Bible Commentary & Daily Devotional

 Romans 12:8-21 - Christian Leadership Some themes of Romans, like that of the entire New Testament, are righteousness, self-control, and judgment day.  We see that in technicolor in Romans 12 and 13.  God’s warning and declaration in each of these themes is Christian leadership responsibility.  God sees your every move and your every thought.  He knows my motives behind every action.  He does not just permit me to take responsibility, He sets a required code of conduct for the Christian.           God can do whatever He pleases.  And He does.  He is perfect and good.  He offers a relationship with each person but does not force you to live His way.  On judgment day, a price will be paid for our choices and what we did with Almighty God’s standards.           That’s what we read here in this passage, there are consequences for our beliefs and actions.  Romans tells us that as God’s children, those that belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see (13:13).           It d

 Romans 12 - To be Christian Let’s face it.  The modern church must do better.  Like our Christian organizations, the church is so worldly.  We need to turn back to God.  We need to turn back to the basics, back to the Bible.  As men and women we need to live according to God’s way, or we will have to eat the bitter fruit of living our own way, choking on our own schemes (Proverbs 1:31).  Romans 12 tells us how to live, and how to use our special abilities. Lord Jesus, I pray you will transform me into a new person by changing how I think.  Please help me to learn Your Way.  Teach me and show me behaviors and customs that are acceptable to You.  Make our organizations function, not in worldly successful ways, but in ways that make our efforts successful in Your eyes (Psalms 90:17).  Please show me Your will for my life and increase my faith in You as I learn to value and really love others. Thank you for your grace, for this new life guided by the Holy Spirit with special gifts a

 Romans 12:3-5 - Kinship in Christ God wants to benefit us.  He does not want to harm us.  He never tempts us.  His will is good and pleasing and perfect. But how do we know His will for us?  I was reminded this morning at men's breakfast at the church of the importance of individual Bible study.  In hockey we used to remind each other, "you are never too good for the basics."  That's true.  The pros practice the basics every single day.  The same should be true of believers in Jesus Christ.  Walk through one book of the Bible at a time.  Grab a coffee.  Expect God to speak to you.  He will, every time you read.  Read the section of Scripture at least three times.  Even better if you can memorize it.  Think about what God is saying about His character, your character, and those you lead, serve, and work with. In Romans 12:3-5 t he Bible gives us a clear warning.  It is a warning about pride and arrogance and overvaluing ourselves with measures that simply are not f

 Romans 12:2-3  - Think Differently - Self-Evaluation Sunset West of Calgary Well, I guess we’re all part of the wrestling team.  Every human is.  We wrestle with ourselves, the world, and God.  Everyday.  God warns us here to get in the game, to play to win, and to have the mental toughness to know ourselves as we follow Him.           Not to overuse the verb, but I’ve wrestled with this passage.  Frankly, most of my application of this passage is lame and insincere.  I haven’t taken the warning seriously.  Paul warns us with all the power and authority God gave him.  It seems Paul meant business.  What do we do with this warning?  How exactly do we allow God to transform our thinking?  How do we move from self-serving worldly ways and selfish ambition to seriously trusting God’s Way?  How do we practice counter-culture?  How do we think differently?  How do we learn God’s will?           I suggest we start by getting the black hole of our human desire and deception out of the way (

 Romans 12:1 - Beneficiaries of Grace Friends in Lynchburg We are the beneficiaries of God’s love and mercy. I love Romans 12. If you’ve ever wondered how we should act and think as Christians, we find the answer in this chapter.  Thank you, Lord God, for your holy Word. You give radiant light to all who seek you. You do not conceal the truth.  The Way of Jesus Christ is right here in Romans 12, starting with this first verse. This Bible verse goes to the mindset of the Christian.  It means giving our entire selves to God. Yes, all of our bodies. It’s a bit of a weird exercise to think about every part of your body but try it. Your hands, feet, etc., and dedicate each part to God because of what He has done for you. Lord Jesus, thank you for my hands (old hockey fight broken knuckle and chewed fingernails included), knees (including scars from various childhood falls), nose (Scottish and crooked as it is), and ears (both damaged and blessed by ’80s rock), my legs (skinny and re

  Romans 11 - God’s Family - His Special Olive Tree           One of the universal truths of the human experience from the beginning of time until now is the battle of good against evil.  It is a biblical theme.  We see it in the culture wars today.  We see it playing out in our organizations.  The power mongers and those standing against them.  Those who abuse children, those that promote war, those that trample and use the poor, versus those that oppose such things.  You are not alone.  This passage reminds us that God has many people who have not bowed to Satan.  The body of Christ must be those people: salt and light in this evil world.  Speaking to the men for two seconds: we must be the men of God, opposing evil - and recognizing our own flaws and weakness (Matthew 7:3-5).           Romans 11 shows that God is kind and severe (11:22).  That’s true.  God will reject people based on their behavior.  He implores us to do the same in certain circumstances.  Speaking from my own failu

Romans 10:5-21 - God Stands with Open Arms - Salvation is for Everyone! God tells us that all who believe in Him are made right with Him (10:4).  Salvation is not based on what we do; it is by believing in Jesus Christ and the power of God to forgive us. The message Paul preaches (and Peter echoes in 2 Peter 3) is one of faith.  What’s on your lips and in your heart?  What do you believe?  Do you believe that God raised Jesus from the dead?  Do you believe and have you confessed that God sent his Son to pay for your sins on the Cross and by His mighty Spirit that He raised Jesus from the dead?           God stands with arms wide open for you to come to him.  He is offering you salvation.  Jesus died for us.  The perfect sacrifice, once and for all time.  Ask God’s forgiveness for your sin right now, take a step, even a baby step.  God hears you.  He knows your heart and accepts even a mustard seed of faith.  If you do confess and believe as Romans 10 says, your sins are forgiven.