Romans 16

Paul uses verses 1-16 to show how the church is to be unified and be thankful for the people that have touched our life and made a difference in it.

He then gives instruction for us to be careful of people that will come into our lives. They will try to cause division and put obstacles in our way that do not agree with what we have been taught. They try to do this with flattery and vain words. 

When we men are full of the Spirit, we will be able to recognize that spirit and make them feel uncomfortable and they will not stay around.


Randal Sheppard

Romans 15

The first part of Romans 15 reminds me a lot of this past weekend at the Men's Rally. Paul encourages us to prefer our brothers in every way. If there is ever anything that we think would offend one of our brothers we should keep it to ourselves. Paul said if one is strong in faith and the other weak we should pray for wisdom in dealing with our brothers in the church and those outside the church with our conversations and actions. When we live in harmony and are servants one to another, then and only then can we sing praises to our God as the psalmist David wrote about.

Paul goes on to talk about being used by God to send this message to Jews and Gentiles alike. Sending this Truth to those that have never heard this before. How beautiful are the feet of those that spread his Word. You know we all have the power to spread this word like Paul. All we need is to grab ahold of some Holy Ghost boldness, and put the devil back in his corner.

Paul ends chapter 15 with his future travel plans from Jerusalem to Spain. Doing the work of God and ministering in whatever way he could. Bringing a special offering to those in need. Paul always saw the cup as half full. Looking for those that would pray with him for the will of God, that all would be of a happy heart and able to encourage each other.

I believe Paul was talking about R.E.A.L. men....

Daryl Duke

Romans 14

Verse 1:  If a brother or sister in the Lord is weak, don't criticize them.  Encourage  & pray for them that they will be encouraged in the faith.  The Church is to build up, not to tear down.

A brother can be condemned about something & another brother is not condemned about the same thing.  We are not sent to be judges over anyone. We are all children of God and God is the judge of us all.  Every knee will bow & every tongue will confess to God & we will have to give an account to God for all the things that we have said & done.

Philippians 2:12 states that we must work out our own salvation with fear & trembling.  Also in Hebrews 10:31 the Bible says it is a fearful thing to fall in the hands of a living God.  So to me it  behooves us to pray for our family and brothers & sisters in the Lord. We should focus on things that are pleasing in God's sight,  not man's.  We must pray that we are not a stumbling block to our brothers in word or deed.

Verse 17 tells us the kingdom of God is not meat nor drink but righteousness, peace & joy in the Holy Ghost.  If we have a contrite spirit and serve Christ we are acceptable to God & approved of man.

Verse 18:  Follow after these things that we may edify each other & not tear down what God has put in place.  After all we are the body of Christ and you don't tear apart what God has put together

Kirk Fults

Romans 13

Romans 13:1-2, 4
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God:  the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall recieve to themselves damnation.
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

"Higher powers" in verse one is translated in many versions as "governing authorities."  Governing authorities can be defined not only as political power, but as a holding superiority, or to have or excercise a determining influence. So we see that Paul could be talking about a spiritual authority, not necessarily a political authority. 

This is confirmed in verse one, "For there is no power but by God: the powers that be are ordained by God," and in verse four, "He is the minister of God to thee for good." Now we see Paul is talking about spiritual authority. We know that he is not talking about political authority because, if that was the case, considering the current government and it's moral values, we as christians would have a serious problem.

We are very blessed to have the spiritual authority that we have in our church. God has blessed us with a pastor and senior pastor that still believe and do not faulter from doctrine and standards.  This is what keeps the church strong, brings revival, and will get us to heaven. 

Marley Robinson 

Romans 12

This chapter of Romans has a treasure trove of golden nuggets to help us in our everyday walk with God and dealings with our fellow saints and mankind.

It begins with the petition to become "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God".  This means we must consciously die out to sin and live holy.  Sacrifices in the Old Testament had to be without spot or blemish for the Lord to accept and consume them.  We are no exception.

We must then be transformed by the renewing of our minds, proving the perfect will of God in our lives.  How is that accomplished?  By not conforming to this world!  It seems that is the world's whole desire today...conformity.  Everything to get you to join and accept and be tolerant of all the behaviors that violate the word of God.  Paul calls for us to take a stand against sin!  We must as verse 9 states, "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

Paul next makes us think on humility, with every saint filling their call in the kingdom.  They are no big I's and little u's in God's kingdom.  If everyone served in the same role and capacity, how would anything get done?  We must exercise our gifts and talents that God has given us to the fullest!

Being charitable to our brethren and fellow man and not vengeful is Paul's final admonishing to us.  We are called to love and prefer one another without dissimulation, which is a word for concealing the truth.  Thank God we can be transparent and open with each other in our wonderful assembly.  We are truly blessed.

So to wrap it all together...it starts with our personal sacrifice.  That sacrifice leads us to a transformation and than a renewing.  Soon after comes humility, service, love, and charity.  I can truly say I have seen this pattern not only in my life, but the lives of many new converts as well.  God's shaping of a life is definitely a journey that may begin in pain and discomfort, but ultimately ends only in blessing.

