Judges 8 "A Soft Answer"

“Now the men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this to us by not calling us when you went to fight with the Midianites?” And they reprimanded him sharply. So he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that. (vv.1-3)

The men of Ephraim joined in the fight against Midian when Gideon called out to them (Judges 7:24-25). Yet they were upset that Gideon did not call them before the battle started. Gideon’s initial call for help went out to the tribes of Manasseh (his own tribe), Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali (Judges 6:35). 

These men of Ephraim seem to have cared more about recognition than the overall good of Israel. Instead of being jealous about the recognition that others received, they should have been happy that God’s people were rescued and that they had some part in the victory. Jealousy often hinders the work of God. Yet they were bugged because they missed out on the main part of the battle. 

Yet Gideon did not fire back a rough response. Instead, he reminded them that they had captured and killed the Midianite princes. He also honored the men by asking, “What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Finally, “their anger toward him subsided when he said that” (v.3). 

Scripture tells us that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1), and Gideon did just that. He did not challenge their pride; instead he soothed their pride by complimenting them and giving them the recognition they seemed to crave. Most importantly, he challenged them to get involved in the work of God that was at hand. His reply was a wise way to deal with contention when there is work for the LORD to be done.

With the Lord’s help, we too can defuse heated situations by reining in our prideful words. Responding gently and carefully to angry people can promote unity, for God’s glory. Therefore, bite your tongue before it bites others.

The Truth: A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2)

Judges 7 "Gideon's Army Reduced"

The Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’ (v.2) 

This was a great test of Gideon’s faith. His army of 32,000 men was already overmatched by 135,000 Midianites. Yet God thought his army was too big, and He commanded Gideon to invite all who were afraid to go home. Gideon was probably surprised at the number of men who were afraid to fight and hoped that only a few hundred would leave. But we are told that they assembled in a place where they could see the 135,000 Midianite troops (Judges 7:8). The sight of a huge opposing army made many Israelite soldiers afraid. So, when the fearful were allowed to leave, 22,000 men went home (v.3). 

Military commanders always want to have enough troops to accomplish their mission. Most would prefer having too many not too few, but not everyone agrees on just how many troops will be enough. When Gideon recruited an army of 32,000 men I'm sure he felt somewhat secure in that number. But to now have that number reduced by 22,000 men. Wow!

However, God wanted the odds even more unbalanced. He wanted it clear to Israel that the victory would be His alone so they could not boast in their own strength. Therefore a second reduction cut the force from the remaining 10,000 to 300 troops, of whom the Lord said, “By the three hundred … I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand” (v.7). And so He did (v.19-23).

Likewise, in our life of faith, if we really believe in the principle, "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6), then our lack of resources does not matter. If we truly believe the principle, "some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7), then the odds stacked against us should not matter.

When the Lord reduces our resources from “32,000 to 300,” it is not punishment. It is preparation for Him to be glorified through our lives as we acknowledge and trust His power. 

The Truth: But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27)

Judges 6 "God Calls Gideon"

The angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” (v.12)

This was a strange greeting to Gideon. It didn’t seem like the LORD was with him and it didn’t seem that he was a mighty man of valor. For he was threshing wheat at the time, which was both difficult and humiliating. Gideon may have turned around to see if there was another person to whom the angel was speaking too.

Yet, here we see God Himself came down to call Gideon into His service. The visit by "the angel of the LORD," was another Old Testament appearance of Christ. Gideon realized who his Guest was when the Lord burned up his meal in answer to his request for a sign (v.21). As soon as the meal went up in flames, the angel of the Lord disappeared.

Gideon's first reaction was fear because the common belief at the time was, to see God was to die. But God spoke an all-important word of peace, or shalom, to Gideon (v.23). So like Moses before him, Gideon built an altar to the Lord and gave it a name: "The LORD is peace" (v.24). God's message of peace to Gideon was a guarantee that His plans for Israel's deliverer would be carried out. 

However Gideon needed assurance, because as far as he was concerned the nation's enemies were too powerful to be conquered. God had already given Gideon a sign (Judges 6:17-21), but now Gideon asked God to do a second miracle to confirm His word – and then a third miracle to confirm it again - the sign of the fleece (vv.36-40).

