What? WHO?

• Why should we know what God's Word says? 
• Why should we believe it? 
• Why should we take it to heart? 
• What makes me believe that this book is God's inspired Word? 
• But I hear it sometimes in church but I don't really apply it to my life.
• What makes this writer think she knows more than you?
• What is the basis of why I believe and how can I believe it's all true?

1.  Why should we know what God's Word says?  I believe everyone should know what the Word of God says because it is so easy to fall prey to those that do want to harm us and our country.
2. Why should we believe it?  Because it is true.  It was inspired by God to teach us what is true and right.  Regardless of how the world perverts God, Jesus was and is the first and last of God.  God sent his only son to die on the cross for us.  To die for our sin.  To give us new life and a life everlasting (heavenly).  Other religions didn't die for us, they are manmade, many of them. 
3. Why should we take it to heart?  Because you should.  Seriously because living apart from God is death.  Death that can not be recovered unless you accept him as truth.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father unless through Jesus. 
4. What makes me believe that this book is God's inspired Word?  That my dear is faith.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
5. But I hear it sometimes in church but I don't really apply it to my life.  Why?  Was the sermon not fruitful enough to make you think?  Was it not enough for you to say, geez, I need to change a bit? 
6. What makes this writer think she knows more than you?  I have been on this journey with the Lord for over 30 years, on fire for Him for 25 years and a Pastor of the True Word of God for 10.
7. What is the basis of why I believe and how can I believe it's all true?  When I got pregnant with my 3rd baby, I had 3 choices to make.  How do I explain two of those to the 2 boys I already had?  How do you explain you killed or gave away your baby sister?  So, I began to pray every night.  I said God if you are real show me.  He began to speak to me and through me and over my life.  My pregnancy was so incredible.  I wasn't sick, I didn't have much pain until about 8 mo. when she decided to dance in my belly and knock me down constantly.  My parents were concerned and I moved back home for about 3 mo. The last month of my pregnancy and about 6 weeks of a newborn life.  My daughter was born with Apnea, her lungs were not developed enough to not be monitored and Mr. D was in the Hospital with seizures, life was tough.  But I eventually got into church and found a bit of support.  Not much, but some.  But I had a little life that was God blessed and God challenged.  Hopes that for David came true.  She taught him so much in such a short time.  It was awesome.  Since then, well, since I was able to know God at such a time as then when I was pregnant that He has sustained me even when I have made huge mistakes.   Like getting married a 2nd time for a long time and it wasn't good, but faith in Him stood strong.  I made the choice to marry, I did not ask the Lord if I should, I just did.  Shame on me.  It was a huge gigantic mistake.  I finally at the end began to really pray about how to get out of it.  Thanks to friends that helped me get a job at the commissary, the bank helping me learn how to save.  (I had not taken the checkbook or done bills in 16 yrs.), I began fresh and new.  God supplied a better job with better pay and wonderful people.  I was able to work at the school as a Special Ed. Teacher Asst.  It was awesome!  I also ran the Awana club and was Liaison for the Chapel.  Life wasn't always easy but it was a learning experience in Trusting Him all along the way. 

So, My Hope FOR YOU who read this blog is that you would know HIM in a way that speaks to your heart, mind and soul.  He is your strength and your ROCK.  You have a foundation in Him like you have never had.   

 Romans was written by Paul.  It is his first book of what the Lord did to this man who by all accounts we would struggle in our flesh to forgive. He stone Stephen.  He went after the Apostles, he was even after Jesus.  He was a Pharisee and he was stopped on the Road to Damascus and blinded by the Lord.  The Lord asked him why are you coming after me?  Paul truly didn't know why, other than he thought Jesus wasn't who he said he was. 

With some help from www.Biblehub.com I find this. 

