Monday, December 31, 2012

Romans 15

 IT'S NEW YEARS EVE!!!!!

Romans 15 first starts out by talking about how we should not be trying to please our self's, we should try to please God. It says that even Jesus did this, he was always trying to please God he never did anything to make him look good. Then it talks about how we should accepted everyone. It says: Therefore, accept each other just as Christs has accepted you so that God will be given the glory. (Romans 15:7 NLT).  I like this verse because it is how I want to be. I want to accept everyone because God has so why shouldn't I?

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone elts. (Romans 15:20 NLT). I really like this verse too because I really hope I could be like that, just tell everyone I could about God.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Romans 14

Romans 14 is another really great chapter that talks a lot about accepting others.

It starts out by talking about how we should accepted everyone and leave the judging to God. Then it starts talking about how we must live and die for God because that is what Jesus did for us. It says: Christ died and rose again for this very purpose- to be Lord of the living and of the dead. (Romans 14:9 NLT).

Then in Romans 14 it talks about how we should not judge other believers (or any one for that matter) because we are just as bad and maybe even worse then them. Then it says in verse 13: So let's stop condemning each other. Decide to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. (Romans 14:13 NLT). I really liked this verse because this is how we should live! We should not be judging others its not right we have no superiority over any one! Also we should be lifting each other up as Christians, not tearing others down.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Romans 13

Romans 13 talks a lot about trusting authority and how love is the answer.

Romans 13 starts by talking about how authority is something everyone need to honor. It says that people are put into authority roles because God wants them there, so we should honor them and do what they say. It says: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in position of authority have been placed there by God. (2) So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. (Romans 13:1-2 NLT).

Next Romans 13 talked about how love is so important. When you love your neighbor as yourself you will be fulfilling what God wants you to do. It says: For the commandments say, "you must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These- and other such commandments- are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (10) Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. (Romans 13:9-10 NLT). 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Romans 12

I really liked reading Romans 12. It had some really good things in it! 

The first thing Romans 12 talked about was how we should worship God. Then it says: Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT). This verse is talking about how when you are worshiping God it should be between you and him. You should worship to please him. Not because it is the cool thing to do. If you worship God the way that is good for you and that has an impact on you then you will please God.

Second Romans 12 talks about is how we each have different gifts. We should use these gifts to help bring glory to God. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. (Romans 12:6 NLT). What is one of your gifts?

  Third Romans 12 talks about how you should always be ready to help others and you should love others as well. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (11) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:10-11 NLT). 

The last thing Romans 12 talks about is really explaining the golden rule. It says that if someone is rude to you you should should try not to be rude back. Instead you should try to act honorable and try to help them with whatever they need. It also says that you should leave the judging to God. It says: Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." (Romans 12:20 NLT).

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Romans 11

 The first thing in Romans 11 talks about is how God did not reject his own people. It says: It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace- his undeserving kindness in choosing them. (6) And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is- free and undeserving. (Romans 11:5-6  NLT). These verses are talking about how God loves us and he will forgive us. It also talks about how we don't deserve his grace. It also talks about the people's good works are not what saves them but it is actually God's grace. Have you ever felt that you did not deserve something?
Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. (Romans 11:12 NLT). I like this verse because it talks about how if everyone accepts God then everyone will be happy and we will all be with him in heaven we also probably get way more done. Then it starts talking about how God is both kind and severe. He is kind if you trust in him but if you stop trusting him he will be angry with you.

Then it talks about how God will save everyone as long as the Gentiles come to him. It talks about how great God is because of his mercy for us. 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Romans 10

I hope everyone had a wonderful day yesterday! There is no bible study tonight. :(

The first part of Romans 10 talks about how the people did not understand God's way. They tried to reach God by following his law. Then it says: For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. (Romans 10:4 NLT). This verse is talking about how because Jesus came and died on the cross for us we don't have to follow the law. Now we just have to accepted Jesus and we will be forgiven and we will spend forever with him in heaven.