We too may doubt our own abilities and potential. But let us never doubt what God can do with us when we trust and obey Him. Gideon’s God is the same God who will help us accomplish all that He asks us to do.

The Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Judges 5 “ The Song Of Deborah”

“Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you mighty rulers! For I will sing to the Lord. I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.” (v.3) 

The Song of Deborah poetically describes Sisera’s defeat in battle, Jael’s bold killing of the cruel general Sisera, and the tears of his mother as she waits for him at home. This Song is designed to immortalize the events of this great victory in the minds of the people, and what the LORD did for them that day. 

The power of music is amazing, it can comfort us, heal us, and in this case teach. The power of music to heal and help is a gift from God that comforts many. Perhaps that is why the Psalms speak so deeply to us. There we find lyrics that connect with our hearts, allowing us to speak to God from the depth of our spirits. 

The following is a lyric from a song written by David as he was being hunted down by men seeking to kill him: “But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 59:16). Despite his circumstances, David remembered God’s power and mercy, and singing of them encouraged him to go on.

May God give each of us a song that will remind us of His goodness and mercy no matter what we may face. 

The Truth: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” (Psalm 92:1)

Judges 4 "Deborah And Barak"

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, "Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand’?” And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” So she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten thousand men under his command, and Deborah went up with him (vv.4-10).

Some consider it unexpected for God to raise up a woman as prophetess. But the New Testament makes it clear that God grants the gift of prophecy unto women also, and they are to practice it appropriately (1 Corinthians 11:5). Still more people consider it unexpected for God to raise up a woman to be a judge – a shaphat, a heroic leader for Israel. Deborah was a woman greatly used by God and she was also a woman who respected the people God put in authority over her – notably, Barak. While it is assumed that Deborah was allowed leadership because unspecified men failed to take the position, we have no indication that Barak failed to do something God told him to do in taking leadership.

Deborah never believed that God called her alone to deliver Israel. She realized that God would do much of the work through Barak. The use of the phrase, "Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded," suggests that Deborah simply confirmed something that the LORD had already spoken to Barak. God often brings confirmation when He speaks to us, especially if what we believe He wants us to do will affect other people.

We can see in our text that, Barak preferred the inspiration of Deborah’s presence to the invisible but certain help of Almighty God…He is mentioned in Hebrews 11 as one of the heroes of faith; but his faith lay rather in Deborah’s influence with God than in his own. Because of this, Barak would not be the one to personally defeat Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army – but a woman would be the one. Deborah had the courage and Godly confidence that Barak lacked. She also understood the history of God’s divine guidance and protection of His people and had faith to obey His command.

However, Barak and all who went with him showed real courage and trust in God to go out against Sisera and his army. They had essentially no weapons to fight with against a technologically advanced army (having 900 chariots of iron). In addition, God led them to fight on a plain, which gave great advantage to the forces with chariots.

Deborah played a big role in this victory. She was an encourager, building up the faith of Barak and his men. Her encouragement was that God, as a king, would go out before His people into battle. May we all have the faith of Deborah.

The Truth: “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5) 

Judges 3 "The Account of Othniel - The First Judge of Israel"

"When the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim. So the land had rest for forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died." (vv.9-11)

Reading the book of Judges, with its battles and mighty warriors, can sometimes feel like reading about the modern day Avengers. We have Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Samson. However, in the line of judges (or deliverers), we also find Othniel. Who? Othniel!  

We don’t know very much about Othniel, but what we do know is; the LORD raised him up, and the Holy Spirit empowered him for the job God called him to do (vv.9-10). Our text also tell us that, “the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand (v.10), and “the land rested for forty years” under him (v.11).

The Othniel account helps us focus on what is most important—the activity of God. God often uses ordinary people for His extraordinary work. It is His light shining through our lives that glorifies God and draws others to Him. 

When others look at our life, may they see God—not us.

