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  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on November 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 28 

    The other day I received an email (from an email list) that lamented how some brothers are continually fussing about insignificant things. In the course of this lament he mentioned that while churches fuss over insignificant things, churches die because they are not converting lost souls. A poignant remark I liked. Another brother replied with his own lament about the effort put forth and the response being so minimal. That, too, is true. Solution? To begin, we must go and preach (teach) the gospel. This is not a preacher’s “job,” it is a Christian’s “job.” More than that, it should be a Christian’s desire. What is it that others see in us? Are they seeing in us that which they desire to have? When they hear us speak, do they desire to hear more of that which we have adopted? This is our challenge. When we accept it, let us be comforted that when the seed is sown, the Lord will bring the increase.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on November 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 27 

    Matthew 27 (Tuesday, 11/2/10). Are you sitting on the judgment seat? Pilate did, and when called upon to render justice to a man he knew was delivered over because of envy and that he was innocent, he failed. We also sit on the judgment seat, only our judgment seat is not exactly like Pilate’s. Our judgment seat corresponds more along the lines of that which both Moses and Joshua placed before the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:15-19; Joshua 24:14-15). Two paths are set before us, one path is life and one path is death – which will we choose. To have the question asked of us, an easy answer is forthcoming. But the easy answer betrays us; our actions are so loud that our words are not heard. Pilate thought he could escape the guilt that would be his in rendering the judgment he did…..do we?

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on November 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 26 

    When we are not vigilant with our spirituality, when we are unprepared because we have been awaken from a sleep, we react, lash out, and don’t give the proper response. That was the problem Peter fell into. Jesus had already exhorted them to stay awake; He knew they had willing spirits, but He also knew they were succumbing to the physical temptation of sleepiness when there was need to stay awake. Coming out of that sleepiness, with some guilt associated with the dullness, people are on the quick (attempted recovery) defense. When something arises that is confusing, reaction goes into overdrive.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:47 am on October 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 25 

    Should the prepared have given oil? Would it not have been an ethical thing to do when the unprepared had not enough? The answer is no in both cases – at least as the Lord taught it! The important point is not what should be given to the unprepared by the prepared, but what will not be given by the Lord when he comes. The unprepared did not regard with the same importance that which the Lord regarded; consequently, the unprepared will be left outside! That the unprepared knew something of the Lord is clear because when the bridegroom came they were somewhat looking for him. However, with what they knew (or had), and because they did not use it properly, they buried that which they knew something about. When the bridegroom came (comes) they were (will be) left holding an empty lamp outside.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:07 am on October 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 24 

    The contents of this chapter are fairly well known. I would like to highlight a couple of points.

    1. First, what is important to you in life? Is it the physical presence of something (like the Temple), and is it so important that you have “wrapped” your life around it? Has it become a piece of security to you? The Lord taught His disciples the physical is of no real consequence in an eternal “world”. We seem to learn this as we progress through life, but for some it is a hard lesson to learn.

    2. Second, complementing yesterday’s thought, service in the Lord’s kingdom will have us ALWAYS prepared for when He comes. Are you prepared?

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:32 am on October 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 23 

    There are two points worth notice.

    1. First, the idea of service is of such importance that when the Lord came, He gave Himself as an example of service (23:1-12). Though there is not anything new to us in this, it is important that we exalt and emphasize the eternal quality associated with it. Service to others before self is a famous motto – and well that it should be.

    2. A second point is the hypocrisy associated with service. Because of our struggles in life we seem to compensate by serving others. This is good, but it has a misplacement quality about it. In other words, let our service be because of Him whom we serve and not because we are trying to compensate for our failings. We have sympathy for those in this struggle, but we have no sympathy, and neither does the Lord, for those who are plain hypocrites. The word hypocrite is associated with acting, and this “acting” is a lie that we put forth to others; we tell them we are one thing when, in fact, we are another.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:09 am on October 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 22 

    Have you a “wedding garment” on? The call has gone out, the Lord appeals to all who will listen to him – “come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…” But many refuse to hear that call – at least they refuse to hear that call as the Lord extended it. Rather, they want to hear only a part of that call; there is a desire to hear the “rest” but not much more than that. Many in our respective communities are exactly like that. They want to be associated with the Lord’s church, but the rest designed by the Lord and prescribed for us to live by…well, they are not quite ready for that. Just the same, they are present at the building and surely the Lord is pleased with that, isn’t he? He is pleased one is present, but do they have on the proper wedding garment?

