Category Archives: Gospel

Three leatherworkers stitching a large leather piece in a historic market
Bible, Fellow worker, Gospel, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant

FELLOW WORKERS

ROMANS 16:3

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,”

I have been blessed in my ministry to have some awesome coworkers. Many of those have become lifelong friends. I pray you have friends and coworkers like that. When people have a common passion, it is so much easier to work together. On the other hand, when someone on your team isn’t bought in to the vision, it can become quite burdensome.

Paul first met Prisca and Aquila when they had to leave Rome because of Claudius’ decree that all Jews had to vacate the city. In Acts 18:2 we read, “And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.” And they weren’t just acquaintances. They helped Paul early on in his ministry. In Acts 18:26 we are told, “and he began speaking boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him.” Fellow workers can help teach us, as well.

APPLICATION

Prisca and Acquila are mentioned again in 1 Corinthians 16:19. “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” They actually hosted a church in their home. Getting kicked out of Rome didn’t deter them. Coming to the aid of a new believer like Paul didn’t distract them. They were committed followers of Christ who joined arms with anyone who was like-minded in their mission to see the Gospel preached.

We also read in Acts 18:3 that Paul lived with them for a period of time since they had the same trade as tent makers. Not only did they minister together, but they also worked together. Can you just picture them sewing together these tents? I can imagine them praying over each as they were sold. I know a couple I have met several times at conferences who sell Christian t-shirts. As each shirt is sold, they pray for the buyer. It is really a precious thing to watch.

With whom are you linked together with in ministry? What else do you have in common? One of my ministry colleagues is also a hunter like me. We can talk about sharing the Gospel and about hunting. What a blessing. Find like-minded believers to do life with. I promise you will bless each other and make your ministry that much more fruitful.

Thank You, Lord, for the people You have put in my life over the years.

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

Standard
Person walking towards a wooden cross on a hill at sunset with mountains in background
Bible, Gospel, Isaiah, Messages, Messenger, Messiah, Romans, Scripture

THE MYSTERY OF THE MESSAGE

ROMANS 15:21

“but just as it is written: ‘THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.’”

Okay, be honest. How is today’s verse even possible? They will see what they have not been told about and will undertand what they have not heard about? Really? How is that even possible? Have you not heard about the dreams and visions that have been happening around the world where unbelievers are coming to Christ after seeing Him in a dream? It is happening a lot in the Muslim world, but it is not limited to that. God can speak in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend.

Paul is quoting (not exactly) Isaiah 52:15 which says, “So He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what they had not been told, they will see, and what they had not heard, they will understand.” You really need to read the preceding two verses in Isaiah 52. “13 Behold, My Servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred beyond that of a man, and His form beyond the sons of mankind.”

APPLICATION

Who does that remind you of? That’s right! The crucified Christ. Jesus came to “sprinkle” many nations with the blood of the perfect Lamb of God. Through that all men may be saved. But don’t they have to hear? Paul even says back in Romans 10:14, “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Paul is not contradicting himself. He knows God is able to do great and mighty things well beyond his comprehension.

One of the concerns I have today among some followers of Christ is they try to put God in a box. You have to say the magic words to be saved. God only chooses certain people. God requires us to do this or do that. Don’t limit the Almighty God. Remember the context of this verse. Paul is making sure everyone knows that he is not responsible for anything he has accomplished. He is just a vessel who has been willing to be used.

Have you written certain people off of ever being saved? We have probably all done that at some point in our lives. We hear of the death of someone we knew as an unbeliever and we automatically assume they are now lost for eternity. We don’t know what happened in those last minutes of their lives. There have been a lot of deathbed confessions. Just do your part to usher in as many as you can while you have breath. God will take care of the rest.

Lord, use me to do Your will however You choose.

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

Standard
Construction worker in hard hat and high-visibility jacket applying mortar to stone blocks at a construction site
Bible, Calling, Foundation, Gospel, Jesus, Romans, Scripture

THE TRUE FOUNDATION

ROMANS 15:20

“And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;”

I know just enough about construction to be dangerous. But I do know that you must have a strong foundation if you want your structure to stand the test of time. We have all seen buildings which have cracked foundation blocks or door jams and windows that have moved. Not good! You have literally got to start from the bottom to ensure the top remains intact.

