Tag Archives: the book of Romans

January 13
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“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, KJV)

One of my favorite game shows is “The Price is Right” (TPIR).

Like most game shows on television, prizes are awarded the contestants when they succeed at various tasks.  Contestants on TPIR are awarded vacations in exotic places, cash, and even automobiles for their prowess.  It is the automobiles that often generate the most excitement, despite the fact that these often aren’t expensive cars; and most are vehicles that will depreciate to almost nothing in a few years.  Judging from the unbridled enthusiasm of some winners, you would think something greater has been acquired.

On the other hand, God offers everyone something much better than a prize: He offers a gift.

Prizes must be won, while gifts are freely given.  Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord is never something for which we must compete; and it is a gift that never loses its value.  How about a little unbridled enthusiasm for that?  Have a great day!  – Luther

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August 13
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“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:13-14, NIV)

To be clothed “with the Lord Jesus Christ” is as much of a choice for each of us as deciding what to wear each morning.

The “flesh,” represents all of the things that influence our choices: What to eat, what to drink, what to wear, where to live, what to drive, what to do to make a living. 

None of these things are bad, per se. In fact, Jesus acknowledged the necessity of food, water, clothing, and shelter in His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 6:25-34). 

Yet, each day we have the freedom to choose whether we will be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, choosing to have God feed both body and spirit; or, instead, devoting all of our attention to addressing our physical cravings, while neglecting the hunger of spirit that food cannot satisfy, that possessions cannot touch, and that money cannot buy.

Jesus said that we “do not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). Are our daily choices evidence of our belief in these words and the Person who uttered them — or in something (or someone) else?  – Luther

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August 11
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“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Jesus expects His followers to not only get-along with one another, but with everybody else as well!

There are limits to what we should tolerate, but when we must disagree, we should endeavor to do so without becoming disagreeable. 

The persons to whom Paul was writing were seeking to live for Christ in Rome; which was — and is — a diverse, fast-paced, place with more than its share of people with strong opinions, and differing beliefs and values.

There is a desire within most of us to have things our way, and we get brittle when other people seem to be thwarting our plans. This is not new to anyone.  What is new to most people is a conciliatory (instead of a confrontational) manner. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  – Luther

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