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:53 am on October 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 21 

    1. Messianic expectations were high, and with Jesus in their midst, many were thinking that he was the one. However, there was much confusion surrounding him. Was he the one who is in the line of David, many asked? If he was, then they rejoiced at the Lord’s mercy and declaration that Israel’s “David” was come to redeem them physically. To Rome, on the other hand, any man riding on a donkey was not at all a threat to them militarily – even though they took all threats seriously. Imagine the confusion Rome had when Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a beast of burden.

    2. Coming into Jerusalem the Lord goes into the Temple and “cleanses” it a second time. Now Rome is doubly confused! How can the Jewish messiah “disrespect” the Temple complex, they asked?” The Jews, not allowing this to go unchallenged, ask by what authority he did the things he did, but since they were not willing to answer his question, the Lord refused to answer theirs. To make matters worse for them the Lord teaches with three parables, all of them designed to be understood easily enough, and they were understood!

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:58 am on October 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 20 

    1. The great King of all is no paymaster! He is the all-Merciful One who needs not to render to any what that person feels is owed to him (or her). We are recipients of His mercy and for this let us be grateful. If we are not grateful, then is our association with evil?

    2. When we put our hand to the plow, we need to be sure to move ahead and not look behind. Have we counted the cost, are we willing to receive anything close to that which the apostles received in the way of affliction? Do we understand the nature and consequence of service?

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:25 am on October 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 19 

    1. It is worth noting that in the chapter dealing with relationships (C-18), the first section of this chapter also deals with an important relationship – one’s marriage. Marriage is sacred in the Lord’s eye and when it becomes less so to us, then we invite trouble beyond measure. There is not only physical, marital trouble, but there is also spiritual trouble (19:1-12).

    2. For what will we exchange our soul? Will it be for something we do not have but desire, or will it be for something with which we won’t part (19:22)? No matter what good you could do or have done with all the wealth one can (could) attain, it is of no value with the Lord and neither should it be of any value to us individually.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:34 am on October 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 18 

    Relationships are important, as illustrated in today’s chapter reading. The “little children” of this chapter has Jesus using the child as an object lesson referring to the disciples of the Lord. What kind of self-control will be exercised in order to not cause another to stumble and fall? What needs to be exercised is the extreme (if necessary) because the relationship between the Lord and His disciple is of utmost importance. As important as it is with the Father, let it also be important to us in our personal relationships.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on October 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 16 

    1. I have always liked this chapter because it gets right to a problem with people. That problem is in perception. Mistaken perceptions are not a problem only with the unbelievers. Just as the religious leaders failed to interpret properly (and act on) what they full-well knew was taking place, the devout also had their problems in properly understanding (16:1-12). This problem of perception plays no discriminating role with the social class or the educated; just as each group can misunderstand, the same groups (or individuals) can perceive things clearly.

    2. Did the Father actually tell Peter (others) who Jesus was, or is it that Peter took notice, as Nicodemus did, that the works Jesus did had some authoritative origin behind them (cf. John 10:37-38). But a recognition and acceptance of divine authority does not mean that will translate into a proper understanding of other things (16:21-24).

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on October 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 15 

    The form of religion is important, but what good is it to follow a pattern, especially a pattern set forth by God, if the heart is a long way off? That is the thought here in this chapter. Though the religious leaders were offended (NKJV) – and they had much form – it was a non-Israelite who had such great faith (15:28). The comparison and contrast between the two can’t be overlooked! In preaching New Testament Christianity, the challenge to each of us is not to have form only, but also to have substance.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:50 am on October 14, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 14 

    A name some feared! It is interesting to note that a man with a troubled conscience (Herod) found it necessary to eliminate the Lord’s prophet in order not to be embarrassed in the assembly (14:9). When we are clearly in the wrong, when we are smitten in conscience, will we give in for the greater good or will we dig in? That is the story that one could learn in this first part of the chapter. Something else we can learn, we can learn as Peter did. Peter looked on the Lord and he walked on water. As Peter had his eyes on the Lord he walked on water. When he took his eyes off the Lord, took notice of that around him, he began to sink. Lesson? The solution to our spiritual ailments is always and only as we keep our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)!

