Faithful to the End

Paul now transitions to the results of being declared righteous through faith in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. This passage begins a section in Romans (chs. 5-8) that will describe the transformation that should be a reality in the life of every person who has been declared righteous by God. Paul begins with the peace that we now enjoy with God through Jesus, a peace that leads to grace...

As we continue the third vision recorded in Daniel 9, again Gabriel comes to Daniel to delivery the message from God. Here we have the prophecy of Seventy weeks coming in the future for Israel, for the people of God and for the city of God. There seem to be definite implications about the coming Messiah, Jesus, his crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem. The purpose for this message is anoth...

The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational element of the gospel of Jesus as Paul explains it throughout Romans. This begins immediately in the introduction of this letter ( Romans 1:3-4 ). The resurrection of Jesus vindicates everything that Jesus claimed to be and he is vindicated by God, in the resurrection. His resurrection also guarantees everything that God has promised to you. You will be...

As the third prophetic vision of Daniel begins, the confessional petition of Daniel for his people precedes the vision. This prayer magnificently demonstrates the biblical approach to God in prayer. Daniel acknowledges the name and character of God throughout the prayer. He references the truth of God as it is revealed to his people and recorded for them in Scripture. He also contrasts the glory o...

Paul continues his discussion of being declared righteous. The law, your association with the law, does not make you righteous. Being declared righteous is based on faith in God, believing that God raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus died in our place, for our sins. Abraham continues to be the example that demonstrates that God declares us righteous by faith. You can believe & you must trust...

Daniel 8 continues with the prophecy of the Medo-Persian empire and the Grecian Empire. The prophecy includes coming persecution for the people of God under one of the kings that would come from the Greek Empire. Once again, the theme of Daniel comes out, our God and his kingdom will triumph over all! We can rest in God, even during political turmoil. Our God will triumph, trust him - he can be tr...

As Paul continues to explain the truth of the gospel and the truth of being declared righteous apart from any work or personal merit, he turns to the life of Abraham as the perfect illustration. Paul addresses misconceptions about Abraham and asserts that he is the father of all who believe in Jesus. This discussion about being declared righteous comes back to faith. You can only be declared right...

Mark offers his account of the rich young ruler here in his gospel. This account is given in all three of the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). This young man was seeking, he comes to Jesus seeking to know how he can have eternal life. He acknowledges who Jesus is, calling him good, a description that Jesus himself describes as characteristic of God alone. Jesus addresses the misconception o...

Here Paul turns from his descriptions of the sinfulness of humanity, both (3:9-20) Jews (2:1-29) and Gentiles (1:18-32). Now, he begins to build his explanation of deliverance from sin. The problem for every person, everywhere is sin, but Paul offers the hope that is available in Jesus through faith. The remedy for sin is not found within, it is found in Jesus alone by faith. God sent Jesus to liv...

The Book of Daniel now turns to the visions of Daniel. These visions are each prophetic. The first is a vision of the four earthly kingdoms and the ultimate victory of the kingdom of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom and every ruler from all time will yield to him and serve him. Here Daniel sees the four prominant kingdoms of earth. From the final kingdom rises an oppressor, who wil...

As Paul brings his argument about the sin of both Jews and Gentiles, he presents an undeniable case of the sinfulness of all humanity. No matter who you are, no matter where you're from, where you grew up or what your nationality may be - you have sinned and are guilty before God. Paul presents this case clearly and undeniably throughout this section of Romans. Despite our guilt of sin before...

In Daniel 6, we may have the most famous text in the entire prophecy of Daniel. It is often perceived to be a passage for children or Sunday School, but in truth, it is a passage that offers each believer great hope in the power of God and his sovereign control over all things. Daniel continues his theme of God's power and reign over the arrogant, God-denying leaders of mankind. Here Daniel is...

Here Paul continues to address the relationship of the Jews with God, a relationship that has been defined by their covenant relationship with him. Paul addresses their likely thought in response to Chapter 2: Why do we deserve the same judgment as unrighteous Gentiles who do not have a covenant relationship with God? Paul addresses this through 4 sets of 2 questions (v. 1, 3, 5, 7-8). Paul assert...

