hope are real.  They are as real as the empty tomb and the weight of the cross.  Jesus serves as a reminder that what God does is as real as what God says.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 15:8-13

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” (Romans 15:2)

            What would the world look like if this rule was put into place?  If we each woke up in the morning and viewed the day as an opportunity to do good to others and improve their lives?  Edification means ‘to build up’ in the same way a structure is an edifice – so, too, each person’s life is constructed of the moments and interactions within it.

            Typically, a good day is filled with moments of positive connection with others, and a bad day is filled with negative ones.  Though stuff can upset us, it is more often than not the individuals we come in contact with who make the biggest impact on our day.

            Helpful hands, smiling faces, and listening ears are always appreciated.  That extra second to hold the door or say, “Thank you!” with good eye contact and clear tone? These things make the difference.  Are we improving the lives of those around us? Are we showing and sharing Jesus with them? Are we inquisitive and curious about what they might need?

            If so – that’s a day well spent!

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 15:1-7

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God.” (Romans 14:22)

At some point, all of us must own our faith.  Your loyalty to God cannot be built upon the reading and interpretation of others; it must be forged by your own personal study, investigation, and commitment to God.  No number of sermons, network of Christians, or shared public prayers can replace your own personal labor, private prayer, and inquisitive mind.

Our collective service is a wonderful thing and a gift from God.  It is an honor to serve alongside others, lock arms, and raise our blades in unison with others who love the Lord… but you must also bow to Him alone.  Your faith must become your own conviction.  There is no such thing as faith by proxy.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 14:13-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” (Romans 14:1)

            The early church had a raging debate brewing within congregations.  Is it okay to eat meat from the meat market… even though that meat might be from idol’s temples?  Meat markets weren’t exactly known for being concerned with the source of the meat, just the quality of it.  So, could a Christian eat idol-sourced meat?  Some said yes, and strong in their faith were unafraid to eat it – after all, idols are just imaginary gods.  Strong in faith, they weren’t going to let their imagination run the show!  However, others were weaker in faith; they were concerned about the meat/idolatry issue and decided it was better to be safe than sorry… no meat for them, only vegetables.

            So, with two opposing views – how does the church avoid division?  They accept one another and instead of passing judgment on the “weaker” brother, the stronger brother loves them for their commitment and convictions.  The vegetarian brethren accept the “stronger” brethren, too.  After all, they have a Judge, and it isn’t them.  Each stands before the Lord.  This is the message of Romans 14.  Sometimes unity exists by staying in our own lanes.  There is a right answer, but the patience to allow each of us to search for it on our own is important, too.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 14:1-12

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision