Category Archives: Faith

Plate of grilled steak with pork belly and herbs next to a plate of assorted roasted vegetables including broccoli, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and onion
Bible, Faith, Freedom, Meat, Romans, Scripture, Vegetables

MEATEATER VS VEGETARIAN

ROMANS 14:2

“One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables.”

Did you know the Indian word for “vegetarian” means bad hunter? Lol. Not really but that is kind of funny. I can’t for the life of me understand anyone who would deprive themselves of a nice, juicy cheeseburger or thick slice of bacon. But that’s just me. I have lots of friends who have chosen a vegan or vegetarian diet for health reasons. I can respect that. This was a religious issue in Paul’s time. Let’s look at today’s verse as he begins this discussion.

Let me say first of all that this was not about food or drink. That was just the issue that revealed the deeper conflict – mature believers vs immature believers. In the day Paul was writing this, there were a lot a believing Jews who were concerned about eating meat that had not been prepared according to the Old Testament guidelines. There were Gentile believers who were afraid they might eat meat that had been offered to pagan idols. Therefore, both of these groups just avoided meat. This caused conflict with those who felt they were free to eat whatever they chose. Paul begins this discussion describing this difference of belief.

APPLICATION

In regard to this conflict, Matthew Henry says, “We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.” I had friends in seminary who refused to go out to eat on Sundays because that would force someone to serve them. They felt Sundays were a day of rest. I was told time and time again growing up that I couldn’t go fishing on Sunday. I don’t why my mama believed that. Maybe she just didn’t want to get stuck cooking fish on Sundays, lol.

Differences in things that are not clearly defined in Scripture should never divide the body of Christ. Now, there are some very definite commands we should all follow. On those we must agree. But what to eat or not eat should not be one of them. Remember Peter’s dream in Acts 10:9-16? God told him, “‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’” Peter knew later that this dream had more to do with accepting the Gentiles as believers than about what was clean or unclean to eat.

Let us all agree to do all we can to encourage our fellow believers in their walk. Don’t let minor discrepancies become a wedge that the devil can use to undermine the stability of the body of Christ. He will use anything to do that. Love at all costs. Accept the weaker in faith in order to disciple them and teach them the freedom we have in Christ. Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom we have in Christ. Let us continue to build each other up.

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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Man and woman shouting angrily at each other in a living room
Bible, Faith, Maturity, Opinions, Quarrels, Romans, Scripture

STOP THE QUARRELING

ROMANS 14:1

“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.”

Do you know people who are quick to judge others? Boy, I’ve met a few people like that in my lifetime. You know what they say, “Don’t point your finger at someone. You have three other fingers pointing back at you.” Christians can be the worst at doing this. I have to admit; I have fallen guilty of that once or twice. It’s easy to think your way is the right way and everyone else is wrong.

Paul covers a topic in Romans 14 that we all have to deal with. We all need to know how to treat others in the fellowship of believers, especially young, immature believers who have not been taught how to study the Word and live accordingly. The word “quarrels” can mean to pass judgment. There we go! That’s what we can be guilty of so quickly. But Paul tells us in verse 1 today that we must “accept the one who is weak in faith.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “quarrels” is diákrisisand is only used two other times in the New Testament. I like how the New Living Translation puts this verse. “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” If you have Blue Letter Bible or Bible Hub, check out several other translations of this verse. The bottom line is we are not to judge a weaker brother or sister. We should welcome them into the fellowship and take the opportunity to disciple them.

In 1 Corinthians 12:10, diákrisis is translated as “distinguishing” referring to the gift of distinguishing of spirits. In Hebrews 5:14 it is used to “distinguish between good and evil.” So diákrisis isn’t a negative word. We should be able to distinguish what a weaker brother/sister is saying without turning them out or refusing fellowship. Let me quick to say, however, that if that weaker brother/sister is not willing to hear what the Word of God says about an issue, this could lead to issues. Be careful of condoning any sinful behavior they may be still harboring.