Paul shares in verse 20 a little about his calling. He was called “to preach the gospel” to a place “not where Christ was already known” and he “would not build on another person’s foundation.” That’s pretty specific. I believe that is how God works. When He calls us to do a work for Him, He gives us all the details we need at the moment. It may not be the full picture (we probably could not handle that), but it is specific enough for us to take the next step in faith.

APPLICATION

When I read today’s verse, I instantly thought of 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. Do you know it? “10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” That passage goes on to describe the kind of foundation that will survive the test of fire. But I want us to focus on the true foundation Paul mentions there – Jesus Christ. If we are not building our ministries on Him, they are all wood, hay and stubble.

In the previous few verses in Romans 15, Paul has been telling us to not boast about things we have done or things we have claimed as ours which someone else has done. He is continuing that thought here. Paul could only boast in Jesus and the privilege he had been given to suffer for Him in the calling he had to reach the Gentiles. He had been called to a difficult task. It wasn’t one lined with roses and tulips. It was more about stones, beatings, shipwrecks and even snake bites. God’s calling us does not mean we are isolated from dangers.

What has God called you to do? If you know He has called you, step out in faith and follow. He will lead you. One of my memory verses this year is Isaiah 26:3. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” That’s the key. Trust the foundation your calling is built on. Jesus Christ will never crack and shift under the weight. He is true and solid and will last for eternity. Build on that!

Father God, I know I can trust Your foundation, 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). 

Standard
Man speaking at a podium with Turning Point USA sign at Freedom Conference
Bible, Blasphemy, Evil, Good, Gospel, Judging, Romans, Scripture, Truth

GOOD IS NOT EVIL

ROMANS 14:16

“Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;”

When I read this verse, I thought of the late Charlie Kirk. He was assassinated for speaking truth – plain and simple. Those who hated his message of adherence to holiness and truth rallied against him and tried to turn his message to one of hatred and intolerance. What was meant as a good thing was turned into something evil. Charlie never wanted this. He only wanted to encourage others to live a life honoring God and His Word.

Paul warns us in today’s verse to not let our freedom in Christ be seen as judgmental toward others, thereby, turning the good news into a message of hate of others who have a different view. Sure, we must stand for the truth. That can alienate some. But we must always share the good news of our freedom in Christ with an attitude of humbleness and love for others.

APPLICATION

The word used “be spoken of as evil” is the Greek word blasphémeói from which we get our word “blasphemy.” We often think that only applies to us speaking against God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day accused Him of blasphemy against God when Jesus spoke of forgiving sins. They had no idea what Jesus was really talking about. They did not realize they were accusing the Lamb of God of doing the very thing He was sent to earth to do – forgive sins.

We are taught in Scripture that the sin of blasphemy is speech that dishonors, slanders, or demeans the divine character, titles, or works of God. When we flout our spiritual superiority over others, we are blaspheming. We may never speak a word against God, but our attitude goes against everything that honors Him. Paul is warning us to guard against this spirit of blasphemy by honoring all people, whether they are correct in their teaching or not. Honoring does not mean condoning.

Have you ever thought about blasphemy in that way? I sure had not until reading this. When we are quick to judge others, we are in danger of blaspheming the very nature of God Who dwells in us as followers of Christ. There may come a time when you have to draw a line in the sand and defend the truth of the Gospel, like Charlie Kirk did, but we are not called to pick a fight and risk driving people away. We do not want them to call evil what we know is good. We are also told back in Romans 12:19, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Let’s strive to do that today.

Father, I never want my words or actions toward others to be construed as evil. Forgive me if I ever lean that way and correct me.

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

Standard
Person sleeping in bed with bedside table showing phone, coffee mug, alarm clock, and book
Bible, End Times, Gospel, Romans, Scripture, Sleeping, Time

KNOWING THE TIME

ROMANS 13:11

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed.”

