Again I'm going to start this with explanation of why I chose this book. I'm going through Acts because it gives us a picture of 2 things 1. The early unamericanized church. And 2. Revival.
I've studied Acts and parts of Acts quite a bit in last few months. I (along with the other leaders at Under1 and Connection Church) believe that our youth ministry is in a season of revival. I think Acts is a great book because it shows us true genuine revival.
When I talk about revival I'm not talking about a huge growth in numbers (although that goes along with it), I'm talking about God moving the hearts of people like never before. A church experiences a true revival when it's number one purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ.
Ok so, here we go!
Acts 1:1-5 (NIV84)
"1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”"
Ok so, after Jesus rose again he appeared to many people for forty days. On one occasion, he gives them pretty a pretty specific command. They are not allowed to leave Jerusalem until they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I can not take credit for the point I'm about to make. Bryan said a while ago that "Revival begins with obedience." I see evidence of this here in the first chapter of Acts. There are also a few interesting points here.
1. They were never told exactly how long it would take. They were just told to wait for a few days.
When God is going to do something big He rarely tells us how long it will take. True obedience means being patient for as long as you need to be. True obedience means you're not doing it for a reward.
2. They weren't' told exactly what to do while they were waiting. The disciples weren't told to pray they did it because they were seeking after God.
I hear people say that they want to get closer to God but they don't know how. Many people (I used to be like this until Unceasing) think that once they get closer to God they will start reading their Bible more or they will start praying more or they will start giving more. In reality, they have it backwards. When you seek after God, that's when you feel closer.
It's like any relationship. I have friends that say "Dude we should hang out!" and then I text or call them and they tell me that their busy. I'll see them a while later and they'll say something like "How come we never hang out?"
I feel like I do that to God sometimes. I say to God "I want to be closer to You." Yet I spend my free time playing video games or watching movies or doing something other than spending time with God. Just like any relationship, it takes initiative on my part.
So, in other words.
Revival begins with obedience. True obedience requires us to earnestly seek God with pure motives and intentions. Obedience also requires patience and a desire to change.
That's it tonight! I'm really excited about Acts and the things God has laid on my heart.
Goodnight and thanks for reading.
-JDwayt
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Romans 16
Romans 16:17-19
"17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."
OK so we should always be on our guard. We need to keep in mind the fact that the Bible is the #1 source for information about God.
It's easy to believe some of the stuff out there today. A lot of 'preachers' twist the Bible to make it easier for people to hear. They twist things to make it sound like God wants to bless everyone with millions of dollars. Their only purpose is to gain followers who are naive enough to give them money. Just because it sounds good doesn't always make it true.
There are also 'preachers' that claim that there is no hell. Again, they say this because it sits well with people.
The truth is, we're not always going to hear things we like. However, we must be willing to be open to conviction from the Holy Spirit. Iit's not always pleasant, but it is eternally beneficial.
I know I need to be more open to things I need to hear rather than just be open to the things I like to hear.
That's it tonight, tomorrow I start Acts.
Thanks for reading
-JDWayt
"17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."
OK so we should always be on our guard. We need to keep in mind the fact that the Bible is the #1 source for information about God.
It's easy to believe some of the stuff out there today. A lot of 'preachers' twist the Bible to make it easier for people to hear. They twist things to make it sound like God wants to bless everyone with millions of dollars. Their only purpose is to gain followers who are naive enough to give them money. Just because it sounds good doesn't always make it true.
There are also 'preachers' that claim that there is no hell. Again, they say this because it sits well with people.
The truth is, we're not always going to hear things we like. However, we must be willing to be open to conviction from the Holy Spirit. Iit's not always pleasant, but it is eternally beneficial.
I know I need to be more open to things I need to hear rather than just be open to the things I like to hear.
That's it tonight, tomorrow I start Acts.
Thanks for reading
-JDWayt
Monday, February 27, 2012
Romans 15
Romans 15:1-3 (NIV84)
"1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”"
Basically we are to help each other in our salvation. We all need encouragement from time to time and it's important to encourage others. We should desire to see our brothers and sisters in Christ succeed.
We should also be deeply hurt when others fall.
Anyways there really isn't much tonight. Tomorrow is Romans 16 and then I'm going to start going through Acts!
That's it I guess, sorry there isn't more but thanks for reading anyway.
-JDWayt
"1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”"
Basically we are to help each other in our salvation. We all need encouragement from time to time and it's important to encourage others. We should desire to see our brothers and sisters in Christ succeed.
We should also be deeply hurt when others fall.
Anyways there really isn't much tonight. Tomorrow is Romans 16 and then I'm going to start going through Acts!
That's it I guess, sorry there isn't more but thanks for reading anyway.
-JDWayt
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Romans 14
Romans 14:13-23
"13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16 Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
Ok so I know I shared a huge chunk of scripture here but I underlined the two verse that really stuck out to me.
Paul is addressing an issue in the early church. Some believers believed that it was ok to eat meat from unclean animals (such as pigs) while other believers believed that it wasn't. Paul's said that the people who did eat meat shouldn't do it if it causes those who didn't eat to stumble.
What I got out of it was this:
Other people's salvation should be more important than our personal convictions.
If a friend of mine only listens to Christian music, I'm not going to get into a huge theological debate and then force them to listen to John Mayer.
Paul says that we should be respectful of other peoples personal convictions, also, causing them to compromise would be a sin.