We will see the issue at hand for these Roman believers had to do with food and drink. We will take a closer look at that in the next few verses. Paul is instructing us who are more mature in the faith to take the lead and disciple those immature believers. Disciple-making is a skill that is lacking in so many churches today. Let me take this opportunity to point you to the ministry I am a part of Every Man A Warrior (www.everymanawarrior.com). Check out our resources and let us know if we can help you build a strong disciple-making ministry in your church.

Lord God, help me a faithful instructor to those who are in need of growing in the faith.

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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Large tree falling with dust and debris in a dense forest
Bible, Disobedience, Faith, Hearing, Obedience, Romans, Scripture

IF A TREE FALLS IN THE FOREST…

ROMANS 10:17

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

You may have heard the expression, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it fall, does it make a sound?” Another saying is also popular. “If a man says something and his wife is not around to hear him, is he still wrong?” Not funny, by the way. But hearing something may or may not make it true. As the saying goes, “Believe nothing you hear and half of what you see.”

Paul is continuing his discussion about hearing and obeying, about the importance of the delivered message of the Gospel. Scholars debate the exact meaning of today’s verse. Some say it is not “fair” to say faith only comes to those who hear the message. What if they never get a chance to hear it? May I suggest something to you today about this verse? Let’s look at the word used here for “word.”

APPLICATION

Paul uses the Greek word rhema which the Topical Lexicon says, “focuses on a specific utterance—spoken, remembered, or freshly quickened by the Spirit. Rhēma highlights immediacy, particularity, and personal address.” Contrast that to logos, the other Greek word translated as “word” which has a broader message. Jesus is called the Logos.

Let me ask you something. Do you think God needs a person to deliver His rhema in order to be heard? I don’t think so. God can speak in all kinds of ways to get His message across. He doesn’t need a preacher, even though He does use them. We have all heard the stories of people hearing and seeing Jesus in dreams and visions. God has a way for His rhema to go forth to whomever He wants.

However God chooses to speak, faith comes from that hearing and then only once we obey. Again, as Paul mentioned in yesterday’s verse, many heard and did not “heed” the message. Our prayer should be that everyone will hear in some manner and will choose to respond to the call of Christ on their life. Jesus is a polite Savior. He won’t force Himself on anyone. But He is always there ready to give the gift of salvation to whomever wants to receive it. Tell everyone you know. Be a part of telling the rhema of Christ.

Your words are the words of life, Lord. Help me share them with all I meet.

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, Romans, Scripture, Stumbling, Walking, Works

THE STUMBLING STONE

ROMANS 9:32

“Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,”

I have mentioned before that I have pretty bad neuropathy in my feet caused by the chemo I had while going through my stem cell transplants. This means I can’t feel my toes very well and therefore have to be very careful when walking on uneven surfaces. Even rugs in my house can cause me stumble if I am not careful. Stones and rocks outside are even worse. That’s a shame because I really like to walk in the woods. I’m always careful, but there is always the chance that I could take a fall.

The word used by Paul here for “stumbling” is proskomma which literally means “a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling.” (NAS Exhaustive Concordance) The word is used six times in the New Testament, each time by Paul except for its one use by Peter in 1 Peter 2:8 where he quotes the same passage Paul does in tomorrow’s verse. Proskomma paints a picture in today’s verse of something that tripped up the Jews. Look at this description of the word. “The stone on which they stumbled was Christ, and especially His Cross…the Cross offended them because, as interpreted by Paul, it summoned them to begin their religious life, from the very beginning, at the foot of the Crucified, and with the sense upon their hearts of an infinite debt to Him, which no “works” could ever repay.” (Expositor’s Greek Testament)

APPLICATION

So, you may be thinking What has that got to do with me? Well, let me tell you. What is it about the Gospel that trips you up? What has caused you to doubt your faith? Is there something in your life right now that is causing you to stumble in your walk with Christ? Or is there something in your life that is causing someone else to stumble? Paul warns us about this last one in Romans 14:13. “Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.”

