Chronological Bible Blog

November 28th Chronological Bible Readings

Romans 15:1-16:27; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV Online.org ~

Romans: Romans 15 verses 2 and 3 definitely give us much to think about: "We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself."  That's a bit of a counter-intuitive statement compared to what our culture preaches.  We should please others?  I think our culture would say instead, "We should please ourselves!  It's all about you!  You are #1!"  and so on.  This is the beauty of the Gospel.  It is counter-cultural in so many beautiful ways.  It's the great revolution.  It turns the world upside down.  The last shall be first.  Blessed are the peacemakers.  Rejoice when you are persecuted.  We should please others.  So, are you living your life to please others?  Are you doing what helps them?  Are you building them up in the Lord?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Pleasing Others and Praising God" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Romans 15:5 -

Paul's words in Romans 15 verse 30 stood out to me today - "Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit."  The thing that stood out to me in these verses is Paul's encouragement to his brothers and sisters in Christ in Rome to pray for him.  Not only to pray for him - but to "join me in my struggle."  That is pretty powerful to consider.  That we can actually join someone in their struggle - in their work for the Kingdom of God - by praying for them!  And I'll be honest - I do not do this enough.  I rarely join my pastors and family and friends and spiritual mentors in their struggle by praying to God for them.  I rarely join my missionary friends in their struggle by praying for them.  I rarely join my brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted in other countries for being Christian by praying for them.  I simply do not pray for others enough.  And in not doing so, I honestly think I am missing out on something powerful.  I am missing out on joining them in their struggle for the Kingdom of God!  My selfishness in not praying for others doing Kingdom work in this world is my loss.  But - this actually sounds selfish - "my missing out - my loss."  Sometimes I guess I try to trick myself into doing something good (praying for others) by attaching a selfish reason (so I won't miss out).  The truth here is that our pastors and priests and missionaries and spiritual mentors need us to take up the struggle with them by praying to God for them.  Even Paul needed this prayer coverage - and he asked for it!  I am afraid that too often our pastors and priests and missionaries and others doing God's work may not ask us for our prayers.  But they need them!  So - are you regularly praying for others in your life who are in ministry?   Are you joining them in their struggle?  Will you begin today / tonight by praying for someone in your life that you know who is in ministry?  Will you take up the struggle with them?

Below is a great image for Romans 15:32 today -

We finish up Romans today! Romans has been a powerful book for me to read and study this year.  I hope it has been for you as well?  I love the closing words in this book today from Paul in Romans 16 verses 25 through 27: "God is able to make you strong, just as the Good News says. It is the message about Jesus Christ and his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they might believe and obey Christ. To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen." Do you believe that God is able to make you strong?  Are there areas of your life currently where you feel weak?  Will you turn these areas over to God completely, so that he can strengthen you?  To God, who indeed alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ!  Amen.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Watching Out for Wolves" is at this link.

Second Corinthians: Today we begin Paul's Second Letter to the church in Corinth!  Corinth was a city known in the 1st century for its wealth and lust.  It was a trade center with thousands of sailors who disembarked there.  Its pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.  Thus, this was not an easy place for the early church!  But clearly a place where the church was so needed!  Below is a map of where Corinth is in Greece - it is about 48 miles west of Athens.  And below that is a modern day photo of ancient remains of the pagan temple to Apollo from ancient Corinth:

 

~ Second Corinthians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul’s earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God’s work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link. Below is "The Apostle Paul", by the artist Rembrandt from the year 1657:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 titled "Why Bad things happen to God's people" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 from today's readings from what looks to be Guatemala to me.  (though maybe this picture is more South America/Andes region?)  I had the good fortune to travel to Guatemala two years ago - and I miss it!  It is a beautiful country with beautiful people!

I love that Paul calls Jesus the "Divine Yes" in today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 in the NLT!  Here are verses 18 through 20 in the NIV - "But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ."  Amen!  Do you realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises in the Old Testament?  The Law pointed to Jesus in the OT and the Law is fulfilled in Jesus.  The sacrificial system pointed to Jesus in the OT and the sacrificial is fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus is indeed the Divine Yes!  In your life each and every day, is Jesus your Divine Yes?