Verse 22 says that we should keep our personal convictions PERSONAL. Now that doesn't meant I can't let people know what they are, it means I can't hold everyone else to that standard.
well that's it tonight
I'm going to bed now, g'night and thanks for reading
-JDWayt
"13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16 Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
Ok so I know I shared a huge chunk of scripture here but I underlined the two verse that really stuck out to me.
Paul is addressing an issue in the early church. Some believers believed that it was ok to eat meat from unclean animals (such as pigs) while other believers believed that it wasn't. Paul's said that the people who did eat meat shouldn't do it if it causes those who didn't eat to stumble.
What I got out of it was this:
Other people's salvation should be more important than our personal convictions.
If a friend of mine only listens to Christian music, I'm not going to get into a huge theological debate and then force them to listen to John Mayer.
Paul says that we should be respectful of other peoples personal convictions, also, causing them to compromise would be a sin.
Verse 22 says that we should keep our personal convictions PERSONAL. Now that doesn't meant I can't let people know what they are, it means I can't hold everyone else to that standard.
well that's it tonight
I'm going to bed now, g'night and thanks for reading
-JDWayt
Friday, February 24, 2012
Romans 13
Romans 13:8-9
'8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”'
This blog is probably going to be super short tonight so sorry in advance lol.
Paul is saying that we should our love for others should be a continuing debt.
We should love others like we're paying a bill. I pay my credit card payments regularly, and (when I can) I pay more than the minimum payment. I do this to keep my build my credit score and as a result I can get approved for more credit (although it would be extremely unwise for me to take advantage of that).
I'll admit my financial habits aren't necessarily 'Dave Ramsey' approved but I guess loving others should be similar in some areas. We shouldn't love others out of obligation but we should love others regularly. I don't pay my credit cards whenever I feel like it, I pay them regularly. Also, just as there are benefits to paying my debts faithfully, there are benefits to 'paying' our love debt as well.
When we exceed the minimum payment by loving others more than they deserve, we become known for our ability to love others. And just like paying my bills gives me the ability to carry a larger balance and thus pay a larger debt, loving others faithfully gives us the ability to carry a bigger burden and love more people.
So, although digging myself deeper in financial debt would be stupid, digging my self deeper in my debt of loving others is a great idea.
This blog was short but I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
-JDWayt
'8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”'
This blog is probably going to be super short tonight so sorry in advance lol.
Paul is saying that we should our love for others should be a continuing debt.
We should love others like we're paying a bill. I pay my credit card payments regularly, and (when I can) I pay more than the minimum payment. I do this to keep my build my credit score and as a result I can get approved for more credit (although it would be extremely unwise for me to take advantage of that).
I'll admit my financial habits aren't necessarily 'Dave Ramsey' approved but I guess loving others should be similar in some areas. We shouldn't love others out of obligation but we should love others regularly. I don't pay my credit cards whenever I feel like it, I pay them regularly. Also, just as there are benefits to paying my debts faithfully, there are benefits to 'paying' our love debt as well.
When we exceed the minimum payment by loving others more than they deserve, we become known for our ability to love others. And just like paying my bills gives me the ability to carry a larger balance and thus pay a larger debt, loving others faithfully gives us the ability to carry a bigger burden and love more people.
So, although digging myself deeper in financial debt would be stupid, digging my self deeper in my debt of loving others is a great idea.
This blog was short but I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
-JDWayt
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Romans 12
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV84)
"1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. "
This blog is probably going to be a bit longer because this is my favorite chapter in Romans.
Paul is saying that everything we do should be done with God in mind. Since Jesus was merciful enough to give his life for us, it's only right that we would give ours back to him.
Verse 2 is one of my favorites. A lot of times I get so get caught up in American-Christian culture that I forget why I'm doing it. On Sunday's it's the same routine: Go to church, sing songs, eat lunch. I get so stuck in the routine of ministry that I forget why I'm serving in the first place.
I guess the biggest thing here is that we should be just as focused on God during our everyday activities as we are when we are doing things for Him.
I love the way The Message translation puts these two verses
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
"1 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."
I think I'm going to have to work on this for a long time.
Romans 12:3-8 (NIV84)
" For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. "
Basically we can't do it alone. I love the leaders in Under1. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. We all have different roles and tasks used to advance the Kingdom of God.
But I think these verses go beyond the local church setting. I believe that as the body of Christ we need to work together. I think churches themselves play different roles in God's plan.
Romans 12:9-21 (NIV84)
"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord.
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
We should sincerely love one another. Not because we have to but because the Holy Spirit has given us a love for people.
I love verse 16 "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position."
We shouldn't be so concerned about our reputation that we stop loving the unloving.
It's easy to love our friends and our families and even people at our church. It's not as easy to love complete strangers, and it's even harder to love our enemies.
Probably the hardest thing for me to learn is that my enemies need Jesus too.
When I first got saved there was a volunteer in my youth group who I looked up to a lot. He got caught up in some stuff and ended up causing some pretty significant damage to our youth group.
I was let down and offended. I honestly hated him. I literally wanted him to die.
I held on to this hatred for years, until I brought it before God. God said this to me "No! You carry my righteousness now, you are my son and my children don't harbor hatred."
I had to let it go, I had to somehow forgive someone who the world would say was unforgivable.
Through a series of obvious acts of God I was actually able to talk to this guy again. It wasn't a long conversation but it contained the words that cut through my heart.
"I'm sorry"
The next day at church we played a song that contained a chorus that was just the words "There must be more". I kept thinking about his life and how much he was missing out. I began to cry and I started to pray fervently for someone who was my enemy.