Just as the Jews stumbled over the fact that Jesus, Who died on a cross, was the Messiah, we too stumble over simple truths in His Word. We don’t want to believe certain things. We don’t want to submit to Him in all aspects of our lives. These are stumbling blocks for us. But if we walk in His footprints, we know we will never stumble. When you’re walking through a minefield you want to step exactly where the one who knows where they lie is stepping. Jesus knows all the minefields the devil is laying for you. Step in His steps.

The Topical Lexicon describes proskomma this way, “The gospel divides humanity. For those pursuing righteousness ‘as if it were by works,’ Christ becomes ‘a stumbling stone’. The offense arises because grace nullifies self-effort; yet those who receive Him find secure footing.” Find your secure footing today. 1 Corinthians 3:11 tells us that Jesus is the firm foundation. Build your life on Him, and you can avoid those stumbling stones of life.

Thank You, God, for helping me step securely.  

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, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

WHAT IS THIS HOPE?

ROMANS 8:24

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?”

I have hoped for a lot of things in my life. When I was younger, I hoped for toys at Christmas having dogeared about a hundred pages in the old Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalog. Who remembers that? Then I hoped for a car, a girlfriend, a job, etc. It seems I was hoping all the time. But you know what? When I got those things, I stopped hoping for them. Why? Because now I had them. Now I could see them.

Paul says something similar today in verse 24 of chapter 8. But the Greek text is a little tricky here. We need to make sure we understand it. First of all, there is no preposition in front of the first “hope.” It should read, “For hope…” The verb “saved” is in the Aorist which points back to a certain point. So, it should read as the NASB has it above or perhaps as “we were saved.” Put that all together. “For hope we were saved.” The second phrase is pretty clear, but let’s look at the last phrase. The verbs “hopes” and “sees” are both in the Present tense. So, they could be translated as “hoping” and “seeing.” It could therefore read, “for who is hoping for what he is seeing.”

APPLICATION

Okay, enough Greek for today. Right? Sorry about that, but sometimes the English just isn’t clear enough. But Paul’s message is. We hope for our future glorification. That’s what that first phrase says. “For hope we were saved.” For what hope? For the hope of eternity with Christ. For the hope of knowing Him fully one day. But it is a certain hope because He promised. Hebrews 11:1 tell us, “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” I love how Watchman Nee defines this. He refers to J.N. Darby’s New Translation which reads, “Faith is the substantiating of things hoped for.” Faith isn’t just a substance or certainty. It’s making this hope real.

So, I ask you, “What are you hoping for?” Well, Carl, I hope I make it to heaven. I’ve heard so many people who claim to be followers of Christ make that remark. How silly! Our eternal home is more than a hope. Our faith has substantiated that. Christ has promised us a home. Stop hoping and start believing.

What else are you hoping for? Good health? Good kids? Wealth? Listen, start placing all your faith in Him. He will decide what is best for you, not your hoping. Do you believe He wants what is best for you? Start trusting Him. Remember, hope that is seen is not hope. We have seen Jesus! He has saved us – period. All hope is settled by our faith in Him. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

My hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

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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Access, Bible, Faith, Grace, Jesus, Justification, Scripture

FULL ACCESS

ROMANS 5:2

“through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.”

I have stayed in a few Airbnb rentals and have for the most part thoroughly enjoyed them. It so different than staying in a hotel. Sure, you don’t have housekeeping dropping by to make your bed or freshen your towels, but you have a lot more room and privacy. But to get in that Airbnb you have to have either a key or a code. Without that, you will not reap the benefits of your reservation.

Paul tells us we have access to our eternal home in today’s verse. The word translated “introduction” is prosagōgḗ which comes “from prós, ‘with, towards’ and ágō, ‘come’ – properly, come towards (near); have access (approach), with intimate (face-to-face) interaction (note the prefix pros). All three occasions of prosagōgḗ (‘interactive access’) refer to ‘having audience (direct access) with God’ (J. B. Lightfoot, MM).” (HELPS Word-studies)

APPLICATION

Prosagōgḗ is only used two other times, both in Ephesians, where it is translated “access.” Personally, I like that translation better. In Ephesians 2:18 Paul writes, “for through Him (speaking of Jesus) we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” Christ called Himself the door, didn’t He? He opens the door for us to come to the Father. He is the only door to Him. There is no back or side entrance.

