THE PROMISE OF GOD
Today’s Reading: Romans 4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The distant dome is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. 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 (an interior photo is below). A memorial structure 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. In the early 1500’s, the German monk Tetzel was raising money to build the present St. Peter’s Basilica by promising salvation by works (money actually), and the reaction to his teaching, which was 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, and apart from the keeping of the Law, which was not given until 500 years later. 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 eventually 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, was 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 old 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.
The key verse is a good one to claim in our life’s journey and have done so. Took a trip to England and to seven European countries in 1970 so have been to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. We owe a lot to the late Dr. Nelles Silverthorne and thanks for sharing Pastor David. Check yesterday’s blog Beverlee. God bless all of you.
Amen, Ger! 🙂
I prayed your prayer for today Pastor Mainse.
Praying for all on this blog that our Lord Jesus Christ’s Will be done
on earth as it is in heaven, Amen!
God knows what’s best for everyone. Praise His Holy Name, Amen!
The photos are stunning! Did today’s bible study very early, this morning, and read Matthew Henry’s commentary on Romans 4:23-25. Then, went out for the morning on an unexpected journey, which was refreshing. When I came back, I read everything over again. The commentary had the same impact; I recommend the read; here is the link to it:
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Rom.4.23-Rom.4.25
The very ending: “So that upon the whole matter it is very evident that we are not justified by the merit of our own works, but by a fiducial obediential dependence upon Jesus Christ and his righteousness, as the condition on our part of our right to impunity and salvation, which was the truth that Paul in this and the foregoing chapter had been fixing as the great spring and foundation of all our comfort.”
Fiducial: based on or having trust in God
Obediential: according to a rule of obedience
Dependence: reliance on someone or something for support
Based on our having trust in God, and according to a rule of being obedient to Him, we have a right to rely on Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit for support in life. What could be more powerful than that, saints? Wishing all a splendid day, in the Lord!
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
Psalm 62:5 NLT
Jesus I Need You – Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKM-8CZRplI
The photos are stunning! Did today’s bible study very early, this morning, and read Matthew Henry’s commentary on Romans 4:23-25. Then, went out for the morning on an unexpected journey, which was refreshing. When I came back, I read everything over again. The commentary had the same impact; I recommend the read; here is the link to it:
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Rom.4.23-Rom.4.25
The very ending: “So that upon the whole matter it is very evident that we are not justified by the merit of our own works, but by a fiducial obediential dependence upon Jesus Christ and his righteousness, as the condition on our part of our right to impunity and salvation, which was the truth that Paul in this and the foregoing chapter had been fixing as the great spring and foundation of all our comfort.”
Fiducial: based on or having trust in God
Obediential: according to a rule of obedience
Dependence: reliance on someone or something for support
Based on our having trust in God, and according to a rule of being obedient to Him, we have a right to rely on Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit for support in life. What could be more powerful than that, saints? Wishing all a splendid day, in the Lord!
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
Psalm 62:5 NLT
Jesus I Need You – Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKM-8CZRplI
Thankful again for the truth of God’s word. Such assurance this chapter gives. Praise to the Lord forever.
Thank you Father Abraham…for your trust and faith in God’s Promises…that they are Yay and Amen!!
Love the photo’s and the intricate design!! thank you Reynold!! And thank you Pastor David for emphasizing that Abraham’s faith was before circumcision!! Not by works, but faith in God!!