Let's take a personal step to start each day by placing ourselves on God's altar.  But we must present ourselves holy and acceptable, so that God's will from start to finish can be completed in our lives.

Dwight Chandler

Romans 11

The ground all around, covered with thorns and thistles, briars and bushes, making it very difficult to even approach the base of the tree.  The undergrowth was very thick, yet despite the difficulties and challenges, the man was determined to get to that tree.  With strong and precise hands he cleared a way to the tree, and cleared away the vines that entangled the branches he had set his eyes on.  Having chosen them with care and concern, he began his work to remove these branches from the wild tree that had been left alone to it's own ruin.  But these branches would have a different end.

After carefully carrying the limbs to a new place and laying them gently on the well manicured green grass, the man began his surgical work on a good tree.  Carefully cutting deep into the trunk of the good tree, he removes old branches and prepares new homes for the chosen branches.  Cutting and trimming them, he places them within the holes in the good tree.  Grafting in the branches from the wild tree into the good tree the man supports them and binds them in place.

Daily the Gardener tends to and cares for the grafted in branches; making sure they grow and become healthy and strong.  The Gardener know just what to do, just how to trim, just how to cut; so that the branches take hold of the good tree and begin to thrive with the life giving flow from the roots.  The wild branches have become part of the good tree, only by the wisdom of the Gardener.

"33 - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!  34 - For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?  35 - Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?  36 - For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

The wisdom and ways of God are so amazing to me.  To know that the only reason I have had an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Grace of God, is because He chose me and grafted me out of the wild tree and into the good tree.  To know that He, in His infinite wisdom, allowed his chosen people to turn their backs on the Messiah and give opportunity to the Gentiles, of which I am one, to become a part of His chosen people, boggles my mind.

WE ARE SO BLESSED!  God has given us that which was not ours; a place in the family tree.  I am so thankful God has chosen to take me out of the sinful world and care for me as he does.  Daily, he checks on me, and cares for me, and makes sure I am growing in the Truth of God's Love and Word.

Brethren, walk through this day, knowing that God has chosen you, set you apart, and grafted you into His Tree.  One day, we will be able to sit around God's table forever.

God is so good; All the time!

Ronald Waller

Romans 10

Verses 1-14
In order to be saved, we must pursue God with knowledge AND zeal.  Just as Israel pursued God with works, and yet could not attain salvation, our works can never save us.  It is not what we do, that can be seen by others, that declares our righteousness, but rather the belief of our heart and the confession of our lips declares our salvation. 

Luke 6:45 says "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

If we truly believe on Christ and in His resurrection, then it will be apparent from that which our mouth confesses.  Many have taken this scripture to mean that if you confess or say that Jesus is your savior then you will be saved.  To me this scripture is saying that you must believe in your heart and then your lips will reflect that belief. 

Verses 14-21
Before we can believe in Him, we must first hear of Him and His death burial and resurrection.  Therefore, He sends to us preachers to minister to our hearts.  What a sacred gift we have in our pastors and preachers.  They are the vehicles through which we come to know salvation!

However, once they deliver the Word, we must then take the initiative to believe the Word.  We must guard against unbelief. God wil notl have a people who do believe in Him.  Just as He revealed Himself to the Gentiles when the Israelites did not believe in their hearts, God will turn from us and reveal Himself to someone who does not even know enough to pursue Him.  What a shame!

Men, we must pursue God with both zeal and knowledge.  Let us believe in Him so that our mouths will be a testament to His saving power.  Take the Word that is delivered to us by the ones sent of God and apply it (believe) to our hearts so that our words are a confession of Him! 

Keith Mathews

Romans 9

On natural ancestry or ancestors of the promise:

At times I am accused of thinking too much and I have definitely been accused of not thinking at all.  However, this week I have spent a lot of time thinking about the divergent paths of "Christianity".  I have seen many acquaintances from my past that have taken different paths in their pursuit of God.  Although I can truly say I am encouraged by the choices of many, I also find myself experiencing, in the words of Paul (Romans 9:2 NIV), "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" by the choices of others.

Paul begins this passage by describing his emotions at the spiritual state of the Jews.  He describes the difference from natural ancestry and the ancestors of promise.  He establishes that they were heirs to the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, temple worship and the promises.  He goes on to say that it is not a failure of God's word (9:6) that not all inherit the promise. 

Because we have been natural born into great truth or raised in the truth does not give us entitlement to the inheritance.  The distinction is not natural bloodline, but the application of the Blood.

I have seen wrong choices made by some and accepted by others as right seemingly because of ties to great things of the past; ex. He/She comes from a wonderful Christian family, that church has been known as a church of miracles, etc.  The ancestry seems to point to great things in the future.  However, Paul drew a parallel to Abraham's offspring in that it is the ancestors of the promise, Isaac, that are considered the offspring of Abraham.  Not all that were born of Abraham gained the inheritance of the promise.

On recognizing the sovereignty of God:

Paul went on to describe the birth of Jacob and Esau.  Before they were born, it was determined that the older would serve the younger.  Paul refuted the statement that God is unjust by that decision, but Paul reiterated the sovereignty of God by God's statement to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."  It is not the natural birth order that determines our position or status, but rather it is the sovereignty of God in applying a spiritual birth order.

