SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” [Matthew 28:17-20]
In Deuteronomy 1 and Matthew 28, a crossroads is described.
Moses is recalling what happened before, while Jesus is looking ahead to what was about to happen. Continue reading moving boldly forward

SCRIPTURE: Romans 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [Luke 22:31-32]
These words from Jesus offer a warning, an encouragement, and a calling.
Jesus warns Peter (and us) that we will be tested severely.
But the encouragement is that Jesus will stand by us, and that we will not fail.
The calling is to support other believers with the strength we ourselves have received. Continue reading surrounded by supporters

SCRIPTURE: Romans 15
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16]
The love of Jesus at work in and through us results in praise and conversion.
Paul talks about the ‘spirit of unity’ that results from accepting and blessing one another in Christ, despite our social, economic, racial, cultural differences.
In cosmopolitan Rome, the unifying love of Jew and Gentile (non-Jew, that is, every other race and culture) leads to glorifying God “with one heart and mouth”.
Paul’s eagerness to share the message of Jesus with non-Jews anywhere, and especially Rome, reveals the heart of God. Continue reading living the mission

SCRIPTURE: Romans 14
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” [Luke 17:1-2]
Apparently the Lord takes His concern for the ‘little ones’ VERY seriously.
Thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around the neck???
Paul elaborates on this concern in Romans 14, reminding the Jesus-followers at Rome:
• Do not judge people about disputable matters!
• Do not look down on people who practice their faith differently!
• The Lord is the judge, we are not!
• Do our utmost not to be a stumbling block for others!
• Don’t allow our ‘freedoms’ to mislead weak or immature believers!
• Do whatever we can to lead to peace and mutual edification!
• Enjoy your freedom in Christ, but do so with excessive love for others! Continue reading blessing, not judging

SCRIPTURE: Romans 13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” [Matthew 22:21]
The religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus into speaking against Rome so that He can be arrested.
Jesus’ answer is more than a clever evasion, it is a profound truth.
We live in two realities: this world as it is under sinful humanity, and this world as it is under God.
These worlds are really one, but because of sinful rebellion, we have separated them.
This is why the world is in such a mess. Continue reading a politician like Jesus

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Jesus asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” [John 8:11] 
Notice that Jesus does not tell her first to stop sinning, then He will not condemn her; rather, He does not condemn her, therefore leave the life of sin.
This is the same emphasis in Romans 12 – “in view of God’s mercy!” Continue reading in view of God’s mercy

SCRIPTURE: Romans 11
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” [Matthew 11:25]
Apparently God chooses to bypass the proud and work with the humble and lowly.
At one time, this is what the people of Israel was; but with God’s favour, they became proud and forgot that it was God’s mercy that established them.
Instead of trusting (believing in) God, they trusted (believed in) themselves.
This was the unbelief, according to Paul, that lost them their place with God. Continue reading for ALL people (including the Jews)

SCRIPTURE: Romans 10
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” [Matthew 23:37]
Can you sense the pain and sorrow in Jesus’ heart?
Paul shares this pain and sorrow [remember Romans 9:2].
But the Jews of Jesus’ day were not willing.
Not willing to receive God’s charity, they wanted to earn it on their own. Continue reading too proud to believe?

SCRIPTURE: Romans 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last.” [John 15:16]
God does what He does for a purpose.
Why does God seem to choose the least likely, and overlook the ones who expect to be favoured?
Why did Jesus bypass the religious leaders and choose these uneducated commoners and criminals (tax collector, zealot)?
Why does God turn to the Gentiles to build His church and give up on His covenant people? Continue reading chosen for a purpose

SCRIPTURE: Romans 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” [John 10:28-29]
According to Jesus, we are totally secure.
No matter what.
Paul echoes this in Romans 8, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
This is our confidence, even though for a time we may go through weakness and suffering. Continue reading nothing, no one, nada!