Worship God - Today's readings in Romans reminded me of Britt Nicole's song "You:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iduL7r_8sWs

Are you coming back to You? Click here to make your heart more like the ultimate You!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Romans 15:1-2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are bearing with the failings of the weak every days. Pray that you are building up your neighbor. Pray for strength - to serve.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 27th Chronological Bible Readings

Romans 11:1-14:23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Paul bursts out in some great praise and worship of God today in Romans 11 verses 33 through 36: "Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor?  And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen."  Great stuff!  I love that second to last full sentence that tells us that everything is intended for God's glory.  So true.  And yet so easy for us to forget.  You my friend are intended for God's glory!  It is a beautiful truth to consider.  Are you living your life fully for God's glory?  Are there any areas of your life that would not be seen as giving glory to God?  Will you let those un-glorious aspects of your life go?  Will you walk fully in the LIGHT of God's glory?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings from Romans titled "The Kindness and Severity of God" is at this link and "The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of Man" is at this link.

Wow!  Could Romans chapter 12 be one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible??  I love this chapter...  Please take a moment to re-read this chapter if you can. Verses 1 through 3 have been so powerful for me personally since the early days of my Christian walk - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."   I really don't know what commentary I could add to these words of Paul's. I love the thought of our bodies being living sacrifices to God.  (There is of course the old joke that the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it tends to crawl off the altar... :)  And the warning to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world is so so so true.... and we all know it.  But I find myself still falling prey to the pattern of this world.  Its temptations do not cease.  But!  We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds to test and approve what God's will is.  Through a loving and growing relationship with Jesus, we can overcome the temptations and the death this world will offer us all too frequently.  In view of God's mercy, will you offer your body today as God as a living sacrifice?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The Road to Renewal" is at this link and "Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts" is at this link and "What is this Thing Called Love" is at this link.  Below are 2 wonderful images for Romans chapter 12 verse 2 and verses 4 & 5:

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has a great overview of three historical interpretations of how Christians are to submit to the government per Paul's writings in Romans chapter 13 verse 1 today:  "1. Some Christians believe the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. 2. Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others.  Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either.  They should not however confuse the two.  3. Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better.  They can do this politically by electing high-principled leaders.  None of these 3 views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government's laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God."  Bible.org's commentary on this subject titled "The Christian and Civil Government" is at this link.  I lean toward a mix of #2 and #3 these days.  I think there is much value in Christians paying attention to local and national and international governments, and getting involved.  Let us not just throw our hands up in the air and think that our government is nothing but this image below...  :)   (or if we do think our government is nothing but this image below, then let us work to change the reality!)

How incredibly powerful are Paul's words in Romans 13 verses 8 through 10 - "Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting--and any other commandment--are all summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements."  Wow... great stuff.  Love satisfies all of God's requirements.  Do you believe this to be true?  What type of love do you think Paul is talking about here?  A passive love?  An active love?  Who is the last person you paid the debt of love to?  Who is the next person you will pay the debt of love to?  Will you pay the debt of love to somebody in your life each and every day?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Love, Law, and the Last Days" is at this link.

Paul's writings in Roman's chapter 14 about the dangers of criticizing and judging others are powerful!  I love verses 12 & 13: "Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. So don't condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path."  Wow...  that is something for each of us to consider.  That we ourselves can actually put obstacles in another Christian's path toward God!  Do you think that you have ever done this in your life?  I do think that I have.  Never intentionally. But, when I have stopped loving and serving others and instead began judging and criticizing others, I do believe I have placed obstacles in other people's paths!  Not to mention my own path!  Let us pray that we are not obstacles to others by judging and criticizing...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Love and Liberty: Liberties Love Won't Take" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Romans 14:8 from today's readings -

Worship God:  Romans chapter 12 today reminded me of JJ Heller's fantastic song "True Things:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8O_yjPngfw

Are there true things inside of you? Click here for Truth!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are offering your body as a living sacrifice to God today. Pray that you are not conforming to the pattern of this world, but are being transformed by the renewing of your mind. Pray you are walking and living in the center of God's will for your life - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 26th Chronological Bible Readings

Romans 8:18-10:21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has a very interesting Q & A today on Romans 8 verses 24-25: "Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently." Tyndale's commentary says:  "In Romans, Paul presents the idea that salvation is past, present, and future.  It is past because we were saved the moment we believed in Jesus Christ as Savior; our new life (eternal life) begins at that moment.  And it is present because we are being saved.  But at the same time, we have not yet fully received all the benefits and blessings of salvation that will be ours when Christ's new kingdom is completely established.  That's our future salvation."   This is pretty amazing to consider that our salvation is past, present and future!  Do you appreciate being saved from your past?  Are you living fully for God in the present?  Are you waiting patiently and confidently for the future?