As the book of Daniel continues in the narrative accounts, we're given the account of Belshazzar and God writing on the wall. It begins with Belshazzar taking the vessels from the Jewish temple and worshipping his gods, while drinking out of them. Then a human hand appears and begins writing on the wall. Belshazzar is overwhelming with terror, but his mother comes in to the feast and tells him...

As Paul continues to build his case of the sinfulness of even the Jews, he uses the judgment of God, the obedience of the law and the danger of hypocrisy. Paul brings Jews to the same sins as the Gentiles, through his hypothetical questions. He challenges them about not knowing God as much as they perceive they do. He challenges them of being enamored with possessions (stealing). He challenges the...

Here in Daniel 4, we have a unique look into the power of God over the affairs of humanity. God again communicates his truth with Nebuchadnezzar through a dream. This time the truth is directly related to Nebuchadnezzar and his rule as King of Babylon. Through his dream, God informs him that he is going to experience a 7 year period of exile, living as an animal in the wild, among the animals. Thi...

As chapter 2 begins, Paul turns to address his Jewish brethren he focuses in on their perceptions of themselves and their relationship with God based on their reception of his word, the law of Moses. Paul addresses this subject as if he is speaking to an individual with the opposing viewpoint. Paul begins by asserting that God's righteous judgment will still fall on those who perceive themselv...

As Paul continues to address the fallen condition of humanity, he continues to offer the depths of our sin. We are sinners by nature. Our sin is evident in our denial of God as creator. As Paul describes our sin, he addresses both the idolatry of immorality and the broad implications of sin, including our sin against our fellow man and against God. The depths of human sinfulness is alarming, but t...

As the narrative accounts of Daniel continue, the three friends of Daniel are tested when the command to bow before a statue if given. As this account unfolds, once again, the message is clear - the power of our God far exceeds the power of earthly kings or kingdoms. This powerful God is present with us, his people today, and his power is available to you! Daniel records events of the captivity of...

As Paul begins his explanation and defense of the gospel, he begins with the problem of every single human being that has ever lived - sin. Sin prevents us from acknowledging God as we ought to and from giving him the thanks he is due. Sin clouds our ability to clearly see what matters and why it matters. Sin brings the wrath of God on humanity; however, there is hope, through Jesus, you can be re...

The narrative section of Daniel continues with the account of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. He asks the wise men of Babylon to give him the dream and the interpretation, they cannot, but Daniel prays to God and because he is supreme in power, wisdom and knowledge, he can and does. Daniel offers a prayer of praise and thanks to God for his answer - rehearsing the attributes of God that set him far a...

As Paul continues his letter to the Romans, he reminds them of his prayers for them, including his prayers of thanks for them. He explains his desire to come to them and minister to them and for them to minister to him. Paul expresses his desire to proclaim the gospel to them and the proceeds to give a statement about the gospel. Paul asserts that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Paul goes on to d...

Brett Stowe shared with us the ministry of Jesus to the demoniac in Mark 5. No one can control this man, they've chained him and he's broken free, but Jesus has all authority and the man runs to Jesus and falls down before him. Despite the loss of an enormous herd of pigs - Jesus demonstrates that people matter more than financial or monetary assets. After being freed by Jesus, the demonia...

Paul begins Romans, his largest, letter with a longer introduction than he offers in his other letters throughout the New Testament. This introduction presents the triune work and provision of the gospel for mankind. The gospel begins with God, Jesus comes as a man to carry it out and the Spirit demonstrates through the resurrection that Jesus is indeed God. In his grace, God offers us an escape f...

As Daniel begins, we have the account of Daniel and his three companions being carried away into Babylon. The intention of the king of Babylon is to reorient and adjust their identity to be Babylonian rather than that of their native land. He seeks to accomplish this by reeducation these intelligent young men, he also provides them different food and by changing their names to identify them with t...