Have Courage
- Cornerstone Church
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
This week will finish the letter to the Romans. Paul wrote to the church in Rome for the purpose of clarifying theology for Jewish and Gentile believers coming together in one church body. As a reminder, the church in Rome had not received instruction from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus that we know of. Paul wanted to instruct them, as well as prepare them to further missionary journeys farther to the west. Last week, Paul clarified that what makes a Jewish believer is not a person’s race, but instead a ‘circumcized’ heart through belief in Jesus. He continues to apply this belief to how it unifies believers in the church. The readings will continue in the book of Acts, where Paul’s aim will be to continue spreading the good news of the Gospel. This is a pivotal point for Paul. Though his aim is to go to Spain, Paul will begin a journey that will lead him to Jerusalem, then Rome. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 42
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the books of Romans and Acts, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
R.E.A.D. - Repeated words. Examine & mark. Ask what I learn about God? Do.
STUDY IT.
Read Acts 20:17-21. What was Paul’s ministry in Ephesus? Read Acts 20:22-24. Where is Paul being led by the Holy Spirit?
Read Acts 21:10-14. What was the warning given to Paul by Agabus through the Holy Spirit? What was his response? What was the people’s response to Paul?
Read Acts 21:28-33 & 23:10-11. How were the warnings of the Holy Spirit affirmed?
Read Acts 22:22-23. What was the result of Paul declaring God sent him to the Gentiles after the Jew’s rejection? (Hint: Read Romans 11:11-24)
Read Acts 21:17-25. How does the book of Romans address this conflict between ethnic Jews, God’s people Israel, Gentiles, and the law? (Hint: see last week’s Talk It Out, or read Romans 3:22-24, 4:13, 9:6, 9:30-33, 10:9)
SHARE IT.
Read Romans 15:19-20. Take a moment to pray for opportunities to share the Gospel. Is there a person who comes to mind?
Read Romans 15:23-24. Take a moment to pray for the spread of the Gospel in the world, perhaps for a missionary you know? Does a specific region or country come to mind?
Read Romans 15:30-33. Who do you ask to pray for you? Who asks you to pray for them? How do you make this a regular habit?
Read Romans 16:17-18. Pray for watchfulness against divisions and obstacles contrary to God’s word, an understanding of God’s Word, and unity in your local church and those in your community.
Read Romans 16:25. What areas of your life do you need Gospel strength right now?
FINAL THOUGHT
Romans 16:20 states, “20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” This should remind you of Genesis 3:15, in which God delivers the first promise of a savior that would undo the curse by crushing the head of the snake. This is not to confuse Paul’s encouragement with us somehow being able to save ourselves or us being the victor in our own power. In Jesus, believers are more than conquerors, and Jesus is ruling and reigning presently. There is a spiritual promise to the church that Jesus will soon crush Satan under the feet of the saints, transferring Christ’s victory to us. Be encouraged today that your victory in Christ is assured and will happen in many small ways until Christ comes back for the ultimate victory. Reflecting on this truth is how we have courage and are strengthened by the Gospel (Acts 23:11, Romans 16:25).
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