Today in Romans chapter 8 verses 27 through 29 we read these famous words of Paul’s: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Do you believe that we are more than conquerors through our relationship with Jesus? Does it encourage you to know this? Are you living your life in such a way that truly reflects that you know that you are more than a conqueror? Do you believe that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of God because of your relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "From Groaning to Glory" is at this link and "Comforting Questions" is at this link.  A fun image for Romans 8:28 from today's readings is below:

Powerful readings from Paul today in Romans chapter 9!  In verse 5 we read one of the clearest statements in the New Testament about the deity of Jesus!  "Their ancestors were great people of God, and Christ himself was a Jew as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."  Paul says here that Jesus is God!  So, what say you?  Is Jesus God?

A portion of verse 6 made me think about Christians today: "Not everyone born into a Jewish family is truly a Jew!" Do you think that everyone born into a Christian family today is truly a Christian?  I know our various denominations will have various degrees / times / ceremonies that will mark becoming a Christian.  But I think many of us would agree that just because you are born into a Christian family doesn't mean that you are necessarily Christian.  Meaning, I think there has to come a time in each of our lives where we consciously believe in faith that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  We need to own our faith at some point - not just be a "cultural" Christian because that's what our family and friends are.  I believe at some point in our life we need to enter into relationship with God through his son Jesus through faith.  Let us pray for our friends and family members who are perhaps currently "cultural" Christians.  Let us pray that they will enter into a loving and growing relationship with God through Jesus.  Side note - I was prayed into the Kingdom by some amazing friends!  (thanks Chad & Becky & Becky & others!)  It is true.  Prayer for your friends and family is powerful.  Please pray for them tonight...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Man Opposes; God Disposes" is at this link and "Divine Election is Questioned" is at this link.

In Romans chapter 10 verse 1 today, Paul reminded me of the modern-day ministry called Jews for Jesus: "Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is that the Jewish people might be saved."  Paul was certainly a Jew for Jesus!  How about you - are you a Gentile for Jesus?  Or perhaps you are also a Jew for Jesus?  Whoever you are - are you for Jesus?

Below is a wonderful image courtesy of heartlight.org of Romans chapter 10 verse 4 from today's readings:

Without a doubt, Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of us will read this year and really take to heart: "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. "  Do you believe these verses to be true?  Have you prayed these verses with your heart and your mouth to God?  If not, will you today?

image courtesy of heartlight.org

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Israel's Failure is the Scripture's Fulfillment" is at this link and "The Only Road to Righteousness" is at this link.

Romans 10 verses 14 & 15 are a powerful call to share the Gospel with a world that so desperately needs it! "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!""  Are you bringing good news to people in your life?  Do you realize that you do not necessarily need to go abroad to share the Gospel with people who really have probably never heard it before?  Yeah, sure, maybe in our hometowns people have heard the name Jesus.  But have they really heard about the love and life and forgiveness and healing that Jesus offers?  Do they really know who Jesus truly is?  How will they know unless you tell them? Will you utilize the gift of your beautiful feet?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Without Excuse" is at this link and "Man's Failures Do Not Frustrate the Purposes of God" is at this link.

Worship God:  I think this video and song ties in very well with the transformation we're reading about - and hopefully experiencing - in the book of Romans.  The great thing about this video is that the artist, Brandon Heath, opens and closes the song with some great comments.  Be forewarned - this video just might make you cry...  Beautiful stuff.  Enjoy Brandon Heath's "I'm Not Who I Was."  And as you watch this video and listen to the song, take some time to reflect on how God has changed you over time...  Does this song tell the story of who you are today too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrGfA6y9fNI

Are you who you were? Click here to become who you were meant to be!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to God that all things in your life are working for your good, because of your love for Him and because you have been called according to his purpose. Pray that you see the good that is happening in your life, even in challenging circumstances.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 25th Chronological Bible Readings

Romans 5:1-8:17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Wow.  Romans 5 verses 1 & 2 are so true: "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."  It is important to note that these verses are talking about more than just a "sense of peace."  They are talking about literal "peace with God"!  Peace with God is gifted to us through faith in Jesus' life, death and resurrection to redeem us from the depravity and consequences of our sin.  Have you experienced literal peace with God?  I know that we do not always "sense the peace" with God - but I do not think it leaves us once we've entered into an eternal right relationship with Jesus.  I think we can certainly distract ourselves enough or make ourselves worried or frantic enough that we might think the peace is gone.  But eternal peace doesn't ever leave us.  I do think we need to take time to connect with and rediscover Christ's peace within us each and every day.  Reading, prayer and meditation on Scripture are great ways to do this.  I have also found getting outdoors and taking a walk in nature helps me connect with Christ's peace again.  What are other ways that you connect with Christ's peace within you?  Please post up in the Comments section below for others to learn from!  Thanks!