The Truth: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Judges 2 "Devine Anger"

“Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals, and they forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them; thus they provoked the Lord to anger. They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” (vv.11-13)

Even in the days of Joshua Israel did not fully possess what they could have in the Promised Land. Yet in that time they remained faithful to God and they did not worship the idols of the Canaanites. After the death of Joshua, they fell into the worship of these grotesque idols, Baal and Ashtoreth.

The Canaanite idol Baal was an attractive rival to Yahweh because he was thought to be the god over the weather and nature for the Canaanites; he was essentially the god of agricultural success. In an agricultural society people served Baal because they wanted good weather for abundant crops and flocks. One might say that the bottom line with Baal was the bottom line; he was effectively the god of personal wealth.

The Canaanite idol Ashtoreth was an attractive rival to Yahweh because she was thought to be the goddess of love, sex, and fertility. She was usually honored with the practice of ritual sex with a priestess-prostitute. One might say that the bottom line with Ashtoreth was sex and love. 

It is strange that anyone would want to trade a personal, real, living God for a false god that is the figment of man’s imagination. Yet there is something within man that is afraid of the exact God we need; we would rather serve a god of our own creation than the real, living God whom we can’t control. Therefore, the gods man creates are the gods wanted by his sinful desires. 

God made it clear that Israel’s pursuit of these gods was nothing less than forsaking the LORD God of their fathers. Yet in all likelihood Israel did not see their idolatry as forsaking God; they probably just thought they were adding a few gods along side of the God of their fathers. Nevertheless, the God of Israel is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship.

Chapter 2 gives us a clear picture of God’s anger in action as He deals with the disobedience and sin of Israel (which was even more offensive to God because it was done right before His eyes). To give an extreme example, it is bad enough for a married person to commit adultery; but to commit adultery before the very eyes of one’s spouse would be especially offensive.

This response of God to the unfaithfulness of Israel was no surprise. He specifically promised that He would do this in the covenant He made with Israel, which was characterized by blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (as in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28). So He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them: The purpose of all this was so that when Israel was greatly distressed, they would turn their hearts back to LORD. God’s goal wasn’t punishment in itself, but repentance (v.14).

While divine wrath is real, it is never petty or vengeful - traits which so often characterize human expressions of anger. Jesus displayed the righteous anger of God on several occasions, but not to avenge a personal wrong or to justify Himself. His discipline is designed to bring us to repentance and back into a right relationship with Him.

God will hand us over to the consequences of our own behavior. But such outcomes are never what God truly wants for us. Without true repentance, the Israelites fell back into destructive habits (v.19), and He did discipline them to bring them back into His fold.

The Truth: God is a righteous judge but He also hears us in our suffering—how much more will He hear our cry, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13) 

Judges 1 "Better To Obey"

“It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely.” (v.28)

Chapter 1 is the story of the seven tribes of Israel that did not completely possess their “promised land”. God said to drive out these Canaanites, for their cup of sin was full. Instead of destroying them or driving them out as God had commanded, the Israelites (in many areas) allowed them to live in their midst, exposing themselves to their sinful practices.

Just like Israel, there are things that God has told us to get rid of in our lives as well. And there is no need for us to protest that we cannot, because Christ died and rose again to make it possible for us to do so.

Therefore, through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can overcome in the battle of spiritual warfare and be victors through Christ if we obey His Word. Better to obey, than to suffer the consequences of sin.

The Truth: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16) 

Romans 16 "A Word Of Warning"

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (vv.17-20)

In this final chapter of the glorious book of Romans we have Paul's word of warning regarding dividers and deceivers. In our text Paul has in mind both those who would divide God’s people (cause divisions) and those who would deceive God’s people (offenses… contrary to the doctrine you have learned). His direction was, once these have been noted (marked), they are to be avoided. This is essential to God’s purpose for the church. 

The tone Paul uses here "I urge You brethren," suggests how important this was to Him. This warning was necessary because these dividers and deceivers do not announce themselves. They use smooth words and flattering speech and always target the simple – usually those who are young in the faith. Therefore Paul felt they must not wait until everyone is scattered or deceived until they were concerned with the situation. Paul goes on to say of them that they, "Do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly." Meaning, their motives are essentially selfish and fleshly.