I'm looking forward to a day when we get to talk again, I wan't him to know there's so much more.
I've already planned to go to Unceasing after I get off work tomorrow and I think I'm going to spend some time praying for those people who I find hard to love.
Well, there was a bit more openness in this blog than I had intended, but I think it's a good thing.
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
"1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. "
This blog is probably going to be a bit longer because this is my favorite chapter in Romans.
Paul is saying that everything we do should be done with God in mind. Since Jesus was merciful enough to give his life for us, it's only right that we would give ours back to him.
Verse 2 is one of my favorites. A lot of times I get so get caught up in American-Christian culture that I forget why I'm doing it. On Sunday's it's the same routine: Go to church, sing songs, eat lunch. I get so stuck in the routine of ministry that I forget why I'm serving in the first place.
I guess the biggest thing here is that we should be just as focused on God during our everyday activities as we are when we are doing things for Him.
I love the way The Message translation puts these two verses
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
"1 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."
I think I'm going to have to work on this for a long time.
Romans 12:3-8 (NIV84)
" For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. "
Basically we can't do it alone. I love the leaders in Under1. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. We all have different roles and tasks used to advance the Kingdom of God.
But I think these verses go beyond the local church setting. I believe that as the body of Christ we need to work together. I think churches themselves play different roles in God's plan.
Romans 12:9-21 (NIV84)
"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord.
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
We should sincerely love one another. Not because we have to but because the Holy Spirit has given us a love for people.
I love verse 16 "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position."
We shouldn't be so concerned about our reputation that we stop loving the unloving.
It's easy to love our friends and our families and even people at our church. It's not as easy to love complete strangers, and it's even harder to love our enemies.
Probably the hardest thing for me to learn is that my enemies need Jesus too.
When I first got saved there was a volunteer in my youth group who I looked up to a lot. He got caught up in some stuff and ended up causing some pretty significant damage to our youth group.
I was let down and offended. I honestly hated him. I literally wanted him to die.
I held on to this hatred for years, until I brought it before God. God said this to me "No! You carry my righteousness now, you are my son and my children don't harbor hatred."
I had to let it go, I had to somehow forgive someone who the world would say was unforgivable.
Through a series of obvious acts of God I was actually able to talk to this guy again. It wasn't a long conversation but it contained the words that cut through my heart.
"I'm sorry"
The next day at church we played a song that contained a chorus that was just the words "There must be more". I kept thinking about his life and how much he was missing out. I began to cry and I started to pray fervently for someone who was my enemy.
I'm looking forward to a day when we get to talk again, I wan't him to know there's so much more.
I've already planned to go to Unceasing after I get off work tomorrow and I think I'm going to spend some time praying for those people who I find hard to love.
Well, there was a bit more openness in this blog than I had intended, but I think it's a good thing.
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Romans 11
Romans 11:16-20 (NIV84)
"16
If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid."
Basically Paul was talking to the Gentiles about how they shouldn't brag to the Jews that they now have the same salvation.
I really like what Paul says in verse 18. "You do not support the root, but the root supports you." This can be both humbling and reassuring.
The thing that makes it reassuring is the fact that I can't mess anything up. The fact that God allows me to use my gifts and abilities for Him is amazing.
I also like what Paul says in verse 20. "Do not be arrogant, but be afraid." Wow.
I guess I can be guilty of arrogant faith at times. When I do something for God it's easy to brag because I feel good about it. And there's nothing wrong with feeling good about being obedient, but when we do things to make ourselves look good it becomes a problem.
Well that's it tonight, I should probably get some sleep.
Tomorrow night is Romans 12!
Goodnight and thanks for reading,
-JDWayt
Romans 10
Romans 10: 8-13 (NIV84)
'8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”'
Romans 10 is kind of short but it's still really good.
Everything here is pretty basic, our salvation changes us from the inside out. We believe in our hearts and we are made clean, we also confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord.
I guess it all just boils down to this, our actions are a result of what's in our hearts. If we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, than our actions and our words will reflect that. Our words are important. How will anyone know what we believe if we don't proclaim it.
I guess I need to stop underestimating the importance of words.
Anyways I wish I had more tonight but I don't.
Thanks for reading anyway, JDWayt.
'8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”'
Romans 10 is kind of short but it's still really good.
Everything here is pretty basic, our salvation changes us from the inside out. We believe in our hearts and we are made clean, we also confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord.
I guess it all just boils down to this, our actions are a result of what's in our hearts. If we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, than our actions and our words will reflect that. Our words are important. How will anyone know what we believe if we don't proclaim it.
I guess I need to stop underestimating the importance of words.
Anyways I wish I had more tonight but I don't.
Thanks for reading anyway, JDWayt.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Romans 9
Romans 9
"16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9 can be pretty tough to swallow. Since our relationship with God isn't based on anything we do. We can't get mad at God when we aren't being used the way we want to.
One thing I've learned recently is that God is all about God. God desires that HIS name and His name ALONE be glorified. Sometimes that isn't my focus when doing things for God. As a worship leader, it's easy to focus more on my musicianship and not my role as an usher to bring people in to the presence of God. When I lose sight of my real role as a greeter for God's presence, I get distracted by focusing on things like hitting/singing the right notes. Those things are important but they are not important enough to keep me from entering into worship.