Verses 3 through 5 are incredible today as well: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."  Note that these verses are not saying to rejoice "because" of problems and trials (that would be morbid), but that we can still rejoice even "when we run into" the problems and trials.  It is often difficult for us to remember to rejoice when problems and trials come our way - but please do remember these words of Paul in Romans about rejoicing during a time of trial.  Remember our readings in Acts?  Paul was ridiculed, beaten, jailed and shipwrecked - and yet, he never gave into a defeatist attitude.  He kept preaching God's love!  If anyone knows about trials and problems, it is Paul.  And he tells us to rejoice through problems and trials because in this we learn to endure.  I love that Paul says that character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation!  And that this expectation will not disappoint!  Do you believe this?  Do you have a confident expectation of salvation?

Image above courtesy of stonesoupmusic.org.  Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The Object of Our Faith" is at this link.

Wow... I don't know what it is about Romans this year, but it is speaking to me like never before.  For those of you that have gone through the One Year Bible multiple times, you probably know how this is.  One year a book will kinda sorta speak to you - God's Word always does.  And then the next year a book will just blow you away with its wisdom.  Romans is one of those books for me this year...  Paul's words in Romans 5 verses 6 through 8 today spoke to me right away: "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."  This is so powerful to think about.  Jesus died for us sinners.  Think about how selfless this is. Would you die for someone right now?  Perhaps your family or maybe someone who is especially good, as this Psalm says.  But would you die for a liar, a thief, a cheat, or a hopeless addict?  Maybe so...  but probably not.  Jesus came for us.  He died for us.  Us thieves.  Us liars.  Us cheat.  Us addicts.  He came to save us!  Have you been saved by Jesus?

We are now called friends of God as Paul tells us in verse 11: "So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God--all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God."  Do you rejoice in knowing that you are a friend of God?  If someone were to look at how you interact with others and how you spend your time and your days, would they know that you are a friend of God?  Do you often spend quality time with God like you would with any other friend?  Do you think spending time with God is more valuable than anything else you could do in this world?

Paul's contrast of Adam and Jesus in today's readings is so powerful for us to meditate upon... Verses 18 & 19 stood out to me today: "Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight."

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "From the Curse to the Cure" is at this link.

Today in Romans chapter 6 verses 17 & 18 we read: "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Do you believe that you were ever a slave to sin? Is it possible that you are still a slave to sin now? How can you be freed from being a slave to sin? Or, better yet, Who do you think can free you from being a slave to sin? Are you wholeheartedly obeying the teaching to which you have been entrusted? Where can you consistently find the teaching to which you have been entrusted? Do you consider yourself a slave to righteousness? Do you like the idea of being a slave to righteousness?

Today we read Romans 6:23! I pray that this is a verse of Scripture that you have truly memorized, meditated upon, and fully understand and agree with:

Bible.org's fantastic commentaries on today's Romans readings titled "An End to the Reign of Death" is at this link and "The Stupidity of Sin" is at this link.

Great writings by Paul in Romans 7 today about the Law!  I love how he wraps up today's readings in verses 12 & 13 by saying: "But still, the law itself is holy and right and good.  But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my doom? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God's good commandment for its own evil purposes." Great theology in this chapter today!  Indeed - the law itself is holy and right and good.  But, we couldn't keep the law and sin tempted us to break the law.  And thanks to Jesus, Paul tells us in verse 6 today: "But now we have been released from the law, for we died with Christ, and we are no longer captive to its power. Now we can really serve God, not in the old way by obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way, by the Spirit."  We now serve God by the Spirit!  We are free indeed!

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "The Loveliness of the Law and the Ugliness of Sin" is at this link.

Romans chapter 7 today has some amazing teachings about struggling with sin.  I imagine that all of us at one point or another have concurred with Paul - and remember this is the apostle Paul writing this! - in verses 15 through 17: "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things." These verses get at Original Sin in a big way.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Sin can live inside of us and make us do evil things that we hate doing.  What do you suppose - or Whom do you suppose - frees us from this bondage to sin?  Jesus.  Yes, Jesus frees us.  How?  He paid the penalty on the cross for our sins.  And he gives us the free gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit to free us from the bondage of sin.  Take a look at these verses again above from Paul.  Is sin living inside of you making you do things you hate?  Do you want to be free from this slavery to sin?  Will you pray to accept Jesus as your savior today and allow him to free you from you bondage to sin?  Please do.  It's the best decision you will ever make.  Please spend a few minutes prayerfully at this website - https://needhim.org/

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The War Within" is at this link.

Wow... I love Paul's writings today in Romans 8 verses 12 through 14!  "So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."   How do these verses speak to you?  Can you imagine that these words were written for you and your life today?  Do you believe that you have no obligation whatsoever to do what sin urges you to do?  Are you led in your life today by the Spirit of God?