On righteousness by Faith vs a pursuit of righteousness by the law

Being a preacher's son does not give me inheritance with God.  My Mom's and Dad's devotion to God, does not automatically put me in the bloodline of Jesus.  Even a pursuit of righteousness/justification does not establish me in the Kingdom of God.  However, Paul states that it is by faith that we are righteous or justified.  He argues that Israel pursued righteousness by works and they stumbled over the "stumbling stone" of the law.  We can not on our own obtain righteousness through a pursuit of established laws.  That is what caused the Jews to stumble.

Although the church is predestined, our destiny is only determined by our faith in the promise.  If we want to become heirs of the promise, we must set our eyes on the promise, Jesus.

I am so thankful that God in his sovereign power extended the promise from those born of the natural bloodline to those that are made heirs by the spiritual bloodline.  I choose to pursue righteousness by faith.  Not a reckless faith based on my ancestry, but a faith established in righteousness of God.

My prayer today is:

God give me the wisdom to understand your sovereignty, give me the faith to accept your Grace, and give me the discernment to make the right decisions based on your established principles.

Jeff McGee

Romans 8

In vs 1-17 Paul is admonishing the Romans to live as the heirs of God they are—if they are filled with the Spirit. Why? Vs 5 (NIV) Those who live according to the sinful nature, have their minds set on what nature desires. The Amplified refers to the things 'which gratify the flesh'. If this is so, vs 8 – they in the flesh cannot please God. Based on what Paul has already told them in Rom 6:23 – 'the wages of sin is death', he is repeating again in vs 6 (KJV) -- to be carnally minded is death and vs 13 – if ye live after the flesh ye shall die, to implore them of the consequences. What a horrible thought! Not being able to please God and certain death.
 
The bright side however, does shine as Paul opens with the assurance of (vs 1) – no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus because: vs 3 – God's power unbelievably super-cedes the law's powerless attempts through flesh's sinful nature.  Thank God for the blood!
 
Before he continued on, I wonder if Paul, if physically able, got up and shouted thinking about the words he was about to share regarding our future glory? You can hear the excitement in the words following:
 
Vs 18-27:
 
Surely Paul was thinking about his account in 2 Corinthians 11 when he detailed the suffering he had endured and declared – vs 18 (KJV) I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. We weren't made for this world men, and if we are a child of God, that's our hope! We are saved by hope, one we cannot see, yet if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently – the redemption of our body. How can we not be excited about this just as Paul was then, knowing it's ever closer to the coming of the Lord today!
 
Vs 26-27 remind us of how finite our prayers can be because when we don't know what to pray –  the Spirit intercedes with (NAS) groanings too deep for words. He who searches our hearts knows what we should be praying because He knows the mind of the Spirit. Even when we don't have the words, we should let the Spirit speak through us in prayer, (KJV) because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Be encouraged that the Spirit is praying for you!
 
Aren't you glad you love God and are called according to His purpose? We like to quote vs 28 often, but we need to remember it doesn't tell us all the things in our lives will be good, but rather because of our hope of adoption, everything is working together to get us ready for that adoption day. That's better than good!
 
Vs 29-39:
 
I believe this section begins as Peter put it in 2 Peter 3:9 – the Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance, when speaking of God foreknowing and predestinating us. He provided this by His death and resurrection for our justification. God called us, justified us, and we shall be glorified. When Pastor McLaughlin mentions every young person needs someone totally crazy about them, young and not as young, here is your comfort— vs 39 (NIV) Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Nothing and no one in this world! We are going to be persecuted men, but we ARE more than conquerors through him that loved us!
 
Men, let's take vs 31 – If God be for us, who can be against us?, and as REAL men, share this life in the Spirit today.

Tim Jacobs
____________________________________________________________

Romans 8 is the climax of the entire epistle. It outlines how sinful man is able to overcome his base nature and live in a manner that is pleasing to God and gives him glory.

The Holy Ghost is the means by which we are to accomplish this. He fully explains how:

1. Jesus has condemned sin in the flesh so that we are no longer under its power. He did this through the life he lived on earth and his sacrifice on Calvary. This doesnt mean we won't sin but that it will not have control over our lives. The Holy Ghost permits us to fulfill the spirit of the law through the Spirit of God working within us.

2. Our minds are now not controlled by our fleshly wants and desires but by the mind of Christ. Paul contrasts the mind of sinful man with the new mind of the regenerated man by showing the different attributes of each. The Spirit led man is full of life and peace whereas the sinful man's mind is set on selfish ambitions and rebellion against the will of our Lord.

3. Our bodies are quickened (made alive) together with Jesus as well. This means we not only do we have God's mind, we are also led by the Spirit of God. We live and act on these thoughts in a manner that pleases him. We dress modestly. The communication out of our mouth changes. We avoid worldly pleasures. We pray and study God's word more.

