THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST IS ALL THAT WE NEED

Proclamation:

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish … Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.  He did the same with the fish.”  John 6:9-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the feeding of the five thousand men, plus the women and children; (John 6:10, also recorded in Matthew 14:21, Mark 6:44, and Luke 9:14) Jesus walking on water; (John 6:19 and Matthew 14:26) and the first of the great “I Am” self declarative statements made by Jesus, the Christ. (John 6:35)  Here, John records the fourth miracle performed by Jesus, The Christ.  Jesus used a poor boy’s lunch, He blessed it, gave it to His disciples who distributed it among the people, and they fed five thousand men in addition to the accompanying women and children. (Matthew 14:21)  When all of them had eaten what they wanted, the disciples gathered up the left-over food and collected twelve baskets full of food. (John 6:13)  That was much more than they began with.  They collected that which was left over so that nothing given from God would be wasted. (John 6:12)

Application:

The Lord Jesus has the power to provide all that is needed.  A little in the hands of The Lord Jesus is more that a lot in the hands of others.  Everyone in the crowd of five thousand plus was not a true believer (John 6:66) but He blessed them all.  He fed this group physically then later declared that He was the bread of life (John 6:35 and 6:41, 48, 51, and 58) in order to feed them spiritually.  We need to believe and partake of His body and His blood. (John 6:53-58)  We can do this by partaking of The Lord’s Supper, Communion, when it is offered in our local church.  We do this in remembrance of Him until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)  The Lord God has all power.  Not only did Jesus, The Christ, feed the five thousand, He walked on the water across the Sea of Tiberias in the midst of a storm, and He also allowed Peter to walk on the water. (Matthew 14:26-32)  Just like Peter, we will do fine as long as we keep our focus on Him.  We will only start to sink when we focus on our situations and not on Him.  He is truly all that we need.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GET WELL

Proclamation:

“When Jesus saw him lying there … He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ … Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up!  Pick up your mat and walk.’  At once the man was cured …”  John 5:6-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the incident with an invalid male at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.  The man had been affected for thirty-eight years when Jesus saw him and asked him if we wanted to get well.  Rather than answer the question, the man began to offer excuses regarding why he had not gotten well.  The water in the pool had healing power once it had been stirred by an angel and it would heal the first to enter it.  Jesus, told the man to get up, pick up his bed and walk and at once he was cured.  This upset the Jewish leaders because it occurred on the Sabbath and it was not lawful to work on the Sabbath. (John 5:10)  They wanted to know who told him to pick it up and walk.  Sin may have been the cause of this man’s problem because Jesus told him stop sinning or something worse may happen to him. (John 5:14)  The remainder of the chapter deals with Jesus offering His justification and authority to do what He did. (John 5:16-47)  Jesus preformed His third miracle and they wanted to kill Him for it.

Application:

First, all too often we beat around the bush instead answering a direct question.  Frequently we offer excuses for our behavior or our inability to get something done.  Jesus was questioning this man’s faith; He knew that he was sitting by the pool because he wanted to be healed.  Our faith is tested regularly.  There can be not testimony without first having a test.  Too many of us are focused on our problem or our situation and waiting for someone to help us, not realizing that faith in The Lord God is all that we need.  Jesus, The Christ, is God.  He can do anything that God, The Father, can do. (John 5:19)  He can give life to whomever He pleases. (John 5:21)  He has been given the final judgment of all mankind. (John 5:22-23) 

THE WATER I GIVE WILL BECOME A SPRING IN THEM

Proclamation:

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”  John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the conversation between Jesus, The Christ, and a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the town of Sychar in Samaria. (John 4:1-26)  After He asked the woman for a drink, she questioned Him. (John 4:7-8)  Jesus replied to her that if she knew who He was, she would have asked Him and He would have given her “living water.” (John 4:10)  Here, Jesus makes it clear that He is not talking about the water in the well but about spiritual living water which is linked to eternal life.  When Jesus tells her about her life, her past five husbands and that she was living with a man whom she had not married, she wanted to change the subject and talk about religion. (John 4:16-19)  When Jesus told her that she did not know what she was worshiping, she replied that she knew that the Messiah was coming.  Then Jesus said, “I am He.” (John 4:25-26)  The woman left and brought the men in her life and many others to Jesus. (John 4:39-42)  The chapter ends with the second miracle of Jesus, the healing of the son of the nobleman in Capernaum. (John 4:46-54)  After his son was healed, the nobleman brought his whole family to Christ. (John 4:53)  Both of them shared the living water.