     

  • Ron Thomas 3:59 am on October 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 13 

    This is a chapter noted for the parables spoken by the Lord. We ought not to think that Jesus spoke the parables all on one occasion, only that Matthew grouped them together in his own writing style. The interesting thing about parables is the purpose behind them. In 13:10-15, the Lord makes clear what he had in mind when using them. Those who wanted to understand, they would; on the other hand, those who did not, they would not (cf. John 6:60, 66). The application is simple: if it is worth having, it is worth taking time to get.

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:11 am on October 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 12 

    Every idle word….. It is not easy to know exactly what to say in some circumstances. Even if we feel (or others feel) that we are “quick on our feet,” still, it is not always easy to know what to say as it should be said. Some people have a sharp tongue and with that sharp tongue a gap occurs and then is enlarged with each successive occasion. Others are self-deprecating, that is, they make light of themselves to others, but is this cover or is it actually a just light-hearted soul with whom it is easy to get along? Whatever the case, our words, our tone say much about us. Every idle word…., Jesus said will be given an opportunity to stand before the Lord – what is it that he means when he say this? Take note of the varied translations: “every worthless word” (Williams), “every loose and random word” (Kleist & Lilly), and “every idle (inoperative, non-working) (Amplified). Application we should make to this: let our words be seasoned with salt, let them be instructive, helpful, beneficial to others (cf. Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:15).

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:05 am on October 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 11 

    The last three verse of the chapter have always had special meaning to me. All we have in life is our own experience, and our experience may or may not correspond to that of another. Yet, as the Lord appeals to each, no matter our experience, we can respond. The burden we carry is varied, but the weight of it is the same – oppressive. The yoke we are to carry, Jesus said, is one that is light, gentle, and easy. It is all these because he carried it himself and, as John said, we are to be of good cheer because he already overcame (John 16:33).

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:00 am on October 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 10 

    Take note of the message as it ended in chapter 9. The laborers are few, but there is much work to be done. As you look at chapter 10, the Lord gives his apostle’s a limited commission, that is, limited in time as well as area covered. This is a good “missionary chapter.” In it we learn the importance of missions; Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and to do that one must be sent out. With a plentiful harvest, laborers need to be sent out. This includes our local areas and this also includes the furthest parts of the globe. In sending men (and women) out, let us not lose sight of what it is that are to do – they are to teach. The manner in which they do this teaching will be varied, but that is what they are to do.

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:00 am on October 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 9 

    Jesus proclaimed and supported his claim to being God’s anointed. To the many he was something else, but to the religious teachers he was a religious teacher that needed to be opposed, and oppose him they did. They did this by calling into question his “presumption” and claim to forgive sins. Jesus welcomed the challenge – which sets him apart for all to see and consider. How about us, are we willing to allow others to see us as we are, allowing them to challenge us, asking us the reason for the hope within us?

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:55 am on October 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 8 

    This chapter and the next accentuate Jesus’ authority. While all the chapters to one degree or another do this, these two seem to highlight it more. For instance, Jesus, Matthew tells us, has power over diseases both far and near, but he is also in control of the physical elements as well as the spiritual forces that would seek to destroy. The Lord tends to that which no other could, be it leprosy, paralysis, high fever, or demonic possession. All these things he did were toward one end – proclaiming and supporting his claim that he is the anointed of God (Isaiah 53). You might grab your songbook and reflect a little more on “Master, The Tempest is Raging.”

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:26 am on October 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 7 

    1. Hypocrisy is nothing more than a lie, yet ascertaining why people lie to themselves in this hypocritical disposition can be helpful to helping to prevent it.

    2. Will you ask, seek, and knock if it is important to you?

    3. The narrow path is broad enough for us to walk it easily enough for we will aim and then gain. On the other hand, the broad path is so wide that if we walk aimlessly we will fall off.

    4. The old saying of being a “fruit inspector” is very important. Winford Claiborne (just last evening) spoke of his youth when he was on the farm picking strawberries. He loved strawberries, but if one got into the basket with the many good, it time the good would turn into bad. Checking the produce will prevent us from being a product of someone else.