4.  He also confirms our sonship with the Spirit crying "Abba father". We know this to be the confirmation of the baptism of the Spirit of God in us by the oral confirmation of his presence. Thereafter, we start to develop a desire to be reunited with our Father who made us heirs to his glory, and the transformation of our mortal bodies into immortal bodies that moth and rust will not corrupt. This causes a gradual focus on heavenly minded things and a progressive reduction in interest in the things of this world.

5. Lastly, God directs our lives in a manner that we eventually become conformed to the image of his Son. This process is continual and leads to our justification. It is the ultimate expression of Jesus' loves for us - his very deep involvement in each of our lives.

Paul sums up the chapter with the fact that nothing can separate us from the love of God. With God living in us, controlling our minds, our lives, and our desires, our entire lives are submerged in the love of God which give us the peace and power to reflect our God in everything we do.

Paul Pixley

Romans 7

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature." (NIV) Romans 7:14-18

Thanks be to God that this does not have to be us today. We no longer have to try to follow the written code with the plague of sin following us and making occasion to bear fruit of death. No, because there is a savior who made a way for us, bringing us out of our carnal nature and into the spiritual. It was by His death that we identify with Him in our being dead to sin. For without the death we could not leave the law of sin, and we could not serve in a new way if it wasn't for His resurrection.

"So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."  (NIV) Rom 7:4-6

He was the one who rescued us from this body of death, and for this I give Him praise! The world tries to tell us it is not necessary to identify with His death anymore, but you and I know that water baptism alone is what frees us from the plague of sin. The world says the Holy Ghost doesn't matter, but you and I know the Holy Ghost alone enables us to serve in the new way. God bless brothers, and let us continue serving Him in the new way.

Mike Creel

Romans 6

In the study version the heading reads
"Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ".
Verses 1-14

What stands out to me here is Paul asking and answering a couple of questions:

 Q: v1.What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?

And a very resounding, forceful answer to this question:
A: v2.By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? KJV says "GOD Forbid".  Strong answer here!

Q: Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
A: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Paul doesn't leave us here without a great explanation to the questions!
       6.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
      7. because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

And knowing this and believing this, he sums it all up.
      12. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
      13. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
      14. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

"Slaves to Righteousness"
Verses 15-23
Here, a few more Q and A's from Paul.

Q: v15-What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?
 And again, that same resounding answer !
A: By no means!- KJV-"GOD Forbid"

 Q: v16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? v17   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.
A: v18  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Next, Paul says it bluntly, just really puts it out there!
v19. I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

Q: v21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of ?
A: Those things result in death!

Again, with another GREAT summation!

 v22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

v23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gentleman, I didn't mean to just quote (almost) the entire chapter, But in this, was some R.E.A.L lessons here for me! I really believe that is was not by chance that I have this chapter.  I thank the Lord for his mercy and grace! I thank the Lord for the conviction.

Larry Birchfield

___________________________

Who is your master?

The culture of today is resolute in its defense of the concept of "sloppy" grace. The mind set is this, "Why should I not indulge in the sinful pleasures of this life when there is sufficient grace to protect me?"

Paul asks a question in the first verse of Romans chapter 6, "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (NIV) He follows that question with this answer, "By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

When we where buried with the Lord in baptism, and filled with the Holy Ghost, our old nature was laid to rest. According to verse 4, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (KJV) If the Holy Ghost is manifest in our lives, then grace takes on a whole new and beautiful meaning. No longer do we have to live as a slave to the sinful desires of this flesh. Paul, in his writings to the church at Ephesus, admonished, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Grace is a GIFT from God. It is not to be taken advantage of in a moment of rebellion.

Paul continues in verse 11, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus…For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

Finally, in verses 22-23, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To be filled with the Holy Ghost is to understand the true meaning grace.

Make a difference!

Donnie Gandee

Romans 5

Here once again we have a chapter that begins with the word "therefore" so we basically have a continuance of the previous chapter. It is good to know that we have been justified by our faith in Jesus Christ. And tribulations in our life help us to obtain patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.

In the latter scriptures we are taught about the sin of Adam, and how through that sin we were all made partakers of that sin, and we will all taste death because of sin.

Then we learn how through God's grace and the free gift that came by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, we all have access to life.

If I have sin in my life, it not only effects me, but my family also, and it can also effect the lives of all around me. But if we as R.E.A.L. men live our lives in harmony with the will and word of God, then and only then will we have a positive effect on all those around us.

This reminds me of 2 Chron 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
KJV

Get R.E.A.L.

Ralph Cain

Romans 4

Romans Chapter 4 verse 20

20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but he was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
NIV

God is able to do all things no matter what it might be. And if we receive a promise from God we need to remember that all things are possible through Christ.

If anybody had a reason to be doubtful about a promise from the Lord it would be Abraham because he and his wife were way up in years and physically unable to have children and yet they had a son. But as the scripture says he did not waver and because he had faith he was strengthened.

Its about time for some of us to have faith and take away the boundaries of what God can do. Just have faith that he will carry you through, and be strengthened by your faith.

Marshall McGee

Romans 3

Romans 3:21-26

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it –22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ in all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  

ESV

As I began to read Romans chapter 3, this passage of scripture leapt from the pages. The scripture tells of God's righteousness and how He covers us with His blood. If it was up to us and our righteousness, we wouldn't be saved. Verse 23 says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  Additionally, Psalms 51:5 states, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."

