Category Archives: Testimony

Bible, Celebrate, Rejoicing, Scripture, Testimony, Witness, Witnessing

CELEBRATING AGAIN

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.”

I love to celebrate things, don’t you? I love to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in our family. I love to celebrate victories by my Georgia Bulldogs (Go DAWGS). I love to celebrate people coming to Christ. I love to celebrate baptisms and marriages and even, in some cases, the death of a dear saint. Celebrations should be done often. Find a reason to celebrate.

In chapter five of Romans, this is the third time we have seen Paul tell us to celebrate or rejoice. In verse 2 he said we celebrate hope. In verse 3, we celebrate our tribulations (that’s a hard one). And now in today’s verse, Paul tells us we “also celebrate in God.” May I remind you that the Greek word here for celebrate is kauchaomai which means “living with ‘head up high,’ i.e. boasting from a particular vantage point by having the right base of operation to deal successfully with a matter.” (HELPS Word-studies).

APPLICATION

This word does NOT mean to be snobby about your celebration. This should be an open invitation to all to celebrate with you. We are celebrating our reconciliation made possible by God when He sent Jesus to die for us. Why wouldn’t we invite everyone we know to that party? We have received the greatest gift in the universe, and we should be ready to share it with everyone.

2 Corinthians 10:17 tells us, “But THE ONE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.” This comes straight from the Lord as spoken by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 9:23-24. This is worth including here. “23 This is what the LORD says: ‘Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches; 24  but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.”

Those are verses worth memorizing. We are to boast not in our wisdom, might or riches. We are to only boast, rejoice, celebrate in the Lord and that we know Him. I promise if we all did that, the world would be a better place. Sadly, too many people are boasting of themselves or what they have. Don’t fall into that trap. Celebrate only in God!

O Father, You are enough to celebrate. I will rejoice in You forever. 

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, Promises, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony

PROMISES

ROMANS 4:13

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

We should never make promises we cannot keep. A promise is a vow to carry through on something. Have you broken a promise to someone? I have. I didn’t plan to break that promise when I made it. I had all the right intentions when I made it. But life can throw us curve balls sometimes, can’t it? I have been very careful since then to only make promises that I can keep.

God made some promises to Abraham. Paul alludes to one in today’s verse. Albert Barnes adds this to his commentary on this verse. “Those promises were that God would make of him a great nation (Genesis 12:2); that in him all the families of the earth should be blessed (Genesis 12:3); that his posterity should be as the stars for multitude (Genesis 15:5); and that he should be a father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). As this latter promise is one to which the apostle particularly refers (see Romans 4:17), it is probable that he had this in his eye.” God made and kept His promises to Abraham.

APPLICATION

When Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection, He said this in Luke 24:49, “‘And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’” What was that promise? The Holy Spirit! He promised us a Comforter, and we received that at our salvation.

In Galatians 3:14 Paul writes, “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Don’t you know Paul knew the power of this promise? He received it when he was saved. He had been a very religious man before, according to the law, but he had never experienced the power of the promise of the Holy Spirit until he met Jesus face to face.

There’s another promise God has made to us which John spells out clearly in 1 John 2:25. “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.” Not only do we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us down here on earth, but we also have been given a promise of eternity with our Lord. Wow! Try to top that one. Can’t be done! Thank You, Lord! Give Him praise today.

Father God, You are so faithful to keep every promise You ever made to us.

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, Lifestyles, Repetition, Scripture, Skills, Testimony

REPETITION

ROMANS 4:9

“Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, ‘FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.’”

In our ministry to men, Every Man A Warrior uses a set of books to teach men how to walk with God, succeed in life and multiply spiritually. This is done through repetitive skills we build into the men. We know that repetition helps drive home a point so that men make it a daily part of their life. One of those skills is doing a daily Quiet Time and journaling their thoughts and insights from the passage.

Paul is a master of repetition. In this chapter, he is continually circling back around to his main point to make sure the readers get it. He wants to cover this truth from all angles so there is no doubt what he is teaching them. Today’s verse is no exception. Once again, Paul brings up the matter of circumcision. Verse 9 and 10 are tied into the same thought. Paul gets his readers thinking once again how Abraham was counted as righteous in God’s eyes. How does his circumcision play a part in this?

