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.
A blessed happy and healthy 2019 to everyone! I pray God blesses our families,our young people, our seniors,our leaders, I pray that all people will come to know Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died and rose from the grave and has forgiven us ALL our sins, past,present & future! AMAZING GRACE!
Faith is simply believing that God tells the truth!
in Jesus Name I rebuke the devil regarding a new neighbour! This new neighbour will be pleasant and willing to get along with everyone in our park, we live close together, we all need to be respectful of others regarding noise level, how we talk to one another, I am trusting the Lord to be present and to allow this new neighbour to open his heart to kindness. laughter, friendly, in Jesus Name
amen please pray for this situation God bless
Feeling saints on hands and knees in prayer, this morning (maybe on a pillow). There is nothing more wonderful than being with the Presence of the Lord in the early morning when silence abounds. Such great scripture, photos and links, this morning. Thank you in heaven, David. Wishing all saints much love, today. Oh, how God loves us so!!
And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19 ESV
Kim Walker-Smith – I Exalt Thee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMb8g8cOgE
Bless you Beverlee for posting that link. One of my favorite worship songs!
I am so thankful for David Mainse and this blog. God continues to speak to me and use David as a mentor in my life.
Oh Beverlee, my favorite song to bring one into the presense of God. Just posted it on fb for my family and friends to enjoy. The Lord woke me up early too and got on my knees. Thank you Beverlee. Used to sing this song in my home church quite often. God is so great! Amazing what it will be in heaven. Be blessed today saints and may all our problems be lifted up to Him in prayer as Abraham said, “what God has promised He is able to perform.” (Romans 4:21). Amen! I want to believe Him more.
Yes indeed, such a beautiful, worshipful song!
Oh, amen, Ger!!
Merry Christmas to all Ukrainian peoples today. Thanks to Irene I remembered:-).
The Gaithers are such blessed singers and this song seems to prove that:
https://youtu.be/U-eSX1lbaOc
What a blessing Paul turned out to be in our world. Thank u Jesus.
Have a God-filled day dear bloggers.
Be blessed Lynda! and thank you for the Gaither’s song!!
The prayer that Pastor David pray today is my prayer too and I pray for all my fellow bloggers today to have a blessed day amen
Praise God, I’m saved by Grace through Faith in Him, Helleluiah!! and Amen!!! !
Thank you Ron, Ann and Reynold for posting this manna this day; Great photos, Wonderful scripture, which expounds on the faithfulness and goodness of Our Lord and Savior!
His ways are Higher than ours and His thoughts are Higher than ours. His promises are “yes” and “Amen” Praise His Holy Name!!! He set us free to Worship and adore Him, and Glorify Him and Honor Him. He is worthy of all Praise!! Glory to God in the Highest!!
PRAISE THE LORD ALL PRAYER PARTNERS! the neighbour was very quiet today! they sure did completely gut the home,all new inside, so,I thank the Lord for speaking to his heart, I pray he will continue to be quiet before noon and I pray that I will be civil and respectful when we cross paths…..
please pray the Lord would send me the right person to rent the back room, I have a room, bath, own entrance for busy mature working person,non smoker/drinker/pets/parties/drugs! A Christian would ok, maybe a musical person, also many a missionary, I trust the Lord to bring the right person, I so desire to pay down my loan, I pray all this in Jesus Name amen
Where do you live? Have you made a posting in your church?