We see prosagōgḗ used again in Ephesians 3:12, “in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” Did you catch that? Paul writes “confident access.” We can approach the throne boldly because of our justification through Jesus. That is worthy of a shout of praise, isn’t it?

We have access by faith into grace. We have access to the Father because of Jesus. And we have confident access through faith in Him. So, why do we tiptoe around acting so unsure of our salvation. You have been given the key. You have the code to unlock the access. You can enter into the place that Jesus has secured for you. It is so much better than an Airbnb. It will never be closed to you. Hallelujah!

Father, I thank You for the access I have to my eternal home through Jesus Christ by Savior and Lord.

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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Assurance, Bible, Faith, Promises, Scripture, Trust

FULLY ASSURED

ROMANS 4:21

“and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.”

If you have read my devotions very long, you know I am a Georgia Bulldogs fan. I love to watch their football team and do my best to cheer then on to victory. This season, however, I have not been overly confident about any of their games. It seems the team isn’t as dominant as it was a few years ago. They have managed to win all but one of their games this year, but not without their struggles. I wish I could be fully assured of victory in the next game.

The verb Paul uses in today’s verse for “being fully assured” is

plērophoréō. According to HELPS Word-studies it “is used of God’s power bringing the believer to maximum potential, ‘matching’ their true knowledge of Him…it properly means ‘bearing (wearing) the work of God to the fullest extent.’ That is, to the full capacity of the individual believer who is ‘fully persuaded’ by Him.” Paul is saying in today’s verse that Abraham was bearing the work of God to the fullest through his faith in His promises. Pretty cool, huh?

APPLICATION

In Colossians 4:15, Paul is telling the church there that Epaphras was praying for them that “you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” Here we see plērophoréō used again. We should always pray for others that they will be fully assured, that they can walk in victory over the darkness and see fruit from their labors. We all need to be fully assured, don’t we?

I love Paul’s testimony he shared with Timothy concerning his imprisonment and the defense he gave. 2 Timothy 4:17 says, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.” God used Paul, even in prison to fully accomplish His will. Wow! Are you willing to be used that way?

I just had a conversation with someone who I serve alongside in ministry to men. He is going through some trials right now but told me quickly that he is fully assured of his calling and will do whatever the Lord wants him to do, even if that means stepping aside from full-time ministry. He is literally laying down his pride and ego in order to be obedient and to be used by God. Sacrifice isn’t easy, is it? Are you fully assured?

Father, I have fully assured of Your promises. I am fully assured of my salvation and the calling you have put on my life. 

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, Double-minded, Doubts, Faith, Scripture, Trust

NO WAVERING

ROMANS 4:20

“yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,”

Wavering on decisions or being unsure and unsettled about something can be destructive. I have always tried to make decisive decisions. After praying and seeking counsel where necessary, I have made decisions and lived with the consequences. My prayer is always that my decisions will honor the Lord and reflect His glory. That has not always been the case, though. We can all learn to waffle or waver less.

In today’s verse, Paul uses a Greek word that is translated here as “waver.” It’s the Greek word diakrinó, which can be used positively or negatively, depending on the context. In fact, diakrinó is used about half the time in both ways. Here it has a negative connotation. Abraham did not waver in his faith. He believed God when He made the promises to him.

APPLICATION

I want to share something I found in my commentaries. It is from a source I don’t think I have every used. But it gives a great description of today’s verse. “We have here a fuller account than anywhere else of the nature of Faith as essentially Trust; not mere historic belief, nor mental assent, but personal Trust; reposed, with application to self of the consequences, on the Divine Promiser as such. We have also a precious suggestion of some reasons (if we may say so) why God prescribes Faith as the condition of the justification of a sinner. Faith, we see, is an act of the soul which looks wholly away from “self” (as regards both merit and demerit), and honours the Almighty and All-gracious in a way not indeed in the least meritorious (because merely reasonable, after all), but yet such as to ‘touch the hem of His garment.’ It brings His creature to Him in the one right attitude — complete submission and confidence. We thus see, in part, why faith, and only faith, is the way to reach and touch the Merit of the Propitiation.” (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)

I know that was a lot to throw at you. Reread it if you need to. Abraham’s exhibition of faith was remarkable. James gives us something similar to think about in James 1:6-8. “6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” No one wants to be like that. Am I right?