Then it stars talking about how to get saved. It says: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NLT). Then it starts talking about how we must go out and spread the word about Jesus and what he did for us. Some people may not receive the message the first time, maybe not even the third or forth time. It's all right though because it says: And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, "I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me." (Romans 10: 20 NLT). I think that this verse is talking about how when we open our self's up to God we will find that everything will work out because we will be able to trust God.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Romans 9

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I hope everyone has a great day and that we all remember what this day is truly about! Its all about Jesus and him coming for us and saving us so that we would be forgiven for our sins.

Romans 9 starts by talking about how God chose his people and what it meant to be chosen by God. Then it says: My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief (3) for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed- cut off from Christ!- if that would save them. (Romans 9:2-3 NLT). These verses talk about what someone might have to do to save someone! It also kinda talks about how we should feel when we meet someone that does not know God, we should be upset and want to do everything we can to help them find God. Then it talks about how God uses people to help him. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. (Romans 9:23 NLT).

Then in chapter 9 it talks about how the Gentiles were not following Gods standards but they were still made right with God because of their faith in God. It says: What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God's standards they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. (Romans 9:30 NLT). Has there ever been a time when your faith really helped you?

Monday, December 24, 2012

Romans 8

We are already half way done with Romans can you believe it? Thanks again to everyone who is reading and posting! Keep it up you are all doing great! :)

The first part of Romans 8 talks about how the law could not save us because of our sinful nature. So God sent his son Jesus to save us. Then it talks about how people who think of sinful things will never please God. But people who think of good things will always please God. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. (Romans 8:5 NLT). Then it says that when Jesus is with us we are forgiven, and because he is in us we belong to God. Because of this it says: And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:17 NLT).

Next it talks about how God knows about us, how he knows what we need even before we pray for it. It also talks about how God helps us in times of need. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. (Romans 8:26 NLT). Has there ever been a time when you knew you had to trust God?

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who could ever be against us? (Romans 8:31 NLT). This verse is talking about how if God is with us then we can do anything because he will take care of us. Then in chapter 8 it starts talking about how we can never be separated from the Lord.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Romans 7

We have made it through our first week of Romans! Thank you everyone who has commented! I hope everyone is learning a lot!

The first part of Romans 7 talks about how we can only try to reach God when we are alive. We can't do anything when we are dead. That is why we must do everything we can to bring glory to his name while we are alive! Have you ever done anything for God? What did you do and how did you feel afterwords? 

Then it talks about how God's law shows us what we should and should not do. It says: Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law has not said, "You must not covet." (Romans 7: 7 NLT). Have you ever heard a law and realized that if no would of told you about the law you would of broken it?

The third part of Romans 7 talks about how we as humans are slaves to sin. We can't help it we are going to sin, there is nothing we can do about it. (18) And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right but I can't. (19) I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (20) But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:18-20 NLT). Then it talks about how there is something inside of us that makes it hard for us to do the right thing. Have you ever found it really hard to do the right thing? What made it so hard?

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Romans 6

Romans 6 talks about sin.

Romans 6 starts by talking about what it means when we are baptized. Then it starts talking about how because we accepted Christ, we do everything with him. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. (Romans 6:8 NLT). Then it talks about how we should only be living for God and that sin should not be controlling our life. Then it says: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT). This verse is talking about how once we believe in God our sins are forgiven and we can live with God forever in heaven.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Romans 5

Romans 5 is another really good chapter!

This chapter starts by talking about how our faith in God is what really saves us. We also know that with God we know that when there is hard times we can give the problem to God and he will handle it. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (4) and endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (5) and this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5 NLT). This chunk of scripture is talking about how with God we don't have to worry about our problems, because when we turn them over to God we know that he will handle them. It also talks about how much our faith will grow when we trust him. The it talks about how Jesus came and died for us, which shows how much he loves us. Has there ever been a time when it was really hard to trust God with something? Why do you think it was so hard?

