Dedicate your gifts to God's service. (Romans 12:4-8)

Romans 12:4-8


New Living Translation (NLT)




⁴ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ⁵ so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

⁶ 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. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

 

 

 

God gives us gifts so we can build up His church. To use them effectively, we must 1.) realize that all gifts and abilities come from God; 2.) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; 3.) know who we are and what we do best; 4.) dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our own personal success; 5.) be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God's service.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5)

Romans 12:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ⁵ so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

 

Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)

Romans 12:1-2

New Living Translation (NLT)

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² 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.

 

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave us His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation cannot be earned. (Romans 11:6)

Romans 11:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Do you think it's easier for God to love you when you're good? Do you secretly suspect that God chose you because you deserved it? Do you think some people's behavior is so bad that God couldn't possibly save them? If you ever think this way, you don't entirely understand that salvation is by grace, it's a free gift. It cannot be earned, in whole or in part, it can only be accepted with thankfulness and praise.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. (Romans 10:8-12)

Romans 10:8-12

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.

Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" These verses give you the beautiful answer - salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you stumble over Christ? (Romans 9:32-33)

Romans 9:32-33

Amplified Bible (AMP)


 

³² For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone.
³³ As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.




The "stumbling stone" was Jesus. The Jews did not believe in Him, because He didn't meet their expectations for the Messiah. Some people still stumble over Christ because salvation by faith doesn't make sense to them. They would rather try to earn their way to God, or else they expect God to simply look over their sins. Others stumble over Christ because His values are the opposite of the world's. He asks for humility, and many are unwilling to humble themselves before Him. He requires obedience, and many refuse to put their wills at His disposal.





Joe


















 

We are the Master's children. (Romans 8:14-17)

Romans 8:14-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.




We are no longer cringing and fearful slaves, instead, we are the Master's children. What a privilege! Because we are God's children, we share in great treasures as co-heirs. God has already given us His best gifts; His Son, forgiveness, and eternal life; and He encourages us to ask Him for whatever we need.


Joe





 

Freedom through Jesus Christ. (Romans 7:23-25)

Romans 7:23-25

New International Version (NIV)


 

²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.



This inward struggle with sin was as real for Paul as it is for us. From Paul we learn what to do about it. Whenever Paul felt lost, he would return to the beginning of his spiritual life, remembering that he had already been freed by Jesus Christ. When you feel confused and overwhelmed by sin's appeal, follow Paul's example: thank God that He has given you freedom through Jesus Christ. Let the reality of Christ's power lift you up to real victory over sin.




Joe

Overcome Temptation. Romans 5:17

Romans 5:17 

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! 

What a promise this is to those who love Christ! We can reign over sin's power, over death's threats, and over Satan's attacks. Eternal life is ours now and forever. In the power and protection of Jesus Christ, we can overcome temptation .

Joe 

Joe

 

  

Joe

 

Because He loved us ! Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

"While we were still sinners" - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return.

Joe

 

  

Joe

 

Justified. (Romans 3:24)

Romans 3:24 

and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

Justified means to be declared not guilty. When a judge in a courtroom declares someone not guilty, all the charges are removed from his record. Legally, it is as if the person had never been accused. When God forgives our sins, our record is wiped clean. From His perspective, it is as though we had never sinned.

Joe

  

Your life should reflect God. Romans 2:23-24

Romans 2:23-24 

You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” 

If you claim to be one of God's people, your life should reflect what God is like. When you disobey God , you dishonor His name. What do people think about God from watching your life.

Joe

  

 

Support your own ministry like Paul. (Acts 20:33-34)

On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, Joseph Menei <joemenei@gmail.com> wrote:

 

  Acts 20:33-34 

 

"I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 

 

You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 

Paul was satisfied with whatever he had, wherever he was, as long as he could do God's work. Examine your attitudes toward wealth and comfort. If you focus more in what you don't have than on what you do have, it's time to reexamine your priorities and put God's work back in first place. 

 

Paul was a tent maker, and he supported himself with this trade. Paul worked not in order to become rich, but to be free from being dependent on anyone. He supported himself and others who traveled with him.

Joe

 

 

 

What you get out of life vs. what you put in. Acts 20:24

Acts 20:24

 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. 

We often feel that life is a failure unless we're getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God's work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Which is more important to you, what you get out of life, or what you put into it?

  

Joe

 

Witness, it's worth the effort! Acts 17:32-34

Acts 17:32-34 

When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 

Paul's speech received a mixed reaction: some laughed, some kept searching for more information, and a few believed. Don't hesitate to tell others about Christ because you fear that some will not believe you. Don't expect a unanimously positive response to your witnessing. Even if only a few believe, it's worth the effort.

Joe

Check what you hear. (Acts 17:11)

Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 

How do you evaluate sermons and teachings? The people in Berea opened the scriptures for themselves and searched for truths to verify or disprove the message they heard. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A preacher or teacher who gives God's true message will never contradict or explain away anything that is found in God's Word.

Joe

Spread His Good News (Acts 17:6)

Acts 17:6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁶ Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too.





