Category Archives: Testimony

Older woman and younger man smiling while embracing in a rustic home
Family, Witnessing, Bible, Scripture, Service, Testimony, Chosen, Servant, Romans

A MAN NAMED RUFUS

ROMANS 16:13

“Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.”

I am sorry if I sound disrespectful for what I am about to write. I don’t mean to be. But Rufus must have been a redneck bubba with a name like that. Lol. I’ve only known a few men named Rufus, and they were all just good ole boys. And we will see something else about him that I think adds to that description.

Paul sends greetings to Rufus and his mother there in the Roman church. Most scholars agree that this was probably the same Rufus mentioned in Mark 15:21 where we read, “And they compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.” Think of that! Rufus’ dad carried the cross for Christ. He was watching Jesus struggle down the road on the way to Calvary when He fell beneath the weight of it. The Roman soldiers compelled him to pick it up and carry it for Jesus. That had to have changed his life. The blood of Christ would have been all over that cross and now it was on him.

APPLICATION

Rufus’ reputation was well known by the time Paul wrote this letter to Rome. He and his mother were both there, but there is no mention of his brother Alexander in today’s verse. Perhaps he had already lost his life for Christ or was in another city. He is not mentioned again in Scripture. But here is Rufus, this North African Jew living in Rome with his mother. He must have been a mama’s boy since she is mentioned right along with him. Paul obviously knew Rufus and his mother since he calls her “mine” also.

What do you think would have happened to Rufus in today’s world? I mean, you’re famous, right? Your daddy carried Jesus’ cross. He could have demanded a tv series depicting their lives before the famous event occurred and how it changed their lives. He would have been on high demand to speak about what he perhaps saw that day. But not this Rufus. Paul would not have had such high regard for someone who tried to take advantage of their fame. Paul calls Rufus a “choice man.” That meant he had been chosen by Christ. You know he was faithful to his calling.

Can the Lord call you “choice”? It doesn’t matter where you have come from. If the Lord has chosen you, He has a purpose for you to fulfill. Rufus accepted his. He was being used in the church of Rome, not exactly the easiest place to witness for Christ. He risked it all for Jesus. Will you?

Help me, Lord, to be just as loyal to Jesus as Rufus was in that Roman church.

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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Roman servant carrying folded linens and a bronze jug through a villa
Witnessing, Bible, Scripture, Service, Testimony, Servant, Witness, Romans

REACHING THE OTHER CLASS

ROMANS 16:10

“Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.”

I was reading today about the life of many believers in Pakistan who work in the brick kiln yards. They are essentially slaves for life. Their families incurred debt which was passed down to them to pay off. But after paying “rent” and buying a little food, they never have enough to even put a dent in that debt. But they are still trusting the Lord to sustain them. Their “employers” are hard on them and are cruel taskmasters. But whenever they can, they share about Jesus.

Paul addresses one individual, Apelles, and an unnamed group of people only referred to as “of the household of Aristobulus.” We’ll break those down. But as Paul continues sending greetings to those in Rome, you know he is thinking fondly of them as he writes their names. And even though he does not name individuals in Aristobulus’ household, I bet he knew a few. Paul was careful to make sure he could encourage as many believers as he could in this letter.

APPLICATION

Apelles was possibly “found in the dependents of the emperor” at the time. This is according to Horace, a writer at the time. All we really know is that this was a typical Jewish name. Perhaps Paul knew him from Jerusalem. Apelles is now in Rome and maybe a servant in the emperor’s home. What an opportunity? A Jewish servant could possibly influence the highest ranking family in Rome. Paul calls him “approved in Christ.” This implies he has passed the test of a true believer by his lifestyle and sacrifice. I desire only to be known as approved myself. How about you?

“Those who are of the household of Aristobulus” refers to the believers who either served in this house or were a part of it. Aristobulus was the either the grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome but had died by the time Paul wrote this letter or this Aristobulus was the one who was a close associate of the emperor Claudius. Either way, Paul chooses his words carefully. He is not saying Aristobulus was a believer. He was addressing those in his household. These individuals were also living and serving among the noble class and had opportunities to be a witness.

Don’t ever think you can’t influence others whatever station of life you are in. The ministry I am a part of has some graduates who are in some pretty prestigious positions right now in our U.S. government and military. These men love Jesus and have been given a platform from which to influence other men toward a godlier lifestyle. We should all be given such opportunities, don’t you think?

Father God, if You give me the opportunity to be a witness I will take it in order to bring You 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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Man helping woman onto a fire escape above a city street
Bible, Eternal Life, Life, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony

RISKING YOUR NECK

ROMANS 16:4-5a

“who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house.”

There has not been an instance in my life when I have been required to risk my life for someone. Of course, if that moment arose, I wouldn’t hesitate to do that…for some people. Let’s be honest. If my wife or my family were in danger, I would not think twice about it. But for a stranger or even a friend? I am not sure. The Lord knows my heart and my desire to please Him. I only pray I would be obedient to what He calls me to do.