The next thing Romans 5 talks about is the sin that Adam brought into the world. While Adam brought sin into the world Jesus brought forgiveness into the world. Adams sin led to condemnation but Jesus' gift led to us being with God. (v 16). then it says: Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation fro everyone, but Christs one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:18).   

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Romans 4

This chapter talks all about Abraham.

The chapter opens up by talking about how Abraham was really the founder of the Jewish religion. Then it says that he was counted as righteous because of his faith in God, not because he was circumcised. It also said that this is how we are counted, by our faith in God. Then the chapter talks about the great relationship Abraham had with God. Because of his obedience to God, God promised him that he would be "the father of many nations." Verse 16 says: So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.  (Romans 4:16 NLT). This verse is talking about how everyone gets the chance to be with God, they just have to choose him and trust him. Then it talks about how much Abraham's faith grew and how much our faith will grow.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Romans 3

Romans 3 was really good too! It talked about some really important things! Also don't forget that we have bible study tonight at 6:30 and we will be covering Acts 25- Romans 3!

The first part of the chapter talks about when people are lying to you, you can always trust and count on God because he will always tell you the truth. Then the people said that their sinfulness was okay because it shows how not to act and it shows how righteous God is. (Verse 5 says this). Has there ever been a time when you gave in to peer pressure? If so how did you feel afterwords?

The second part talks about how everyone sins!
"No one is righteous- not even one. (11) No one is truly wise, no one is seeking God. (12) All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.  (13) Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongs are filled with lies. Snake venom drips from their lips, (14) Their mouth are full of cursing and bitterness. (15) They rush to commit murder. (16) Destruction and misery always follow them. (17) They don't know where to find peace. (18) They have no fear of God at all." (Romans 3:10-18 NLT). This big chunk of scripture is talking about the types of bad things we as people do. It is also talking about what will happen if we continue to do these bad things.

The last part of the chapter talked about how we can be forgiven. To be forgiven we must believe in what Jesus did for us. If it was not for Jesus we would still be getting punished because of our sins. Because of what Jesus did for us we can be with God forever after we accepted him. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, and this is true for everyone who believes no matter who we are. (Romans 3:22 NLT). What was it like for you the first time you completely trusted God with something? 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Romans 2

 Romans 2 has a lot of good things in it!

Paul starts this chapter by talking about how people can't judge other people because it is bad! Only God can and will judge people! Everyone was doing some really bad things so it was wrong for them to act like they were so good and there was nothing wrong with them. Paul then talks about how forgiving God is. Paul was trying to warn these people about the day when God would judge them for their actions. Paul talked about how angry God will get at these people: But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. (Romans 2:8 NLT).

 Next Paul talked about how these people believed that they were okay and they could teach people about God. They thought that the sins they were committing were not bad enough so they could teach others about what not to do. Paul then starts asking them questions about if what they follow what they are teaching others. Paul then tells them that they are not true Jews because their hearts are not in the right place. Verse 29: No a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circiumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's sprit. And a person with a change heart seeks praise from God not from people. (NLT). Has there ever been a time when you were trying to please someone that was not God?

Monday, December 17, 2012

Romans 1

All right time to start reading through the book of Romans! :)

Okay so Romans is written by Paul, who was chosen by God to tell the story of Jesus. God gave Paul the authority to talk to the Gentiles about what Jesus had done for them.

The next thing is that Paul writes a letter that talks about how he wants to see the Gentiles to talk to them about Jesus. He has not been able to go until know. In verse 11 it says: For I long to visit you so I can bring some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the lord. (NLT) What is one of your gifts? Have you ever thought about using it for God? Have you used it for God?

Next in Romans 1 it starts talking about how sinful the world had gotten. The people started acting as if they did not care for God at all. They never did anything for God or even worship him! Instead of worshiping him normally they started worshiping idols and doing things that were very wrong. God abandoned these people because of what they were doing. The people realized  what  they were doing was not pleasing to God but they kept doing it anyway and they encouraged others to continue to do the bad things. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were doing something wrong and you realized it but you did not stop doing the bad thing?