“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:10)

            The idea that Jesus loved us while we hated Him is hard to fathom.  The love of the Lamb for the people of this world that was so vast that He would die for us while mankind, even His own countrymen, hurled abuse at Him and begged for His death is nearly impossible to wrap one’s brain around.  How could He love those who were so angry and hateful to Him?

            Having said that, Romans 5 points out that Christians have been reconciled with God.  We are no longer His enemies and friendly, healthy relations have been restored between us and our Lord.  Once you are baptized into Christ, you are no longer God’s enemy and should no longer think of yourself that way.  If He loved us enough while we were against Him, how much more should we be able to approach Him with confidence now?  God is merciful, and you need not wallow in the guilt of past sins.  They have been paid for, so you may walk in a new life alongside the Father who loves you.

            Pray, worship, and (most importantly) live with that confidence.  It is both joy-bringing and evangelistic to walk with confidence in your salvation.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 5:10-21

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

“But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

A grudge is an easy thing to hold on to.  Anyone can list the times they have been treated unfairly or life has been unjust.  When someone betrays trust, behaves selfishly, or wounds us thoughtlessly, the most reasonable thing to do is to take note of their behavior and protect yourself from future harm by marking them off in your mind.

But God doesn’t do that – He doesn’t hold anger in His heart forever.  He delights in love.  He delights in second chances and pardoning sin and passing over our rebellion.  Can any of us say the same?  Can you imagine offering the same unchanging love to your enemies as you do to your friends?  He does.

And I’m so glad because before I was His friend – I was His enemy.

“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?  He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in unchanging love.” (Micah 7:18)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 5:1-9

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

“In hope against hope, he believed…” (Romans 4:18)

            In describing the faith of Abraham, the book of Romans says that Abraham was a man who hoped even when hope seemed impossible.  He hoped to be a father of many nations even when he was a childless old man married to a woman long past childbearing age.  His hope wasn’t rooted in the statistics or the data.  His hope was rooted in the promises he had received from the God who He trusted.

            Hope and faith are intrinsically tied together.  If you want faith like Abraham, you must hope like Abraham.  As Hebrews said, Abraham left his home country with a view to a lasting city (see Hebrews 11:10).  May your hope remain unwavering like Abraham’s.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 4:13-25

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

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered!” (Romans 4:7)

Sin requires that we await the consequences.  Every crime requires punishment.  We cannot cry for God to be just and fair and then expect Him to overlook our wrongdoings.  There is a price for all sin.

But what if someone stepped in to pay it?  In Romans 4:7-8, Paul quotes from Psalm 32 to describe how blessed the man is who is redeemed from his sin, not because he did it all perfectly, but because of his faith in the Son of God.

Every crime requires punishment, so Jesus hung on a cross between criminals.  His suffering was done for us, so we no longer need to await the consequences.  His death brings hope instead of shame.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 4:1-12

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

“… so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26b)

            If you only had one verse to explain the reason Jesus had to die, the above one would be a good choice.  Jesus died because God believes in justice and fairness… and He plays by His own rules.  In other words, when God says that sin has a cost, that means it has a cost even if He is the one footing the bill.

            Jesus died because God wants to justify us.  He wants to wipe our slates clean and redeem us from its terrifying consequences, but God is also unwilling to take any shortcuts in paying our debt.  So there are two options in a just world: I pay for my sins, or Jesus does.

            Jesus died because God believes in justice enough to hold the line on the cost of sin, and He believes in forgiveness enough to pay a debt He did not owe.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 3:21-31

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 we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God” (Romans 3:19)

God isn’t looking for you to explain your choices.  He isn’t looking for you to rationalize how you are better than others or justify how you deserve to go to heaven.  The people of Matthew 25 will try to talk their way through the Judgment Day, and it won’t work.

God wants us to STOP talking.  No more excuses, no more rationalizations, no more arguments or self-delusions.  Own that you are a sinner and need help.  Own that you need the help only Jesus can give and that you don’t deserve it and never will.  Own that you can’t fix what you’ve broken; only He can.  Less talking, more listening.

Jew and Gentile alike needed to stop talking and stop justifying and stop pointing fingers at the other people who are worse.  Sin is sin, and finding another criminal doesn’t make you less of one yourself.

Romans reminds us that no one ever makes it to heaven without Jesus.  It’s time to listen to Him and follow.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 3:9-20

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

“Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect! First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:1)

            Let us not make the mistake that the Jewish nation made.  They assumed their advantage was that they were better people than others because God had given the law.  Not at all. They were selfish, rude, greedy, unkind, and complainers who wandered from God as much as the rest of mankind.  If anything, the law of Moses made it clearer to them than any other nation how sinful they really were!

            The benefit wasn’t that they were better… but that they knew better.  The knowledge that was entrusted to the Jewish nation gave them an advantage over all other peoples.  They had a written record of God’s ethical standards and promises.  When we know who we ought to be and what we ought to anchor our hope to, we can find peace though we are sinful and in need. 

Christians – never forget that your advantage is not based upon your moral superiority.  The Word of God is a blessing because it highlights our moral inferiority and need for the Great Physician.  It is a great advantage because it tells you where to find Him.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 3:1-8

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

“You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Romans 2:22b)

            During the trials of Jesus, there was a particular type of injustice that was seen.  The Jewish people professed to hate the Romans and their idolatrous ways, but then turned to them when they needed their help to crucify Jesus.  They also gave Judas thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus, but then they refused to accept the money back because it was blood money.  Their religious convictions were pliable when presented with an opportunity for advantage.

            The above verse in Romans addresses this tendency in all of us.  We say we hate sin until it would force us to make a change to our entertainment choices.  We profess moral convictions unless our job requires us to do something immoral, and then we hide behind “company policy”.  We cry from the housetops against sin, but then we enter those same houses and secretly practice the very things we have just denounced.

            Make sure your faith is consistent.  Don’t cry against the idols while hiding them in your closet.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 2:22-29

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

“…in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…” (Romans 2:15)

            The Scripture often speaks of the need for God’s law to be written on the tablet of our hearts (see places like Jeremiah 31:33, 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, and Hebrews 8:10).  That is a beautiful, poetic statement, but what does it actually mean?

            The above verse explains the concept.  ‘Written on our heart’ means that we are not merely teaching and intellectually assenting to the Word of God, but we are constantly allowing it to shape and guide our conscience.  ‘Written on our heart’ means we are connecting the words to who we are, not who everyone else is.  The Word of God is a sword (see Hebrews 4:12), and it is meant to judge the thoughts and intentions of hearts.  We write it on our hearts when we cut our own souls first.  Let the Word carve pathways in your conscience so that you let it become the voice that accuses and defends you.  The goal?  That your heart would begin to speak like Scripture.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 2:12-21

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 there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11)

            We tend to seek out those who are partial to us and likely to treat us with some form of favoritism.  It is hard not to.  We want to be around people who make us feel good, see the world similar to us, or are likely to flatter us.  We typically profess a desire to be treated fairly and impartially, but the reality is most of us want partiality because it means we are in the “in crowd” and enjoy the benefits of validation and admiration… even when we may not deserve that admiration and are not making valid choices.

            One of the more terrifying aspects of God is His impartiality.  There is no cloak of flattery with Him, nor is there any hope of preferential treatment.  When you do what is right, He will praise you, but He will just as openly condemn your mistakes.  With God, He doesn’t care about what family you are from, who you know, or what your best friend says about you.  He cares whether or not you are right with His Son.  Nothing else will save you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 2:1-11

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