Application:

If we have the “living water” within us, it should spring forth and we should share it with others.  Many people will argue about religion but they do not want to live it.  There are many people who worship regularly but they do not know very much about that which they worship.  People all too often are quick to point out the sins of others but they want to change the subject when their own sins are uncovered.  You cannot come to Jesus, The Christ, hiding your sins and expect to receive eternal life.  We all must confess our sins, ask to be forgiven, and believe that He is who He says that He is. (Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 1:9)  We must believe and have faith in Him.  Without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  Jesus responded to the nobleman’s faith when He healed his son.  We must have faith, and we must also turn from our sinful ways if we want Him to heal our situation. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  

TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Proclamation:

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ … ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and The Spirit.’”  Romans 3:3-5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here, John records the conversation between Jesus, The Christ, and a Pharisee and Jewish leader named Nicodemus who asked Jesus, “How can a man be born again when he is old?” (John 3:4)  Jesus answered him by saying that a man must be baptized with water and by The Holy Spirit. (John 3:5)  Nicodemus did not under stand what Jesus said. (John 3:9)  In His explanation Jesus included the most frequently quoted verse in The Bible, John 3:16.

Application:

Being “religious” is not enough to enter the kingdom of God, we must be a born again believer.  Many people practice all kinds of religious rituals which have nothing to do with belief in Jesus, The Christ.  To convert someone from their unbelief, The Word of God, delivered by a man of God, is used by The Holy Spirit of God to change their heart.  Baptism by water is just an outward demonstration of an inner transformation.  Water baptism alone does not save anyone.  One must believe in their heart that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God and He was raised from the dead in order to be saved. (Romans 10:9)

THE FIRST PUBLIC MIRACLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST

Proclamation:

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.  Then He said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’  They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine…”  John 2:7-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John.  Here, John records the first public miracle which Jesus, The Christ, performed. (John 2:11)  Jesus and His disciples had been invited to a wedding at Cana in Galilee.  His mother was also there. (John 2:1-2)  They ran out of wine and His mother told Him, “They have no more wine.”  Then she told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. (John 2:3-5)  The servants filled the large stone jars with water and Jesus changed the water into wine.

Application:

The first point here is that the mother of Jesus gave the servants some very good advice, which would also apply to us today, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)  The second point is that we are just like those large empty stone water jars; we need to be filled to the brim with The Word of God.  The third point is that the miracle did not occur until the servants drew out some “water” and gave it to the master of the banquet.  When we share The Word of God that we have been filled with, the miracle will happen in the lives of those who receive it.  We are not to keep The Word of God to ourselves; we are to share it with others so that they may benefit from its truth and its saving grace.  If we obey Him, The Lord God can use us to be a blessing to others.

THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND WAS GOD AND BECAME FLESH

Proclamation:

“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”  John 1:1-4 (NIV)  “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…”  John 1:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John.  Here, “The Word” refers to The Lord Jesus, The Christ, and not some written word on a page.  John clearly states that The Word, Jesus, was with God when everything began, and that The Word, meaning Jesus, was God.  To further clarify this he also said that The Word “became flesh” and dwelt among us, referring to the birth of Christ and His life on earth.  John states that “The Word” is Jesus, The Christ, and He is God. (John 1:1)  Jesus said that I and my Father are one. (John 10:30 and 1 John 5:7)  The Lord Jesus Christ is The Creator and everything that was made was made by Him. (Genesis 1:1 and John 1:3)  The Lord Jesus, The Christ, is the life and the light of all mankind. (John 1:4)  He gave life to mankind (Genesis 2:7) and He is the light of the world. (John 8:12 and 9:5)  He then goes on to say that The Word, The Lord Jesus Christ, put on human flesh and lived among us as a human being. (John 1:14)  The Bible documents the glorious and miraculous things that He did as The Son of God while He was here on earth in human flesh.

