How to Become a Saint
Do you know who you are? That question is so important that Paul begins his letter to the Romans by reminding his readers that all who have faith in Jesus Christ are loved by God, belong to Christ, and are, by God's grace, saints.
When Faith and Works Combine
Faith in Christ and obedience to Christ cannot be separated. If He is truly our Lord, we will gladly and consistently obey Him. Indeed, obedience to Him is a measure of our faith in Him.
Who Is Jesus?
We miss God's plan entirely if we fail to understand who Jesus is. The truth about Jesus is essential to the Christian faith and to our eternal destiny. Thankfully, the Bible gives a clear answer regarding His identity.
Introducing the Gospel
At the center of Paul's message--indeed at the center of God's message to humanity--is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. It is in Christ, who is both God and man, that we find forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Whose Slave Are You?
We are not apostles like Paul, but as Christians we are all servants of Christ Jesus. Paul opens the book of Romans by reminding us that we are not our own. We belong to Christ; we are His slaves.
Flexibility in Serving God
Paul illustrates the biblical perspective that, for the Christian, life is ministry. While he was looking ahead and planning ahead, Paul was quick to use every opportunity, planned or otherwise, to serve God by ministering to others.
Shipwrecked According to God's Perfect Plan
We do not ask for storms, or difficult times, to come into our lives--they just come. They are part of life, but more importantly, they are part of God's plan for our lives. Paul's experience on the sea gives us some much-needed perspective on life’s storms.
Setting the Stage for Rome
It must have seemed like an endless cycle to the apostle Paul--charges brought, hearings held, decisions delayed. Yet at every step he had opportunities to speak, and he took advantage of each one to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ. There is much we can learn from his example.
Opportunity Lost
Hardship and persecution often afford us unexpected opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Let us make sure that is our priority, even above the desire for deliverance and relief.
When Paul Lost His Temper
Acts 23 presents a great lesson from the life of the apostle Paul, and it is this: God never works with perfect people, because they do not exist. He works with those who know, love, and follow Him and accomplishes His purposes in spite of their human failings.