I set my alarm on my phone every night in order to make sure I am awake at a certain time. Nine times out of ten, though, I wake up about five minutes before the alarm goes off. Sometimes I awaken before that. It’s like my body clock just knows the time. I can’t wait each morning to get up, get my coffee and get into the Word. I need that morning cup of joe and my morning time with the Lord.

I just love this verse. It’s so full of imagery. Before the Gospel was presented to us, the time was full of darkness and sin. But Paul says, “it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep.” In other words, “WAKE UP! Daylight’s burning!” Paul knew the importance of the day. He knew the time of salvation was near. This is a call for each of us to get up and get going. We’ve got work to do.

APPLICATION

It’s one thing to know the time you are supposed to do something and actually showing up and doing it on time. For instance, going to work on time. I have heard it said that if you’re early, you’re on time and if you’re on time, you’re late. I have always tried to be on any job I had before it was time to start working. As a supervisor I was always in my office before my employees. But I had to be aware of the time in order to do that.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, Paul writes a similar thought to the church in Thessaloniki. “5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

The days are dwindling, brothers and sisters. As Paul says, “salvation is near.” This salvation, many believe, refers to our ultimate salvation from sin and darkness. Can you imagine? Don’t you want that for your loved ones? Don’t you want to share the good news of the Gospel with those you know need to hear it? It’s time to wake up! The world needs to hear the message of Christ, before it’s too late.

Thank You, Lord for waking me up to the Gospel. Give me opportunities to share it 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). 

Standard
Elderly woman distributing food packets to a smiling man indoors with other people in the background
Bible, Calling, Gospel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

BECAUSE OF YOU

ROMANS 11:31

“so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.”

Occasionally in life we may receive a blessing because someone else has been blessed. For instance, what if someone close to you receives a huge financial blessing only to turn around and bless you with part of that blessing. You only received that because they had received something. Because they were so grateful for what they had received, they wanted to be a blessing to others. I have been the recipient of such gifts in the past and have done the same myself.

In today’s verse, Paul continues to show the connection between the Gentile believers and the Jewish nation. I just love this verse. Don’t you? Look at how Barnes describes this. “Through the mercy, that is, the compassion or deep feeling of the converted Gentiles; through the deep and tender pity which they would feel for the blinded and degraded Jews: the gospel should be again carried to them, and they should be recalled to the long lost favor of God. Each party should thus cause salvation to come to the other – the Jews to the Gentiles by their unbelief; but the Gentiles, in their turn, to the Jews by their belief.”

APPLICATION

While today’s verse is specifically talking about Gentiles ministering to Jews, this verse applies to every believer’s responsibility to share the good news to unbelievers. Our blessing of salvation should be shared, not hoarded. We are commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. That command is still in force, isn’t it? There are still so many Unreached People Groups (UPGs) out there. And the days are hastening to a close.

Keith Parks, the former President of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board, once said that if God has not specifically called you to stay home, He has called you to go. His point was and the point still is that we should know our calling. Every believer has a calling which involves being a witness. Whether that is to the waiter and waitress who serves your meal or to an unreached tribe in the Amazon rainforest.

Don’t hoard your blessing. Pour out the knowledge and joy of your salvation. As you do, you will find your cup overflows. God will continue to fill you with joy unspeakable. Does He promise every person will receive it? No! Paul experienced that. Many of the Jews who heard him share about Jesus were not swayed to believe. But he remained faithful to tell the story. Keep sharing!

Lord, thank You for the greatest blessing. Help me share it with others so they too may be blessed.

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

Standard
Group of people raising hands toward radiant divine hands in the sky at sunset
Beloved, Bible, Enemies, Forgiveness, Gospel, Promises, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

ENEMIES AND BELOVED?