Application:

The gospel according to the Apostle John is an asynoptic gospel.  It  does not record the life of Christ in order as  sequential events but it focuses on several miracles which Jesus, The Christ, performed.  His purpose for writing this Book this way was so that all would believe. (John 1:7)  We know that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God and that we were created in His image. (Genesis 1:26)  We are alive because He breathed into us the breath of life and we became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)  Our bodies were formed from the dust of the earth and one day to the dust they shall return. (Ecclesiastes 3:20)  Just as Christ put on flesh and dwelt among us in human form, our bodies are just the house where we, our souls, live while we are on earth.  One day, we will leave our house of flesh and return to our Creator. (2 Corinthian 5:1)  Our souls are eternal and believers will spend eternity with Christ.  Where will you spend eternity?

I WANT YOU TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD

Proclamation:

“… But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”  Romans 16:19-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul devotes much of this final chapter of Romans naming thirty-five believers.  Some of whom he knew in the church at Rome, and others who were with him as companions who also sent greetings to the believers in Rome.  His brief message encourages them to greet one another with a “holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16)  He then urges them to “watch out for those who cause division” in the church.  He wanted them to be knowledgeable regarding The Word of God and not to mix it with that which is evil.  He said that soon The Lord God would put Satan in his place, but they were to resist the devil until that happens. (Romans 16:20)

Application:

There are those who belong to church congregations but they are there to serve themselves. (Romans 16:18)  They corrupt the church by deceiving the heart and head of believers. (Romans 16:18)  We need to be careful of what we hear, just because it was said in church does not make it true.  We need to compare what we hear with The Word of God before accepting it because people will deceive you. (Jeremiah 9:4-5 and Mark 13:5)  We need to resist the devil, and those doing his work, by submitting ourselves to The Lord God and His Holy Word. (James 4:7)

THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN TO TEACH US TO ENCOURAGE US AND TO GIVE US HOPE

Proclamation:

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in The Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  May The God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul states that The Scriptures were written for them and for future generations to come in order to teach and to encourage believers.  Then he prayed that God would give them the same attitude towards each other as Christ had towards them so that they could glorify God in unity.

Application:

The Bible was written and passed down through the ages for us and for future generations to come.  It has been translated into almost every language so that all people can be exposed to it.  However, we are not only to read it but we are to behave as it teaches. (Romans 2:13 and James 1:22)  It also encourages us and gives us hope because it tells us that in the end we will win because The Lord God is with us.  Another reason for reading The Bible is that we can learn more about The God we serve and The Christ that we identify with when we call ourselves “Christians.”  If we don’t know who He is, then how can we know who we are?  The Bible is also the instruction manual for living a Christian life.  It teaches us how to treat fellow believers and how to treat others.  The more you read it, the more you will learn from it.

DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR YOUR BROTHER

Proclamation:

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”  Romans 14:12-13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the faith. (Romans 14:1-9)  Then he said that we must all give an account of ourselves to God.  Don’t judge someone just because they do things differently.  Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause him to stumble.  It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall into sin. (Romans 14:21)

Application:

We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that we avoid any behavior or action, even if we know it to be right, if that behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is wrong.  We live our lives not just for ourselves alone.  What we do affects those around us.  Not only should we avoid sin and things which appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our brother thinks is wrong, at least while we are in his presence.  We who are strong in the faith do not want to do anything that would cause those who are weak in the faith to stumble, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their conscience.  Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it.

