THE PROMISE OF GOD
Suggested Reading: Romans 4
(click scripture link to read online)
The distant dome is St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Centre of the Roman Catholic faith, St. Peter's draws pilgrims from all over the world. Few are disappointed when they enter the intricately decorated basilica beneath Michelangelo's vast dome. A shrine was erected on the site of St. Peter's tomb in the 2nd century and the first great basilica, ordered by the Emperor Constantine, was completed around AD 349. The German monk Tetzel was raising money to build the present St. Peter's Basilica by promising salvation by works (money actually), and his teaching, so contrary to the book of Romans, was a major thrust towards reformation.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 4:20-21
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Romans gives us so much excellent teaching that it is impossible to cover it properly in this 100words.ca blog. However, it might be good to review the first four chapters. Notice that the words “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” are repeated 17 times. They indicate that Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles. Key words, such as righteousness, faith, law, all, and sin appear at least 60 times in Romans. Abraham provides the great example of righteousness apart from his works, apart from circumcision, and apart from the keeping of the Law. He is known as the father of righteousness by faith for both the Jew and the non-Jew. Faith is simply believing that God tells the truth. God promised a child to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham believed that God spoke the truth. Isaac was born! Abraham’s faith was stronger than the physical fact of their old age. Abraham’s faith was stronger than the confusion and fear he must have had when God told him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. That faith was not based on Abraham himself, but on the fact that God cannot lie. God keeps His Word. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for the same gift of faith You gave Abraham. May I always take You at Your Word and act upon it. May I not stumble in unbelief but, having heard from You, may I simply obey You. In the Name of the One who always obeyed His Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I studied Romans under the teaching of Dr. Charles Ratz. His book on Romans is a classic. Before this blog is posted, I’ll check to see if it’s available for sale online (click here). There are other thorough study guides in Romans which are excellent. I recommend additional resources, like the following online Bible study tools (note the various commentaries at the end of each chapter of Romans…click here).
Jesus, in His humanity, is Jewish. You’ll remember that Jesus was circumcised when He was eight days old (Luke 2:21). The late Dr. Nelles Silverthorne, a research pediatrician at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto, was often a guest on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. He declared that the blood coagulation properties were greater at eight days than at any time before or after. He said that God’s instructions to his Jewish people were medically accurate. This man of faith raised the first oxygen tent, gave the first civiliian injection of penicillin and, among other firsts, developed the vaccine used around the world for whooping cough. Most of all, he gave a crystal clear testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ.
Yours for the righteousness which is by faith,
David
Here is an interior view of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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God’s promises are faithful, He cannot lie for it goes against His very nature! As you’ve pointed out David, “Faith is simply believing God’s truth”. This truth can be known by each of us when we read God’s word, let the Holy Spirit sink it deep into our heart and come to “truth” in the person of Jesus Christ. The Word of God states that the God’s Kingdom is not far away from each of us; I contend that it is within a whisper of a declaration of a personal belief in Jesus Christ through prayer. If you haven’t received Him as your Lord and Saviour, why not do it today?
Beautiful pictures as usual, thank you Reynold! Justification by faith and your simplified definition of Faith as believing (and trusting) that God tells the truth, are helpful reminders in our spiritual journey. Thank you David and have a great day everyone!
Dr Silverthorn was the doctor attending my sister 68 yrs ago. I met him many years later. Unfortunately he was unable to use penecilin at that time and she has suffered a lifetime of the consequences of that. He did remember my sister though when I saw him those many years later! Donna is very ill just now with the A flu – very dangerous for those who have compromized health. I love her dearly. She is a gift to our society and a strong believer. Thank you Lord.
Prayers for your sister
I agree with David, and the pictures are very beautiful Renold
I will pray also for your sister Donna and your family.
Lianne Hogg
Romans is so incredible, and today’s reading was one of the most intense; read it over and over again. There is so much to unpack and it leads to such intimate understanding of Paul. Thanks for sharing, David, who you studied Romans under, the link to Outlined Studies in Romans by Dr. Charles Ratz (will definitely be purchasing a copy); reminder of the commentaries and link to Book of Romans. I will take the time, now, to read it.
It was by no coincidence that God used Dr. Nelles Silverthorne, to be a living example of faith, in the same way He used Paul.
Wishing everyone a blessed day.
Thank you David and to you bloggers. Your comments inspire me greatly. I will pray for your sister Donna. Be blessed today in Jesus’s name.
Thank you Reynold for these, and other beautiful pics.
This Blog is like worshipping together with unseen guests.
Inspiring and beautiful. Praying for you Doreen and your
sis Donna. God bless you David for providing such rich
blessings for all of us who are taking advantage of your
knowledge and insights. Great to be a part of the family
of God!!!
Faith
Thank you David for all this food you have been sharing with us on a daily basis. My husband and I enjoy every one of them. This morning, you talked about vaccines and if I may, in the older days vaccines were for the protection of people but today, if you google the contents of any vaccine, you will notice that the vaccines are not to protect us but to sterilize our new generation. I doubt that God, the Great Physician is behind the vaccination nowadays!
http://www.vaccination.inoz.com/ingredie.html
For those interested in knowing what is the content of each and every or most vaccines we put in our babies arms or leg.
Thankyou each one you for your insights. I will be praying for Donna, please keep my Uncle Keith in your prayers as he is not doing well. God is faithful and His Truth a Treasure beyond measure!!!
Borrowing your prayer today David!!
Praying for everyone who is sick or not well today!!
Lord God, I pray for the same gift of faith You gave Abraham. May I always take You at Your Word and act upon it. May I not stumble in unbelief but, having heard from You, may I simply obey You. In the Name of the One who always obeyed His Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Nancy
Thank you Pastor David – Your blogs are so inspiring – may God continue to give you His strength and wisdom to guide all of us to be God’ true Church. Years ago I experienced a wonderful revival where God did a wonderful work amongst believers from different denominations – God’s powerful love broke down all kinds of barriers and many restorations took place. I long to experience that again so there would be unity amongst believers and be the Church Christ died for. Thanks also to the rest of the bloggers.
Dear David,
I want you to know that I am praying for your healing. I value you so much and the work of crossroads. I am one of your prayer partners who works from my home. I am praying for complete and total healing for you. We need you David and we appreciate you and all your work for God’s kingdom.
Your sister in Christ
Ruth