“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7)
The Apostle Paul starts most of his letters by greeting the recipients in this way. It would be easy to quickly read this as you would any salutation by thinking that the best is coming next. However, Paul does not waste words, and each one is intentional
and powerful—after a moment or two of reflection.
"Did the people of Rome ever dare to dream that God would love them? How many of us dare to dream that God loves us too?"
Consider "To all in Rome who are loved by God…." Reading this, I wonder: Did the people of Rome ever dare to dream that God would love them? This culture was steeped in worshipping gods who were hateful and vengeful. What a beautiful breath of
fresh air this simple statement must have been to the original readers. Today, how many of us dare to dream that God loves us too?
"Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:5-6)
It’s so true: You can’t give what you don’t have.
I’ve learned and relearned this truth over the years. For instance, I recently taught at church, and each time I’ve done this I’ve felt unqualified, unskilled, and woke up wondering, what in the world do I have to say? At those times, I was especially
concerned about the people who are searching, who need Jesus, and who need hope for the next week. I was humbled as I felt like I had nothing to give.
God extends grace to us in every moment and is at work in our stories even before we realize it
However, early Sunday morning, the Lord reminded me of this exact verse from Romans, “…we’ve received grace…to call…to obedience.” You can’t give what you don’t have. It is God’s grace working in my life and through my experiences that enables me to open
the Word of God uniquely in those moments. He’s been present in my life from the beginning, has given me grace, and now is using my story to support and encourage his church.
The Book of Romans is a masterfully written exposition on God’s grace and the righteousness that comes by grace through faith. This book (a letter) is the foundation of the entire Christian faith and has changed the hearts of many as they read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Get an in-depth verse by verse explanation of this book...
Colossians is short book, written by the Apostle Paul to the Church in Colosse. Paul writes about the mystery of God hidden for ages but now revealed to the Church. This mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (vs. 1:27). Paul explains what this means and how this changes the way we live. Get an in-depth explanation of this book.
The book of Hebrews is the bridge that connects the Old Testament & the New. This book is about Jesus and how He is the guarantee of a NEW & BETTER covenant. Get an in-depth verse by verse explanation of this book...
Jesus spent His entire earthly ministry talking about the Kingdom and explaining it to His disciples. The Gospels are full of Kingdom Principles for believers to operate in on a daily basis. Join me for this amazing journey through the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus.
I’m passionate about Jesus, His Word, living in His grace, using technology and creating beautiful things. But mostly my passion is about spreading the gospel of Jesus to a world that needs Him.
I’m passionate about Jesus, His Word, living in His grace, using technology and creating beautiful things. But mostly my passion is about spreading the gospel of Jesus to a world that needs Him.