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

Proclamation:

“… The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by telling them to obey those who had governing authority over them because God has established them. (Romans 13:1-2)  That is also why he tells them that they should pay taxes and pay their debts. (Romans 13:6-8)  Then he encourages them to fulfill the law of love. (Romans 13:8-11)  Here, he says that the day of salvation is near.  It is time for them to put off their evil ways, put on the armor of God, and to clothe themselves in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 13:12-14)

Application:

As the saying goes, “Wake up, it’s later than you think.”  The end of our time on this earth is almost here.  We need to turn from our sinful ways and pray, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14) while we can for once the day of salvation comes and the grave has called it will be too late. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  We need to seek Him while He can still be found (Matthew 7:7) because there will come a time when it will be too late. (Proverbs 1:28)  We need to put on the whole armor of God now. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  Don’t put off for tomorrow that which should be done today, for tomorrow is not promised to you.

DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD TRANSFORM BY RENEWING YOUR MIND

Proclamation:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God.  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness and He would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)

Application:

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it, (John 8:23) and we are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face, we are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, (Romans 12:3) the more you read it, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.

ALL OF US NEED MERCY BECAUSE ALL OF US HAVE BEEN DISOBEDIENT

Proclamation:

“As far as the gospel is concerned … God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.  Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.  For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all.”  Romans 11:28-32 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  There were and are those in Israel who rejected The Lord God but He will not reject His chosen people. (Romans 11:1-6)  Because of their transgressions, salvation was offered to the Gentiles. (Romans 11:11)  Paul presented the example of a twig, the Gentiles, being grafted onto an olive tree and thriving on the nourishment from the tree’s root. (Romans 11:17-21)  The Jews are God’s chosen people.  Just because some of them are non-believers and disobedient does not mean that God will turn His back on them. (Romans 11:28-32)  At one time we were also disobedient.

Application:

We are part of the elect of God.  The grace of God and the calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light are without repentance.  God does not change His mind about us.  He dislikes our sins but He still loves us.  God made a promise to Abraham (Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:18) and if we believe in Christ, then we are heirs with Abraham to the promise of God. (Galatians 3:29)  Jesus, The Christ, said that I have sheep which are not of this sheep fold, referring to the Jews, which I will bring in and there will be just one fold. (John 10:16)  He also said I am the vine and you are the branches. (John 15:5)  A branch cannot survive by itself; it must be connected to the vine and the root. (John 15:4-6)  Just as we were grafted in because of our faith in Him, so may others, who are now disobedient, be grafted in.  Pray for those who are currently lost.  We who have received mercy should pray for mercy to be extended to others. (Matthew 5:7)

IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN CHRIST YOU WILL BE SAVED

Proclamation:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”  Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul said that the essence of the gospel is that whoever believes in Christ and confesses Him will be saved.

Application:

We are saved by our faith by what we believe and not by what we do. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  Salvation is not something that we work for or earn, it is a gift from The Lord God to those who believe.  It is not for those who give Him lip service, it is for those who sincerely and truly believe.  God can see our heart. (Luke 16:15)

THE LORD GOD MADE ALL OF US FOR A PURPOSE

Proclamation:

“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”  Romans 9:21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul discusses God’s sovereign choice to do as He pleases.  God said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15)  God raised Pharaoh up and hardened his heart for the purpose of displaying His power. (Romans 9:17-18)  Who is the pot to ask the potter, “Why did you make me like this?” (Romans 9:20)  The potter can make the pots for whatever purpose he chooses. (Romans 9:21)  The Lord God is the potter and we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)  He has the power over the clay.

Application:

The Lord God is our creator and our maker, and it is He who determines the purpose of our lives.  Some people come into our lives for a reason and some for a season.  Some people are a blessing to us and others are a lesson.  Those who are not believers come into our lives to test us or to bless us.  We all have a purpose for being here and that purpose is according to God’s plan.  Let us choose to live to give God glory.