Not only should God's glory be our number 1 focus, it should also be our number 1 desire. Since we can't boast in anything we do, we shouldn't get jealous when someone else receives earthly glory for something they do for God. God didn't call everyone to be rich, God didn't call everyone to be famous, God didn't call anyone to live for their own glory. John the Baptist said it best "He must increase and I must decrease."
Again, God's timing is perfect. As I'm typing this (it's currently 2:45am), I'm sitting by the front doors of my church with the responsibility to open them for anyone that wants to come in and pray. The only other person in the building is Bryan, the youth pastor, who is currently in the youth room praying to keep our 24/7 prayer week going. Neither of us are doing this to boast or get any recognition. We are doing it to bring glory to God.
I guess I've come to the realization that God doesn't care about my reputation as much as I do. When I become a youth pastor, I might have a youth group of 12 students, but if those 12 students are the ones God has instructed me to lead, then I will be satisfied with giving them everything I've got.
And I guess in the end, we all worship God as equals. In heaven we are all going to be praising Him, everyone from the Christian rock star to the guy who cleans the toilets at his church.
So, I guess I need to be more willing to be used by God for the sole purpose of bringing Him glory. I need to come before God and say "Here I am Lord, send me." Whatever it is that God has me do, no matter how big or small, His name will be glorified.
I guess that's it tonight,
Thanks for reading, JDWayt
"16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9 can be pretty tough to swallow. Since our relationship with God isn't based on anything we do. We can't get mad at God when we aren't being used the way we want to.
One thing I've learned recently is that God is all about God. God desires that HIS name and His name ALONE be glorified. Sometimes that isn't my focus when doing things for God. As a worship leader, it's easy to focus more on my musicianship and not my role as an usher to bring people in to the presence of God. When I lose sight of my real role as a greeter for God's presence, I get distracted by focusing on things like hitting/singing the right notes. Those things are important but they are not important enough to keep me from entering into worship.
Not only should God's glory be our number 1 focus, it should also be our number 1 desire. Since we can't boast in anything we do, we shouldn't get jealous when someone else receives earthly glory for something they do for God. God didn't call everyone to be rich, God didn't call everyone to be famous, God didn't call anyone to live for their own glory. John the Baptist said it best "He must increase and I must decrease."
Again, God's timing is perfect. As I'm typing this (it's currently 2:45am), I'm sitting by the front doors of my church with the responsibility to open them for anyone that wants to come in and pray. The only other person in the building is Bryan, the youth pastor, who is currently in the youth room praying to keep our 24/7 prayer week going. Neither of us are doing this to boast or get any recognition. We are doing it to bring glory to God.
I guess I've come to the realization that God doesn't care about my reputation as much as I do. When I become a youth pastor, I might have a youth group of 12 students, but if those 12 students are the ones God has instructed me to lead, then I will be satisfied with giving them everything I've got.
And I guess in the end, we all worship God as equals. In heaven we are all going to be praising Him, everyone from the Christian rock star to the guy who cleans the toilets at his church.
So, I guess I need to be more willing to be used by God for the sole purpose of bringing Him glory. I need to come before God and say "Here I am Lord, send me." Whatever it is that God has me do, no matter how big or small, His name will be glorified.
I guess that's it tonight,
Thanks for reading, JDWayt
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Romans 8
Romans 8:26-27 (NIV84)
"26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
I'm posting this tonight because my tablet died yesterday so I had to wait until tonight to blog.
So anyway, I love Romans 8 a lot. Romans 8 talks about the Holy Spirit living in us.
God's timing is amazing because this week my church has an event this week called "Unceasing". It's where we get together and we pray 24/7 for the entire week. Our aim is to have at least one person in the youth room praying at all times.
We had leaders sign up for certain time slots for supervision. However, if there is no one else in the room the leaders are instructed to pray. As one of the younger leaders, I was obligated to take a graveyard shift from 12am-6am on Tuesday. Since I will more-than-likely be the only person there, I will probably be praying the whole time.
At first, I was pretty intimidated with the idea of praying for 6 straight hours in the middle of the night. After reading Romans 8 and seeing Paul talk about how the Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know what to pray, I know the Spirit will be willing even though my flesh will be weak.
Honestly, I'm really excited for it now. Like I really can't wait. I'm also excited to know that there are people there right now praying.
We kicked off "Unceasing" tonight with a praise and worship set. After praise and worship I had time so I prayed. I sat on one of the couches in the room and I only prayed one thing for like 20 minutes. I just thanked Him for everything. I began to just cry my eyes out just thinking about everything He's done in my life. In my heart there was a desire for God to understand how thankful I was. I also know that was the work of the Spirit in my life.
Well I wish I had more tonight. Tomorrow I will be posting from the church!
thanks for reading
-JDWayt!
"26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
I'm posting this tonight because my tablet died yesterday so I had to wait until tonight to blog.
So anyway, I love Romans 8 a lot. Romans 8 talks about the Holy Spirit living in us.
God's timing is amazing because this week my church has an event this week called "Unceasing". It's where we get together and we pray 24/7 for the entire week. Our aim is to have at least one person in the youth room praying at all times.
We had leaders sign up for certain time slots for supervision. However, if there is no one else in the room the leaders are instructed to pray. As one of the younger leaders, I was obligated to take a graveyard shift from 12am-6am on Tuesday. Since I will more-than-likely be the only person there, I will probably be praying the whole time.
At first, I was pretty intimidated with the idea of praying for 6 straight hours in the middle of the night. After reading Romans 8 and seeing Paul talk about how the Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know what to pray, I know the Spirit will be willing even though my flesh will be weak.
