THE GOD OF BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES
Today’s Reading: Romans 3
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).
This is known as the Mamertine Prison. Tradition tells us that Paul and Peter were both held in this prison before they were martyred (a photo of the inside of the prison is below). Upon entering the city of Rome, “Julius, a Centurion of the Augustan Regiment” (Acts 27:1) handed Paul over to the Prefect of the Praetorian Guard (the commanding officer). The official duty of the Prefect was to keep in custody all accused persons who were to be tried before the Emperor. “Now when we came to Rome, the Centurion delivered the prisoners to the Captain of the Guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Romans 3:28 & 29
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also…
Justification (a declaration of righteousness before God) by faith was the reason given for the Protestant Reformation. The story is that Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic Priest, travelled to Rome for the purpose of gaining favour with God and an inner assurance of his salvation. He probably visited the prison pictured above. It is reported that as he ascended a stairway into a church, step by step on his knees, reciting prayers on each step, he jumped to his feet, exclaiming the Scripture, “The just shall live by faith.” He returned to Germany where he nailed his declaration of salvation by faith, and not by the keeping of the law, to the the door of a church, along with many other theses. As they say, “the rest is history.” What Luther and many others hoped would be a reformation in the Church became a high wall of division. The action of the Church courts, and unwise people on both sides of the issue, eventually produced different denominations. It could’ve been different. For example, Acts 15:1-11. Why was there not a new denomination or an independent church body formed in the first century? We may want to take time now to think about that question.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, help me to always “hold the truth in love.” I pray You will enable me to be part of resolving strongly held differences as Peter was in Acts 15. I ask for greater wisdom. You promised that if I would ask You would give wisdom liberally (James 1:5). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Paul wrote his “epistle of joy,” Philippians, from prison. I can’t imagine myself having such an overcoming experience in Christ as to be able to rejoice so enthusiastically in similar circumstances. I do know that God does give grace to endure, but seldom in advance of the trial. He does so as we have need.
Concerning divisions in the church, Jesus prayed for all who profess to follow Him, “…that they all may be one” (John 17:20-23). I have seen the power in working together for winning people to Jesus. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, many walls came down between denominations. I was asked by the Archbishop Cardinal of Toronto to preach a mission in Varsity Stadium sponsored by the Roman Catholic Arch Diocese of Toronto. Literature on the assurance of salvation by faith was distributed to thousands as they responded to my Billy Graham-style invitation. There was a strong sense that Jesus’ John 17 prayer request was being answered by the Father with a loud “Yes.” I believe that God is more than willing to continue to say “Yes” to Jesus’ prayer. I pray for much more of God’s unconditional love to expand my capacity to love and to overflow my life with His message of salvation.
Yours for an answer to Jesus’ prayer, unhindered by pride in a denomination or by human self-righteousness,
David
P.S. My eldest son, David Reynold, and his wife Kathy, live in Uganda where their mission is to be a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity among Christians in that country. Here’s a link describing their work. Please remember them in your prayers. Thank you so very much!
Inside the Mamertine Prison, this metal grate in the floor covers where the prisoners were lowered into their prison cell. The first time Paul was imprisoned he was in a private house; however, the second time he was probably here, under Nero, who had him beheaded.
Paul is my favourite. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We call for the righteousness of God to restore truth and peace in the USA and retain democracy with the upcoming inauguration of Biden. Praying for Eleanor’s husband Edward and sister Ger. Wondering where our sister Irene has been and holding her in prayer and protection. His everlasting peace be upon you, fellow saints in the Lord. Happy Birthday to Kathy Mainse, today!! 🎂 God bless you and keep you!! ✝️
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 NIV
Bless the Lord O my soul | with Lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7utzmfkQmJA
The music link plays on to the most beautiful songs.
P.S. Grateful for these photos, today, Reynold. The grate in the floor to the dark prison cell where Paul was lowered and spent his last years is so powerful and speaks to the truth of the Holy Spirit. We can rise above any despair because of the light of Christ that shines within us. Amen.
Amen!!
Beverlee thank you for your prayers for
Edward . I also have been wondering about Irene, it has been a few days since she has been on.
Have a Blessed day, Eleanor M.
Yes Beverlee. Talk about isolation. It would be a terrible shock to be kept underground not seeing any daylight. The Lord is there too though and sheltering under His Wing and praising Him, brings His glory into our circumstance. Praise God. Blessings all. Tomorrow an acquaintance (Anne) is to undergo a long awaited for, heart surgery. Praying that all goes well for this Christian lady. In Jesus Name, Amen. Love the music selection Beverlee. Thanks
Thank You, Lord God, for this day You have made. Bless all Your people today, everywhere they go, and in all they do, may You be lifted up. We do pray for righteous government in the U.S., in Canada, and throughout this world, so Godly people can share the Good News of Your gospel. Please work all things in accordance with Your will, Father, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen Rob. Amen.
Amen Rob.
Amen, Amen
Thank you Beverlee for that wonderful prayer you prayed for Natasha yesterday. I was up in the night praying so I am slow in getting around today. I believe God has heard our prayers and is going to answer them in time. I know her three siblings have had the Lord work on their behalf as well although all is not right in their lives or their parents. It burdens me that there is an epidemic of live together relationships these days. Also sin seems to increase when there is not a strong evangelical church in the community which is the case here right now. I am praying for that too. Yes, please help Eleanor’s husband Edward too Lord and the US situation today in Jesus Name, Amen. Blessings saints.
Thank you Ger for your prayers I am praying for Natasha. God heard ours prays and is faithful to answer them.Eleanor M
Happy Birthday, Anne and many, many more.
Lord God, please put an end to the violence that has erupted in Washington with rioters storming Capitol Hill. Please Lord, step into this chaos and put an end to the disruptions instigated by the outgoing President. Bring protection around those who are currently in harm’s way and watch over the police and millitary present trying to regain control. We need You Lord. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.