Devoted to Scripture

https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+4-6/

This is day 324 of our journey.

In Romans 4, Paul addresses the origin of righteousness.  He explains that Abraham, the patriarch and spiritual father of the Jews, was not made righteous by observing the law of circumcision. According to the Scriptures, God declared Abraham righteous by his faith before he had been circumcised.  In the same way, we are also justified by faith alone instead of by perfectly observing the Law.  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, to bring us life in his name.  Paul explains that Christ's death did not grant us freedom to continue sinning without consequence, but rather to give us A New Life apart from sin!  Now, having been freed from the old life of slavery to sin and death, we become joyful bondservants to righteousness for the glory of God!

Join me in Romans 4-6 and claim the new life that comes through faith alone!

Key verses:

Romans 4:13

For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.  

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  

Romans 6:4

Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+1-3/

This is day 323 of our journey.

Paul's letter to the Romans was written before Paul had the opportunity to visit Rome.  In the letter, Paul lays out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness.  He begins his letter by making it clear that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are equal in the way we approach God.  Those who are circumcised under the law are no better than those who are not.  For all of us have sinned and are condemned to death.  God will justify both the Jew and the Gentile by faith alone.

Join me in Romans 1-3 as Paul lays the foundation and need for our Salvation.

Key verses:

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  

Romans 2:29

but someone is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit and not by the letter. This person’s praise is not from people but from God.  

Romans 3:9

What then? Are we better off? Certainly not, for we have already charged that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin,  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/Romans/

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+27-28/

This is day 322 of our journey.

Paul's journey to Rome was not an easy one.  He was taken on a ship along with some other prisoners and a company of soldiers.  They sailed from port to port until they were caught at sea in a violent storm that ran the ship aground on a small island.  Despite this, God preserved the lives of everyone on the ship for the sake of Paul.  While waiting on the island for better weather and another ship to continue the journey to Rome, Paul was able to preach to the locals.  When Paul finally arrived in Rome, he was placed under house arrest, but was allowed to have visitors to come and listen to him speaking.  In this way, Paul was able to speak to the Jews living in Rome about Jesus, the Messiah.  The book of Acts ends with Paul waiting to go on trial before Caesar.

Join me in Acts 27-28 for the final leg of Paul's journey.

Key verses:

Acts 27:24

and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before Caesar, and God has graciously granted you the safety of all who are sailing with you.’  

Acts 28:30-31

Paul lived there two whole years in his own rented quarters and welcomed all who came to him,  31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without restriction.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+24-26/

This is day 321 of our journey.

Although the Jews came and laid charges against Paul, they could prove nothing deserving of punishment or imprisonment.  Nevertheless, the Roman officials continued to hold Paul in prison to appease the Jews and to try to elicit a bribe from Paul.  For more than two years, Paul was held in custody.  During that time, he was often called before the Roman leadership to hear his defense and his story.  Paul never failed to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ before them.  Finally, after two years, Paul appealed to Caesar and plans were made to send him to Rome to testify in front of the emperor.

Join me in Acts 24-26 as Paul boldly testifies from prison.

Key verses:

Acts 24:14

But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets.  

Acts 25:11

If then I am in the wrong and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying, but if not one of their charges against me is true, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”  

Acts 26:25

But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+22-23/

This is day 320 of our journey.

We pick up today with Paul addressing the Jews from the steps of the barracks.  He gives them his testimony.  He starts with his life as a Jew persecuting the Way to the point of death, then tells of the appearance of Jesus to him and his conversion to the Way.  When he mentions that God had set him apart to minister to the Gentiles, the Jews begin to yell and shout so much that the commanding officer is forced to bring Paul inside the barracks.  Then, when he learns of a plot to assassinate Paul, the officer sends him to Governor Felix in Caesarea.

Join me in Acts 22-23 to hear Paul's defense before the Jews and before the Romans.

Key verses:

Acts 22:1

 “Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you.”  

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Have courage, for just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+20-21/

This is day 319 of our journey.

