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Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.
—Romans 5:1-2, NLT
"Made right": Do you understand the scope and magnitude of those words? read more
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
—Romans 5:1,3-4, NLT
Made right—two powerful words that have the ability to transform lives. Our being made right is the result of God's doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. It's known as the "great substitution." Scholars say it is the theme of the book of Romans. read more
There were no blacksmiths in the land of Israel in those days. The Philistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews. ... None of the people of Israel had a sword or spear, except for Saul and Jonathan.
—1 Samuel 13:19,22, NLT
The Philistines had finally dealt the Israelites a conquering blow. To keep God's people under subjection, the victors removed all the blacksmiths from the land, hoping to paralyze the nation of Israel. In an agricultural society such as the one they lived in, the effect was devastating. read more
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
—Hebrews 11:6, NLT
Every kingdom operates on a medium of exchange. By this I am referring to what is valued as necessary for the exchanging of goods, materials or valuable items. Faith is the medium of exchange in God's kingdom. read more
Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
—Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT
Millions of Americans are angry. Some express their anger in violent outbursts of aggression. Others cover it up and silently simmer. read more
Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?
—Romans 11:33-34, NLT
The birth of Christ was one of the most carefully planned, detailed events in the history of man. It was not an afterthought or God's Plan B, as some say. read more
To all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
—Romans 1:7, NLT
Need a fresh look at God's salvation plan? Look no further than the book of Romans. It's a record of the age-old story, loaded with timeless meaning. Many believe it's the most profound of Paul's writings. read more