    5. The saddest words a person can hear – “I never knew you.”

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on October 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 6 

    Are your treasures in the deeds you do or the prayers you offer? Not likely, I am sure you would say. However, have we become so accustomed to overcome our shortcomings that we are actually guilty by praying a lot or by trying to do good to others? How can one be guilty of offering prayers too much, or by doing good to others? If one offers them in one context, but lives in another. Jesus said that where the heart is, is the treasure. Our challenge is to have the heart properly planted in solid ground, the firm foundation.

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:48 am on October 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 5 

    1. The “Be-Attitudes” are very useful in life in a general sort of way. However, the focus of the Lord is not a “general sort of way”, but one that is deeply devoted to the Lord and His way. With these “be-attitudes” one’s light will shine. All attention will then go from the one seen to the One unseen.

    2. Is it simply a matter of obeying commands or does one need to be properly motivated, understanding the foundation of command? What good will it do to bring something to the Lord, and yet have a division existing between you and you brother? To ask is to answer, and so why do we perpetuate this?

    3. Perfect is plain impossible to attain, but this can’t be said for maturity. Our approach to the Lord is not only in outward obedience to His will, but in our response of the heart to His will. Adultery is not merely a problem of action, it is also a problem of the heart. Our heart has everything to do with the way we respond to various things – where is your heart?

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:37 am on September 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 4 

    1. Jesus temptations. The three temptations of the Lord are like our own. We are tempted with the choice between the Lord and our own appetite, we are tempted with respect to what it is that we will choose to serve, and we are tempted concerning what it is that we trust more: our earthly gain or the Lord.

    2. As the Lord begun His preaching, the Scriptures “came alive” (if you will). The people sat in darkness, but light shone upon them – did they see it? For some, they saw it slowly, but they saw it.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:45 am on September 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 3 

    1. In two short chapters we are taken from the announcement to joseph of his betrothed wife’s pregnancy to John the Baptist. Roughly, thirty years come and go and we are introduced to John, and then to Jesus. It gets to the point of what the Holy Spirit considers important. It is not the life of John, or even Jesus, but it is the message.

    2. John came to clear a path, and the Lord walked that path. The path of peace so clearly laid out that the only way to not walk it is because there is no desire to walk it. It is not hard to see, it is not hard to walk, and there are not many on the path that would make it congested. Humbly, the Lord sets His course.

    3. The Father was not pleased only because Jesus was immersed, He was not pleased only because of John’s work, He was not pleased simply because Jesus emptied Himself. He was pleased because the Son came to purchase a lost people – the Father swept His house until He found that lost coin (if you will).

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:43 am on September 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 2 

    Response to Truth. There has always been a response to truth. A response in 1 Kings 12:25ff; a response in 1 Samuel 3:15-18. In Isaiah 55:10-11, we read of the Lord’s word accomplishing its purpose.

    1. Hatred and Hostility. Illustrated with Herod. Herod feigned acceptance of the truth, but his ulterior motive was to thwart the truth. While the Magi may not have been aware of this, the Lord was. Paul said we can’t do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. No matter what Herod thought he could do, the Lord was in control and Herod was going to do nothing (2 Corinthians 13:8; cf. Romans 1:18).

    2. Complete Indifference. The Magi came seeking the truth, and they inquire where about the King of the Jews. Note the reaction of the religious leaders. They answer the king’s question, but they themselves seek not to understand further. How do I know? Later in life, Jesus is accused of bearing false witness, but He replies in John 8:14-20, that their judgment and accusation is based on the wrong standard. That standard implemented arouses indifference. The Sadducees and Pharisees knew the right answer, but the correct answer was not of any real importance to them. Those with the most knowledge had the most to lose.

    3. Adoring Worship. The Magi travel a great distance; they went to great pains and great expense to search and find the king of the Jews. Having found Him, they offer to the King their gifts. What do we offer? When Joseph and Mary were both visited by an angel from the Lord, they both respond in humility. They were ready to lay their lives and reputations on the line for the Lord. What will we lay on the line?

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:07 am on September 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Matthew 1 

    1. God’s faithful in Justification of Joseph’s Judgment (1:18-20).

    2. The predicament of Joseph, when he learned of his betrothal’s (Mary) pregnancy, was great. If he learned when she “showed” (month five or six, or whatever month it would have been) or if he learned when Mary told him, in either case he had a great problem on his hand.

