Category Archives: Scripture

Bible, Called, Calling, Eternity, Saints, Scripture

THE CALLED OF CHRIST

ROMANS 1:6

“among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”

I have been called a lot of things in my life. I’ve been called a boy, a son, a brother, a man, a husband, father, Papa, Poppy, Uncle, Pastor and friend. Those are a lot of titles, right? I bet if you started naming all the things you have been called, you could name a few also. But those titles used by my family mean the most (husband, father, Papa, Poppy). Certain titles mean more than others.

Paul tells us today that we are “the called of Jesus Christ.” You won’t find a better thing to be called, in this life or the one to come. Of all the titles we could have, being named among the called of Christ reigns supreme. In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, he says this calling is “an internal special call by the grace of God;…” Without getting too deep in the doctrine of the elect, every called one of Christ is part of the elect. Christ woos us through His Holy Spirit, and when we respond in faith, He names us “the called.” Praise the Lord! 

APPLICATION

We are called other things in Christ, as well. Look in 1 Peter 2:9 where it says, “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Peter says there that we are called four things (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s possession). But I particularly like the last part of that verse. We have been “called…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This calling brings me into His light.

In Revelation 17:14, John says Jesus will overcome the beast with “those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” You see, we continue to be part of the called throughout eternity. This title isn’t just for now. Once we are called “the called” we will be forever called “the called.” (Hey, that’s pretty catchy.) That is just one more confirmation of our security in Christ.

One more – we are also called “saints.” Now, I’m no saint, believe me. But according to God’s Word, I am. In the introduction of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes this in verse 2 of chapter 1. “…to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:…” Wow! “Saints by calling”! So, don’t argue with the Lord’s Word. He has called you His saints. We should do all we can to live up to that calling. Don’t you agree?

I have heard Your call, Lord, and having responded in faith, I am now a part of Your called ones.

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, God's Will, Obedience, Scripture

THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH

ROMANS 1:5

“through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name,”

The ultimate witness of the love a child has for their parents is their willingness to obey. Obedience shows their faith in what their parents are teaching them. They may not always agree with their parents, but they obey them because they love them. Chances are somewhere down the road they will realize their parents only want what is best for them. I realize not all children have great parents. In fact, some have really bad parents. In that case, they must obey God the Father and trust that He has a plan for their lives to make things better.

Paul uses a phrase in today’s verse which caused me to take pause. What did he mean by “obedience of faith”? Scholars vary in their interpretation of this phrase, but all would agree that real faith is not present unless there also exists obedience. Paul uses the same phrase again in Romans 16:26. Paul knew real faith required obedience. Just take a look at his own journey of faith. That really required obedience on his part to believe and trust God to sustain him through shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonments and even a stoning. Obedience of faith was more than just a nice sounding phrase for Paul. It was his walk.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you to think about moments in your life when you had to step out on faith and obey. I can recall several times in my ministry when God was calling my wife and I to do something that didn’t make a lot of sense. We moved several times in our ministry. I truly believe each and every time we moved, God was directing us. Some of those moves were hard, but we went believing He was directing us and was requiring obedience.

The Greek word for “obedience” is hupakoé and literally means submission to what is heard. True obedience requires more than just hearing God’s voice. It requires doing what He says. I think about Jesus in the garden right before He was betrayed. Do you remember His prayer? He prayed if there was another way for the Father to accomplish His Will. He didn’t want to suffer and die an agonizing death of a cross. Who wants that?! But He knew the choice was clear. Only His obedience on that cross would pave the way for mankind’s redemption.

Are you struggling with a decision right now regarding something you know the Lord is telling you to do? Join the club. We’ve all been there. But, if you want to show the “obedience of faith” to the Faithful One, yield your will to His. Submit to what you have heard Him say to you. Trust He is able to see you through, in this life or the one to come.

O Lord, sometimes it is hard to obey when I want my way. Crucify my flesh today and help me yield my will to Your Will.

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, Declare, Judgment, Resurrection, Righteousness, Scripture

HORIZONS

ROMANS 1:4

“who was declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,”

Depending on where you live and the topography around you, you may or may not clearly see the horizons that surround you. If you live in a mountainous area, you will see a jagged horizon and if live in a desert region, it may appear more as a straight line. I love to see the western horizon when I am at the beach. I love to watch the sun set and disappear with all the accompanying colors. But try as I might, I do not have the power to set my horizons. They are set by One far greater than I.