Our text concludes with a word of encouragement by Paul to the Church that their obedience is well known, and they should continue to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil. Then the God of peace will defeat Satan in his attempt to divide the church. 

What a great exhortation for us all - to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.

The Truth: "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature." (1 Corinthians 14:20)

Romans 15 "The Comfort of The Scriptures"

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (v.4)

I have found tremendous comfort in the scriptures. It never seems to matter what I’m going through, in time, God provides His comfort through His WORD to my heart. Patience is the key though and more often than not, His timing is far longer than we might desired to wait. But as scripture tells us, “let patience have it’s perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).

The scriptures also fill us with comfort through the many examples of recorded patience, grace and forgiveness extended to others who were sinners just like us. The prodigal son, the women at the well, the thief on the cross, Paul’s conversion, Peter’s denial, etc.  As Matthew West wrote in his song Grace Wins, “There's a war between guilt and grace, and they're fighting for a sacred space, but I'm living proof, Grace wins every time.” 

Therefore, as we wait for our prayers for others to be answered, be encouraged by His grace in your life and in the life of those around you, and know that He is working, that He is faithful, and take comfort in the scriptures which are examples for us for our learning, our comfort, and our encouragement. For we serve a mighty God and nothing is impossible with Him.  

The Truth: "Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Romans 14 "The Law Of Liberty"

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things” (v.1)

The law of liberty has created great controversy within the church. In Paul’s day it centered on such matters as: what food to eat, what day to worship, how to be baptized. Today we see similar debate concerning; smoking, drinking, dancing, movies – none of which are clearly spelled out in the Word as immoral.

In verse 14 Paul clearly points out that, you might have a different conviction or a persuasion from a brother (and that is ok) but, don’t push your conviction on someone else, for we all answer to God, not man. Rather, let every man be persuaded in his own mind concerning what liberties he should take without laying a guilt trip on anyone else (in controversial matters). Then live by your convictions, pursue the things which make for peace, and do nothing to destroy the work of God in another persons life for the sake of doubtful things (vv.15-20). If Jesus was willing to give up His life for the sake of a brother who won't eat meat, then we can certainly give up our steak dinner if need be to keep peace.

The kingdom of God is not about division but unity, peace, joy, righteousness, and love. Therefore, pursue the positive things in life God wants you to do and unite the body in Christ. Do not divide it and possibly cause one to fall away. Leave conviction to the Holy Spirit who works tirelessly in the lives of men calling them to a higher way. Be patient, pray, lead by example, exhort, correct in love, and watch as He works out His purposes, and His will in those who are being molded and shaped by The Potter.

The Truth: ”If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in Me, to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)  

Romans 13 "A Christian's Obligations"

Here in chapter 13 Paul is encouraging the believers in Rome to do three things; submit to government (vv.1-7), love their neighbors (vv.8-10) and to put on the LORD Jesus Christ (vv.11-14). All three of these directives can be combined into one major topic, “proper behavior”.

We as Christians should be subjective to the governing authorities appointed by God and not resist them. Proper behavior demands that we follow the law, not only because of the consequences if we don’t, but for our own conscience sake (v.5) and witness.

Likewise, proper behavior calls us to treat our neighbors with love and respect. In-so-doing, we have fulfilled God’s greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v.9).

Finally as a Christian, proper behavior calls us to, “put on the armor of  light” (v.12) and to walk properly as a living example to others by, “putting on the LORD Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (v.14). 

The key to all this is gearing up every day with God’s Word. Only by putting on our armor, can we fight against the “principalities and powers” of the dark side that war against us. Only then can we walk properly as children of the light, Jedi’s for Christ.

The Truth: “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:16-17)

Romans 12 "Overcome Evil With Good"

"Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (v.21)

There is an old saying: Returning evil for good is devil-like, evil for evil is beast-like, good for good is man-like, and good for evil is God-like. 

How many times have we all thought of getting revenge, make someone pay, returning evil for evil? It truly is our nature to lash out rather than show leniency or to take the higher road. However, Paul is telling us here, we must rise to that God-like point as Christians and overcome evil with good.