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Siding with the Spirit" is at this link and "From Groaning to Glory" is at this link.

Worship God:  Today's readings in Romans today reminds me of Jeremy Camp's song "Healing Hand of God:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRRYCoWOLuI

Have you felt the healing hand of God? Click here for Healing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know the full expanse of God's love for you and the full cost Jesus paid for your sins on the Cross. Pray that you know that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. Pray that you have been saved from your sins through saving faith in Jesus.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 24th Chronological Bible Readings

Romans 2:1-4:25
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Again... wow..  Paul's writings in Romans are so convicting and true.  So many verses in today's readings bring out so much.  One verse that stood out to me was 16 - "The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone's secret life. This is my message."  This is powerful to consider.  Do you have a secret life?  Do you realize that Jesus will judge your secret life?  So, really, is there such a thing as a secret life after all?  It will all surely come out into the Light and be judged.  Do you have skeletons in your closet?  Will you confess those skeletons/sins to God right now and repent of them immediately?

Paul's writings in Romans 3 verses 7 & 8 today are so powerful for us to remember always: ""But," some might still argue, "how can God judge and condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?" If you follow that kind of thinking, however, you might as well say that the more we sin the better it is! Those who say such things deserve to be condemned, yet some slander me by saying this is what I preach!"  Have you ever thought in any way along the lines of "well, it doesn't really matter if I sin?"  This is such risky thinking.   Let me highly encourage you to read the Bible to see what it says about sin and in particular these early chapters in Romans.  In reading these chapters in Romans do you see the risk, and really the stupidity, in continuing in unchecked sin?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "No Excuse for the Jews" is at this link.

Today in Romans chapter 3 verses 22 through 24 we read – “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Please take a moment to re-read these verses and meditate upon them. How do they speak to you? Do you believe that humans are righteous on our own? (One way to consider this is to imagine what a city would look like without a police force, for example – think we would just naturally be good and kind and righteous to each other? Or might there be crime and maybe even anarchy and survival of the fittest – ala Lord of the Flies. . . ) Do you believe God is righteous? Do you believe we can be made righteous before God through faith in Jesus? Have you sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? Are you justified freely by God’s grace and through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ?

I want to focus a bit more on verse 24 because I think this is one of the most important concepts for us to understand: we "are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Justified.  That's an important word to understand!  Per the NIV Study Bible, Paul uses the Greek verb for justified 27 times, mostly in the letters of Romans and Galatians.  The term describes what happens when people believe in Jesus as their Savior.  God declares them to not be guilty and credits (or imputes) righteousness to them.  Jesus' righteousness is credited to believers as their own, with a few key characteristics that we read in verse 24 (look at this verse above again):  1. It is freely given as a gift,  2. by God's grace, 3. through the redemptive act of Jesus on the Cross, where He paid the price for our sins and redeemed us, 4. and through faith.  Got all this?  :)   Have you been justified with the free gift of grace and faith through Christ's redemption?  If not, today will you dive into the river of everlasting justification through faith in our Lord Jesus?  Please jump into the river of faith!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans 3 titled "Some Bad News, And Good News" is at this link.

We have great writings by Paul today in Romans how we are declared righteous before God!  Verse 4 is powerful - "When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work."  Our right relationship with Jesus is a gift.  We do not work to earn it.  It is given to us as a gift.  Our right relationship with God is not because of our work - but because of Jesus' work on our behalf on the cross.  Have you accepted the gift?  If not, will you accept Jesus' invitation to receive this free gift today?

Paul's writings about Abraham's faith are wonderful in today's readings.  Verses 9 & 10 stands out: "Well, what about Abraham? We have been saying he was declared righteous by God because of his faith. But how did his faith help him? Was he declared righteous only after he had been circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? The answer is that God accepted him first, and then he was circumcised later!"  These verses are an example of Abraham being accepted into a right relationship with God through faith - not works (circumcision in this case).  I do believe our good works are desired and appreciated by God - he wants us to ultimately live holy & loving lives where we love God and love people.  But, faith in Jesus and acceptance by God comes first, then our good works for the Kingdom come as fruits of our faith.  Abraham was an example of this as we read in verse 3 - "For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.""  Below is an portrait of Abraham being called by God by artist Guy Rowe:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "An Old Testament Illustration of Justification by Faith" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Jeremy Camp's song "Let it Fade:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h843f2GXie0

Will you let your old life fade? Click here for your new life now!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize that you have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Pray that you have or will put your faith in Jesus to take the punishment for your sins on the Cross. Pray that you have repented of your sins and are born again through a saving faith in Jesus.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!