We, as humanity, need a Savior. I am very thankful that, as a small child, I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and was buried in the name of Jesus Christ. I had the faith that I would speak in other tongues when I repented of my sins and was baptized, according to Acts 2:38.

Verse 25 gives reference to the blood on the doorpost (The blood of the Passover Lamb). We are affected by this concept even in present time. We know the parallel between the blood on the doorpost and the death of Jesus. Since Christ died for us, we can now experience His Holy Spirit and take on the character and nature of Jesus Christ. Not because we are anything great, but because we have experienced the righteousness of God.

Chad Mooney

Romans 2

The very first word of the first verse I get the vein of the thought that Paul is trying to teach me. "Therefore" which means the conclusion of the previous argument or discussion; which is to know that there is a wrath of God to be in fear of, there are seven stages of worldly attitudes, and there is a result of those worldly attitudes of the Gentiles.

So what we learned of these things in chapter 1 as R.E.A.L. men we find ourselves inexcusable if we judge not according to the law but grace.

You know what I mean, the guy that is not Pentecostal he is a Heathen, so we hold him at double arms length.  Verse 11 of chapter2 says it best "For there is no respect of persons with God."

We cannot be hearers of the law and not doers lest WE become a Gentile.  You know what a Gentile is; that heathen that does not go to church, drinks, tells those jokes, and ogles the woman on the street.

We are supposed to be a New Testament Jew.  A Jew of the Old Testament is one who is circumcised in the flesh, so as a New Testament Jew we need to be circumcised in heart.

Now circumcision is one of the most private things that can happen to a man.  Not something that we ever talk about to anyone not even to our wives as a rule.  So why not let the Word of God circumcise our heart in that same way; privately.  Let the Word of God and the Holy Ghost cut away on us to make us sensitive and fresh.  We should be willing to pray privately for our family, friends and others, and then not be afraid to pray publicly in the prayer room at church or in a restaurant.  This is a dichotomous statement don't you think?  We are not supposed to judge others, but we open ourselves to be judged by those same people.  Our hope is that when they judge us they will judge us by what is in our heart.

The best way to see this is look hard at verses 28 and 29 in the NIV
28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

Rev. David Detar

Romans 1

2 Key points that I draw from Chapter 1 of Romans:

1.Paul begins with encouragement to the Roman church:

11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

He was not only an encourager, but also recognized the ability of the church to encourage him.

My spin is that as much as our church leadership encourages us through teaching and preaching, we have a responsibility to be an encouragement to our leadership.  Take some time in the coming days to encourage our leadership.

2.Second, Paul issues a warning against holding the truth in unrighteousness and the downward spiral that is a result.  Please forgive me for my lengthy.  I actually went back in my archives and pulled from something I wrote previously in relation to this passage.

This passage always reminds me of humanistic teaching in which relativism has its roots.  It is the removal of God's absolutes to focus on the human side of reasoning.  Paul says in vs 23: and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Please allow me to elaborate in my own way:

What is relativism?  Relativism is "a theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them" (American Heritage Dictionary). Acceptance and tolerance of all lifestyles are the result of moral relativism.  College classrooms are awash with instruction in relativism, leaving many with feelings of guilt if they dare to disagree with another's moral tenets.  Moral relativism is given many names, including "cultural diversity" and "cultural awareness".  The paradox of moral relativism is that in its effort to ensure acceptance for all ideas it must inherently respect those that believe in absolutes. Otherwise, the very basis of the theory is completely eradicated.  How, then, can one be a proponent of appeasing the masses, but yet argue so vehemently against those that hold fast to absolutes?  The reason is that moral absolutes have become so foreign and negative to their thinking that they only see foolishness in absolute principles.  They see foolishness in moral absolutes because they have created an environment of blurred values in their pursuit of humanistic reasoning and hedonism.  This pursuit of pleasure coupled with political correctness does not give place to feelings of guilt.

Paul references moral relativism and humanistic approach to reasoning in Romans 1:20-32.  Moral relativism is not new, but has existed since the early stages of human reasoning.  Paul wrote that it all stems from a denial of God.  Each one of us has to recognize an outside influence to our existence, but we are given a choice to accept or deny that existence.  Referencing those that rejected the knowledge of God, Paul wrote that "by professing themselves to be wise, they became fools".  Paul wrote that "God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves" (sexual immorality and perverted lifestyles).  Isn't it amazing that the very ideology of which Paul wrote, we see today?

Jesus informed Thomas in John 14:6 that he is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is the foundation of all absolute principles.  Jesus is the measurement by which we align our existence.  If we want the power of God working effectively in our lives, we must look to the creator.

I am reminded of a quote I once read:

"He who floats with the current, who does not guide himself according to higher principles, who has no ideal, no convictions – such a man is a mere article of the world's furniture – a thing moved, instead of a living and moving being – an echo, not a voice." – Henri Frederic Amiel, Swiss Philosopher

If you are not guided by Biblical principles, you will be vulnerable to the currents of change.  You will constantly find yourself being moved by every new idea or fad, a follower and never a leader. You will either become an echo or a voice in life.  An echo is merely an imitation, but a voice is something real.  People, who are voices, can and will have an impact in their sphere of influence.