CH Spurgeon put it this way, “The text appears to give us a choice between two things, and bids us to choose the better one. You must either be overcome by evil, or you must yourself overcome evil. One of the two. You cannot let evil alone, and evil will not let you alone. You must fight, and in the battle you must either con­quer or be conquered. It (the text) inculcates not merely passive non-resistance, but it teaches us active benevo­lence to enemies. "Overcome evil with good," with direct and overt acts of kindness. If any man has done you a wrong, do not only forgive it, but also avenge it by doing him a favor.”

The longer I live the more I realize the power behind this great truth of returning good for evil. It demonstrates true Christian love and can possibly bring about a change of heart and soul. And that is the real challenge in life is it not, to “overcome evil?” For it’s influence is truly all around us, battling for a piece of us every day. But, Paul has given us here the key to this victory. Starting with verse 9, and going through verse 21 spend some time looking closely at each verse and how you can make it apply more completely to your life and those around you. Shalom. 

The Truth:  “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) 

Romans 11 "The Principle Of The Remnant"

"God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” (vv.2-5)

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew… at this present time there is a remnant: In Paul’s day Israel as a group generally rejected their Messiah. Yet a substantial remnant embraces the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God has often worked in Israel through a faithful remnant (as He did in the time of Elijah). Elijah thought that God had cast off the nation and he was the only one left serving the Lord. But God showed him that there was in fact a substantial remnant – though it was only a remnant, it was actually there. 

Here in chapter 11 Paul is making it abundantly clear that no matter how far Israel has moved away from God, no matter how badly they have “blown it," God has not rejected His people. Just as there was a remnant in Elijah’s day, so too, Paul says, there will always be a remnant of believers in Israel, not referring to Jewish believers who kept the law, but of those who were at present saved by grace.

As a result of many Jews rejecting Christ as their Messiah (blinded by God), there remains today only a minority (remnant) in Israel who are believers, meaning there is also a blinded majority. This group will remain blind to their Messiah until the full number of Gentiles are saved (v.25). Once that occurs, it will usher in the Rapture and the completion of the Gentile Age (the church) and the blindness will be removed.

The best thing we as Christians can do for the people of Israel is to pray that they will find the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ before that day comes and become a part of the remnant by God’s grace. There has been and always will be a remnant by which God will fulfill His promises to Israel, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (v. 29).

Make no mistake, God will keep His promises to Israel come what may. And we as Gentiles, the unnatural branch, should not be "high minded." For God did not cut them (unbelieving Jews) off to make room for us, they were cut off because of their unbelief (vv. 21-22). We (gentiles) were grafted in because of our faith in Christ - not His chosen people, but adopted through faith.

Therefore, let us who have been grafted in, pray in the largest remnant ever for Israel, that God's grace will be abundantly poured out on His people. Amen?

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

Romans 10 "God's Righteousness Gained By Faith"

"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (v.13)

People have many different reasons for rejecting the gospel. A common one is to blame Christians for something they did or did not do. These critics say, “I know a Christian who treated me poorly.” Or, “I went to church, and no one talked to me.” Indeed, Christians aren’t perfect, and many can be bad examples. But blaming others doesn’t remove one’s accountability to God.

The truth of the gospel does not depend on the way others live out their faith. Salvation is about Jesus alone, and what the individual heart does with Him. For, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (v.9). 

Some people may use Christians as an excuse to reject the gospel. But they certainly can’t point a finger of blame at Jesus. He is sinless and perfect in every way. Pilate said of Him, “I have found no fault in this Man” (Luke 23:14). Then Jesus did what no one else could do—He suffered death on a cross to provide salvation for all who believe in Him. That makes it tough for anyone to say, “I’m not going to become a Christian because I don’t like what Jesus did.”

Bothers and sisters, don’t get sidetracked by looking at the faults of others. Look to the One who has no faults, Jesus. He alone is the way to salvation and eternal life. 

The Truth: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Romans 9 “Paul Laments”

“I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh.” (v.3)

What a remarkable statement! Far from thinking about himself, Paul affirmed that he would willingly exchange his eternity for theirs. Much like Moses who was willing to have his name blotted out of God's Book of life for his kinsmen (Exodus 32:32). What love.

