Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

GOD OF ALL

ROMANS 3:29

“Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,” 

There is a major lie being spread all over the world that every religion has a pathway to God. Sorry to disappoint, but that just isn’t the truth. Jesus clearly said in John 14:6, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” That leaves out every other religion except the Christian religion. Buddha won’t get you there. Muhammed won’t get you there. Nor will any of the Hindu gods that are worshipped. He is God of all to those who accept His Son.

Paul dispels the idea among the Jews that they had sole claim on God. He was sent as a messenger by God to the Gentiles, even though he was a Jew himself. Paul knew firsthand the danger of this exclusionary thought. For the past two chapters Paul has been presenting both sides – the Jews and the Gentiles, and there is only one conclusion – He is God of both the Jews and the Gentiles if…they turn to Jesus.

APPLICATION

So, how do we apply this verse to our lives today? We must be the proclaimer of this truth to the world. That is why we send Christian missionaries around the world. We know that we have the hope for all mankind. Billions will be lost and spend eternity separated from God if we aren’t obedient to that Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. We’ve been given our marching orders. Are you in line?

But Carl I haven’t been called to go to a foreign country. Okay, if you have not heard that specific call, then God has called you to present the Gospel right where you are. I had a conversation this weekend with a man who was complaining about his work environment. He said everyone he works with are lost and are constantly taking God’s name in vain. They mock him or isolate him if he presents anything spiritual. I told him to expect no different from the lost. But God has placed him in a ripe harvest field. He just needs to be Jesus and love them anyway.

I know, I know. That’s hard. Yes, it is. But just think of the way they treated our Lord. He was scourged and crucified. He was spit on. He was humiliated. But He said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Can’t we pray that same prayer and love them anyway? I struggle at times doing this. God understands this, but I know He can empower me through His Holy Spirit Who lives within me to love them with His love. Will you join me?

Lord, I have to admit that is hard to love those who curse me and hurl insults, but through Your strength I will love them because You do.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Faith, Justified, Salvation, Scripture, Works

BY FAITH

ROMANS 3:28

“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”

As part of my role as Global Ministry Shepherd for Every Man A Warrior, I need to fly from time to time. I don’t mind flying, but I have to admit that it does not hold the same level of excitement it did years ago. One thing remains the same. I have to trust the pilots, flight crew and flight maintenance staff when I board that plane. When that plane takes off from the ground, climbing to over 30,000 feet, I have to place my faith in these people (whom I do not know) to keep me safe and bring me safely back to the earth.

In today’s verse, Paul makes it crystal clear that our salvation is strictly by faith and not in anything we do. He writes, “justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” Actually, the word “by” is not in the text exactly. “Faith” is in the dative case. I know that blessed you but hold on. One of the ways the dative case is used in Greek is to indicate the instrument or means by which an action is performed. In this case it is used to show how we are justified. Faith is the instrument of justification. Isn’t that cool?

APPLICATION

Immediately, I am reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Can I “get in the weeds” for a moment? In verse 8 “grace” is also in the dative case which means it is the instrument by which we are saved. So, is faith the instrument or grace the instrument? Both! It is because we place our trust in Jesus and accept Him as Lord of lives (faith) that we can receive the gift (grace) that saves us.

Hebrews chapter 11 is known as “The Hall of Faith.” The author of this letter describes various saints who lived “by faith.” Each time “by faith” is used in verses 3-11 it is in the dative case. Go read that chapter and read it this way – “through the instrument of faith.” That may help you put the focus on the right thing. It was not about the persons named in these verses. It was all about their faith.

I just love the old hymns. One of my favorites is “Have Faith in God.” I want to close today’s blog giving you the first stanza and chorus. This will also serve as my closing prayer today.

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely
He sees and knows all the way you have trod
Never alone are the least of His children
Have faith in God, have faith in God

Chorus: Have faith in God, He’s on His throne
Have faith in God, He watches ‘oer his own
He cannot fail, He must prevail
Have faith in God, have faith in God

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Boasting, Conceit, Pride, Salvation, Scripture

BOAST IN JESUS

ROMANS 3:27

“Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.” 

I am very aware that I am not where I am spiritually because of my own intellect, deep convictions or dedication. There are so many people who have helped shape my Christian life. I have been influenced by some great men of God, beginning back in high school and even up to the present. I cannot boast of anything in myself. I have been truly blessed.