Paul - The original name of the author of this Epistle was "Saul." Acts 7:58; Acts 7:1; Acts 8:1, etc. This was changed to Paul (see the note at Acts 13:9), and by this name he is generally known in the New Testament. The reason why he assumed this name is not certainly known. It was, however, in accordance with the custom of the times; see the note at Acts 13:9. The name Saul was Hebrew; the name Paul was Roman. In addressing a letter to the Romans, he would naturally make use of the name to which they were accustomed, and which would excite no prejudice among them. The ancient custom was to begin an epistle with the name of the writer, as Cicero to Varro, etc. We record the name at the end. It may be remarked, however, that the placing the name of the writer at the beginning of an epistle was always done, and is still, when the letter was one of authority, or when it conferred any special privileges. Thus, in the proclamation of Cyrus Ezra 1:2, "Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persia," etc.; see also Ezra 4:11; Ezra 7:12. "Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest," etc. Daniel 4:1. The commencement of a letter by an apostle to a Christian church in this manner was especially proper as indicating authority.
A servant - This name was what the Lord Jesus himself directed His disciples to use, as their general appellation; Matthew 10:25; Matthew 20:27; Mark 10:44. And it was the customary name which they assumed; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 4:12; 2 Peter 1:1; Jde 1:1; Acts 4:29; Titus 1:1; James 1:1. The proper meaning of this word servant, δοῦλος doulos, is slave, one who is not free. It expresses the condition of one who has a master, or who is at the control of another. It is often, however, applied to courtiers, or the officers that serve under a king: because in an eastern monarchy the relation of an absolute king to his courtiers corresponded nearly to that of a master and a slave. Thus, the word is expressive of dignity and honor; and the servants of a king denote officers of a high rank and station. It is applied to the prophets as those who were honored by God, or especially entrusted by him with office; Deuteronomy 34:5; Joshua 1:2; Jeremiah 25:4. The name is also given to the Messiah, Isaiah 42:1, "Behold my servant in whom my soul delighteth," etc.; Isaiah 53:11, "shall my righteous servant justify many." The apostle uses it here evidently to denote his acknowledging Jesus Christ as his master; as indicating his dignity, as especially appointed by him to his great work; and as showing that in this Epistle he intended to assume no authority of his own, but simply to declare the will of his master, and theirs.Called to be an apostle - This word called means here not merely to be invited, but has the sense of appointed. It indicates that he had not assumed the office himself, but that he was set apart to it by the authority of Christ himself. It was important for Paul to state this,(1) Because the other apostles had been called or chosen to this work John 15:16, John 15:19; Matthew 10:1; Luke 6:13; and,(2) Because Paul was not one of those originally appointed.It was of consequence for him therefore, to affirm that he had not taken this high office to himself, but that he had been called to it by the authority of Jesus Christ. His appointment to this office he not infrequently takes occasion to vindicate; 1 Corinthians 9:1, etc.: Galatians 1:12-24; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; Romans 11:13.An apostle - One sent to execute a commission. It is applied because the apostles were sent out by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel, and to establish his church; Matthew 10:2 note; Luke 6:13 note.Separated - The word translated "separated unto," ἀφορίζω aphorizō, means to designate, to mark out by fixed limits, to bound as a field, etc. It denotes those who are "separated," or called out from the common mass; Acts 19:9; 2 Corinthians 6:17. The meaning here does not materially differ from the expression, "called to be an apostle," except that perhaps this includes the notion of the purpose or designation of God to this work. Thus, Paul uses the same word respecting himself; Galatians 1:15, "God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace," that is, God designated me; marked me out; or designed that I should be an apostle from my infancy. In the same way Jeremiah was designated to be a prophet; Jeremiah 1:5.

Unto the gospel of God - Designated or designed by God that I should make it "my business" to preach the gospel. Set apart to this, as the special, great work of my life; as having no other object for which I should live. For the meaning of the word "gospel," see the note at Matthew 1:1. It is called the gospel of God because it is his appointment; it has been originated by him, and has his authority. The function of an apostle was to preach the gospel Paul regarded himself as separated to this work. It was not to live in splendor, wealth, and ease, but to devote himself to this great business of proclaiming good news, that God was reconciled to people in his Son. This is the sole business of all ministers of "religion."  

Now, let us read and see what God has for us today friends.  How can we apply this to our own life and how can we make the changes we need to. 

Romans 8Amplified Bible (AMP)

Escape from Bondage

8 Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. ² For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ³ For what the Law could not do [that is, overcome sin and remove its penalty, its power] being weakened by the flesh [man’s nature without the Holy Spirit], God did: He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin. And He condemned sin in the flesh [subdued it and overcame it in the person of His own Son], ⁴ so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. ⁵ For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. ⁶ Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; ⁷ the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, ⁸ and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.

So, why is this first set of verses important? 

What do you see in them? 

What is your take away with them?  

 

 Let's head into the second set and see what really matters and maybe how you can apply it to your life.

 

⁹ However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. ¹⁰ If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides]. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

¹² So then, ^[a]brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]— ¹³ for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. ¹⁴ For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “^[b]Abba! Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. ¹⁷ And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.
¹⁸ For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! ¹⁹ For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.

So, what was  your take away there?  What can you see yourself changing?  What can you do to work on something in your life that needs help? 

Now, let us finish the final thoughts in Romans. 
Our Victory in Christ
²⁶ In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of ^[c]God’s people in accordance with God’s will.
²⁸ And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. ²⁹ For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. ³⁰ And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].
³¹ What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? ³² He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. ³⁴ Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. ³⁵ Who shall ever separate us from the love of ^[d]Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written and forever remains written,

“For Your sake we are put to death all day long;

We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. ³⁸ For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

So, what was your take?  What did you see?  What can you do to change one thing in your life?  What can you do to take one step closer? 

 

We are coming into a time that is regarded as tough to be a Christ follower, the time will be even harder in the days, months and years to come, but it's how well we will finish and how do we not deny HIM in the midst of the World.  Many have died in the middle east and have not denied Christ, will you?  Are you denying him today by not doing what He has asked or called you to do?  What about your walk?  Your life?  Are you living by the flesh or by the Spirit? 

 

We all have work to do in our own lives to better it with our Spiritual lives.  They should be so entwined that you can not tell the difference in them. 

 

List  3 things you learned today.

3 things you are grateful for.

3 things you can change for the better in your life.

3 things you don't need to change because they are already great.

 

May the peace of God and HIS SON Jesus be Lord of your life.  May you allow the Holy Spirit to make your heart His Home.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

 

Footnotes:

1. Romans 8:12 Lit brethren.
2. Romans 8:15 An Aramaic word used by young children when addressing their fathers, but not used by Jews in prayer because it implies a sense of familiarity. Jesus’ use of the word emphasized his Father-Son relationship with God.
3. Romans 8:27 Lit the saints.
4. Romans 8:35 Two early mss read God.