As we continue to read the text, it is also pretty obvious from Paul's anguish over his unbelieving fellow Jews that he didn't think God was finished with the children of Israel. There is no argument that God chose Israel to be His representative people on earth (vv.4-5), but not all will enter into His kingdom because of nationality (vv.6-8). Only those who would receive and believe God's promise - which today, through God’s grace, includes you and me (v.25). 

Just as Paul had a great burden and desire for his fellow Jews to be saved, I'm sure each and every one of us have those in our family we "lament" for as well. The blinders are on so many today and just as the Psalmist urged us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" the peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also pray for each others loved ones. Yes our hearts are heavy, and we often lament, breakdown, cry out to God for His mercy and love to overwhelm our prodigals. But be encouraged my brothers, He hears us and all things are working together according to His will. 

The Truth: “The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Romans 8 "No Condemnation In Christ"

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (v.1)

The great truth of chapter 8 is summed up here in verse one. If we are in Christ, meaning if we have accepted Him as Savior and LORD, we do not need to live in doubt or fear of our salvation. We can never be more free from the condemnation of God’s righteous judgment (the great white Throne), than we are today.

Oh your heart may condemn you; your memory may haunt you; the great accuser of souls may come against you; your faith may become weak and lose its power and grip; your sense of unworthiness may become increasingly heavy on your soul but, none of these things can touch your acceptance with God – if you meet His one all inclusive condition, “accept His Son.” Then there is no condemnation, for you are in Christ Jesus.

Furthermore, "Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus” (v.39). For God is the one who justifies (v.33), Christ is the one who died, was raised, sits at the right hand of the Father, who also intercedes for us (v.34). So, who is the one who condemns? Ah, yes, Satan. And will God listen to him when it comes to us, His children, His adopted sons/daughters, the very ones He gave His Son up for in order to save? I think not. So the question becomes, why do you?

Now is the time to commit yourself to His care and keeping, that His grace may be afforded to you on that “great day” of His coming, that you may be justified through His Son. (see prayer to the right on this page "connect with God.")

The Truth: “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in them.” (1 John 3:23-24) 

Romans 7 “The Inner Conflict”

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Who shall deliver me...? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (v.17)

The seventh chapter of Romans reflects the inward conflict of the Christian soul who has not yet learned to use the full power of the Holy Spirit. It is the endeavour of a man to keep pure and holy in his own strength, in his own power and of his own will. But man’s nature, being bent towards rebellion, is unable to fight against the dark side on his own. As the scripture says, “Satan cannot cast out Satan.” Therefore, the will of man is unable to cast out its own evil and falls prey to the dark side.

Who has not, again and again, experienced failure after the most earnest desire to do right? The bitterness of our nature overcomes the better choice, of which we are conscious and later sorrowful. Thankfully, there is a better way.  In chapter eight, we will see how the full power of the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome evil. It is only when we learn to hand over our inner self to the Spirit of God that we can become "more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).

It is a great comfort to know that the Spirit of God is prepared to renew our inward man day by day, and to make us free from the law of sin and death. All we must do is use it!

The Truth:  “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Romans 6 “Who Do You Serve?”

“Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants, they are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (v.16)

The truth is very man is ruled. No man is supreme; no man is master of his fate or captain of his soul. We are all governed by an outside power, either the power of God or by the power of Satan, and it is our choice. But whomever we yield yourselves servants to obey (God or Satan), his servants we become.

This struggle of whom we yield ourselves to goes back to the Garden of Eden where God said to man, "Thou shall not eat of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, and in the day you do, you are going to die." Satan then came along and said, "You won’t die, you will become just like God,” and thus the great struggle began. The eventual decision by Eve to eat of the tree (her choice) was one of obedience to Satan and disobedience to God. In yielding herself in obedience to Satan she became his servant.

Today, the same is true for us. We can choose to yield to God, to His Word, to His will, or we can choose to yield ourselves as a servant of disobedience, and become a servant of Satan. The outcome of this great struggle between good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness, life and death, are found in verse 23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” Every man is in one of two categories: either a servant of sin, or a servant of God. To whom do you yield?

The Truth: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)