Day 62 - Romans 16:24 - 16:27 - ROMANS CHALLENGE COMPLETE!!!

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. 27 All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.

Terrie's Comments:

It has always been about Jesus.  I love how simple the good news is.  

We have now reached the end of Romans... tomorrow we begin a new challenge!!

Tori's Comments:

God makes us strong.

God planned to make a way before humanity took it's first breath. I think that'a beautiful.

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!

Day 61 - Romans 16:17 - 16:23

17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

22 I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.

23 Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.

Tori's Comments:

This is why bible reading is so important. I can be rooted in the truth, and know right from wrong in these sort of situations. Keeping the gospel in my heart and on my mind is a priority!

Terrie's Comments:

Knowing the truth is the only way to know if you are being deceived.  If we are to stay innocent of any wrong we need to remain in the word of God always... this is a never ending task.  After 30 years of reading my Bible, I still feel like each time I read through the scriptures the Holy Spirit reveals more to me.  

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!

Day 60 - Romans 16:3 - 16:16

3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.

14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

Terrie's Comments:

Today I think the one thing that stands out is the reference to churches meeting at houses.  It seems that within the Roman church there were several meeting places that were all connected.  Verse 5 "the church that meets in their home"... Verse 14 "the brothers and sisters that meet with them"... Verse 15 "all the believers who meet with them."  Paul encourages comradary among the churches by the way he words his letter to the Romans.  

What can I do better to encourage unity in the body of Christ among the churches?

Tori's Comments:

"They once risked their lives for me" (vs.3) intriguing...

I feel as though the point of all of these acknowledgements is to encourage them even more. Like how when a teacher tells a student "good job", not only does the student feel happy, but they also want to continue in their good work.

It also has me wondering how often I tell people important to me WHY I appreciate them. 

Anyone else sometimes take loved ones for granted? I feel like going and being an encouragement to every one of them right now!! 😊

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!

Day 59 - Romans 16:1 - 16:2

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

Tori's Comments:

I don't have much to say about this passage but that I really like how much he lavishes his statements in love and kindness. Do I talk about our brothers and sisters in Christ that way?

Terrie's Comments:

So much to learn from this passage.  Paul built Pheobe up with the church so that they were going to welcome her openly.  I feel like in our culture we tend to talk more about people flaws than their strengths.  I have no doubt that Pheobe wasn't perfect but Paul chose to honor her and set her up to be honored when she entered the church in Rome.  

Also, as a female Pheobe was a deacon in the church.  She was a part of the leadership and direction of the church in Cenchrea.  Since part of the requirement of those who are in leadership was to be filled with the Holy Spirit, along with Paul's description of Pheobe to the church I am sure she was one who was following God full heartedly :-) 

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!