Place your faith in God’s promises. Believe that He will do exactly what He says He will do. Of course, that means we have to trust His timing, not ours. Abraham waited about 14 years to see that promise of a son come true. Do you think he didn’t at some point in those 14 years have a little doubt? Of course, he did. But his faith did not waver. He trusted. Do you?

Lord, I will trust You. Help my unbelief!

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, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Promises, Scripture

HOPE AGAINST HOPE

ROMANS 4:18

“In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.’”

Have you ever held on to hope for something or someone even though everything in your mind told you to give up? I have. In fact, right now my wife and I are doing that about a family member. There’s been a separation now of almost two and a half years. All efforts to reconcile have been rebuffed or simply ignored. But…we still hold out hope that our God will move hearts to forgive and come back together.

Abraham exhibited that kind of hope when he believed God’s promises to him. Matthew Poole explains the phrase “hope against hope” well. “Abraham, when he had no natural or rational grounds of hope, either in respect of himself or Sarah his wife, did yet believe and hope he should have a son; and so be a root or stock, from whence many nations should spring: and this faith and hope of his was grounded upon the power and faithfulness of God.”

APPLICATION

What do you hope in? In whom do you place your hope? The Greek word for “hope” is elpis which means an expectation or a confidence in what is certain. There is no guess work with our hope as believers. We’ve got a sure thing in Jesus. Nothing nor anyone can take away that hope we have in Him. That should give us all confidence.

Paul says later in Romans 5:2, “through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.” The hope of the glory of God! Woohoo! God’s glory is certain. We can be sure of one day experiencing His glory in its fullness. We are told that we too will be glorified. I believe His light will glorify us instantly the moment we see Him face-to-face.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul comforts the Thessalonian believers with these words. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope.” That’s a happy and sad verse – happy for us but sad for the unbeliever. They have no hope. Thanks be to God that He has given us the supreme hope, the supreme confidence. He loves us with an everlasting love. Give Him praise today.

Lord, You have promised us eternal life with You through Your Son Jesus. Our hope is in that, and it is certain!

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, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Guarantee, Promises, Scripture

I’M SURE

ROMANS 4:16

“For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,”

I have bought a lot of stuff in my lifetime. Many of those products came with guarantees. Some were for one year while others came with a lifetime guarantee. I like that. I have a pair of sunglasses that are protected for life. If they get scratched or broken, I simply send a picture to the company, and they send me a new pair. I am guaranteed that in writing.

Today’s verse gives us a guarantee also. If we trust in faith we are guaranteed the promise of salvation. The word “guaranteed” is the Greek word bebaios which is only used nine times in the New Testament. It can be translated as “firm, steadfast, sure.” It has the word picture of walking on solid ground. We know Who that firm foundation is, don’t we?

APPLICATION

For context I want to give you Hebrews 2:1-3a but look at verse 2 particularly regarding the words of the angels. “1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” The word “unalterable” is bebaios.

In the first part of Hebrews 6:19, we have a phrase that should “light your fire” and lead you to praise the Lord. It says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable…” It is reliable. There’s our word again. But I especially like that it says it is “an anchor of the soul.”

God’s guarantee of your salvation will never expire. It’s not one of those limited one year warranties. It’s not even a lifetime guarantee. It’s an eternal guarantee. I challenge you to find one better. Once you are His you are His forever. There is a no return policy attached. He won’t give you back to destruction. He has you firmly in the hollow of His hand. So, rest in Him. He’s got you.

O God, I am so thankful that my faith is guaranteed in grace.

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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