For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 3:21-8

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Day 340 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this evening the focus is chapters 3:21-8 of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. Like other entries from my study with this commentary, there is much upon which to reflect.  Paul writes about righteousness from God, how God's promise is for all who have faith, how we have freedom the condemnation and the law, how we have freedom from both sin and death, and how believers experience the Grace of Christ. 

My focus this evening rests on these two great verses at the end of chapter 8 where Paul emphasizes how believers grounded in faith (and the spiritual disciplines of study, prayer, etc.) will always be near to God's love.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome man who loves and who has helped grow my desire and faith in Him. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues, including gossip, hateful talk, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 1-3:20

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:11, Psalms 14:1-3, 53:1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:20

Day 339 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is the first 3 chapters of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. My commentary* outlines the book of Romans as first Paul’s understanding of the gospel, followed by a contrast to the Law of Moses, then it concludes with various practical teachings.  “The theme of Paul’s letter is that those who are righteous through faith will be those who truly live. Paul begins by examining the judgment of God and the righteousness of God. Under God’s judgment, even the man who thinks himself “righteous” is a sinner without excuse. Under God’s righteousness, even the “sinful” man is justified and reconciled to God through grace. Paul then shows how, through Christ, there is freedom from judgment, sin, the law, and even death. Next, Paul discusses the unique problem faced by certain Jews who are having difficulty believing that the God of the Jews could possibly include the Gentiles in his promises made to Abraham. After laying a deep theological foundation, Paul concludes the letter with practical applications for transforming one’s life to Christian service, and for regulating one’s conduct in relation to his fellowman, to civil government, and to those brothers and sisters in Christ who may be spiritually weak. The thrust of the letter is the superiority of obedient faith over futile attempts to earn salvation through strict law-keeping. Grace is not seen as a substitute for law, but rather as a higher motivation to obey God’s laws.”

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

My focus for today’s reading is on the contrast between the gospel and the Law of Moses, which focuses on external behavior vs heartcondition and an acknowledgement that all sin.  Humility (one of most oft discussed themes in the Bible) once again comes to the fore. I am utterly dependent on God as apart from I am and can do good things.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in my and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of love for me. I am humbled by Your love for me – knowing that You know everything about me but You still love me and You loved me first.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I often fail to place You first.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10-13

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Day 338 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is the final 3 chapters of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, and these chapters include what MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) notes as a change in tone from chapters 1-9 and what my commentary* refers to as Paul's defense of his ministry and a follow up to his "severe letter" (referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:4) as the church in Corinth began to follow false teachers seeking to undermine Paul's credibility, apostleship, and authority. See also additional commentary on 2 Corinthians here from John MacArthur.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Paul's opening words in these 3 chapters provide great encouragement for how we are to approach those who seek to attack us. While John Piper's post indicates Paul's audience for demolishing arguments and for taking thoughts captive is others attacking him, all believers are subject to the same "destruction" for our own good and sanctification.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me with my understanding of scripture - thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of Your love and blessings that You pour for me.  My sin is great and it continues - including worry, gossip, etc.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4-9

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Day 337 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth; given how much ground is covered in my commentary* (chapters 1-9), I broke the reading into two days, yesterday starting with chapters 1-3 and today with chapters 4-9. 

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.  

Yesterday, I started a post with comments on how we as believers may feel impatient with the process of sanctification and how a hunger and thirst for righteousness serves to carry us through this impatience as we learn to love the process itself, regardless of how long or slow it may be.  Today I read an awesome post by John Piper on why God sanctifies us slowly.  Piper essentially says that God does this because "f[i] God didn’t do it this way, [we]’d get uppity about it. [we]’d think [we] had it made. [We]’d think [o]ur strength was coming from [ourselves]".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me bread daily - physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. - all of it!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You provide for me.  I put earthly concerns, selfish concerns ahead of You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

2 Corinthians 1-3

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Day 336 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth; given how much ground is covered in my commentary* (chapters 1-9), I broke the reading into two days starting with chapters 1-3.  For the entire letter (13 chapters), my commentary* focuses on Paul's sense of "fulfillment in his ministry" and in the church in Corinth personally. 

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

In the early part of this letter, we see an unfolding focus on Paul's defense of his ministry. Towards the end of chapter 3 we see Paul focusing on the source of his boldness and he introduces the process of sanctification.  Many of us, myself included, often find ourselves impatient as God transforms our hearts and lives into more of His likeness.   Thus faith (trust in Christ) and sanctification go hand in hand as it may feel as if we are watching paint dry.  For myself, I believe that "hunger and thirst for righteousness" plays a key role here also because when we wait for God to transform us and He does so slowly, we should at least enjoy the process - that is spending time with God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life and helped me grow in my hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  I fail often to make You first in my life.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

1 Corinthians 15-16 and Acts 19-20

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:6-8

Day 335 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is on chapters 15-16 of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth with additional historical context of Paul's final days in Ephesus as documented in the book of Acts chapters 19-20. The primary message of today's scriptures focus on the resurrection and how it is central to our faith. Paul sums it up nicely when he says: 

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:14

DesiringGod.com includes an excellent guest post by Matt Perman that documents the case for the resurrection, and given the central nature of the resurrection for believers, it is worth a read.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Risen God and You have defeated both sin and death and I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin, including gossip, worry, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 11-14

Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 1 Corinthians 14:26

Day 334 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is on chapters 11-14 of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. One of Paul's emphases with these chapters is unity within the church based on the New Covenant which based on John Piper's post includes not just a covenant to Christ but also to the local church.  Paul encourages believers to support one another within the church, particularly those in need (1 Corinthians 11), but also to support one another in use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12).  Paul describes love as the greatest gift and all of the other gifts means nothing without love (1 Corinthians 13).  

See also

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 5-11

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Day 333 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is on chapters 5-11 of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. Paul's teachings this afternoon include topics such as sexual immorality, divorce, singleness, and various other topics.  My focus this afternoon is to revisit a previous post on the "indigenous principle and the pilgrim principle" where I highlight the same scriptures in 1 Corinthians 10.  This post discusses peer pressure and the extent to which we are to fall prey to culture or to avoid "conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps me understand Your word - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed by Your Word and its teachings...but I am undeserving of such love and blessing.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer an from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 1-4

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Day 332 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. Paul stresses unity in Christ as the primary theme in the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians.  Some had begun to follow specific teachers such as Paul or Apollos (see post yesterday). Some began to view themselves as better than others as a result and so Paul also warns of pride and arrogance. Paul urges humility as we all serve Christ and no one is better than another.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is You who are amazing and anything amazing that I experience is because of You at work in me and others - I am amazed at how You work in me...as broken as I am.  I am blessed.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am blessed beyond what I deserve - I fail often to love You first and I am easily distracted by the world.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.