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Why Jesus?
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 The Lord Jesus was born in a supernatural way. His birth was the hope of the nation of Israel, the fulfilment of more than 300 specific prophecies. His birth was supernatural in that He was born of a virgin. Ridiculous to many, but the power of God to those who has placed faith in the true God of Creation. The manger was no reflection of the Royalty that He was. The earthly, and humble parents of Christ was no reflection of the Character of this…
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The Consuming Fire
For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29 It is in the thinking of the modern day professing Christians, that our God is described by grace, love, kindness and mercy. His every action is full of love for us, His children; His every intention only for our good, His blood-bought saints. His plan is for our future, and His leading is for our growth. As a result, there is a prevalent thinking among believers today, that no matter what they plan or decide, God will always understand. Even if they have made a decision contrary to what they know is the will and word of God, they will presumptuously…
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Our Stability in Christ
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Romans 16:25 Paul, in closing the Epistle of the Romans, exalts the Lord Jesus Christ, and writes confidently of the assurance the believers have in Christ Jesus. It is a great encouraging truth for all believers that we need to give thanks and praise to the Lord God of Heaven and our Saviour in all our lives for His gracious workings and plans in our lives. Paul exhorts and teaches the stability of believers and the…
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The Care of Christ Over His Children
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. John 21:5 The resurrection of Christ has been completed. The Lord Jesus rose from the dead, declaring the mighty defeat of sin and Satan. It also means that there is now complete victory for the believer. The disciples, however, has decided to return to their old ways. They went back to fishing because of what they saw with their eyes: their Saviour crucified and dying in their presence, and the emptiness they must have felt in the three days when Christ was in the grave. Many times as Christians, do we not despair when things are…
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The Preaching of the Gospel of Grace
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 Paul was willing to give up all, including his own life, for the preaching of the good news. That was his life focus. To some, this was a sheer waste of life: he was in the upper ranks of his Jewish Society. Trained by Gamaliel, the top professor of his day, he was zealous for the advancement of Judaism, that he would kill the…
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Victory Now
The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 The God of peace shall bruise. This is a contradiction because how can a God of peace bruise? Bruising has the idea of hurting. Yet, for our sakes, God bruised His Son. For our sins, He allowed His Son to be chastised and crucified. Yet, He is the Prince of Peace. The Lord God will destroy situations, weapons, people and even principalities that hurt the rest and comfort of His children as they are willing to yield to Him. The Peace of God rests on His children but…
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Separation from People?
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17 It may seem amazing. In the context and climate of so-called tolerance and acceptance and especially the emphasis on grace, that such a teaching is taught in Scripture. Are we to separate from people? Is that what Paul is really teaching? How we decide will show our handling for God’s word. It is the conviction that the bible is to be taken as it is: the preserved Word of God, and as such, it means what it says and says what it means, no matter what culture, or people or opinions may think. Although it is the clear teaching of Scripture, that as…
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Fellow-Comrades in Christ
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7 Paul travelled many times alone in the service of King Jesus. But thanks be to the Lord for there are 7000 who have not bowed down to Baal, nor have worshipped and kissed his feet. Elijah felt alone in the ministry but God reminded him that he was not the only one who is serving: there are more people, who have in their hearts and life testimony, showed that they were true to God. Andronicus and Junia were such individuals to the apostle Paul. They were Christians dedicated to the Cause of Christ and the support of God’s servant. Notice three things…
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God Remembers Our Service
Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Romans 16:6 Mary is an interesting name. Miriam and Maria are the alternative structures for this name. It is interesting because it means “rebellion”. Such a meaning for a beautiful name, but is it not true that the best of men is still filthiness before the Holy and wonderful Creator? (Isa 64:6). That no matter how wonderful we are on the outside, God looks on the heart and for those who have never trusted Christ, we are sinners by birth and choice. Why did Paul remember Mary and mentioned her in his greetings? Because she has been saved. Though rebellion is her name, yet the power of…
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The co-labourer of the Servant of Christ
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Romans 16:3-4 Priscilla and Aquila were a couple highly esteemed by the apostle Paul. They had no status in society and were mere labourers, earning their keep in the same trade as dear Paul. Their first meeting was in Acts 18:2 and ever since these two Jewish couples were a very part of the ministry of Paul. Servants of God usually work individually but the Lord sends labourers in the work to support, encourage and build…