Honestly, I'm really excited for it now. Like I really can't wait. I'm also excited to know that there are people there right now praying.
We kicked off "Unceasing" tonight with a praise and worship set. After praise and worship I had time so I prayed. I sat on one of the couches in the room and I only prayed one thing for like 20 minutes. I just thanked Him for everything. I began to just cry my eyes out just thinking about everything He's done in my life. In my heart there was a desire for God to understand how thankful I was. I also know that was the work of the Spirit in my life.
Well I wish I had more tonight. Tomorrow I will be posting from the church!
thanks for reading
-JDWayt!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Romans 7
I need to stop doing these so late! Lol
Romans 7:21-25
"21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Here Paul addresses a big issue. If I am free from sin, and I now have the ability to live for God, how come I still sin?
That's a pretty tough question. Paul goes as far as to call himself a "wretched man" because he still struggles with sin. I know that I constantly have to battle my sinful nature. Like Paul, in my mind I want to do good but my flesh constantly wants to do evil.
There are two things I like to think about when it comes to this issue.
First, God offers second (and third, and fourth, etc) chances. I know that since I have been saved I can genuinely ask for forgiveness and 'He is faithful and just to forgive'. I have to remember that it's a constant fight until the end.
Second, I have to realize the importance of inward sin. I think as humans we tend to focus more on outward sin than we do on inward sin. People don't want to steal, but they are ok with coveting. People don't want to murder, but they are fine with harboring hatred in their hearts. I am included in this generalization. A lot of times I focus more on outward sin because that's what other people see. In reality, changing my heart to be more like Christ will change my actions to be more like Christ.
Well I guess that's it tonight, thanks for reading!
-JD-Wayt.
Romans 7:21-25
"21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Here Paul addresses a big issue. If I am free from sin, and I now have the ability to live for God, how come I still sin?
That's a pretty tough question. Paul goes as far as to call himself a "wretched man" because he still struggles with sin. I know that I constantly have to battle my sinful nature. Like Paul, in my mind I want to do good but my flesh constantly wants to do evil.
There are two things I like to think about when it comes to this issue.
First, God offers second (and third, and fourth, etc) chances. I know that since I have been saved I can genuinely ask for forgiveness and 'He is faithful and just to forgive'. I have to remember that it's a constant fight until the end.
Second, I have to realize the importance of inward sin. I think as humans we tend to focus more on outward sin than we do on inward sin. People don't want to steal, but they are ok with coveting. People don't want to murder, but they are fine with harboring hatred in their hearts. I am included in this generalization. A lot of times I focus more on outward sin because that's what other people see. In reality, changing my heart to be more like Christ will change my actions to be more like Christ.
Well I guess that's it tonight, thanks for reading!
-JD-Wayt.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Romans 6
Romans 6:1-14 (NIV84)
"1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin– 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
I know I quoted a lot of verses tonight but this whole chapter is really important. In fact, I really wanted to quote the whole thing.
Paul is saying that we don't have an excuse to keep sinning after we are saved. We are no longer slaves to sin. We have been resurrected spiritually, we are now dead to sin and alive to Christ.
We have been made righteous so we can live righteously, not because of what we've done, but because of what Christ did for us.
Romans 6 (as with every chapter) explains it far better than I can. I encourage anyone who is reading this to read Romans 6 because it explains the importance of living for Christ even though forgiveness is freely given.
Anyways, sorry I don't have that much tonight, but thanks for reading anyway.
-JDWayt
"1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin– 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
I know I quoted a lot of verses tonight but this whole chapter is really important. In fact, I really wanted to quote the whole thing.
Paul is saying that we don't have an excuse to keep sinning after we are saved. We are no longer slaves to sin. We have been resurrected spiritually, we are now dead to sin and alive to Christ.
We have been made righteous so we can live righteously, not because of what we've done, but because of what Christ did for us.
Romans 6 (as with every chapter) explains it far better than I can. I encourage anyone who is reading this to read Romans 6 because it explains the importance of living for Christ even though forgiveness is freely given.
Anyways, sorry I don't have that much tonight, but thanks for reading anyway.
-JDWayt
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Romans 5
Romans 5:6-11
"6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
Honestly, I'm super excited about Romans 5. This is where things get even more awesome than they were the past couple days.
Now that Paul has established that our salvation is not through the law but through faith, he begins to talk about the hope we have in Christ. He says that we now are at peace with God. That's a big relief! The law showed us that there wasn't anything we could do to earn salvation. We were eternally separated from God and we were hopeless.
Here is where verse 8 comes in. It's honestly one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible
Jesus Christ came and died for us while we were far from God. Basically we were enemies of God. But he still chose to make a way for us to be with Him for all eternity because He loves us that much. Now we have peace with God, not by anything we did, but by His love for us.
We are saved from the wrath of God because Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for us.
I had to stop and think about that for a while.
It's hard to think of myself as someone worth dying for, but apparently I am. But what's even more amazing is this: Even at my darkest point, I was still worth dying for.
Well I hope you got just as much, if not, more than I did out of this.
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
"6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
Honestly, I'm super excited about Romans 5. This is where things get even more awesome than they were the past couple days.
Now that Paul has established that our salvation is not through the law but through faith, he begins to talk about the hope we have in Christ. He says that we now are at peace with God. That's a big relief! The law showed us that there wasn't anything we could do to earn salvation. We were eternally separated from God and we were hopeless.