What a reputation these early Christians had! The power of the gospel revolutionized lives, broke down all social barriers, threw open prison doors, caused people to care deeply for one another, and stirred them to worship God. Our world needs to be turned upside down, to be transformed. The gospel is not in the business of merely improving programs and encouraging good conduct, but of dynamically transforming lives. Take courage and ask God how you can help spread His Good News all over your world.





Joe














 

Introduce your family to Jesus. (Acts 16:31-34)

Acts 16:31-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” ³² And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. ³³ Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. ³⁴ He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.



Paul and Silas took the family unit seriously. So the offer of salvation was made to the jailer's entire household - family and servants. Yet it was not the jailer's faith that saved them; they all needed to come to Jesus in faith and believe in Him in the same way the jailer had. Yet his entire family did believe and all were saved. Pray that God will use you to introduce Jesus to your family and that they will come to believe in Him.



Joe





















 

Variety ! (Acts 13:1)

Acts 13:1

New King James Version (NKJV)



 

13 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.



What variety there is in the church! The common thread among these 5 men was their deep faith in Christ. We must never exclude anyone whom Christ has called to follow Him.




Joe













 

You can't afford to wait ! (Acts 12:23)

Acts 12:23

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²³ Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.




Herod died a horrible death accompanied by intense pain; he was literally eaten alive, from the inside out, by worms. To be eaten by worms was considered to be one of the most disgraceful ways to die. Pride is a serious sin, and in this case, God chose to punish it immediately. God does not immediately punish all sin, but He will bring all to judgment. Accept Christ's offer of forgiveness today. No one can afford to wait.



Joe












 

Don't be surprised; be thankful! (Acts 12:11-15)

Acts 12:11-15

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

¹² When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. ¹³ He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”

¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”


The prayers of the group of believers were answered, even as they prayed. But when the answer arrived at the door, they didn't believe it. We should be people of faith who believe that God answers the prayers of those who seek His will. When you pray, believe you'll get an answer. And when the answer comes, don't be surprised; be thankful.


Joe










 

Pray with Confidence (Acts 12:5)

Acts 12:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

⁵ But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.



Herod's plan undoubtedly was to execute Peter, but the believers were praying for Peter's safety. The earnest prayers of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. Prayer changes things, so pray often and with confidence.




Joe
















 

Give God the Glory ! (Acts 10:25-26)

Acts 10:25-26

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!”




This act of worship could have caused Peter to become arrogant. After all, a Roman centurion was bowing before him. Instead, Peter pointed Cornelius to Christ. We too should remember our mortality whenever we are flattered or honored, and use the opportunity to give glory to God.




Joe















 

Are you a Barnabas? (Acts 9:26-27)

Acts 9:26-27

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²⁶ When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! ²⁷ Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.




It is difficult to change your reputation, and Saul had a terrible reputation with the Christians. But Barnabas, a Jewish convert, became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. New Christians need sponsors, people who will come alongside, encourage, teach, and introduce them to other believers. Find ways that you can become a Barnabas to new believers.



Joe











 

Suffering for Christ (Acts 9:15-16)

Acts 9:15-16

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”




Faith in Christ brings great blessings but often great suffering too. Paul would suffer for his faith. God calls us to commitment, not to comfort. He promises to be with us through suffering and hardship, not to spare us from them.



Joe




















 

Spectacular or Quiet ? (Acts 9:2-5)

Acts 9:2-5

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
³ As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
⁵ “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!



As Saul traveled to Damascus, pursuing Christians, he was confronted by the risen Christ and brought face to face with the truth of the gospel. Sometimes God breaks into a life in a spectacular manner, and sometimes conversion is a quiet experience. Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you.




Joe



















 

If you don't understand...ask. (Acts 8:30-31)

Acts 8:30-31

New International Version (NIV)

 

³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.



The eunuch asked Philip to explain a passage of Scripture that he did not understand. When we have trouble understanding the Bible, we should ask others to help us. We must never let our insecurity or pride get in the way of understanding God's Word.



Joe















 

Is God preparing you for something special? (Acts 8:4)

Acts 8:4

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁴ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.




Persecution forced the believers out of their homes in Jerusalem, and along with them went the gospel. Sometimes we have to be uncomfortable before we'll move. We may not want to experience it, but discomfort may be the best thing for us because God may be working through our hurts. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful circumstances, stop and ask if God might be preparing you for a special task.



Joe















 

Ripples on a pond. (Acts 6:7)

Acts 6:7

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁷ So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.




The word of God spread like ripples on a pond where, from a single center, each wave touches the next, spreading wider and farther. The gospel still spreads this way today. You don't have to change the world single-handedly - it is enough to be part of the wave, touching those around you, who in turn will touch others until all have felt the movement. Don't ever feel that your part is insignificant or unimportant.




Joe
















 

Offer your gifts to God. (Acts 6:2-4)

Acts 6:2-4

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

² So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. ³ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. ⁴ Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”



As the early church increased in size, so did its needs. One great need was to organize the distribution of food to the poor. The apostles needed to focus on preaching, so they chose others to administer the food program. Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the church. If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help. If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church's ministry. Offer theses gifts in service to Him.



Joe