Devotional Thoughts

 INTRODUCTION  There is little doubt that Paul’s letter to the church at Rome is considered his magnum opus ; his most prolific effort to present the doctrines of salvation, and his unique presentation for practical living in the life of the believer; especially as regards peace amongst believers in the local church. For eleven chapters, the apostle presented his amazing discourse on salvation. He then began his discourse on practical Christianity beginning in chapter 12, concluding in chapter 16. Of particular interest for this article is the apostle’s efforts to outline how believers can and should maintain unity in the body of Christ. The focus of this writing will cover chapters 13 though 15.  THE ETHICS OF UNITY   There is a heavy concentration on achieving and keeping peace amongst and between the brethren in the local church. Paul gives a summary verse in chapter 14:19 where he states, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things...

INTRODUCTION   Romans 11:33-36 are the concluding verses to the apostle’s doctrinal treatise; a treatise which commenced in Romans 1 and continued through Romans 11:32. The apostle expresses his amazement at God’s ways in a captivating doxological statement in verses 33 through verse 36,  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! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.  The term “doxology” comes from the Greek word doxologia, which means “giving glory.” As we read through it, we cannot help but to be impressed by Paul’s description of the glorious persona of God in all of His perfections. Scripture is much like an onion. It has many lay...

INTRODUCTION   The Apostle Paul has transitioned from his amazing declarations of the doctrines of our salvation in Jesus Christ. He begins this transition in Romans chapter 12. You will, no doubt, remember his detailed discourse on the movements of God regarding the salvation of His chosen people.  Paul began by giving his reader a hint when he addressed what he called “the power of God unto salvation.” Of course, this power of God is “the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Paul then adds a very important statement saying that this power is effective “to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (See Romans 1:16 ).  The apostle then gives the reason for this restriction with respect to the objects of God’s salvation. He focuses the reader’s attention in chapter 3 saying, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Verse 23). He has expounded upon this subject throughout chapters 1:18-3:21-22. It is there in chapter 3:21-22 that the apostle re...

Introduction   The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Rome is, without question, his most sterling effort at setting forth the doctrines of God, especially the doctrine of justification by faith alone. As the apostle introduces himself and praises the saints of Rome, he proceeds to give them the reason for his writing. First, he thanks God through Christ “that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8); second, that he has a tremendous desire to come by the will of God to visit them personally, but he notes in verse 13 that his coming to them had been hindered in his desire to visit them; third, that he “might impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me” (vss. 11-12); lastly, and most importantly, the apostle emphasizes his desire to “preach the gospel to you that are in Rome also” (Romans 1:15).  This brings us to the focal point of th...

 INTRODUCTION   In 1 Samuel, the nation is now moving into a new era of governance. Initially, Israel was a Theocracy and God Jehovah was their king. In 1 Samuel 8, we notice the following:  And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us, and Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto th...

 INTRODUCTION   The Book of First Samuel is filled with wonderful nuggets of biblical truth, nuggets that apply to our modern-day understanding of our Christian responsibility. In preparation for this analysis, it would be beneficial to read chapters 1-6.  We will begin our analysis in chapter 6:12. However, to get the proper sequence of events, the following is a short summary of the narrative as it unfolds in First Samuel: It is important to follow the movements of the Ark of the Covenant in First Samuel, especially beginning at the time it was taken by the Philistines at the battle of Aphek. Since the Israelites had reduced the Ark to the level of a talisman or lucky rabbit’s foot, God allowed the Ark to be taken. The Philistines were polytheistic and henotheistic in their beliefs. They placed the Ark of the Covenant in their temple for the pagan god Dagon (pronounced “doggone”) in Askelon. As the Philistines were a seafaring people, Dagon was half man and ...

 INTRODUCTION   In this article, I will be using 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 as my textual area. I believe it is important to immediately note the Apostle Paul’s statement in verse 18, “And all things are of God, . . .” By that emphasis, the apostle is showing that our reconciliation to God is a sovereign, monergistic act on our Creator’s part. It is important to note that every part of our reconciliation is the result of His eternal decree entered into amongst the members of the Godhead before the foundation of the world. God supplied our reconciliation through the death of His only begotten Son. He then, through the power of the Third Person, the Holy Spirit, regenerated us, gave us faith, presented the gospel message to us, drawing us to Christ and imputing Christ’s righteousness to us.  After speaking of God’s sovereignty in “reconciling the world unto himself...” and having “committed unto us the word of reconciliation,” the apostle states in verse 20, “Now then...

INTRODUCTION   The Book of Hebrews possesses a unique introduction.Unlike a majority of other books contained in Holy Writ, there is an introductory statement given by the author. There is no salutation or greeting whereby the author of the book identifies himself. This omission has caused great speculation on the part of scholars as to who the author of this fabulous book is. Some have projected that it was written by Barnabas, some say it was Luke, some promote Apollos or Clement. It seems, however, that the Apostle Paul is the most popular choice. This most likely stems from Hebrews 13:22-25. These verses sound very Pauline. Listen to these concluding comments by the author:  "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of...