ALL THINGS TURN OUT FOR YOUR GOOD IF YOU LOVE THE LORD

Proclamation:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul begins by stating the privilege that believers have in Christ by virtue of their union with Him. (Romans 8:1)  For as many as are led by The Holy Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)  They are joint heirs with Christ, and if they walk with Him they will be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:17)  Whatever happens in this life, we know that God works things out for the good of them who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose from darkness into His marvelous light. (Romans 8:28 and 1 Peter 2:9)

Application:

We may not see it at the time or right away, but even in or following every storm there is a blessing.  Things which appear to be bad, God will work them out for our benefit.  However, this verse applies only to those believers who truly love The Lord.  Unfortunately, many people claim to love Him.  They say the words but do not live by them and in the end He will say that He never knew those people. (Matthew 7:23 and 25:41)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)  If you love The Lord, then you will believe and obey His Holy Word.

THE GOOD THAT I WOULD DO I DON'T DO

Proclamation:

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep doing. … For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”  Romans 7:19-23 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul stated that he was at war with himself, a constant inner struggle between his sinful nature and his knowledge of The Word of God.  (Romans 7:15 and 19)  He stated that he delighted in God’s law but still found himself at times doing the things which were wrong that he hated.  He knew that he was a wretched man and that only Jesus, The Christ, could deliver him. (Romans 7:24-25)

Application:

When we become believers and accept Jesus, The Christ, as our personal savior, we do not become perfect sin-free people.  Unfortunately, our old sinful nature is still within us.  We need to understand that on our own we do not have the power to defeat our sinful nature.  We need God’s help in order to resist the temptation to do wrong.  Sin no longer has complete control over our behavior but we need God’s help to fight off the urge so that we do not yield to influence of sinful temptation.  The more committed we are to walking God’s way, the more attacks we can expect to get from the devil.  That is why we need to put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the attacks of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11-13)  The more wrapped up we are in the whole armor of God, (Ephesians 6:14-18) and in The Word of God, the more likely we are resist the temptation to fall into sinful behavior.  We cannot win this war on our own, we need His help.

WHOSE WORD DO YOU LISTEN TO AND OBEY

Proclamation:

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey; whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”  Romans 6:16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  His point was that believers should be dead to sin and alive in Christ. (Romans 6:11)  He said that every man is the servant of the master to whose commands he yields himself to.  He ends this chapter by saying that the result of sin is death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)

Application:

If we frequently give in to sin, then we are slaves of the devil.  However, if we frequently obey The Word of God, then we belong to Him.  If we love Him then we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)  Believers are not perfect, they are ashamed of the times when they used to sin and when they slip and fall back into it. (Romans 6:21)  We should not be using our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness and sin, but we should be instruments of righteousness doing that which is pleasing to The Lord and giving  Him glory.(Romans 6:13 and 12:1)

ONE MAN'S SIN CONDEMNED US AND ONE MAN'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION JUSTIFIED US

Proclamation:

“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.”  Romans 5:18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  After stating that we are justified by faith (Romans 5:1) and that we glory in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, which produces hope, (Romans 5:3-5) Paul said that sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin. (Romans 5:12)  Then he said that God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)  Then he summed it up by saying that one man’s sin condemned all people and one man’s righteous act justified all people. (Romans 5:18)

Application:

Through the disobedience of one man all of us were made sinners, and through the obedience of one man all of us were given the opportunity to be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)  Sin leads to death, but through the grace of God, righteousness leads to eternal life through belief in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 5:21)  Jesus came so that all might be saved, but only those who believe in Him will be saved.  Adam’s sin led to all of us being born into sin. (Psalm 51:5)  However, belief in Jesus, The Christ, will lead to salvation and eternal life. (John 3:16 and Romans 10:9)

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT EARNED IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD THAT IS CREDITED TO US

Proclamation:

“This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’  The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness, for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”  Romans 4:22-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul was telling them about Abraham, the father of the faithful.  He reminded them that the scripture says that Abraham believed that God would keep His promise and because of his faith in God he was credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:18-25)  Paul told them that those who had faith in God would also be credited with righteousness and their sins would be forgiven just as King David had said. (Romans 4:6-8 and Psalm 32:1-2)  

Application:

Because of our sinful human nature, alone at our best our “righteousness” is but as filthy rags in His sight. (Isaiah 64:6)  It is by the grace of God that we are saved, it is His gift to us, and we did not do anything to earn it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  If we believe and have faith in God, then we too will be credited with righteousness.  Our faith will be tested, but if we hold on to our belief we will be rewarded.  The testing of our faith leads to the development of perseverance, which helps us mature as Christians. (James 1:2-4)  Because Christ died for our sins, believers can live and be credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:25 and 1 Peter 2:24)

FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD

Proclamation:

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul.  He begins this chapter by continuing the discussion regarding Jews and Gentiles that he began in the previous chapter.  He states that the Jews were given The Word of God (Roman 3:2) and they were God’s chosen people.  However, after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, all who believe in Him are justified and through faith in Him there is no difference between Jew and Gentile.  Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all need redemption through Christ.

Application:

All of us, each and every one of us, have sinned. (Romans 3:10 and 3:23)  The penalty for our sin is death and eternal separation from The Lord God. (Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:12-15)  However, Jesus, The Christ, who was without sin, paid the penalty for our sins with His death and all who believe in Him and His birth, life, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection will be deemed righteous and be given eternal life. (John 3:16)  By His sacrificial atonement on Calvary and the shedding of His blood, Christ died in our place so that we might have the opportunity for salvation.  If we confess Him with our mouth and believe in Him in our heart, we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) and our ethnicity or nationality will not matter. 

WE NEED TO HAVE OUR HEART CIRCUMCISED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

Proclamation:

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by The Spirit, not by the written code.  Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”  Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)

Explanation:

The Apostle Paul wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  He begins by stating that is unacceptable and inexcusable for those who do the things which they condemn others for doing.  Those who pass judgment on others for doing something and yet do the same thing will not escape the judgment of God. (Romans 2:1-3)  The Lord God will repay each person according to what they have done. (Romans 2:6-10)  Then Paul speaks out against those who teach or preach against a sin then they commit it themselves. (Romans 2:21-24)  After this he goes on to describe who is a Jew.  He clearly states that being a Jew is not a birth right but a behavior.  One can be a Jew outwardly or physically, but if they do not obey the law of God then they are not a Jew inwardly or in their heart.  And, conversely, one who is not a Jew by birth but who keeps the law of God, he then is a Jew by his behavior and he will receive God’s praise.

Application:

Some people will say “Do as I say do, not as I do” but that is not Christ-like.  Our actions speak much louder about us than our words.  It is our behavior which defines us and not our words.  When Judgment Day comes, we will all be judged on our actions, (Revelation 20:12) our words, (Matthew 12:36) and our thoughts (Hebrews 4:12) by The Lord God who sees and knows our hearts. (Proverbs 21:2)  Let us pray that The Holy Spirit of God will make us real Christians, not just outwardly appearing to be one but inwardly, in our heart and spirit.  We want to truly be one of God’s people.

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

Proclamation:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from the first to the last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”  Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

Explanation:

The Bible Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this epistle by explaining who he is, why he is writing this letter, and to whom he is writing it. (Romans 1:1-7)  After stating that he longs to see them in person, (Romans 1:8-13) and to preach to them, (Romans 1:15) he then states that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, The Christ.  After this, Paul goes on to explain why mankind needs the gospel and then he lists their sinful behaviors. (Romans 1:18-32)

Application:

The Bible Book of Romans is frequently referred to as “The Roman road to salvation” because it clearly presents what it takes for a person to be saved.  Believers are encouraged to read this book and The Bible Book of John as they begin Christian walk.  Here, Paul makes it clear that he is not ashamed of the gospel and he explains why, because in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.  We should also be aware of the fact that Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)  We do not want Him to say to us, “Depart from me …” (Matthew 7:22-23)  Where ever we are, we should also be able to boldly state, “I am a believer in Jesus, The Christ, and I am not ashamed of the gospel.”  The gospel has the power of God unto salvation.

