SCRIPTURE: Romans 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” [John 8:34-36] Am I a slave to sin, or…
new identity, new life!
SCRIPTURE: Romans 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “’Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” [John 8:10-11] Jesus removes the barriers between God and us, and removes the label “condemned” from over us. No condemnation, as far as…
sincere, humble faith
SCRIPTURE: Romans 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” [Luke 7:50] This is what Jesus says to a sinful woman who came to Jesus with deep sorrow, and anointed His feet with her tears and perfume, wiping them with her hair. Jesus saw into her heart, and there He saw humility, honesty, sincerity… love….
the only way to be righteous
SCRIPTURE: Romans 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:20]. How do we do better than the Pharisees? The answer – we don’t, we can’t. The answer, Jesus helps us. Paul is making…
I need mercy too
SCRIPTURE: Romans 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” [Matthew 7:1-2]. Paul, like Jesus, warns us against judging others. He exposes the judgmental person, showing that they need God’s…
the way to real life
SCRIPTURE: Romans 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” [John 10:9-10] Believing in Jesus as God’s human-divine…
Zelophedad’s daughters
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 36 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’” [John 4:27] We see in Jesus, Who embodies the heart and love of God, a different way of relating to women and children….
no place to hide from justice
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 35 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” [Matthew 5:23] The “cities of refuge” in today’s reading are…
my lot in life
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 34 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” [Matthew 25:15] In Numbers 34 we see the land being distributed by lot (that is, by the Lord’s direction), according to the number of the people. The Lord is distributing the land…
away from me Satan!
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 33 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the…