God's word is the foundation of all moral absolutes, but obedience to the word is the ingredient that will temper or solidify the foundation in our life.  If we do not learn to obey, then our foundation will be weak and it will crumble when confronted with the world's ideology.  However, if we obey God's principles, we will have a foundation that will not falter when it is assaulted in the classroom, work place, and every day life.

Jeff McGee

Philemon

Paul's letter to Philemon is short and often overlooked because of it's personal content. At first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything contained in this letter that would prove valuable to the modern day Christian. However, I believe that there are many hidden jewels found within this book of the Bible that could minister to us in the best and in the worst of times.

Paul begins this letter with a typical greeting in verse 1. He calls himself a "prisoner of Jesus Christ" and he describes Philemon as a man that is "dearly beloved" and a fellow laborer." Philemon was a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colosse.

After completing his greetings, Paul informs Philemon of his constant prayer for him. He also makes mention of the good report that he (Paul) had heard regarding Philemon. Paul is using wisdom here. His request wouldn't be well received if it wasn't properly presented.

In verse 8, Paul admits that he could command Philemon to obey his request, but instead he asks him kindly to make the right choice. Paul goes on to plead with Philemon on behalf of his slave, Onesimus.

The name Onesimus literally means useful. In verse 11, Paul is confident that Onesimus is ready to live up to his name.

Paul informs Philemon that he is sending Onesimus back to him as more than a slave. Paul writes, "I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart." (ESV) The Greek word for heart here is splagchna and it literally means, internal organs. Paul had developed a deep affection for this man.

By writing the letter with his own hand, Paul was agreeing to pay back anything that Onesimus had taken, no matter what the cost.

You might wonder why Paul felt so strongly about this matter. I wonder if Paul was thinking of a time when he himself was longing to be accepted by the Apostles, but they were all afraid of him. But Barnabas stepped in and spoke on Paul's behalf. He could've been thinking of the time when he and Barnabas had separated on account of John Mark, whom Paul thought was too great a risk to take along on a missionary journey because of his previous mistakes. But Barnabas took John Mark under his wing despite the risk. At the end of his life, Paul admitted to Timothy that Mark had become profitable to him for  the ministry. Perhaps this is why he was willing to take the risk for the sake of Onesimus.

When it comes to our brothers and sisters in Christ, there is no risk too great to take on their behalf. We must be willing to stand up for one another. The Bible tells us to "Strengthen the weak hands and feeble knees." When someone's hands have become weak, it makes it difficult to hold onto the hand of Christ, and when the knees are weak, it becomes difficult to walk with Christ. Remember the golden rule…"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." 

Jordan Mills

Colossians 4

Know "them" that are within and without:

Colossians 4:5

5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Without:

Paul, who was in prison, was very much concerned that when he stood in court that he always said the right thing that he may reach everyone that heard him with the gospel.  Likewise, he encourages the church at Colossae to do the same when addressing those who were without.  We who are filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus Name have our vernacular that is understood by us all but those who have not heard the gospel according to the book of Acts do not fully understand our terminology.  Therefore let our speech be always with grace and fitly spoken!

Proverbs 10:11

11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

We must know how we ought to answer every man in a manner that the seed of the gospel in planted into their heart and takes root thus redeeming the time.  Life presents each of us small windows of opportunity to touch a soul with the gospel.  Only through prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost can our speech always be with grace to those without!

Within:

From verse 7 throughout the remainder of the chapter, Paul addresses the names of those that are within in whom we can trust in their words and leadership.  We must be very sensitive through the leading of the Holy Ghost as to whether we take words, thoughts and spirits into our spirit.  Paul mentions one call Demas as a fellow servant.  Demas is mentioned three times in the Scriptures with two as a fellow servant but the third says that Demas had forsaken him having loved this present world.   

1 John 4

1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Jude 1:4

 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Timothy 4:10

10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Men, let us be sensitive to "them" that are without and "them" that are within as the coming of the Lord is drawing nigh.  We must redeem the time.


Bob Gougler

Colossians 3

In my Bible Colossians 3 is titled "What Christians Should Do" then it is broken down into sub-titles "Principles of Christian living" and "Principles of relationships."  Although I have always known it, I realized again today that life is FULL of choices!

Col. 3:2 "Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth." - my choice.

Col. 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth..." - my choice.
Col. 3:8 "But now ye also put off all these..." - my choice.

Reading through Colossians 3, I find 17 opportunities that involve me making a daily choice.
 
I understand that these are things we as Christians are being admonished to do in order to live as God wants us to, but we still have the choice.  Sometimes I do not want to put on kindness or longsuffering.  Sometimes putting on charity is the most difficult admonishment of all, yet I am encouraged to do so...even when I don't want to.  If I am to honor God then I must align my life with the admonishments of not only this chapter of Colossians but the entire Word.
 
I would like to encourage every man to make the right choices every day.  There will be days when humbleness and meekness are the last things you may want to put on but it's worth the effort.  Remember that being a Christian takes a R.E.A.L. Man!
 