APPLICATION

Paul’s heart for the Gentiles is bleeding through every thought. He asks that question – “Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also?” That really is what he has been discussing for the past verses going back to chapter 2. Are Jews the only ones considered righteous because they keep the law or is this righteousness made available to all men through faith in Jesus?

You and I have the benefit of over two thousand years of history and insight from dozens of theologians who have discussed this issue of faith. You and I may have all the right “Sunday School” answers to this. Of course, it comes through faith! Right? Then why do so many people think they have to perform and do something for God to receive this? Because we are a works mentality culture.

Free stuff is often seen as cheap or not worth much. People who have great intelligence cannot wrap their heads around the simplicity of the Gospel. But it really is that simple and it really is free. What is preventing the masses from storming the doors of the church? I believe it is Christians’ lifestyles that do not match up to what God expects from His children. Don’t let your lifestyle keep someone from pursuing this blessing. I believe it was Bonhoeffer who said we should live our lives as Christians so that it causes the unbeliever to question their unbelief. Do that today.

Father God, keep me from being a barrier for others to see Jesus. Let me lead them by my example in how to trust 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, 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, Confession, Righteousness, Scripture, Testimony, Unrighteousness

OUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

ROMANS 3:5

“But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking from a human viewpoint.)”

We will never fully understand the righteousness of God this side of eternity. How can a God, a righteous God put up with our unrighteousness? Well, He can’t. The question posed by Paul in today’s verse is really meant to show us the folly of this kind of thinking. Paul even admits he is talking from a human viewpoint.

The thought that Paul is throwing out here is this. If our sins give God the opportunity to show His righteousness, how can He punish our sin? That is obviously what Paul was hearing from some. Yea, I sin, but God still loves me and it gives Him the chance to forgive me. How stupid! God can never condone sin, nor can He overlook it. Sin requires confession and repentance. God can only be righteous.

APPLICATION

This is a difficult verse. We know as followers of Christ that our sin has to be confessed. We know that God demands repentance in order to bestow forgiveness. But this verse, taken by itself, might seem to imply that our sins give God more opportunities to show His righteousness. The second question in this verse is one we all would agree to. “The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is he?” Of course, that answer is NO.

 I am thinking of 1 John 1:9-10. “9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” You see His righteous acts toward us follow our confession. Don’t ever be confused by that. Unrighteousness + confession = righteousness.

Our goal should be to not sin. We should not be sinning and excusing our behaviors. We will see Romans 6:1 later, but it fits so well with today’s verse. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?” Paul goes on in 6:2 to say, “May it never be!” That should be our attitude towards sin. May it never be!

Lord, sometimes difficult verses have simple meanings. Thank You for forgiving our confessed 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, Christ, Scripture, Stealing, Teaching, Testimony

GOT TO WALK THE WALK

ROMANS 2:21

“you, therefore, who teach someone else, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one is not to steal, do you steal?”

When I first started my role as VP for Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes in Chattanooga, we got a call from a trucking company asking us if we wanted half a trailer load of fabric softener that had been turned down by a local retailer. I said we would be glad to receive that. Wouldn’t you know it, when it arrived in the semi, it was pouring rain. I couldn’t ask my staff to unload all that softener if I wasn’t willing to help. So, I quickly changed clothes and climbed up in that trailer to help unload. My staff were impressed that I, the VP, would do that. I had to do what I was asking them to do.

Paul begins a series of five rhetorical questions in today’s verse. The first two are here. He asks if they are teaching themselves what they are teaching. Then he asks if they preach against stealing, are they stealing. Most commentators agree that Paul wasn’t accusing them of these things but merely asking these questions to drive home his point. They had to practice what they preached. People were watching!

APPLICATION

When I read this verse and the two following, I immediately thought of Philippians 2:14-15 which say, “14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” As followers of Christ, we have to be above reproach. We represent a holy God and therefore must be holy ourselves.

In Paul’s role description for elders in Titus 1, he tells us this. “6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money,” It is unfortunate that too many of our church leaders don’t practice what they preach. We have to do better!

