“Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.” (Romans 1:24)

            Sin has a self-loathing characteristic to it.  We are designed for certain things, and when our lives are full of sinful behavior and given over to the lusts of our hearts, we are ignoring that design and damaging ourselves.  Imagine owning a car, and you fill the tank with diesel instead of unleaded, grind the gears on the transmission, ignore oil changes, and scrape the undercarriage over every speedbump at high speed… eventually, your beautiful automobile becomes a sad and embarrassing mode of transportation.  It doesn’t look good, it doesn’t sound good, and it doesn’t drive well.  Something we were once proud of becomes a point of shame and regret instead.

            Our bodies are the same way.  As society turns its back on God, we dishonor our bodies.  We do it through sexual immorality.  We do it when we ignore the realities and beauties of the two distinct genders God makes us.  We do it when we treat marriage with dishonor instead of reverence.  These things dishonor our bodies, and unsurprisingly, we become unhappy in our own skin.  A lot of the problems mankind is facing today are because we have dishonored that which was meant to be treated honorably.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 1:22-32

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 am not ashamed of the gospel…” (Romans 1:16)

Shame is based upon humiliation.  We feel shame when we feel we have done something foolish, silly, or wrong.  There are times when we feel shame because we have done something objectively wrong, such as stealing, lying, or other ethically wrong behavior.  This type of shame is godly and righteous.

However, there are times we feel shame because of subjective reasons, driven by our own internal inadequacies, fears, or concerns about what others might think of us.  When you become embarrassed because you missed the fashion memo, accidentally tried to get into the wrong car in a crowded parking lot, or were chosen last for a pick-up basketball game, you likely understand this type of shame.  It is driven not by sin but by environment.

This second shame is what Paul is warning us about.  Do not be shamed into thinking of the gospel of Jesus Christ as foolish, humiliating, or silly.  It is the very bedrock of humanity’s hopes.  We cannot allow the risk of embarrassment to stop our mouths.  Rather let us be deemed foolish for Christ and brave by Christ.  Speak up, speak plainly, and stand tall.  We ought to be proud of Jesus, not ashamed of His message.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 1:11-21

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

“…set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” (Romans 1:1-2)

            As Paul begins his letter to the Romans, he makes a connection between the Old Testament and the new one.  The New Testament is built upon promises found in the Old Testament.  The news of Jesus Christ is good news because after 1600 years of waiting and hoping, God sent the Messiah, His Son, to save us all.  So many details about who Jesus is and how God loves us can be found in the Old Testament because the Old Law, the one Moses gave the Jewish people, anchored itself in detailed, specific promises of God’s redemption.

            One of the reasons I love the Old Testament is because it reminds me of what was anticipated and now is fulfilled.  I have never lived a single day of my life as a Jew, but as I see the world through the eyes of those people that looked forward in faith to a promise that would only be realized in Jesus, it helps me to hold to promises which I look forward to as well.  God is faithful.  He will not forsake us.  Jesus is coming back… and the wait will be worth it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 1:1-10

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

“From now on, let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17)

            Paul may have started out as a pretty man, but he didn’t finish life that way.  Paul’s journeys involved shipwrecks and exposure to the elements which would have callused his hands and leathered his skin.  He endured beatings and at least one stoning that left him at death’s door.  His back would have been crisscrossed with angry, ropy scars paired with pockmarks of irritation across his skin.

            Paul’s body was weathered and branded, but brands denote ownership.  The brand of a cattleman is seared into his herd, so all may know to whom those longhorns belong.  Paul belonged to Jesus, and his body bore the marks of the Maker’s brand.  Paul had no regrets for his life in service to Jesus, and the marks upon his body simply told the story of a life aimed toward heaven’s gates.

            Be not afraid to suffer for your Lord.  Lean into the hard and trying struggles.  Be proud of the brand.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 6:11-18

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

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

            There is so much in this single verse; I suspect it won’t be long before I have to drop everything and preach a full lesson on it.  Continuing the theme found in Galatians 5, Paul addresses what it means to be a spiritual person.  Spiritual people are gentle.  They exert only as much force as is required to help others in their journey to God and no more.  Spiritual people are interested in restoring others to their rightful place in God’s family, not winning an argument.

