good news – Page 2 – Be Still…

Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed

^“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Paul’s declaration is bold during a time when it wasn’t the most popular thing to be a follower of Christ. This is the verse that solidifies for us the assurance that we, too, as Gentiles, are welcome to follow Jesus and receive the salvation he promised.

Context (Romans 1:13-17): Paul’s message to the church in Rome starts with Paul building rapport with them, sharing how eager he is to see them and share the Good News. It sounds like Rome was a Gentile community of believers for the most part. Paul’s acknowledgement would have been very powerful for the Gentiles to be sharing with the Jews in salvation. Continue reading “Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed”

Ezekiel 22:1-16 – Are You Ready?

Read Ezekiel 22:1-16

The Sovereign LORD has been giving Ezekiel many messages of doom and gloom. Ezekiel’s homeland is about to be under attack, orchestrated by God himself. How do you think Ezekiel was feeling? Do we ever question what a prophet must be thinking?

God asks Ezekiel the question in this reading. “Son of man, are you ready to judge Jerusalem?” There must be a myriad of emotions coursing through Ezekiel. After all, Ezekiel is already living in exile in Babylon. His own personal capture and removal from Jerusalem has happened, and he is still alive. Everything that is about to happen to Jerusalem must seem so far away! Continue reading “Ezekiel 22:1-16 – Are You Ready?”

Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares

Read Ezekiel 9:1-11

It’s hard to read about God calling for the slaughter of his people. On the other hand, Ezekiel tells us that some were spared by receiving a special mark. Who were those fortunate few? The faithful ones who were true to God despite all the idolatrous living going on around them.

The LORD said to the man dressed in linen, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.” Do you ever find yourself overcome with emotion because of what you see happening in the world? Would you be one of those spared because you share the heart of God? Some find it easy to look the other way and call it “tolerance.” Is that the way God wants us to be? This passage would suggest not. Continue reading “Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares”

Mark 16:9-20 – Go!

Read Mark 16:9-20

Bible scholars point out that this passage is not included in the best manuscripts of Mark’s gospel, was not written by Mark, and does not have the same “feel” of the rest of the gospel. However, there is nothing wrong with the message. It appears to be a gathering of details found in other gospels and even the book of Acts. Yet, inquiring minds continue to ponder the inclusion of this ending.

For whatever reason this passage is included in God’s Word, so let’s reflect on the message it brings to us today. We see that (1) the pattern of unbelief when first hearing of Jesus’ resurrection, (2) Jesus makes several appearances and then ascends to heaven, and (3) our call to the mission field is included. All in all, it’s a very nice closure to the gospel giving us the next steps we need to move forward on our own faith journey.

Mark 8:27-30 – Peter Gets It Right

Read Mark 8:27-30

If you had to respond to Jesus that day on the road outside Galilee, how would you describe Jesus? Now think about how you would introduce Jesus to your friends.

I’ve always perplexed over the disciples’ response that some say Jesus was John the Baptist. Followers of John would have heard the message that someone else was coming, far greater than John himself. In fact, it was John’s job to prepare the way for Jesus, not himself.