SEEK THE APPLAUSE OF THE ONE NOT THE MANY Paul explained that the Jewish sign of circumcision was not sufficient to please God without the accompanying evidence of a heart changed by the Holy Spirit, which is the result of the new birth. Paul could’ve just as easily said that baptism, or church attendance, or
DOES YOUR WALK MATCH YOUR TALK? Paul warned those who taught the Word of God about the hypocrisy of applying it to others without first applying it to themselves. For just knowing God’s Word does not make one just. For it is the “doers of the law that will be justified” (Rom. 2:13). Therefore, teachers
THE FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS The psalmist began by questioning where God is when the wicked persecute the poor. For the wicked appear to prosper and take advantage of the poor. Like a lion they attack the helpless who have no apparent protection. But God does observe their trouble and grief. The helpless are
NOT ASHAMED In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, he announced his desire to visit them and preach the gospel. He received his wish towards the end of his life, though not as he probably planned. For he was brought to Rome in chains, having appealed to Caesar. Yet for two years, he faithfully
DAVID: THE SONG-WRITING, STONE-SLINGING MAN OF GOD David was God’s man, but he was also a man’s man. There was something about his heart that the Lord chose to anoint him king. And there was something about his manner that made men of action want to follow him. He was an amalgamation of eclectic talent
THREE ENCOURAGING FAITH STATEMENTS FOR FACING LIFE’S STORMS The ship taking Paul to Rome for his appeal to Caesar was caught up in a great storm and in danger of sinking. But God sent an angel to encourage Paul that although they would suffer shipwreck, no one on board would drown. All would be saved.
DID LUKE SAIL TO ROME WITH PAUL? Dr. Luke once again included himself in the Acts narrative with the use of the first person plural “we” (“it was decided that we…”). This is the last of the four “we passages” found in the book of Acts (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-8; 27:1-28:16). Although there is some
GOSPEL-CENTERED PROCLAMATION Paul’s testimony before the Roman governor Festus and King Agrippa showed not only the focus of his gospel teaching, but also its rootedness in the Old Testament Scriptures. For he was convinced that the good news about the Messiah was clearly foretold by Moses and the prophets. In Paul’s testimony, he gave
SURROUNDED WITH GOD’S SHIELD OF FAVOR David wrote of God’s loving-favor and blessing as a shield that surrounded him, both protecting him from harm without, and comforting him with acceptance within. It may seem unusual to visualize God’s love and favor as a shield, which is a defensive weapon of war. But David felt surrounded
PAUL’S FAITHFUL WITNESS Paul was held prisoner by the Roman procurator of Judea, Marcus Antonius Felix for two years. Felix understood the religious culture of Judea better than most Romans, having married the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, Drusilla. Both of them divorced their first spouses in order to be together. Paul’s captivity during