ROMANS 11:28

“In relation to the gospel they are enemies on your account, but in relation to God’s choice they are beloved on account of the fathers;”

How is it possible to love your enemy? It isn’t possible on our own. But you have read where Jesus tells us to do just that. In Matthew 5:43-45, we read His instructions He gave the people during the Sermon on the Mount. “43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’”

Paul had undoubtedly heard these words spoken by Jesus, either through word of mouth or perhaps he was present in the crowd listening in (this is pure conjecture on my part). But He also knew of God’s election of the Jewish nation and how much God loved them. Let’s take a look a look at the two words used to describe them in today’s verse – “enemies” and “beloved.”

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul here which is translated “enemies” is exthrós, which HELPS Word-studies describes as “someone openly hostile (at enmity), animated by deep-seated hatred. Exthros implies irreconcilable hostility, proceeding out of a ‘personal’ hatred bent on inflicting harm (DNTT).” This word is used to describe Satan and his demonic army of fallen angels who are bent on our destruction. That’s a pretty strong word to describe the unbelieving Jews. But this was referring to their actions toward the believing Gentiles. Paul knew this all too well. Remember he was on the way to Damascus to arrest and even perhaps kill followers of Christ when he met Jesus face to face.

The other word Paul uses is “beloved.” That’s the Greek word agapétos which is used to describe God’s relationship with the Jewish nation. No matter what they did, God still loved them. The Topical Lexicon says it this way. “Divine affection is not merely sentimental; it describes the covenantal bond established by the blood of Christ.” Christ’s blood was shed for the Jewish nation, even though many of them rejected it. God was still in covenant with them and sought to redeem them.

We have a choice today. We can be enemies of the cross or God’s beloved. Which do you prefer? One holds certain judgment and damnation while the other promises eternal security and living in the presence of the Lord. One invites struggles and hardship while the other gives us the power to face life’s uncertainties knowing the One Who can calm any storm. 1 John 4:7 tells us, “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Father, I am grateful that I am one of Your beloveds. You love me with an everlasting love. 

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

Standard
Two women hugging warmly in a park with autumn leaves on the ground
Bible, Gospel, Ministry, Reconciled, Romans, Scripture

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

ROMANS 11:15

“For if their rejection proves to be the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”

When two people are fighting, reconciliation is the last thing on their minds. Most of the time both parties demand their rights over the rights of the other. There is no thought to common ground. Only when all efforts to “win” are exhausted do they finally agree to reconcile. We are going to look at this “ministry” of reconciliation today and how God used a bad thing to produce a greater thing.

As Paul continues showing how the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews led to the salvation of the Gentiles, he uses a word here that has such rich meaning for us as followers of Christ. The Greek word katallagé is translated as “reconciliation.” The Topical Lexicon says this word “speaks of reconciliation—the decisive restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity accomplished through the saving work of Jesus Christ. While Scripture contains broader calls for harmony among people, katallagé is used exclusively of God’s act in Christ that removes hostility, grants peace, and re-establishes covenant fellowship.” Isn’t that what we all want?

APPLICATION

This word was used earlier in Romans 5:11. “And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Then we see it used twice in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 in noun form and also twice in verb form. “18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

Look at those verses closely. God reconciled us to Himself and gave us a purpose – to share the word of reconciliation to others. In other words, the best thing that could have happened to us was done so we could share it with someone else so that they too could be reconciled to God. We can’t reconcile them to God. That has to be done between them and God. We can serve as a kind of mediator to introduce them to the “offended party,” that being a holy God.

How many people do you know who are walking around without this reconciliation in their lives? Probably a lot, right? If you have been given this “ministry of reconciliation” by the Father, you need to share it with them. Show them how the Father desires to be reconciled to them. He won’t chase them down and make them reconcile, though. They have to come willingly. Share the ministry.

You have given me a purpose and a mission, O Lord. Help me show others the benefits of reconciling with You today.

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

Standard
Multiple raised hands of different skin tones reaching up towards a colorful sunset sky
Bible, Gospel, Hand, Isaiah, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

OUTSTRETCHED HANDS

ROMANS 10:21

“But as for Israel, He says, ‘I HAVE SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL DAY LONG TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.’”