Douglas Dunn

Colossians 2

When we receive the Holy Ghost and are baptized in Jesus name He clears our slate and gives us a new start.

With a new start, we have to keep the slate clean daily by obeying the Lord's Word and not the ways of the world.

Edward Cumbie

Colossians 1

>
> This is my first attempt to do anything like this since grade
> school, which I failed at, but now I have my God on my side so here
> I go…..
>
> What the scriptures in Colossians chapter one means to me is that it
> is not enough to just understand the word you need to act on the
> word, for if you are changing then you are teachable.

> I get Paul is trying to tell the Colossians that we were made by God
> and for God, and God wants us to grow up to be like him. Paul is
> trying to minister to this people that they have God given rights to
> become partakers of Jesus Christ.
>
> Gene Wells
>
______________________________
>
> Colossians background:

> Why read: Offers one way we can discover a few more things about
> Jesus and learn how we can honor him.

> Who wrote and to whom was it written: Apostle Paul wrote while under
> house arrest in Rome. He wrote for a small city of Colosse, located
> in southwest interior now known as Turkey.

> When written: About A.D. 60 to 62, during a time Paul awaited trail
> on an appeal to the Roman emperor Nero

> Why written: A group called Gnostics (a hybrid religion and
> philosophy mixed Christian, Jews and possibly pagan beliefs) claimed
> they possessed privileged supernatural knowledge necessary for
> salvation. Paul, in support of Epaphras' ministry in Colosse,
> addressed the false teachings that undermined the Colossians' faith.
> The church was under constant pressure from the numerous religious
> philosophies abounding in the first-century.
> What to look for: The supremacy of Christ and ways we can develop
> attitudes and actions to "honor" the Lord.
>
> Colossians One:
>
> Take Away: Thanksgiving and Prayer
> -How often are you encouraged and inspired by another brother's
> faith and zeal for the Lord?
> -How often do you give thanks to the Lord for how He operates in the
> men of our church?
> -How often do you pray for your brothers?
>
> Note: Colossians 1:3(NIV) "We always thank God when we pray for you
> because we have heard of your faith and love...in the word of
> truth". Colossians 1:9 "...we have not stopped praying for you..."
>
> Take Away: Supremacy of Christ
> Colossians 1:15(NIV) "He is the image of the invisible God, the
> firstborn (especially honored) over all creation." Colossians
> 1:17-19(NIV)

> "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And
> He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the
> firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have
> the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in
> Him..."
> Colossians 1:21-22(NIV)

> "Once you were alienated from God...but now He has reconciled you by
> Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His
> sight without blemish and free from accusation..."
>
> Take Away: Paul's Labor for the Church
>
> Colossians 1:25(NIV) "I (Paul) have become its (The Church)
> 'servant' by the commission God gave me to present to you the word
> of God in its fullness..." Colossians 1:27, 29 (NIV) "(27)God has
> chosen to make known...the glorious riches of His mystery, which is
> Christ in you, the hope of glory. (29) To this end I (Paul) labor,
> struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me
> (Paul)"
>
> Comment: Paul was not trying to earn favor with the Father by his
> works, but Paul gave all to "honor" the Father with his life.
>
> Give honor to the Lord Jesus Christ today and everyday!
>
> Bro Eric

Philippians 4

Paul starts out this chapter calling for peace. Thru out chapter 4 we find peace, self discipline and a great example of a positive attitude.

Verse 4 says to rejoice in the Lord and verse 6 says to be anxious for nothing. God is going to take care of us.

I can't tell you how many times that my wife and I have quoted verse 8 to our children as an example of how to gauge things in their lives. Whether it be friends, media, reading material, or just an attitude. If it can't pass the test of being noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report or have virtue and be praiseworthy.......let it go.

I think that Philippians 4 can speak to all of us in our efforts to become REAL Men. If we align ourselves with the word of God, He will do the rest. Let's be a team, self disciplined and have a positive attitude and see what God will do in our church and in our families. Have a great day in the Lord!!

Joe Crosson

Philippians 3

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Every time I read this passage it stands out to me that Paul was a great leader among the Jews before his conversion.  That, however, was not true gain; it was nothing.  Paul even compares those accomplishments to dung.

This tells me that even though we may reach a great status in the world, even in religious realms, it is nothing without the righteousness of God.  Jesus requires each of us to take everything we have done in this life in the flesh and put it behind us and take it out of our focus; for us to realize, on a conscious level, that what we are does not consist of our accomplishments and our experience, but of how completely we have let Jesus Christ accomplish His will through us.  God wants to take "our vile body" and use it to accomplish goals for which only He can have the glory.

We press for that mark by pursuing His perfect will in lieu of our own status and accomplishments.  His way is better.

Brad Hoff

Philippians 2

Four words any soldier or policeman love to hear from his buddies is -I GOT YOUR BACK-.

There is no  better feeling then to know that your brother or brothers are there when you need them. To know that they are willing and able to be there for you.

 Jesus came as a man, not highly exalted among man, but as a servant. That's the kind of heart R.E.A.L. men have, the heart of a servant.