A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS A BLESSING TO HER HUSBAND

Proclamation:

“Who can find a virtuous woman?  For her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”  Proverbs 31:10-12 (KJV)

Explanation:

These words, which were told to him by his mother, were written by King Lemuel under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After giving him advice regarding the drinking of alcoholic beverages, (Proverbs 31:4-7) she offered him some words of wisdom regarding finding a good wife. (Proverbs 31:10-31)  Here she tells him that a good wife is worth more than precious stones.  She is the kind of woman that a husband can have full confidence in because she will only do good things for him.

Application:

A good wife is hard to find.  She is a blessing from The Lord God.  Whoever finds a good wife finds a good thing, and he receives favor from The Lord God. (Proverbs 18:22)  She will be good to her husband and good for him.  She is faithful and she can be trusted.  She goes about her daily tasks with vigor (Proverbs 31:17) and she takes care of her business in such a way that is profitable to her household. (Proverbs 31:18)  She offers words of wisdom to her children (Proverbs 31:26) and her husband and her children are blessed to have her. (Proverbs 31:28)

BLESSED WITH NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES

Proclamation:

“Two things I ask of You, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You and say, ‘Who is The Lord?’  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”  Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this proverb were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Agur, the son of Jakeh, and not by King Solomon.  Here, Agur asked The Lord God for two things.  First, he wants lies, and the people who tell lies, to be kept far from him.  Second, he does not want to be rich or poor, but somewhere in the middle so that his wealth, or lack of it, does not dictate his behavior.  As stated in the model prayer which Jesus, The Christ, taught us, “… Give us this day our daily bread …” (Matthew 6:11)

Application:

While the rich have things their way now, they may have a problem trying to enter heaven when this life ends. (Matthew 19:24)  The poor have a problem now trying to do the right thing and abide by the law when their basic needs are not met.  It is not good for us to have so much that we rely upon our wealth instead of trusting in The Lord God. (Proverbs 11:28)  It is also not good for us to have so little that we cannot provide for our basic necessities and are tempted to engage in illegal activities.  It is better to be blessed with just enough, somewhere between rich and poor, so that we can live, and not merely exist, and know that if it had not been for The Lord God that we would be much worse off.  All that we are, and all that we have, are blessings from The Lord God.  We need to acknowledge that and be thankful.

WITHOUT THE WORD OF GOD THE PEOPLE WILL PERISH

Proclamation:
“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”  Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)  “Where there is no vision, the people perish ...” (KJV)

Explanation:
These words were written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this proverb Solomon continues to offer words of wisdom, contrasting the righteous and the wicked, and the wise man and the fool. He interjects some advice to parents regarding raising their children. (Proverbs 29:15-17) In this verse, he states that where there is not public ministering of The Word of God, the people will suffer.  However, those who hear and heed God’s Holy Word will be blessed.

Application:
According to Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee, the word “vision” in this verse refers to spiritual understanding.  It is the work of The Holy Spirit to give the believer an understanding of God’s Holy Word.  Those who have not been exposed to The Word of God, and those non-believers who have rejected it, will not exercise self-control and that will lead to their demise.  Without the faithful preaching of The Word of God the people will perish.  “How can they call on Him whom they do not believe?  How can they believe in Him whom they have not heard?  How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)  Those believers who hear and heed His Word will be blessed.

DO NOT INTENTIONALLY LEAD OTHERS DOWN THE PATH TO SIN

Proclamation:

“Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.”  Proverbs 28:10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this verse, Solomon states that those who intentionally deceive the righteous and lead them into immoralities and sin will have the mischief which he had planned for others fall upon him.  The Lord God will preserve the righteous and they shall receive many good things as they are joint heirs with Christ.

Application:

Those who knowingly cause others to sin will be punished by The Lord God for causing one of His people to fall into sin.  It is bad enough for us to knowingly sin, but it is even worse when we entice others to engage in sin with us.  The wicked, and the backsliding righteous, will be punished for leading others into sinful behavior.  Remember that righteous King David, a man after God’s own heart, (Acts 13:22) gave into his lustful sins of the flesh and encouraged Bathsheba to engage in adulterous fornication with him and he was punished by The Lord God. (1 Samuel 11:2-27)  If He punished David for doing it, we can be sure that He will also punish us.