Paul begins a five verse discussion to wrap up chapter 3 with today’s verse. He once again reminds his readers that they have nothing to boast about in regards to their salvation. The word “boasting” is the Greek word kauchesis “which can either be in the “achievements” of self (negatively) or about God’s grace (positively).” (HELPS Word Studies). The promotion of self is always bad. It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about. We are not above anyone in God’s eyes. You’ve heard it said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

APPLICATION

Paul says later in Romans 15:17, “Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.” You see, that is where our boasting belongs – in Christ Jesus, not ourselves. We boast in His virgin birth, His sacrificial life, His death, His resurrection and His promised return. Even right now I can boast that He is interceding for me in heaven.

James looks at the negative side of boasting in James 4:16. After talking about people making their own plans without regard to God, he writes, “But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.” Does that describe you? I hope not. Let all such pride and boasting be excluded from you, just as Paul says it should be in today’s verse.

The word Paul uses for “excluded” is only used here and by Paul again in Galatians 4:17. It literally means to shut out or bar access to someone or something. That’s the picture we should keep forefront in our minds in regard to boasting of ourselves. It’s only Jesus. Only He could have saved us and given us this righteousness. Praise be to God.

We praise You, Lord, for the great work of Your Son in our lives.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Justified, Redemption, Salvation, Scripture

OUR JUSTIFIER

ROMANS 3:26

“for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Boy, we are good at justifying ourselves, aren’t we? We can justify (claim it’s right) just about any behavior when we are caught. Well, I wouldn’t have done that if they hadn’t done that to me. God just made me this way. We’ve all heard these or said these. The fact of the matter is we are just sinful creatures looking for a way out of our mess. We’ll claim anything or blame anyone to remove our guilt.

But there is only One Who can do that. Paul tells us so in today’s verse. He says, “so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” The word “justifier” is really a Present Participle and is better translated as “the One who is justifying.” The NIV translates it as “he makes sinners right in his sight.” I really like that. The Amplified says, “the One who justifies.” Whatever translation you use, look back at the original text to check it out.

APPLICATION

“The believer is ‘made righteous/justified’ (dikaióō) by the Lord, cleared of all charges (punishment) related to their sins. Moreover, they are justified (dikaióō, ‘made right, righteous’) by God’s grace each time they receive (obey) faith.” (HELPS Word Studies) Our justification comes only through Jesus. He makes us right in His Father’s eyes. I love Romans 8:33 which says, “Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;”

In Luke 10:25-29 we have the story of a lawyer who questioned Jesus about how to inherit eternal life. Of course, Jesus asked him a question in return, to which the lawyer answered correctly. Look at how this story ends. Verses 28-29 read, “28 And He said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’ 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” That’s us right there. We want to justify ourselves. Stop trying to do that.

Take a moment right now and give thanks to the Lord for your justification (if you are a believer). Thank Him for making you right in His eyes. And when you’re through thanking Him, tell someone else about Jesus so He can make them right too. Let’s all “Make Heaven Crowded.”

Father, I praise You for being my justifier and for making me right in Your eyes.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Atonement, Bible, Blood, Jesus, Sacrifice, Scripture

OUR PROPITIATION

ROMANS 3:25

“whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished;” 

Don’t you just love words that make you go, “Hmmm”? We’ve got one today. This Greek word only occurs in today’s verse and in Hebrews 9:5. We’ll take a look at that verse also. Here’s another word for you – supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Sound familiar? It’s from a 1964 film “Mary Poppins” and “is often defined as a nonsensical word to express excitement or a fantastic feeling.” (AI Overview) That has absolutely nothing to do with our verse today. Just thought I would throw it in, lol.

Paul uses the Greek word hilastérion which “retains a sharp focus on the single theme of atonement accomplished once for all.” (Topical Lexicon) We see it used in Hebrews 9:5 to refer to the mercy seat on the golden ark. “and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail.” Of course, we know that is where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice. It was there that God received the sacrifice.

APPLICATION

For us, though, in today’s verse it refers to Jesus Who gave His life to atone for our sins once for all. His sacrifice did not need to be repeated, as was the case in the Old Testament sacrifices. No, His blood on Calvary was the final blood sacrifice needed. It would forever appease the wrath of God towards anyone who would receive it.

The next time someone mentions propitiation, you can say, “Oh yeah, that’s Jesus.” That’s the simple answer for anyone asking. One death for all. One sacrifice for all sin. All we have to do is confess and believe. All we have to do is follow Him. It’s not rocket science. It’s not a difficult decision. Just step out and trust His promise.

So, ask yourself if you’ve done that. Ask yourself if you are sure your sins are covered under Christ’s blood. I know mine are – past, present and future. I am eternally sealed with His Spirit because I trusted in His blood sacrifice, His atoning death for me. What a peace that brings. Do you have that peace? It’s waiting for you.