After years away, Paul begins to make his way toward Jerusalem.  On the way, he continues to minister in every city he passes through and to meet with converts from his previous trips.  At every stop he is warned by these believers through the power of the Holy Spirit that returning to Jerusalem will result in his persecution and arrest.  But Paul makes it clear that he is ready and willing to suffer for the sake of Christ.  When he finally arrives in Jerusalem he lives uprightly and makes it clear that he still respects the Jewish laws.  Despite this, the Jews raise a commotion.  The Roman centurion takes Paul into custody in order to protect him and determine what is causing the uproar.  The reading ends with Paul on the steps of the barracks preparing to address the crowds.

Join me in Acts 20-21 and commit yourself to the will of God, whatever the consequences!

Key verses:

Acts 20:24

But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself, so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.  

Acts 21:13

Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be tied up, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+17-19/

This is day 318 of our journey.

Today we read about the daily life of Paul as he traveled from city to city.  He would consistently begin his ministry in a new area by speaking in the synagogues, among the Jews.  Inevitably, the Jews would reject the truth and begin to cause an uproar so Paul would move out from the synagogue to the streets where he would teach among the Gentiles.  He would spend long periods of time in each city teaching and convincing the people there that Jesus is the Messiah.

Join me in Acts 17-19 for the many adventures of Paul as he spread the good news.

Key verses:

Acts 17:11

These Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.  

Acts 18:28

for he refuted the Jews vigorously in public debate, demonstrating from the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.  

Acts 19:8

So Paul entered the synagogue and spoke out fearlessly for three months, addressing and convincing them about the kingdom of God.

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+15-16/

This is day 317 of our journey.

As Paul continued to preach among the Gentiles, there arose an argument among the Jewish believers about whether circumcision was required for salvation.  A council was held in Jerusalem and it was affirmed that salvation comes through grace alone, both for the Jew and the Gentile.  After this, Paul and Barnabas prepared to take another trip, this time returning to the cities they had previously visited to encourage the believers there.  But, an argument arose about whether to allow John Mark to accompany them again (since he had abandoned them during the first mission).  In the end, they parted company in peace and traveled in two different groups, allowing the Gospel to spread more quickly.  While traveling, Paul received a vision calling him to Macedonia.  Paul took Silas with him and they preached the gospel and led many to believe in the Lord.  But, they were also falsely accused, beaten, and thrown into prison for what they had done.  Even this hardship was turned to God's glory as they had opportunity to lead the jailer and his family to faith in Christ.

Join me in Acts 15-16 and see God working in spite of our difficulties.

Key verses:

Acts 15:11

On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are.”  

Acts 16:25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the rest of the prisoners were listening to them.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+13-14/

This is day 316 of our journey.

While a group of teachers and prophets were gathered in Antioch, God set apart Saul and Barnabas to serve him by traveling to cities throughout the region in order to preach the good news of Christ.  In every city, many people believed and put their faith in Jesus, both Jew and Greek.  But, in every city, they also faced opposition from the Jewish religious leaders.  Despite this, God's power continued to work through the many miraculous signs and wonders that drew men to Christ.  When they returned to Antioch, the disciples rejoiced at the work of God to the Gentiles.

Join me in Acts 13-14 and rejoice along with them!

Key verses:

Acts 13:48

When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and praise the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed for eternal life believed.  

Acts 14:27

When they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported all the things God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Acts+10-12/

This is day 315 of our journey.

As the believers continued to spread the good news of Jesus, they were only spreading it to the Jews.  But, God revealed to Simon Peter in a vision that this message was also for the Gentiles.  Peter was lead by the Spirit to preach to Cornelius and his household.  These Gentiles believed in God and received from him the gift of the Holy Spirit!  When the believers in Jerusalem heard that Peter had gone to the Gentiles they objected, but Peter related to them all that had happened.  Then, they rejoiced that God had granted repentance to all people!  Despite this continued growth, persecution for the church continued.  Herod had James and Peter arrested.  He executed James and was planning to bring Peter to trial to execute him as well.  But, an angel appeared to Peter in prison and walked him out to safety and freedom.  Later, while Herod was making a speech, the crowd began to worship him as god, but the Lord struck him down immediately for not returning the glory to the only True God.

Join me in Acts 10-12 and rejoice that the good news is for ALL people!

Key verses:

Acts 10:34

Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people,  

Acts 11:18

When they heard this, they ceased their objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted the repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles.”  

Acts 12:11

When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from everything the Jewish people were expecting to happen.”  

All Scriptures are from the NET.