Paul mentions an incident that is not recorded in Scripture. We are not sure if he is referring to a specific time, like when Paul was threatened by others, or if he is talking in generalities. The term “risked their own necks” literally means that. The Greek has the idea of someone laying their head on the chopping block to be executed. Like I said, we don’t read where that happened, but Paul obviously felt they had placed themselves in imminent danger by helping him.

APPLICATION

Okay, let’s get real. Who are you willing to risk it all for? You may never be faced with such a situation, but are you prepared to lay it all on the line if necessary? Let’s think about that for a second. Does the risk of losing your life scare you? As followers of Christ, death is simply a passage to Him. Death has no sting for us. Amen?

I have mentioned my reading of the Voice of the Martyrs magazine. The stories told in that publication are full of Christians being forced to make such a decision. For many in those stories, death was the end result. But much like the Christians who marched into the Coliseum in Rome to face martyrdom, they stood bravely and gave it all for Jesus.

Think of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who was sinless and perfect, gave it all for you and me. He didn’t hesitate. Don’t let His prayer in Gethsemane confuse you. He wasn’t trying to back out of God’s plan for mankind. He was just expressing His humanity for a brief moment. He knew we were all worth His sacrifice.

Now, listen carefully. God doesn’t want your death in order to please Him. No, He wants your life! And if the Giver of life requires your life at some point, He will give you a much better life with Him for eternity. So, you can’t lose, can you?

Father, I pray I am willing to lay down my life for You if called on to do so.

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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Woman in oversized beige teddy coat walking on leaf-covered park path in autumn
Bible, Clothing, Flesh, Jesus, Romans, Scripture, Testimony

PUT ON JESUS

ROMANS 13:14

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

When I read today’s verse I thought of dressing up in a costume. I don’t personally like Halloween because of the darkness that surrounds that festival (devils, skeletons, ghosts, etc.) but I know kids like to dress up. A lot of churches have alternatives for Halloween and allow kids to dress up in costumes like cartoon figures or animals or even Bible characters. But dressing up in a costume does not make you into that person. It’s just an outward expression.

When Paul uses this term “put on” it was a very recognizable term in the Greek and Roman culture. This expression was used by people who “put on” Plato or Socrates. It meant to follow these teachers and their instruction. Barnes says, “to put on the Lord Jesus means to take him as a pattern and guide, to imitate his example, to obey his precepts, to become like him, etc.” That’s what the Lord expects of His followers.

APPLICATION

The Greek enduo comes “from en and duno (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Isn’t that a beautiful picture? We sink into Jesus. He envelops us with His love and Spirit. Wow! Why would we wear anything else?

The same word is used in Ephesians 6:11 where we are told to “put on the full armor of God.” In Colossians 3:10 Paul writes, “and have put on the new self,…” I really love how Paul uses it in Galatians 3:27. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

So, let me ask you a question. What are you putting on today? Are you clothing yourself with the Spirit of Christ in all your interactions so that all anyone sees is Jesus? Or are you putting back on your filthy garments of the flesh, which Paul tells us in today’s verse to “make no provision for”? Personally, I prefer Jesus over my flesh. Choose your wardrobe carefully.

Lord, help me dress up today by putting on Jesus so that all those around me are in awe of Him.

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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Two women walking arm in arm across a crosswalk carrying grocery bags in an urban setting.
Behavior, Bible, Lifestyles, Reputation, Romans, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

BEHAVE YOURSELF

ROMANS 13:13

“Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.”

There seems to be a large discrepancy among Christians today in the way they think we should live our lives. If you hold to a high moral code, you are labeled a fundamentalist or legalist. Sadly, the church has allowed way too much liberality inside. Any lifestyle is acceptable as long as you are a Christian and love Jesus. I am sorry, but that is just not true to God’s Word. We are going to see such a verse today.

Paul tells us bluntly to behave ourselves. What he really says is “Let’s behave properly.” I need to break this down a little. “Let’s behave” is the Greek word that means to walk all around. It implies a conduct of life. But it’s the word translated as “properly” that I want to concentrate on. That’s the Greek word eusxēmónōs. It is only used three times in the New Testament (we’ll take a look at the other two shortly).

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says eusxēmónōs “denotes a manner of life and ministry that is fitting, orderly, and becoming to those who belong to Christ. It calls believers to conduct that is externally attractive because it accurately represents the inner transformation produced by the gospel.” Man, that is a powerful statement and one that should be spoken loudly and often in our world today. Our outward conduct should reflect our inner transformation.

In 1 Corinthians 14:40 Paul uses eusxēmónōs when he writes, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly way.” In this passage he is referring to the issue of speaking in tongues which was being abused in the churches. People claiming to have this gift were disrupting the body of Christ. God is not a God of chaos. He has put everything in order.

Again in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 we see the word used by Paul. He writes, “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” You see, our conduct is to be proper no matter who is observing it. You cannot live one way around nonbelievers and another way at church. God sees right through that.

Let me urge you to “behave properly” today. Make sure your lifestyle matches God’s Word. Live your life so that you will draw others to the throne of grace. Never let your conduct confuse people about how to live as a follower of Christ. Point the way. Behave yourself!

Thank You, Lord. I needed that reminder to live like Jesus each and every day.

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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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). 

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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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