O Lord, I praise You for the sacrifice of Your only Son as the propitiation for my sins.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disgraceful, Gifts, Grace, Justified, Scripture

THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION

ROMANS 3:24

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus,”

Who doesn’t like to receive gifts, right? I am at the age now that I had rather give them than receive them. I really don’t need anything. I appreciate any gift I receive, but I really just don’t need another thing in my closet or in my house. However, there is one gift I received in 1977 that has lasted me every day since then. I received that gift of justification mentioned in today’s verse. It has never gone out of style, got worn out or been outgrown.

Paul calls our justification “a gift by His grace.” That’s pretty awesome, don’t you think? The Greek literally says, “being justified freely by the grace of Him.” This justification is freely given without any expectation of payment, without a reason or obligation. (Topical Lexicon) Isn’t that the kind of gift you want? We have all probably received gifts that were given with ulterior motives. Payment was expected. A gift was expected. Loyalty was expected. That’s not the kind of gift we get from God.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus uses this word. It reads, “‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.’” Just as we have received this grace gift of justification freely, we should give out grace freely to others. Jesus was giving His disciples instructions here, but His words apply to us as well.

We are even told in Revelation that we will receive water from the spring of the water of life, and we are to drink freely (Revelation 21:6; 22:17). We are promised this by the great Promise Keeper. We will be able to drink freely and deeply. I can’t wait. How about you?

Give thanks to Him today for the free gift you have received through Him. God does not dangle this just out of your reach. He gives it to us freely and without a hidden agenda. Aren’t you glad He has done this? It makes no matter where you are. He loves you and wants to bless you with this gift. Will you accept it? Will you praise Him for it?

Father God, words cannot express my gratitude.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Glory, Gospel, Salvation, Scripture, Sin

THE ROMAN ROAD BEGINS

ROMANS 3:23

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Today’s verse is often quoted as part of the “Roman Road.” The following verses in Romans walks someone through the steps to receive their salvation in Christ:

  1. Romans 3:23 is the first step. One must recognize they are a sinner. This is today’s verse.
  2. The next step is Romans 6:23 which shows us the “wages of sin is death,” but God’s gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
  3. The third step is shown in Romans 5:8. It tells us God demonstrates His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
  4. Fourth is Romans 10:9-10. I mentioned these verses in yesterday’s blog. They tell us “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  5. And finally we see a promise in Romans 10:13. “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  

APPLICATION

I think the application is pretty clear in today’s verse. We have to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Otherwise, we will drive blindly off the cliff of eternity into the pit of hell. In 1 Timothy 6:9, Paul is addressing the danger of sinful behaviors, especially greed. But this verse fits here today. “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.” The Greek word for “plunge” is used one other time in Luke 5:7 when the disciples boats began to sink due to the large catch of fish. What a great picture of our verse today. Sin causes us to sink deeper and deeper.

But thanks be to God, we have an answer to this seemingly hopeless situation. God sent His Son Jesus to die to redeem us back to Himself. We “fall short” of God’s glory. We “fall short” of salvation on our own. The Greek word there is hustereos. The Topical Lexicon says this about the that word. “In the narrative arc of Scripture, human lack becomes the canvas upon which God paints redemption. Where hustereos surfaces, grace is poised to abound.” His grace is sufficient for us. Praise the Lord.

Are you falling short of God’s glory? Then stop trying and trust Him. He has already paid for the penalty of sin in your life. He can give you the freedom from sin you so desperately crave. Follow that Roman Road to salvation, if you haven’t already. If you have, share it with someone today.

Father God, thank You for redeeming me when I fell so short of Your glory.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Forgiveness, Gospel, Jesus, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE

ROMANS 3:22

“but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction,”

When I read today’s verse, my mind immediately goes to John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” EVERYONE! I can just hear Billy Graham reading this verse and sharing the simplicity of the Gospel with the crowds. God doesn’t expect us to get all cleaned up before we come to Him. He takes us just as we are. He does the cleaning.

Paul continues his thought from verse 21 (see yesterday’s blog) when he talks about the key element of God’s righteousness which is revealed to us. It only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. No amount of law keeping or sheep slaughtered will accomplish it. His life was freely given so that we could receive the free gift of grace. And this, Paul says, does not discriminate. He says, “there is no distinction.” That Greek word is diastole, and it means a variation, difference or separation. We all have access to this righteousness in Christ.

