Bible League: Living His Word For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.— Romans 1:11-12 NKJV Before his journey to Rome, the Apostle Paul was already in touch with the Christian congregation there. In his letter to the Romans, he expresses his strong desire to visit them in person. According to verse 8, the faith of the Romans is “spoken of throughout the whole world.” What a powerful testimony! No wonder Paul expects in verse 11 that he will be encouraged by the planned visit. In my role at Bible League, I have the tremendous privilege of visiting the ministry field and witnessing the Lord’s work. When I travel, today’s verses never fail to come true. Coming from the Netherlands and belonging to a denomination that has been around for multiple centuries, it is refreshing to visit young churches that so often resemble the New Testament’s congregations in zeal, commitment, and fire. Indeed, being part of the international Body of Christ is a bottomless source of amazement and gratitude. Gaps in culture, wealth, language, and forms of worship can be wide, but the mutual faith Paul refers to bridges them all. Whenever you meet over an open Bible, differences disappear. Local believers in remote places of underdeveloped countries often tell me how much they appreciate that someone from Western Europe takes the trouble to visit them. It helps them feel connected to the global Body of Christ. I always respond that the feeling of encouragement is mutual. In fact, I often think I can learn more from them than they can from me. Their hospitality, generosity, frankness, and sheer passion for Christ are so humbling. Here in Holland, churches are rapidly declining in number. The secular worldview gains more and more ground. Maybe, where you are, there are also reasons to be deeply concerned about the state of the Church. It can be persecution or the seemingly unbreakable strongholds of false religion. If that is the case, I encourage you to hold on to the reassuring knowledge of belonging to the global Body of Christ and that Jesus is the Lord of His Church. Look at what the Lord is doing around the world and feel the encouragement of our mutual faith. The good Lord has given us spiritual gifts to establish one another. Who can you encourage today by sharing the love of Christ? By Anton de Vreugd, Bible League International staff, the Netherlands Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingExodus 34, 35, 36 Exodus 34 -- Tablets Replaced; Covenant Renewed; Radiant Face of Moses NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Exodus 35 -- Sabbath Rules; Workmen and Gifts for the Tabernacle NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Exodus 36 -- Bezalel and Oholiab; Gifts; Tabernacle Construction NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Matthew 23:1-22 Matthew 23 -- Woes Pronounced on Pharisees; Lament over Jerusalem NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion I will thank the LORD because he is just;I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. Insight During a time of great evil and injustice, David was grateful that God is righteous. When we wonder if anyone is honest or fair, we can be assured that God will continue to bring justice and fairness when we involve him in our activities. Challenge If you ever feel that you are being treated unfairly, ask the one who is always fair and just to be with you. Then thank him for his presence. Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Joshua 20:3 Your refuge from the avenger of blood.It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged, that any man might reach one of them within half a day at the utmost. Even so the word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way to him is short; it is but a simple renunciation of our own merit, and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all. With regard to the roads to the city of refuge, we are told that they were strictly preserved, every river was bridged, and every obstruction removed, so that the man who fled might find an easy passage to the city. Once a year the elders went along the roads and saw to their order, so that nothing might impede the flight of any one, and cause him, through delay, to be overtaken and slain. How graciously do the promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way! Wherever there were by-roads and turnings, there were fixed up hand-posts, with the inscription upon them--"To the city of refuge!" This is a picture of the road to Christ Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is no obeying this, that, and the other; it is a straight road: "Believe, and live." It is a road so hard, that no self-righteous man can ever tread it, but so easy, that every sinner, who knows himself to be a sinner may by it find his way to heaven. No sooner did the man-slayer reach the outworks of the city than he was safe; it was not necessary for him to pass far within the walls, but the suburbs themselves were sufficient protection. Learn hence, that if you do but touch the hem of Christ's garment, you shall be made whole; if you do but lay hold upon him with "faith as a grain of mustard seed," you are safe. "A little genuine grace ensures The death of all our sins." Only waste no time, loiter not by the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot; and it may be he is at your heels at this still hour of eventide. Daily Light on the Daily Path Psalm 69:26 For they have persecuted him whom You Yourself have smitten, And they tell of the pain of those whom You have wounded.Zechariah 1:15 "But I am very angry with the nations who are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they furthered the disaster." Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. James 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Romans 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 1 Corinthians 13:4,6 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, • does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
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