            And yet, spiritual people also understand the need to look out for their own souls first.  You cannot help others into heaven while on the road to hell.  Our efforts with the lost and wandering cannot be so myopic that we become lost ourselves.  The Coast Guard understands this concept – you cannot save others while your boat is sinking.  Spiritual people serve others from a foundation of integrity.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

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

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

            What does it mean to be spiritual?  The term gets bandied about quite often in society today.  I’ve heard the phrase: “I’m spiritual but not religious” quite a few times from folks in the community – typically as a precursor to declining my invitation to church services.  A good working modern definition of ‘spiritual’ seems to be ‘casually interested in theology’.

            That isn’t a Bible definition, though.  Those who would live by the Spirit (i.e. spiritual people) are going to need to walk by the Spirit.  Interest in theological discussions does not make you a spiritual person any more than watching sports makes you an athlete.  If we truly desire to be spiritual people, we must begin to walk according to the Holy Spirit’s instructions and develop and bear the fruit of lives which have applied those teachings to our hearts and actions.  Spiritual is as spiritual does.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 5:19-26

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

“I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.” (Galatians 5:12)

            If you ever had a question about how upset Paul got when people troubled Christians, you need look no further than the above verse.  For those that were making circumcision mandatory (when it wasn’t), Paul wished they would stop troubling the church and turn that knife onto themselves… yikes!

            This is a good reminder of how much God detests those who try and turn the church into their own personal sandbox.  Jesus didn’t die so that I could use His name to get people to live and act like me.  He died to transform all of us into who God wants us to be.  The church is often troubled by individuals who are determined to make their own personal preferences for dress, behavior, boundaries, and views of difficult doctrine mandatory for all.  We need to make sure we aren’t walking around with a knife, trying to cut and shape other people to look like we want when the Word of God is meant to cut and shape us each to look like who God wants.

Today’s Reading: Galatians 5:10-18

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

“And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.” (Galatians 5:3)

            Circumcision was THE issue in the early church, and congregations left and right were plagued by the potential for division over this issue.  Why?  Simply put – it is was an issue of authority and precedent.

            Circumcision was an Old Testament Jewish commandment, and it was a requirement for a Jew, but when Christ came, He instituted a new law – Christ’s law – found in the New Testament.  Which law were they supposed to follow?  If circumcision was accepted as necessary, they needed to take the rest of the stuff, too.  Animal sacrifice, Sabbath keeping, festivals, temple, priest system, etc. were all required as well… they didn’t get to cherry-pick; it was all or nothing.

            So where is the application for us today?  Circumcision isn’t really a debated topic anymore because everyone has accepted it is an individual choice and not a doctrinal obligation.  But there are other things we are tempted to bind on people today.  Human traditions have constantly been a struggle for God’s people – we must be careful to discern the difference between individual judgment and the issues of doctrinal truth which are universal.  Unity in Christ requires us to make careful examination between issues of Scripture (right and wrong) and preference.  Church unity can be shattered by our preferences being treated like necessities just as much as Scriptural necessities being treated like preferences.

            Let’s make sure that in matters of truth we stand unflinchingly and in matters of preference we show constant flexibility to meet the needs of each generation.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 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

“But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:26)

            Ephesians 4:6 says we all have one Father, but in every childhood, God’s design is for there to be both a mother and a father.  The father provides, protects, and leads.  God does that.  How about the mother?  A mother turns a house into a home.  She nurtures.  She guides.

            Galatians 4 explains that we have a spiritual mother – the New Covenant is our spiritual mother (see Galatians 4:24).  The promises found in the New Testament, the constant encouragement of the Scriptures, and the nurturing influence of the Holy Spirit’s words have the same impact upon our souls that a mother does.  A regular return to the Word of God will remind you that there is a home that awaits you and guide you toward the will of the Father.  We are meant to be nurtured by the good news of Jesus Christ and our souls fed by its promises.  The Bible isn’t just full of rules; it is full of hope.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 4:21-31

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

“So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

            Surround yourself with people who will tell you truth.  That includes these sorts of phrases:

            “No.”
            “Are you sure about that?”
            “Have you considered things from another perspective?”
            “That was wrong/inappropriate.”

            Those who will tell you the truth aren’t your enemies.  They are your real friends.  You want people, especially Christian people, who will give you push-back and challenge you.  The apostle Paul loved the Galatians, and he refused to ignore their flaws in order to maintain an easy, shallow relationship.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Galatians 4:9-20

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