APPLICATION

I love this description of this verse given by a scholar. “And so, dear friends, I have to come to you now with this message. No matter what a man is, how far he has gone, how sinful he has been, how long he has stayed away from the sweetness and grace of that great sacrifice on the Cross, that death was for him. The power of Christ’s sacrifice makes possible the forgiveness of all the sins of all the world, past, present, and to come. The worth of that sacrifice, which was made by the willing surrender of the Incarnate Son of God to the death of the Cross, is sufficient for the ransom price of all the sins of all men.” (McLaren’s Expositions)

Later in Romans 10-9-10, Paul writes, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Confession and belief, of course, involves repentance and obedience.

God intended for us all to be saved. He even says so in His word. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul writes to Timothy, “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” So, if it is God’s will that all be saved, shouldn’t it be ours as well? Share the Gospel with someone today. You may just change the course of their life for eternity.

Father, thank You that someone took the time to share with me long ago. Help me share with others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Manifested, Messiah, Prophecy, Revelation, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

MANIFESTED RIGHTEOUSNESS

ROMANS 3:21

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”

Have you ever witnessed an incredible sunrise? I love sunrises. I am usually out walking in the mornings as the sun rises, so I get to see a lot of them. Now, I know the sun is going to rise. I expect it to rise in the eastern sky, but I can’t make it appear. No amount of begging and cajoling will make it appear one second sooner than it’s supposed to appear. But when it does appear and blows up the sky with the colors of the day, it has manifested what I knew to be true all along – that it would appear.

Oh, listen! That is what Paul is saying in today’s verse as he prepares us for the next couple of verses. He says God’s righteousness “has been revealed.” The Greek word there is phaneroó, meaning to “make manifest, show.” It’s in the Perfect tense which means it happened at a time in the past but has lasting results. Don’t miss that. God did this back then so that we could see it today. Wow! We are so blessed to see that even now in the 21st century.

APPLICATION

All through the Law and prophets, the righteousness of God through the promise of a Messiah is talked about. I have a book on my bookshelf entitled, All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer. It shows how Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies which the Law and the prophets foretold. God chose to manifest His righteousness through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus was always the Father’s plan for us. As mentioned in an earlier blog, the law wasn’t plan A that failed thus rendering Jesus’ death as a backup plan. No, God laid out in Scripture our need for a Savior, One Who was and is worthy of our praise. Jesus’ righteousness became our available righteousness when He died and rose again. All we have to do is claim that and follow Him.

That’s where the problem is. We want the salvation and the righteousness without the obedience. Christ’s righteousness may be free, but it’s not cheap. It will cost you everything. You have to abandon your old way of thinking and living and strive to live holy before Him. You can never “earn” this righteousness. It is truly freely given. But you do have to surrender to His will. I read the other day a quote by Spurgeon which said, “When you make His will your will, you will always get your will.” Try it.

Father God, I praise You for the manifestation of Your righteousness through Jesus Christ, Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Confession, Jesus, Scripture, Sin

WE KNOW OUR SINS

ROMANS 3:20

“because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.”

No one has to tell me about my sins. I am far too aware of them. My late brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Barber, used to say the older he got and the closer he got to heaven, the more aware he was of his own sin. You see, the closer we get to Jesus, the brighter the light is that exposes our wickedness. I think that may be part of what Paul was hinting at in today’s verse.

Paul has laid out in chapters 2 and 3 of Romans the futility of our efforts in justifying ourselves. Not even keeping the law will do that, if that was even possible. But I really like the last phrase of today’s verse. It is translated “for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” The Greek literally says, “for through law knowledge of sin.” The law does us a favor by pointing out our sins. The Old Testament points us towards our need for a Savior. That is fulfilled in Jesus through Whom we are justified.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of Galatians 2:21. There, Paul says, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” The law was important, but it wasn’t God’s Plan A which failed. No! God gave us the law to point out that we cannot keep it. We need someone greater than ourselves to keep it perfectly, to fulfill it. That’ why He sent Jesus.

Do you ever have trouble when you are praying thinking of a sin you have committed that day? Honestly, there have been few times (and I repeat a FEW times) that I have. But when I voice that to God, He is quick to point them out. He knows our secret sins, those things we keep tucked back in the corner of our minds that left unconfessed grow into thoughts which become actions which become sin. And we know where sin leads, don’t we?

I read yesterday about a pastor in another state that was arrested for child exploitation. While denying any physical contact with a child, he used AI to create child pornography. This thought became an action which resulted in sin. The same is true for us all. I am not pointing fingers at this man. You’ve heard it said, “Save but by the grace of God, there go I.” We are all one slippery slope away from spiritual failure. Confess your known sins today and ask the Lord to reveal any unknown sin in your life. He has the solution for your sin – Jesus’ shed blood on Calvary.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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