Here is where verse 8 comes in. It's honestly one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible
Jesus Christ came and died for us while we were far from God. Basically we were enemies of God. But he still chose to make a way for us to be with Him for all eternity because He loves us that much. Now we have peace with God, not by anything we did, but by His love for us.
We are saved from the wrath of God because Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for us.
I had to stop and think about that for a while.
It's hard to think of myself as someone worth dying for, but apparently I am. But what's even more amazing is this: Even at my darkest point, I was still worth dying for.
Well I hope you got just as much, if not, more than I did out of this.
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Romans 4
Ok so lets get right into it then.
Romans 4:13-15
"13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression."
Here Paul is using an example to make a point and it's the same point he has been making since the first chapter. Abraham wasn't made righteous by the law, he was made righteous by his faith. Paul explains earlier in the chapter that Abraham was considered righteous before he was even given the law of circumcision which was a big deal to the Jews (verses 9-11).
Verse 15 explains that the law doesn't save us, but it shows us that we need to be saved.
So, I'm going to break it down as simple as I can. I know these chapters talk about 'the law'. The law is all the religious stuff that Christians do (or in the context of the time that Paul was writing, the things that the Jews did). Going to church, praise and worship, attending small groups, pretty much any action of faith is considered religious. Now please don't get me wrong, none of those things are bad things. In fact, they are all wonderful things but they aren't what save us. Every religious thing I do is an action that is a result of Christ living in me.
Why do I go to church? Why am I interning at my church? Why did I get baptized? Why am writing blogs about Christianity? All these things are/were done because my faith in Christ has changed my life and has given me both the desire and the ability to live for Him.
Well that's it tonight! Thanks for reading and tune in tomorrow, Romans 5 is going to be awesome.
Happy belated Valentines day!
-JDWayt
Romans 4:13-15
"13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression."
Here Paul is using an example to make a point and it's the same point he has been making since the first chapter. Abraham wasn't made righteous by the law, he was made righteous by his faith. Paul explains earlier in the chapter that Abraham was considered righteous before he was even given the law of circumcision which was a big deal to the Jews (verses 9-11).
Verse 15 explains that the law doesn't save us, but it shows us that we need to be saved.
So, I'm going to break it down as simple as I can. I know these chapters talk about 'the law'. The law is all the religious stuff that Christians do (or in the context of the time that Paul was writing, the things that the Jews did). Going to church, praise and worship, attending small groups, pretty much any action of faith is considered religious. Now please don't get me wrong, none of those things are bad things. In fact, they are all wonderful things but they aren't what save us. Every religious thing I do is an action that is a result of Christ living in me.
Why do I go to church? Why am I interning at my church? Why did I get baptized? Why am writing blogs about Christianity? All these things are/were done because my faith in Christ has changed my life and has given me both the desire and the ability to live for Him.
Well that's it tonight! Thanks for reading and tune in tomorrow, Romans 5 is going to be awesome.
Happy belated Valentines day!
-JDWayt
Monday, February 13, 2012
Romans 3
Ok so. I didn't post a blog yesterday because I had to be at my church at 8am. I was there until 12:30, had lunch with some friends and then returned at 4 for our college group class called _theQuest. After that I had work from 8pm until midnight. So in other words, I was extremely busy yesterday to say the least. I probably won't blog on Sundays.
Ok now that I'm done making excuses...
I'm only in the third chapter of Romans and I'm already noticing a theme.
Romans 3:21 (NIV84)
"21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished– 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."
Well, I feel like I could just end this blog right here. Honestly that sums it up perfectly but I'll explain it anyway.
First, plain and simple, we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. There is nothing I have done, nor is there anything I will ever be able to do to earn my salvation through Jesus. Salvation can't be earned by upholding the law.
I remember a time shortly before I accepted Christ. I was doing things to try to get to God. I was lifting my hands in worship, I was attending church, I was even playing guitar for my youth group's worship band. The whole time there was something missing. I felt like I was doing everything in my power to make my way to God...but that was the problem. There was nothing in MY power that could save me.
Shortly after I got saved, there was a song that really got me excited. That song is called 'I Am Free'. My favorite line in that song 'I am free to live for You'. That is how I felt after my moment of salvation.
I was free to live by the law written on my heart.
This brings me to verses 27 through 30 which explain the purpose of the law. The law gives us the ability to recognize that we fall short of the glory of God. The ability to uphold the the law, to live according to His word, is a result of our salvation. So really the ability live more like Christ and uphold the law is a is a gift from God.
So, like Paul says, we can not boast when we uphold the law. When I overcome sin in my life, I can't brag and say that I'm strong willed or whatever because the only reason I can even do that is because I have received that which was freely given.
That's the big thing I learned in this chapter. One of the things in a journal I had a while ago was "Every ounce of good in me is from Jesus Christ". I wrote it on the front page to remind myself that my morals, my "Straight edge" lifestyle, my character were not things I produced, but rather things I had been given.
If I had to sum up this entire blog in one sentence it would be this: By the grace of God, I am free to strive after Him.
Ok now that I'm done making excuses...
I'm only in the third chapter of Romans and I'm already noticing a theme.
Romans 3:21 (NIV84)
"21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished– 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."
Well, I feel like I could just end this blog right here. Honestly that sums it up perfectly but I'll explain it anyway.
First, plain and simple, we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. There is nothing I have done, nor is there anything I will ever be able to do to earn my salvation through Jesus. Salvation can't be earned by upholding the law.