    3. It is very likely that he was told by Mary what actually occurred, but imagine Joseph accepting that! Something that is beyond all human experience. Perhaps it was around that time that the Lord’s angel revealed to him the situation; Joseph now had a better understanding and was willing to continue with Mary as his wife.

    4. However, he still had to deal with the “talk” that surely would arise (if it had not already) with Joseph and Mary’s official wedding date and Mary’s pregnancy! Perhaps it was at this time that the Rome demanded that a new census was to be taken; Joseph and Mary depart from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

    Sermon notes

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:41 am on September 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romans 16 

    1. The phrase, “churches of Christ” (16:16) – what is it that we are to understand by this? This phrase is understood as “churches that belong to Christ.” Though the New Testament does not mention a “name” for the church like many churches like to identify themselves, why do we call ourselves the “church of Christ”? The answer is simple: because we belong to Christ. We do not belong to any man-made institution like “Baptist” or “Methodist” or “Presbyterian” or have any other name of a man. We belong to Christ.

    2. If we belong to Christ, why would we want to be called by a man’s name, especially one not sanctioned (authorized) in Scripture? Could we call ourselves the “church of God” and be scriptural? For certain! We are a church that belongs to God. Murray observes, “…. Paul is also jealous to maintain that in every instance where the saints are gathered together in Christ’s name in accordance with his institution, there the church of Christ is” (p. 233).

    3. Some people might respond by saying that the phrase is plural, not singular. Does not a collective number of single congregations (in different locations) fall under the plural (in this greeting)?

    4. Let us humbly wear the name of our Lord (Matthew 16:18, 19). Wearing the Lord’s name, however, is not entering into a building, but it is entering into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). All those in Christ are in the church, and there are no saved people outside the Lord’s church (Ephesians 5:23, 25).

     

    • Mike Riley 9:32 am on September 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, a more accurate sign on the outside of our church buildings might read, “The Called Out Of Christ Meet Here” (Ekklesia). Unfortunately, this would really confuse the religious world!

      • Ron 4:40 am on September 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        You are pretty much right about that, Mike.

  • Ron Thomas 4:26 am on September 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romans 15 

    1. Examples are very important to us, but an example not emulated is of no value. Not only is the Lord used as an example, but also the Scriptures written “aforetime” (15:4). Those writings that had been written before the time of the New Testament, those writings were (and are) for our benefit. Paul calls the Law of Moses a tutor, teacher (Galatians 3:24).

    2. Among the many things we can learn, Paul identifies two: 1) through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we can have 2) hope. From the Scriptures we learn about the importance of “waiting on God,” and not trying to hurry things in accordance with our own will (cf. Genesis 16). From the Scriptures, we learn that God is in control and has all the answers, this gives us hope.

    3. The Scriptures “written aforetime” are available to us to learn from, and it is a sad occasion when one thinks he (she) can’t learn from the Old Testament. It is a sad occasion when one thinks the Old Testament ought not to be taught in a “church” setting because we are under the new covenant

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 7:28 pm on September 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      The phrase, “unity … in accordance with Christ Jesus” (v. 5), caught my eye. Unity is not defined or determined by man, but by “the way Christ Jesus wants” (ERV) or, as the NEB puts it, “after the manner of Christ Jesus.” Many translations understand the phrase to refer to his example, and it may mean that, or, as Burton Coffman suggests, “according to his will and commandment.”

      • Ron 5:14 am on September 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I am with you on that, Randal. I do not think either option excludes the other.

  • Ron Thomas 5:12 am on September 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romans 14 

    1. Matters of opinion are not always easy to deal with; some want to insist on their opinion as being the counsel of wisdom and that it is to be followed. The result of this is dissension. Paul said this matter in Romans needs addressing, thus he tackles it “head-on,” if you will. A brother was stumbling spiritually, and when Paul got word of it, he gave the church in Rome a principle to live by.

    2. In current application, this chapter plays well with a discussion that has taken place over the last six decades: is it acceptable to the Lord to eat in a church building? Today we have some who think eating in the building is a sin, or inappropriate. If this is a conscience problem, then godly people are to respect that way of thinking. Unfortunately, some brothers have MORE than a conscience problem over it—they divide the church.

