FAITH COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS Paul explained that Abraham, the human founder of Judaism, was not considered righteous by his circumcision, but by his faith. Paul quoted Moses, who wrote of Abraham, And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). So, faith has always been the only way to

TRANSITIONING FROM PORTABLE TO PERMANENT David made preparations for the Temple to be built in Jerusalem. He gathered the materials for the building and gave his son, Solomon specific plans for its construction. He also instructed the Levites on how to transition from their former ministry of carrying and setting up the portable Tabernacle, to

SEEK THE APPLAUSE OF THE ONE NOT THE MANY Paul explained that the Jewish sign of circumcision was not sufficient to please God without the accompanying evidence of a heart changed by the Holy Spirit, which is the result of the new birth. Paul couldve just as easily said that baptism, or church attendance, or

DOES YOUR WALK MATCH YOUR TALK? Paul warned those who taught the Word of God about the hypocrisy of applying it to others without first applying it to themselves. For just knowing Gods Word does not make one just. For it is the doers of the law that will be justified (Rom. 2:13). Therefore, teachers

THE FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS The psalmist began by questioning where God is when the wicked persecute the poor. For the wicked appear to prosper and take advantage of the poor. Like a lion they attack the helpless who have no apparent protection.   But God does observe their trouble and grief. The helpless are

NOT ASHAMED In the apostle Pauls letter to the Romans, he announced his desire to visit them and preach the gospel. He received his wish towards the end of his life, though not as he probably planned. For he was brought to Rome in chains, having appealed to Caesar. Yet for two years, he faithfully

DAVID: THE SONG-WRITING, STONE-SLINGING MAN OF GOD David was Gods man, but he was also a mans man. There was something about his heart that the Lord chose to anoint him king. And there was something about his manner that made men of action want to follow him. He was an amalgamation of eclectic talent

THREE ENCOURAGING FAITH STATEMENTS FOR FACING LIFES STORMS The ship taking Paul to Rome for his appeal to Caesar was caught up in a great storm and in danger of sinking. But God sent an angel to encourage Paul that although they would suffer shipwreck, no one on board would drown. All would be saved.

DID LUKE SAIL TO ROME WITH PAUL? Dr. Luke once again included himself in the Acts narrative with the use of the first person plural we (it was decided that we). This is the last of the four we passages found in the book of Acts (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-8; 27:1-28:16). Although there is some

GOSPEL-CENTERED PROCLAMATION Pauls testimony before the Roman governor Festus and King Agrippa showed not only the focus of his gospel teaching, but also its rootedness in the Old Testament Scriptures. For he was convinced that the good news about the Messiah was clearly foretold by Moses and the prophets.   In Pauls testimony, he gave