Saturday, January 5, 2013

ROME

Suggested Reading: Romans 1-2

(click scripture link to read online)

 

The Roman Colosseum is a tremendous amphitheater, the embodiment of both the grandeur and cruelty of the great Roman Empire. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum hosted spectacular games that included gladiator exhibitions, fights between animals, prisoner executions and, strangely enough, naval battles. Untold thousands of humans and animals met their ends within this popular attraction of ancient Rome.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Romans 1:7

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints…

“All” – could it be that would even include the Emperor? It would be 300 years yet before Emperor Constantine became a believer in Jesus. There was a great deal of work to do in the meantime. The Apostle Paul, writer of the book of Romans, begins here with the Jewish people who lived in Rome. It is believed that Paul wrote to the Romans in 56 A.D. from Corinth during his third missionary journey. It is not his first letter to the churches, but it is placed first because of its length and its vital importance to the understanding of salvation. Millions of people have followed “The Roman Road” to a personal faith in Jesus. The mileposts on the road are: (1) Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned.” Confess that we are sinners in need of the Saviour. (2) Romans 6:23 – “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Receive God’s gift by confessing that we have received Jesus into our lives. (3) Romans 10:9-10 – Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and tell someone that we have received Him, believed in Him, and that we now believe we have eternal life in Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I am walking “The Roman Road” again today. I confess before You my faith in You, and I commit to You that when others rise from sleep, I’ll seek an opportunity to confess You with my mouth. Keep me daily, I pray, in the centre of Your will and purpose for me as a believer. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

It is believed that for a person in a coma, hearing is the last sense to go. The person cannot confess with their mouth, and I’ve told several in comatose states to think their confession. I’ve seen eye movement that I think may indicate they’ve done it. As well, I’ve sought to minister to stroke victims who can’t speak, and they’ve confessed by nodding their heads. Some totally deaf people may not be able to speak a clear confession with their mouths, but have no doubt about it, their expressions of joy tell the story of their faith. For me, the moment I confessed Jesus with my mouth, I knew I was right with God. Just to confirm that faith, the next day, after I went forward at an evangelist’s call, was a Saturday. This 16 year old went to the creek behind the house where I was living, and over and over as I walked along, I repeated John 6:37. “You said, Lord Jesus, that if I come to You, You would receive me. I’ve come to You. I believe in You. I know that You have received me.” By repeating that several times, it finally got through to my entire being. I’ve never doubted my salvation since that time 60 years ago. Hallelujah!

Yours for all who are in Rome (our key verse) and for all who are in Burlington (where I am right now), and for all who are in the places where this blog is being read (where you are),

David

REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”

20 thoughts on “Saturday, January 5, 2013

  1. Salvation isn’t far from each of us, even at this moment, it’s not too late. As David said “I’ve never doubted my salvation since that time, 60 years ago”. I remember thinking to myself, wouldn’t it be great to know where we go when we die? 30 years ago I put that issue to rest; like David I too can declare that I’ve never doubted my salvation since that time. Jesus can renew the spirit, give hope, change the thinking, give new life, offer an eternal home, and give rest to a weary heart. Travel the ‘Roman Road’ as David suggests, you won’t be disappointed, it’s the ultimate journey of a lifetime and a road to righteousness in Christ Jesus.

  2. Just love seeing through the eyes of Paul in Romans, and picturing being there, through the gift of the photos (thank you, Reynold). The apostle, Paul’s words, move me the most.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

    • “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’

  3. Saint Paul never ceases to amaze me in his wisdom and forthrightness. The scripture, verse 25 “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator …” stood out for me. So much awe and beauty in all creation, not to see our Creator having created such! Thank you, Lord.

  4. Amen and Amen
    Hi David
    please keep writing as you do I am reading blog every day about 7AM–
    Roman,s are one of mine favorite Scriptures
    Are you comming to Lakeland soon Hope to see you

    Zeljko
    Ex Cyclist Now running the race — for incoruptible crown (Trophies ) and your blog is helping me rightly dividing a Word of God to finish the race for HIS
    GLORY
    ALLELUA and PTL

    AMAZING GRACE

    Zeljko

  5. As a pastor to Senior’s, I have experienced exactly what you said about eyes and expressions even though speech and physical movement was impossible. I believe the Lord directed me, that should I be in that situation someday, have a cross tattooed on my left underside forearm and a bible on the right wrist to be a witness to the hospital caregivers if I can’t speak. Like you David, I am 75, and would never have thought of doing this until a few palliative visits that I did this past year.

  6. Colleen, it is a privilege to pray for each other. I pray that your
    uncle Keith will have the peace of God ruling His heart and mind,
    that He would be strengthened and healed and know the
    abiding comfort that the Holy Spirit gives in difficult circum-
    stances. God bless you and family members as well.
    Thank you, friends who blog, and prayed for our granddaughter
    Kylie, and for your words of encouragement.
    Faith

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