We come to the end of chapter 10 of Romans with today’s verse. Once again, Paul turns to Isaiah 65, this time from verse 2 which says, “‘I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,’” But let me encourage you to take a minute and go to Isaiah 65 and read verses 1-7 to get the full picture of what the Lord is saying.

But look closely at what the Lord spoke to Isaiah about the Jewish nation. Even though they were disobedient and obstinate, He still says, “I have spread out My hands all day long.” God still was entreating them to return to Him. He loved His chosen people. He still wants to see them redeemed. Paul is telling us in today’s verse that this is still true in his day. God sent His Son to His children first, who spurned and rejected Him. Still, He desires to see them saved.

APPLICATION

Barnes sums up the past several verses with these observations:

  • The pagan world is in danger without the gospel.
  • The provisions of the gospel are ample for them.
  • The command of Jesus Christ remains still the same, to preach the gospel to every creature.
  • If the gospel is to be preached everywhere, people must be sent forth into the vast field.
  • The church should be training young men for the ministry.
  • God will withdraw His favors from those nations that are disobedient and rebellious.

What are we to do with this? We must be about our Father’s business of reaching the lost for Christ. There’s not a moment to spare. His return is imminent. It could happen today. And there are billions who will face the fiery flames of hell if they do not bow the knee to Jesus.

The image of outstretched hands is one we can see clearly in the cross. Jesus stretched out His hands and died for us. He allowed His hands to be pierced with the nails of the cross on our behalf. And when we turn to Him, those drops of blood cover us. We must share that with others as often as we can. Stretch out your hands today and share the good news of God’s redemption plan for the world.

Father, I praise You for giving Your Own Son Who stretched out His hands for me.

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

Standard
Yellow triangle warning sign with black border and exclamation mark
Bible, Deuteronomy, Gospel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THEY WERE TOLD

ROMANS 10:19

“But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, ‘I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, WITH A FOOLISH NATION I WILL ANGER YOU.’”

Isn’t it frustrating when you have to repeat yourself? Telling the same thing over and over gets tiring. When your children were little, you found yourself, I am sure, repeating things to them. But you kept telling them with the hopes that they would eventually get it. And for the most part they did, didn’t they? Repetition is necessary at times.

Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 32:21 which says, “‘They have made Me jealous with what is not God; They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,’” God warned the Jewish nation hundreds of years ago through Moses that He would use the Gentiles to show them His salvation is for everyone. Wow! That had plenty of warning, but they never seemed to get it.

APPLICATION

I don’t normally use a long quote from a commentator, but Matthew Henry has some great words of wisdom on this passage and the ones that follow that bear repeating. Read it more than once. “Did not the Jews know that the Gentiles were to be called in? They might have known it from Moses and Isaiah. Isaiah speaks plainly of the grace and favour of God, as going before in the receiving of the Gentiles. Was not this our own case? Did not God begin in love, and make himself known to us when we did not ask after him? The patience of God towards provoking sinners is wonderful. The time of God’s patience is called a day, light as day, and fit for work and business; but limited as a day, and there is a night at the end of it. God’s patience makes man’s disobedience worse, and renders that the more sinful. We may wonder at the mercy of God, that his goodness is not overcome by man’s badness; we may wonder at the wickedness of man, that his badness is not overcome by God’s goodness. And it is a matter of joy to think that God has sent the message of grace to so many millions, by the wide spread of his gospel.”

I love how he applies this to Gentiles as well as the Jews. We all have been told the story in one way or another. We have all heard or seen the Gospel message. Therefore, we cannot give excuses for not believing. No Jew could and no Gentile could. That still applies today. Especially with the technology we have around the world, the Gospel is presented in thousands of dialects and in just about every spot on the globe.

But we still have work to do. God will judge mankind one day, and if someone has not believed in the name of the Son of God and turned to Him for salvation, they will face an eternal hell. Let’s get busy for the kingdom. Today could be our last day on earth. Jesus could return tomorrow to take His bride away. Be diligent.

Father, You have warned us time and time again. You will judge us all one day. I am thankful I know I am Yours.

Standard