I remember a time shortly before I accepted Christ. I was doing things to try to get to God. I was lifting my hands in worship, I was attending church, I was even playing guitar for my youth group's worship band. The whole time there was something missing. I felt like I was doing everything in my power to make my way to God...but that was the problem. There was nothing in MY power that could save me.
Shortly after I got saved, there was a song that really got me excited. That song is called 'I Am Free'. My favorite line in that song 'I am free to live for You'. That is how I felt after my moment of salvation.
I was free to live by the law written on my heart.
This brings me to verses 27 through 30 which explain the purpose of the law. The law gives us the ability to recognize that we fall short of the glory of God. The ability to uphold the the law, to live according to His word, is a result of our salvation. So really the ability live more like Christ and uphold the law is a is a gift from God.
So, like Paul says, we can not boast when we uphold the law. When I overcome sin in my life, I can't brag and say that I'm strong willed or whatever because the only reason I can even do that is because I have received that which was freely given.
That's the big thing I learned in this chapter. One of the things in a journal I had a while ago was "Every ounce of good in me is from Jesus Christ". I wrote it on the front page to remind myself that my morals, my "Straight edge" lifestyle, my character were not things I produced, but rather things I had been given.
If I had to sum up this entire blog in one sentence it would be this: By the grace of God, I am free to strive after Him.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Romans 2
Ok so now for Romans 2.
I strongly suggest you read Romans 2 for yourself, it's really good.
Romans 2:13-15 (NIV84)
"13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)"
Ok, so Romans 2 is a great chapter. Right after Paul talks about sin he talks about being judgmental. I find that really interesting. Again he explains that it's not enough for us to hear the law, but to obey it and understand it also.
Obeying the law is important. But we don't obey the law by following a to-do list. That's what the religious people in Jesus' day did. They made up many ridiculous laws that made them look like they were better than everyone else. In reality their hearts were more corrupt than the ones they condemned.
The reason we should follow the law is because we want to please God. That's why Paul says that even the Gentiles who didn't know the law still obeyed it. Why? Because they knew it in their hearts.
Ever since I accepted Christ I've begun to follow the law more. I follow it more because It's become easier to recognize it. Also, there is something in me that desires to please God.
God isn't pleased every time I walk out of a store without stealing anything. However, God is pleased when I walk into a store, find $100 and turn it in or find the rightful owner. This is because I have chosen righteousness over selfishness.
I guess I can quit rambling and explain it all simply.
God doesn't desire words, or actions without understanding. We can't judge based on words or actions because everything God desires is based on the condition of our hearts. So in everything I do, I should do it to please Him, because He is the only one who can see my motives. And in the end, His judgement is the only one that matters.
Again, this is a great chapter, and I had trouble deciding what to share.
Anyways, thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
I strongly suggest you read Romans 2 for yourself, it's really good.
Romans 2:13-15 (NIV84)
"13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)"
Ok, so Romans 2 is a great chapter. Right after Paul talks about sin he talks about being judgmental. I find that really interesting. Again he explains that it's not enough for us to hear the law, but to obey it and understand it also.
Obeying the law is important. But we don't obey the law by following a to-do list. That's what the religious people in Jesus' day did. They made up many ridiculous laws that made them look like they were better than everyone else. In reality their hearts were more corrupt than the ones they condemned.
The reason we should follow the law is because we want to please God. That's why Paul says that even the Gentiles who didn't know the law still obeyed it. Why? Because they knew it in their hearts.
Ever since I accepted Christ I've begun to follow the law more. I follow it more because It's become easier to recognize it. Also, there is something in me that desires to please God.
God isn't pleased every time I walk out of a store without stealing anything. However, God is pleased when I walk into a store, find $100 and turn it in or find the rightful owner. This is because I have chosen righteousness over selfishness.
I guess I can quit rambling and explain it all simply.
God doesn't desire words, or actions without understanding. We can't judge based on words or actions because everything God desires is based on the condition of our hearts. So in everything I do, I should do it to please Him, because He is the only one who can see my motives. And in the end, His judgement is the only one that matters.
Again, this is a great chapter, and I had trouble deciding what to share.
Anyways, thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
Friday, February 10, 2012
Romans 1
Ok so here it goes! Daily blog number one!
I guess I'll start with an introduction as to why I'm doing this again. I did a daily blog back in January/ February of last year and I quit because I would read my Bible and then blog right before I went to bed. More often than not, I would fall asleep while blogging, so I quit. But I went back and read them the other night and I realized that it stretched me spiritually more than I had realized.
Another reason why I started blogging again is "that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.” (Romans 1:12). I think it's important to share what we learn in The Word. Like Paul said, that we would be MUTUALLY encouraged. Not only do I want to share what I've gotten, but I also want to learn from what other people have say. (Which is why I chose Blogspot. Tumblr and WordPress don't have a comment feature.) Anytime we learn from each other, we not only become wiser, but we also build unity between others of like faith.
And of course the third and most important reason is to bring glory to God. I don't want to blog to uplift myself or make myself out to be a religious jerk. I just want to share what God has revealed to me as I go through this portion of the Bible.
Ok, so now I'll explain why I'm going through Romans. The first obvious reason is that I just finished reading through Acts again yesterday. But a bigger reason is that Romans is considered a very basic yet fundamental book of the Bible. I want to get a glimpse of fundamental Christianity, before it became a part of American culture. That's what I loved about Acts, seeing the church in a very raw form. A church that was neither contemporary nor traditional. A church that wasn't a building but a belief. Romans is the same with doctrine, it's basic Christianity untainted by politics and culture.