In today’s verse, we have a Greek word that is translated as “was declared” from which we get our English word “horizon.” God has declared or “set the boundary” which determined Jesus as the Son of God. He used the Holy Spirit to do that through the resurrection so that all mankind could see that “horizon.” Jesus has always been the Son of God, but God wanted all of us to see that clearly, just like that sunset I described at the beach.

APPLICATION

In Acts 10:42 we read where Peter uses horizo to describe Jesus. “‘And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.’” Jesus’ declaration by God also included His role as Judge. He is the One who sits in judgment over all mankind. As followers of Christ, we will not face the same judgment as the unbeliever. But He is still our Judge.

As Paul was speaking on Mars Hill in Acts 17:31, he uses this same word. “‘…because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.’” The intellects of the day needed to hear that there was a supreme God who had come in the form of man to reign over all other gods. God had declared Jesus as His Son with all the authority to do that.

Do you believe? Are you following? If you answered “yes,” then the choice is clear. You must obey. You must obey the One who has been declared as the true horizon in your life. Only He sets the boundaries. No one can push the boundaries of your life. And if you have made that choice to obey, He has declared you as righteous in His sight. Live that way.

Thank You for declaring Jesus as Your Son, worthy of all praise and 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, Calvary, Cross, Flesh, Sacrifice, Scripture

THE FLESH

ROMANS 1:3

“concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,”

There has been no doubt the past few days that I am living in the flesh. I don’t mean I have been living in sin. I mean my flesh is very delicate. I had some “minor” surgery on my nose that was anything but minor as far as my flesh was concerned. My eye swelled shut and the right side of my face was swollen and bruised. It is amazing just how delicate our flesh can be when it undergoes trauma. (by the way, it’s good to be back with you today)

We are reminded in today’s verse that Jesus, the very Son of God, chose to come in that mortal flesh. His flesh had challenges. I am sure He had cuts and bruises as a carpenter. I am sure His feet hurt from walking long distances. And we all know how His flesh suffered through the scourging and crucifixion. It was important for Paul to remind the recipients of this letter that He had indeed come in the flesh – fully God and fully man.

APPLICATION

According to Albert Barnes, “the expression ‘according to the flesh’ is applied to no other one in the New Testament but to Jesus Christ. Though the word ‘flesh’ often occurs, and is often used to denote man, yet the special expression, ‘according to the flesh’ occurs in no other connection.” I did not realize that until I read it. But it makes complete sense, doesn’t it? We could only come in the flesh, but He could have come without experiencing the flesh. He chose to come that way.

John 1:14 tells us, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John wanted to make it clear also. Remember, John actually walked and talked with Jesus in the flesh. He ate many meals with Him. He watched Him sleep. He watched Him sweat and get tired. And He watched Him die and bleed real blood for us.

Never read that little phrase “according to the flesh” again without thinking about the depths of that choice Jesus made to come in the flesh. He gave up His glory to be with us in the flesh so that He could pay the ultimate price for us on Calvary. Glory, Hallelujah! Praise be to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

O Lord, thank You for sending Your precious Son in the flesh to die 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). 

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Bible, Faithfulness, Promises, Scripture, Testimony

PROMISES

ROMANS 1:2

“which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,”

I hate it when someone promises to do something and then doesn’t follow through. If they never had the intention to do it, then why do they say they would? I am careful not to make promises I can’t keep. That is especially true with kids and grandkids. Promises are just that – promises! It’s not too hard to understand, is it?

Paul refers to a promise made by God in today’s verse. The Greek word used for “promised beforehand” is proepaggello. HELPS Word studies defines it like this, “(from pró, ‘before’ and epaggéllō, ‘to promise’) – properly, promised beforehand (in advance); use of the Lord promising the Gospel (‘God’s good news’) to people even before creation.” It is only used one other time in 2 Corinthians 9:5, where Paul writes, “arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift.”

APPLICATION

Look at these two uses. The one in today’s verse refers to a promise made by God. You can always depend on that. His promises never fail. I have referenced it before, but one of my favorite verses in Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” What a promise! That still holds true for us today.

Then in the second use of the word in 2 Corinthians 9, Paul references a man-made promise by the Corinthians. This was not a sure thing. They had promised to send that gift. How much and when it arrived, we don’t know. I have been promised gifts from people for our ministry that never materialized. I have learned to not depend on that gift until it arrived. So, we have two very different kinds of promises – a sure thing and an iffy thing. Which do you prefer?