Why is this important? Like I said earlier, people are watching. The world is looking for followers of Christ to mess up so they can expose our “hypocrisy.” They don’t understand that we aren’t perfect, just forgiven. However, that does not excuse us from living our lives as an example for others. Today, choose to be obedient to Christ in all things. You never know who is watching.

O Lord, help me exemplify Christ in all things.

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, Fruit, Holy Spirit, Kindness, Scripture, Testimony

THE KIND GOD

ROMANS 2:4

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Kindness is a lost virtue nowadays, isn’t it? We watch the news and all we see are muggings, shootings and other crimes against humanity. My wife and I like to watch a reality show (don’t judge, lol) about police officers. It’s a live broadcast that follows various law enforcement departments around the country. Kindness is not exemplified very much on that show. But sometimes…you will see it from someone you least expect to show it. That’s always refreshing.

Paul uses two different forms of the Greek word for “kindness.” The first word is the noun form of “kindness” – xrēstótēs which means “useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable…refers to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence xrēstótēs is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).” (HELPS Word studies). The second word for “kindness” is xrēstós which is the adjective form of the same word. We don’t really have a word in the English that adequately defines these words. But we do know that God is a kind and gracious God.

APPLICATION

Since the second “kindness” in today’s verse is an adjective, you could translate the last phrase of today’s verse this way, “not knowing that the kind God leads you to repentance?” I like that. God is so kind to lead us to repentance. He wants to really meet our needs and even our wants sometime. God exemplifies true kindness by welcoming us into His family.

I have known some very kind people in my life. Some of those are my African brothers and sisters. When I have the privilege to visit there, they welcome as one of the family. Whatever I need they seek to provide. They go out of their way to make me feel at home. If I get sick (which has occurred from time to time), they are so caring and comforting. Their kindness is incredible.

Do you have that fruit of the Spirit? Well, of course you do. If you are a believer and Christ is your life, you have all the fruit of the Spirit in you. We choose not to live them out. Your kindness toward others speaks volumes. You may be able to reach some people for Jesus just by showing them kindness. Try it today. Let the kind God give you His kindness to share with others.

O Lord, thank You for being so kind to me and drawing me to Yourself.

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, Prayer, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS

ROMANS 1:9

“For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,”

Whether you realize it or not, God is our witness in all things. We cannot escape His presence. Just ask Jonah and Gideon and Elijah. I could go on and name many from the Scriptures who tried to deny God’s presence, only to be reminded He is always there. When we were little, we would hide under tables or behind doors to try to escape our parents’ eyes if we had done something wrong. It didn’t work, did it? The same applies with us and God. His eyes behold all.

But Paul wasn’t saying that he was trying to hide something from God. On the contrary, he is pointing to God as his witness regarding his prayers for these Roman believers. God, after all, was the recipient of his prayers. The Greek word for “witness” is martus and “points to a person who testifies to what he or she has seen or knows. In Scripture the role is never neutral; a witness is accountable before God to state the truth and, if necessary, to seal that testimony with life itself.” (Topical Lexicon).

APPLICATION

Paul uses this phrase four other times (2 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; Philippians 1:8). Each time he is showing that what we say here on earth, even in our prayers, is heard in the heavenlies. What better witness do we need? If God can testify on our behalf, who could contest it? Later in Romans 8, we read these verses that apply to that. Verse 31 reads, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” And verses 33-34 go on to say, “33 Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Are you shouting “Hallelujah” yet? Understand this – God is your witness. He testifies on your behalf. He is your advocate. People have tried to bribe or outright buy witnesses to help their case in courts. It doesn’t work, does it? Once that is discovered there is even more to answer for. But if we rely on the One True Witness, all is good. He knows our failures, but we are His child.

Can you say today with Paul that God is your witness as to how you pray for others? When someone asks you to pray for them, do you do it? Stop right there and do it. God will be your witness if they ever ask Him if you did. He heard your prayer. And He will answer accordingly.  

Father, thank You for testifying on my behalf before my accusers. You know me fully.

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, 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.

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