  As we work out our own salvation-GOD will work in you to help each other, with this heart of a servant we will have good attitude, willing to do the will and work of GOD.

I GOT YOUR BACK,
George Lemoine

Philippians 1

Compassion!!! If there is one central theme to the first chapter of Philippians it is the example of compassion, Paul, this wise soldier of the cross, who is nearing the end of his race, not only talks about, but exhibits as he opens his letter to the church at Philippi. Paul, torn between two worlds, heaven and the saints at Philippi, talks about how much he loves them and offers prayer for them continuously, also recognizes this is no one sided relationship; the Philippians love him equally. Chapter one is an awesome testimony to a pastor's burden and feelings for the congregation he oversees. 


Through the first eight verses, Paul talks of his love and prayer for, and the desire to see, those in Philippi.  In verse nine, Paul adds he specifically prays for one thing: "that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that you may approve things that are excellent, and that ye may be sincere and without offense … being filled with the fruits of righteousness."   I like how this passage is translated in The Message:


So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.


Our culture has placed done its best to redefine LOVE as "Sentimental Gush." Here Paul informs us that there is more to love than just some warm fuzzy feeling that prompts some mindless action, but that true compassion is not only sincere but drawn from sound conclusions that prompt a holy life. I am amazed every time I read in the gospels where Jesus was moved with COMPASSION, action always followed.   No, the action, sometimes, wasn't what I expected (Matt 9:35-38 (the command was to pray that the Lord would send harvesters)) but it was always perfect, sincere and drawn from sound conclusions.


I am challenged by this passage to awaken myself from stagnant love to COMPASSION for those around me: my brothers and sisters in Christ, the lost souls around me and those who have maybe fallen away. I was challenged in my spirit during my prayer time yesterday morning to pray, especially, for those who have known Jesus in the past, but due to circumstances and battles of life, maybe were left on the battlefield for dead and are now bitter and hurting; and for myself that I would be ready to minister when the Lord placed someone in my path. We must pray for them, yes; but when our fervent prayer becomes fruitful, we must be moved with compassion because God will put them in our path; and we will need the knowledge and wisdom of God to help them heal.


God, grant us the wisdom and knowledge to live COMPASSIONATELY; to reach beyond what will make us feel good, and take appropriate action so your will (that no one should perish) is fulfilled.

Proverbs 2:1-11


Jason A. Mathews

Ephesians 6

In eight seconds Google found about 1,290,000 websites referencing spiritual warfare.  While I haven't visited any of them I am assured I would prefer to spend my time in Ephesians 6.  Many Christ-followers are consumed with the doctrines of those principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places that are attacking the church.



Books are written, seminars held, sermons preached, all to equip the church on how to fight the battle.  They base it all on their personal stories and presumptions of the hierarchy in the darkness.  I'm glad we've already been told what to wear to war.



It doesn't take secret strategies or intricate game plans.  It takes a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, a readiness to take the Gospel of peace everywhere, a shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and your sword, the Word of God.



As we climb to new heights in Him we will fight great battles against strong enemies, but "…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…" II Corinthians 10:4,5



Let's encourage each other to put on the full Armor of God so that we are ready for the fight… without having to check out all those websites.



Jason Ouellette

Ephesians 5

Eph 5:2: - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour..

God's love is not contingent on whether we love Him in return. God's love looks past all racial and social barriers and into the hearts and souls of men and women. I find it absolutely amazing the perfect depth of the selfless love Jesus showed for us on the cross. That agape love is not just limited to the cross, but He has commissioned us to display this same love to one another.

He speaks of this love to his disciples in Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." We must love unconditionally. Our love should not be based on the anticipation that we will be loved back; although it gives us warm feeling inside, it should never dictate how much we express ourselves to others.

Jesus was despised and rejected by men, Isaiah says that He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, yet He loved us even still.

How amazing is our father's love! I want to have the same love that Jesus showed working in me. When people come through the doors of our church I pray that the love of God through us would overtake them. No, they may not look like us, their clothes may be worn, they may even smell, but oh Lord let us look past their outward appearance and into their heart just as you do. Let us love unconditionally!

Rom 12:10
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Ryan A. Denard

Ephesians 4

At the center of the book of Ephesians, Paul the ambassador in chains, ties this letter of encouragement, instruction and warning together with the truth of the oneness of Jesus Christ.

The tone of this chapter is quickly set when in verse one, Paul exhorts us to be content with the place that God has purposed for us in His Kingdom. Verse sixteen gives us the promise we are all fitly joined together in Christ while verses eleven and twelve sets in perfect order the structure of the living church.

Paul gently shepherds his flock by warning them to remember the truth that has been revealed to them and guard against every wind of doctrine, speaking the truth with love, walking as Jesus walked and enjoying the redemption of forgiveness by forgiving one another as Christ forgave us.

For me the key verses here are twenty-one and twenty-four which state, " as the truth is in Jesus and put on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness". The same truth that is in Jesus is now alive and active in us today and we have been transformed, REAL men, lifting up holy hands and uttering praises to our King. 

Robert MacPhee Jr