Years ago, there was a men’s movement called Promise Keepers. It was a great ministry that encouraged men to be promise keepers to God and family. I have often wondered how long those men kept their promises. How many of those men ended up leaving their families? But how many of them are still keeping their promises? Will you be a promise keeper? Will you look to the Great Promise Keeper and allow Him to strengthen you in your promise keeping walk?

Father God, help me be the kind of promise keeper that reflects You.

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, Gospel, Sanctification, Scripture, Set Apart

SET APART FOR THE GOSPEL

ROMANS 1:1

“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,”

We begin a 433 day journey today through the book of Romans, one verse at a time – all 433 verses. Are you ready? I truly thought about stopping my blog again, but each time I think about that and pray about it, someone reaches out with an encouraging comment saying how much these blogs mean to them. Listen, I am flattered, but that is not why I keep writing. I just feel compelled to do so. So, hang out for this ride through Romans.

As we begin in verse 1, Paul introduces himself with this description – “set apart for the gospel of God.” We know all about Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road and the message he received from a reluctant Ananias. We know about Barnabas coming alongside him and being set apart by the leadership in Jerusalem. But this description, I think, goes beyond that. Paul knew he had a holy calling to preach the gospel wherever and to whomever God led. The cost did not matter, only the calling.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon explains the use of the Greek word for “set apart” this way, “The verb’s ten New Testament occurrences paint a cohesive theology: God separates to bless, sanctify, and send; humans may separate wrongly through fear or prejudice; and ultimately the exalted Son will separate all humanity in righteousness.” The word is used in a variety of ways, but they all mean to separate from something else.

Are you “set apart”? Have you separated yourself from the influence of the world? That’s not as easy as you think. All around us are people or companies trying to influence us in one way or the other. It is so important that we surround ourselves with like-minded people. We should try as much as possible to patronize like-minded businesses. We can’t isolate ourselves, but we can sure insulate ourselves.

In Matthew 25:31-33, Jesus “sets apart” or “separates” those who follow Him and those who don’t. “31 ‘But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left.” The choice is simple – be set apart now so you will be set apart later. Amen? Amen!

Father, thank You for setting me apart for Your Gospel. Help me share it daily.

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, Family, Farewells, Giving, Grace, Scripture

BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

PHILIPPIANS 4:23

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Well, here we are at the end of another book. Today marks the end of these blogs on Philippians. What a great epistle of the Apostle Paul. Don’t you agree? It’s been a fun journey. Paul ends this letter in the same way he began it – by wishing grace upon the readers. Look back at Philippians 1:2. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Why change the message if it’s filled with grace?

This was a typical farewell by Paul. We see it in Romans 16:20 and 24, Galatians 6:18 and Philemon 1:25. What did Paul mean by “grace be with you”? What did grace mean to the believers? To these Philippian believers, it meant freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. Remember, grace is getting something you don’t deserve. Paul is reminding them they do deserve grace freely given by Jesus.

APPLICATION

To whom can you extend grace today? Maybe it’s that pesty neighbor who won’t keep his lawn mowed. Mow it for him. It could be the work colleague who seems to always get the last cup of coffee and doesn’t make a fresh pot. Take them a hot cup of coffee. We can extend grace is so many different ways, can’t we?

It is God’s Holy Spirit working with our spirit that enables us to extend that grace to others. Believe me, I can barely extend grace to myself, much less others. But if I yield my spirit to His Spirit, He will direct me to those who need it. Without our yielding, we may never see those around us who are in desperate need of grace.

Today, as you go to your place of worship, look around the room. I guarantee you that half of those present are dealing with some kind of crisis in their life that they are keeping to themselves or to immediate family. We, the family of God, need to be grace givers to other “family” members. If your church doesn’t have a prayer list of members’ requests, ask your pastor if you can start one. Prayer may be the greatest grace gift we can give. Give grace today.

Father, help me be a grace giver today to those around me in desperate need of it.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Influence, Scripture, Testimony, Witness, Witnessing

UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE

PHILIPPIANS 4:22

“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

I have had the occasion to meet some pretty interesting people in my life. None of them were particularly famous or anything, but they were interesting. What has been the most gratifying thing about that is to hear back from them later. Some of them even said how much I had influenced them. What?! Me? It just goes to show that you never know who will be influenced by you.

Paul was under house arrest in Rome as he wrote this letter to the Philippians but look who he says sends their greetings. The saints who were in Caesar’s household! I know Paul had appealed to Caesar and all, but I bet Paul never dreamed he would have influence over Caesar’s household. Now, we don’t know who those people were, but they must have been important people.