    3. It is one thing to say, “I don’t eat in the building because I am just not comfortable with it,” but it is entirely different when one says this and follows it with “And neither should you!” Sin is a violation of God’s expressed will (1 John 3:4); God did not address this matter, thus it is not possible for it to be sin. However, sin can play a part in this issue, and what Paul says in the following words shows us how.

    4. Matters of opinion are ungodly to divide over; it is OK to express ourselves (and we should), but to argue, fuss, and divide (as a consequence) over this is simply ungodly!

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:08 am on September 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romans 13 

    1. When our Lord returns, the darkness that exists in this world will no longer exist – for darkness cannot exist where light is. Our exhortation is to put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

    2. Paul is not speaking of the imminent return of the Lord (13:12), but he is saying that each day we live we are a day closer to the Lord’s return. Since we do not know the day of His return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), let us live as lights (Philippians 2:15) in this world to the glory of the Lord.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:46 am on September 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romas 12 

    The connection between chapter 11 and chapter 12 may not be apparent, but note how Paul begins his thought with the word “therefore.” In chapters 1-8, Paul establishes his point that the just shall live by faith; in chapters 9-11, Paul speaks to a question that arose concerning what role the nation Israel played in all this. The role they played was most important because from within a remnant would come forth and be part of spiritual Israel, thus all Israel will be saved. Consequently, the true Israel must learn and know how to live righteously before God.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:30 am on September 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – Romans 11 

    1. Paul begins a summary conclusion to what he has been saying. The physical nation Israel is an enemy of God – because of their disobedience (cf. 1:17). However, in their disobedient attitude, this resulted in the Gospel going from being preached to them to it being preached to the Gentiles.

    2. In one respect the nation Israel was the elected of God (9:12-13), but within this elected group the spiritually elected “surfaced” (if you will). From the nation of Israel, a remnant came and those who came were (are) blessed in faithful Abraham. The promises of God came through the forefathers of Israel. So, the nation stands in one respect condemned (because of disobedience) and in another respect blessed because those who are pleasing to God are justified by faith.

    3. God is faithful to His will, and what he promised through Abraham, He will not rescind (11:28-29). God does not desire that any perish, and as Paul preached to the Gentiles the saving message of Christ, Paul hoped to move the Jews to consider all over again the message they rejected (11:30-32).

    4. As one attempts to figure out how God worked (works) in the scheme of history, unless man turns to God and His revelation, what can he find out? Not one thing. Because Paul knows this, he ends with a word of praise (11:33-36). The remainder of this chapter is simply Paul’s words about the magnificence of the Lord and His glorious plan/ways.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:09 am on September 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 10 

    1. When we are ignorant of God’s righteousness, man is bound to form his own pattern. The consequences of this are as they were for Israel – their destruction.

    2. Every now and again the thief on the cross will come up in discussion. In this chapter, we read of a doctrine set forth by Paul that will neutralize this discussion (in part) when it comes up. In 10:9, a requirement for salvation under the teachings of the new covenant is belief in the resurrection. The thief could not have believed in the resurrection while he was here on this earth.

    3. Those who proclaim the gospel have an important role; when they execute their task, their hands are to be held up. It may be that one’s opinion will be different than another, but when the gospel is proclaimed and it is done faithfully, honor those who do so.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:56 am on September 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 9 

    1. For some, this chapter poses difficulty because God’s sovereignty is emphasized, and it is interpreted as God standing opposed to man’s will, especially giving him no chance when he (man) desires a chance to be saved. The doctrine of predestination came from this – God uses man (save him, condemns him) without man’s volition. This perspective, however, misses the point of what Paul is speaking about. Paul is speaking about the national role of Israel, how God used nations to bring about His will, and how He used these events to form the individual man, shaping him into a vessel of honor or dishonor. Now he begins to explain why Israel, as a nation, was rejected.