Well...now that I'm done with my introduction, we can move on to Romans 1.
What I did before was meditate on a particular verse or group of verses.
“Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
Paul was talking about how humanity has become more sinful. He was also saying that the people knew God's laws yet they continued to be a part of the world. Paul's says later in Romans that we are to be separate from the world. From the beginning Paul explains that knowing Christ is different from following him. Knowing about Jesus isn't enough. Our salvation requires us to strive to be more like Him on a daily basis.
I guess sometimes I feel like I'm ok just knowing Jesus but in reality its about striving to be more like Him. I guess I need to learn to not be content with just learning more stuff.
Anyways, I wish I had more but that's it.
Thanks for reading
-JD Wayt.
I guess I'll start with an introduction as to why I'm doing this again. I did a daily blog back in January/ February of last year and I quit because I would read my Bible and then blog right before I went to bed. More often than not, I would fall asleep while blogging, so I quit. But I went back and read them the other night and I realized that it stretched me spiritually more than I had realized.
Another reason why I started blogging again is "that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.” (Romans 1:12). I think it's important to share what we learn in The Word. Like Paul said, that we would be MUTUALLY encouraged. Not only do I want to share what I've gotten, but I also want to learn from what other people have say. (Which is why I chose Blogspot. Tumblr and WordPress don't have a comment feature.) Anytime we learn from each other, we not only become wiser, but we also build unity between others of like faith.
And of course the third and most important reason is to bring glory to God. I don't want to blog to uplift myself or make myself out to be a religious jerk. I just want to share what God has revealed to me as I go through this portion of the Bible.
Ok, so now I'll explain why I'm going through Romans. The first obvious reason is that I just finished reading through Acts again yesterday. But a bigger reason is that Romans is considered a very basic yet fundamental book of the Bible. I want to get a glimpse of fundamental Christianity, before it became a part of American culture. That's what I loved about Acts, seeing the church in a very raw form. A church that was neither contemporary nor traditional. A church that wasn't a building but a belief. Romans is the same with doctrine, it's basic Christianity untainted by politics and culture.
Well...now that I'm done with my introduction, we can move on to Romans 1.
What I did before was meditate on a particular verse or group of verses.
“Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
Paul was talking about how humanity has become more sinful. He was also saying that the people knew God's laws yet they continued to be a part of the world. Paul's says later in Romans that we are to be separate from the world. From the beginning Paul explains that knowing Christ is different from following him. Knowing about Jesus isn't enough. Our salvation requires us to strive to be more like Him on a daily basis.
I guess sometimes I feel like I'm ok just knowing Jesus but in reality its about striving to be more like Him. I guess I need to learn to not be content with just learning more stuff.
Anyways, I wish I had more but that's it.
Thanks for reading
-JD Wayt.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Well I guess I'll get started now
You know what they say, “There's no time like the present”.
So I guess I'll start with this, in 2011 I saw many ups and downs in my walk with God. I've seen some of my biggest accomplishments and also some of my biggest failures. And me being the kind of person that I am, I focused a lot on my failures.
I feel like I've completely ruined any chance of being a witness to anybody because I kept my mouth shut and went with the crowd.
And I remember thinking “God, it would be so much easier to be a light if I was perfect.”. But I know if I was perfect, no one would be able to relate to me. I've heard it said before "A wise man learns from his mistakes, an even wiser man learns from the mistakes of others”.
Maybe I'm not the wisest man on earth, and maybe every mistake I learn from will be my own, but I can promise one thing. I'm learning.
If there is one thing I've learned it's that my failures, weakness, struggles or whatever are NEVER bigger than God.
Jesus died on the cross for ALL my sins, and nothing I can do will disqualify me from what he has called me to do.
If there is one thing I can preach with clear conscience it's this: The overwhelming, unrelenting, love of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin. Christ will never give up on me.
It's times like this I remember
He loves me
He will always love me
He will love me when no one else will love me
and He will love me, even when I don't love myself.
I'm going to start blogging a daily bible study like I did before, starting with the book of Romans.
I'm excited for what God has planned in 2012!
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
So I guess I'll start with this, in 2011 I saw many ups and downs in my walk with God. I've seen some of my biggest accomplishments and also some of my biggest failures. And me being the kind of person that I am, I focused a lot on my failures.
I feel like I've completely ruined any chance of being a witness to anybody because I kept my mouth shut and went with the crowd.
And I remember thinking “God, it would be so much easier to be a light if I was perfect.”. But I know if I was perfect, no one would be able to relate to me. I've heard it said before "A wise man learns from his mistakes, an even wiser man learns from the mistakes of others”.
Maybe I'm not the wisest man on earth, and maybe every mistake I learn from will be my own, but I can promise one thing. I'm learning.
If there is one thing I've learned it's that my failures, weakness, struggles or whatever are NEVER bigger than God.
Jesus died on the cross for ALL my sins, and nothing I can do will disqualify me from what he has called me to do.
If there is one thing I can preach with clear conscience it's this: The overwhelming, unrelenting, love of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin. Christ will never give up on me.
It's times like this I remember
He loves me
He will always love me
He will love me when no one else will love me
and He will love me, even when I don't love myself.
I'm going to start blogging a daily bible study like I did before, starting with the book of Romans.
I'm excited for what God has planned in 2012!
Thanks for reading!
-JDWayt
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