APPLICATION

Many scholars suppose that these people Paul was referring to were the household servants in Caesar’s home. Others think that may have also included some of Caesar’s own family. Paul didn’t care about rank or societal position. He only cared that they were lovers of Christ. Shouldn’t we have the same position? We should love all the brethren.

Take a minute, though, to think about these people Paul is referencing. They were of “Caesar’s household.” Who was Caesar at the time? Nero. He wasn’t exactly keen on Christians. He blamed the Christians for the famous fire of Rome. He persecuted them by burning them alive and crucifying others. He executed Peter and later beheaded Paul. Yet these early Christians risked it all for Christ.

I want you to look around today and how your Christian influence is affecting people around you. Are others drawn closer to Christ because of you? Are people getting saved through your influence in their lives? In short, how are you allowing Christ to use you in this world right now. Be an influencer (not on Tik-Tok)! Change someone’s life today.

Father, give me the boldness to be a Christian influencer and draw many to You.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Affection, Bible, Greetings, Hugs, Love, Scripture

GREETINGS ALL AROUND

PHILIPPIANS 4:21

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.”

“How’s it going?” “Jambo!” “Aloha!” “Hola!” “Hello!” In whatever language you choose, we all greet each other in some way. Some do it with a slap on the back or a hug (that’s my preference), while others just throw up a hand and wave. We sign our letters and texts with greetings. Today, when you see someone you know, take notice of how you greet each other.

Paul continues to close down this letter and like in so many of his epistles, he ends by sending greetings or giving direction on how we should greet each other. The Topical Lexicon says, “No writer employs the verb more than Paul. His letters end with chains of individual names, each preceded by ‘Greet’ (Romans 16:3–16; Colossians 4:15). Through these personal salutations Paul:

  1. Affirms the worth of co-laborers.
  2. Models inter-congregational affection (‘All the brothers here send you greetings,’ 1 Corinthians 16:19-20).
  3. Demonstrates doctrinal unity—greeting flows from shared confession, not mere sentiment.”

APPLICATION

One of my favorite verses on “greetings” is Romans 6:16 which reads, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” I have friends in other cultures who literally do that. They grab you and kiss you on your cheeks. It’s not meant to be sexual in any way. It is just a greeting in their culture. This was Paul’s culture. A sign of affection towards a brother or sister in Christ displayed your love for them.

In Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus is talking about loving our enemies, He gives some advice about greetings. He basically tells us to greet everyone, even our enemies. He doesn’t say to fake it, just greet. I know people in churches who won’t speak to some people because of something they said to them decades ago. Family members will stop talking and greeting because of hurt feelings. This is not scriptural and only harms the body of Christ.

So, whether you say “Howdy” or “Hello,” say it with gusto. Say it with meaning. Say it in the name above all names. Greet each other warmly. Look people in the eyes and let them know you see them and appreciate them. “Hello” goes a long way sometimes.

Thank You, Lord, for seeing me and saying hello each and every morning.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Forever, Heaven, Scripture

FOREVER IS A LONG TIME

PHILIPPIANS 4:20

“Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Having attended college and seminary, I have heard many teachers or professors speak long and longer. Now, I enjoyed my education. I actually kind of miss it, but I don’t miss those times when the topic or the speaker were especially boring. I would never call out names, but some of those teachers should have never been in front of students lecturing. It truly seemed liked forever.

In these last four verses of Philippians, Paul closes with a doxology followed by greetings and salutations. We often just skim these kinds of verses, but don’t do that. In today’s verse, Paul is giving glory “to our God and Father.” After all, all the glory belongs to Him, right? But he finishes that sentence by saying, “forever and ever.” There is nothing magical about the Greek word for “forever.” It means just that. But I do like what the Cambridge Bible says about it. “The idea conveyed by the phrase here is of circles of duration consisting of, embracing, other circles ad infinitum.”

APPLICATION

Are you prepared to praise God forever and ever? That’s exactly what we will do. When we receive our eternal reward and enter into heaven, we will be in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords. I will probably spend the first millennia on my face before His throne. How about you? Seeing the glory of the Lord displayed and lighting heaven will be overwhelming, to say the least.

We see a very similar doxology in Hebrews 13:20-21. “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Very much like what Paul wrote in today’s verse, isn’t it?

Peter writes similar words in the last half of 1 Peter 4:11. “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I think you can see that this phrase giving glory to God forever and ever was one embraced by many. Shouldn’t we embrace it as well. Try saying those words each day for a week as you end your prayer time. He does deserve the glory forever and ever.

God, Your glory is in You. We will only truly observe it when we see You face to face.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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