    2. This is the beginning of one long point Paul seeks to establish. Already he has made clear there is a distinction between the physically circumcised and the spiritually circumcised (2:25-29). Moreover, this distinction will result in those justified by faith in Christ (8:1). This means that the chosen of God is not physical Israel, but spiritual Israel. Those who are spiritual Israel are those who are elect of God; in this section he introduces and develops the biblical doctrine (teaching) of election.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:26 am on September 14, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 8 

    Reflective thoughts on 8:31 through 39. Paul encourages us with words of assurance. If God is for us, does it matter who would be against us? The answer is no. Christians have Satan against them continually, but it does not matter. When God is “in our corner,” Satan cannot be effective. That does not mean he will stop trying, but he will lose because of who God is. Consequently, there is NO third party that can separate us from the love and security of God (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11)! To get a proper understanding, let us note that two primary points are in view. First, in 8:31-34, Paul speaks of God’s love toward us. When there are those who level accusation against God’s children, it is God who defends (1 John 2:1). In fact, the only one who can level and accusation and it to stick is the Lord Himself. Second, not only does God love us, but what outside force can separate us (8:35)? There is nothing, for those who try to conquer us, in Christ we are the more than conquerors (1 John 5:4)!

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on September 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 7 

    1. This is a chapter that has perplexed people through the years, and as one reads 7:15-20, it is easy to understand. Paul looks at marriage as an illustration of his point of the law’s relation to the man who lived under its authority. When the husband dies, the wife is no longer under his authority. Since the Law of Moses also dies, those who lived under it are no longer under its authority (7:1-6).

    2. Though the law has died, the Law of Moses had a purpose and it served its purpose exactly as the Lord designed for it. What was the purpose of the law? Among other things, it was to show that there is such a thing as sin and that one can live life without committing it (7:7-12).

    3. He continues with his illustration by showing the complexity of trying to live righteously under the law, but failing to have any success. Though there is failure, it was not as if God Himself would not understand this. Thus, when the question is asked, “Who will deliver me? The answer lies in the next verse (7:13-25).

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:59 am on September 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 6 

    1. Knowing that we have peace with God how can a Christian choose to live a life of sin? This is, in essence, the question that should be asked. The answer that Christians live a life of sin is because of who it is that is served. There are only two options to man. He can either present himself as a servant of righteousness or he can present himself as a servant of sin. There are no other options.

    2. To help us understand the importance of choosing to be a servant of righteousness, Paul has the Christians reflect on their baptism. In their baptism into Christ they died to sin. Having died to sin, sin is no longer to hold sway over them. The simplicity of this should help in the application. It does not, however. The reason it does not is because of who it is that a person wants to serve (6:21). At this point, Paul prepares to go to his next point – and it is complicated.

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:21 am on September 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 5 

    1. This chapter has two primary points. The first point is that since one is justified as Abraham was (by faith), one has peace with God, justified by the blood of Christ. The second point of the chapter is in verses 12 and following. The penalty for sin is death (physical, spiritual); however, until the Law of Moses came into effect, sin was not counted against a person. With the law, Israel now had no excuse for their wrong-doing; they now had a law that pointed out that wrong – and its penalty. God, at His appointed time, gave not only Israel an invite to see things differently, but He gave all men everywhere the same invite through Jesus Christ. Thus, even though sin was brought into the world, and death through sin, now righteousness was brought into the world, and life through faith.

    2. Reflecting on Paul’s point, it is easy for one to not remember as one should the significance of our Lord’s action. It is possible that one can convince himself that all is well with his soul as he nears the end of life. While it is easy to convince oneself of that, it would be much safer and much more reassuring if the Lord had done the convincing, don’t you think?

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:41 am on September 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: daily Bible reading   

    Bible Reading – Romans 4 

    1. Paul now makes his case clearer with the example of Abraham and his relation to the Law of Moses. Abraham was justified by faith, not the law. He was justified because of his heart’s response to the Lord. In fact, because the Lord was pleased with Abraham, the covenant of circumcision was given to him – something that came after his justification. Thus, as with Abraham, so with us. We are justified in the manner that Abraham was, if we believe the Lord as Abraham did (4:20-25).

    2. Reflecting for the moment on the faith of Abraham, think about what was required of him. He was called by God to leave his home to a land he knew not where. He goes. He is told by the Lord that from his loins his descendants will come. This, he believes. Yet his belief, if he was like the rest of us, became confused by the many years later when a child did not come from the union with his wife Sarah. Then, when the child is born and a relationship is cemented after many years of life together, the Lord tells him to take him to take his “child of promise” and kill (sacrifice) him because the Lord commanded him to do so. He prepares and he goes to do exactly that. With all this in mind (and many other things), what kind of faith did Abraham have? Reflect on 4:20-21 and Hebrews 11:17-19.

     

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