40th New Covenant Church Pastoral and Church Anniversary Videos - "Determined By Destiny to Serve" | Recognition for Elder H.B. Hudson at Wheeler Mission

Thursday, September 29, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

(More Photos to come)

For Patricia and me, Sunday, September 25, 2022 was one of the most encouraging and memorable occasions of our lives. There are no words that can properly express the depth of love we have for our church family and friends of our ministry. In fact, September 25 was the day we launched our church 40 years ago!

Our theme is a statement of purpose, "Determined By Destiny to Serve." It is a phrase borrowed from one of my mentors, Dr. Earl D. Johnson.

The best thing Patricia and I can say is, "Thank you!"

Below are links to event presentations and the message by Dr. Jerry M. Williams: 

• My Reflections on 40 Years of Pastoral Ministry "He who plants and he who waters are one." (1 Cor. 3:8)
https://youtu.be/PI5Vr0HLuwY

• New Covenant Church 2021-22 in Review and Celebration
https://youtu.be/cLhD6RZwI9I

• Anniversary Service and Ministry in song by Jeremy Larnell Thompson
https://youtu.be/eC-VxMrFAjg

• Message by Dr. Jerry M. Williams
https://youtu.be/eC-VxMrFAjg?t=3534

• Greetings and Comments from Friends & Family
https://youtu.be/eAwVnmNWRUI

•  Pre-Anniversary Message, "God Is For You!"
https://youtu.be/ouSz6Mwb15Q

• Reflections on Multimedia In Focus Media Camp from a former participant, mentee, now an adult in his career.

_______________

Special Recognition for Horace Bryan Hudson

On Tuesday, September 27, my father and our church Elder, Horace Bryan Hudson was recognized by Wheeler Mission Ministries for his 35+ years of volunteer service, where he (and my late mother) faithfully ministered to the men in song and in the Word. 

Award presented by Tammy Caldwell and William Bumphus III.



ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 21 - ”Cancelling Complacency”

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 21
(Lesson from Day 27 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

One of the great dangers for Christians is complacency. Complacency is defined as: “A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of a need”
Paul offers a powerful parallel using the word “sleep.” When we sleep we are unaware of our surroundings, oblivious to others, and unable to respond.

Christ Followers do not want to be “asleep in the light,” but alert and ready to serve God. While believers do not have darkness inside of them, we do not want to operate in darkness by failing to work with Christ or letting God have His way. Sometimes the works of darkness we need to cast off are things like simple distractions to living in God’s light. Simple things like watching too much television, engaging in too much leisure, or even constantly interacting on Facebook and social media can put us to sleep spiritually. None of these activities is wrong, but anything can become darkness when we fail to see the light of what God wants us to do.

The “armor of light” is a beautiful phrase putting us in the mind of being clothed with the power and grace of God. We are all wearing armor that both protects us and empowers us.


Reflection Question: What are 1-3 ways that you need to “wake up?”

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon






ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 20 - ”Basic Instructions”

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 20
(Lesson from Day 24 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 12:9, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

When the Spirit of Christ abides in you, God’s grace shapes your lifestyle. When the Bible provides direct instructions on how to live, understand that everything God requires, He has already provided. We are recognized by our faith and lifestyle. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Luke 6:44). We are the “planting of the Lord.” (Isaiah 61:3)

God does not ask you to do anything that is not already part of your character in Christ. If this were not true, you would not be able to do what He asks. For example, in our own strength, it is not possible to be “kindly affectionate with brotherly love.” This is a virtue, like all the others, that comes from the grace of God within us.

You can always do what God said you can do!

Reflection Question: How is God helping you to help others?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon






ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 19 - ”
All Things Work Together for Good”

Monday, September 19, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 19
(Lesson from Day 17 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Romans 8:28 is one of the most abused the scriptures in the Bible. Too often it is used as a catchall or a cliche, something for which God’s word was never intended. God is certainly merciful towards us, but if I write a bad check and pass it on nothing good will come of it! As a matter fact, it could result in a criminal prosecution. This is not was Romans 8:28 is talking about.

This text was not intended to cover our mistakes. This text, and all of God’s word, is given to encourage and teach us. The main focus of the text is not only “all things work together for good” but “those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” and “be conformed to the image of His Son.”

God’s purpose is the foundation of your purpose. God is deeply concerned about the circumstances of your life, but He frames your life in the larger context of His purpose. First we are predestined, which means that before you were born of God had a plan for you. Second, we are called, which means He gives us the opportunity to follow him through Christ. Third, we are justified which means He makes us righteous through the redemptive gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourth, you are glorified meaning that you enter into the purposes for which you were born.

Reflection Question: What are the two qualifications having all things work together for good?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 18 — “Know that God Knows All”

Sunday, September 18, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 18
(Lesson from Day 21 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 11:34, “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

I am amazed and amused at how people seem to think they can always speak for God or seem to convey that they understand Him more than others. It is certainly true that we can learn of the Lord and share His word with others, but no one person knows everything. No one helps God!

The entirety of Romans 11 addresses many profound topics such as God’s dealings with His chosen people Israel and the mystery of how He has “grafted in” Gentiles (non-Jews). The chapter is dense with theological truth and doctrine. At the end of the chapter, Paul concludes by writing the following: “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (v. 36)

In our lives, is appropriate to think, ponder, and seek to understand God’s words and God’s ways. But there comes a time when you reach an end of your thinking and understanding. At that time, the best thing we can do is trust God and worship Him as the one who knows all things!

Reflection Question: What should you do when you come to the end of your understanding?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 17 — “How to Think About Yourself”

Saturday, September 17, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 17
(Lesson from Day 23 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.  

We are never in a position where we need to be conceited, brag, or try to “show off” to impress others. You are already exactly the person that God had in mind!

In a world where people are confused about their identity and sometimes seek to assume the identity of others such as celebrities, we have the opportunity to discover our unique “measure of faith.” Your measure of faith are the abilities, assignments, and opportunities God has made available to you. God has given everything you need to serve Him.

One of the great blessings of serving God is summed up in the phrase, “where God guides He provides.” It is truly amazing how God can provide faith and provision for everything He wants you to do. It is also amazing that our individual gifting results in stronger coordination and collaboration as the body of Christ. We are a team and a family, each having individual responsibility resulting in the fulfillment of greater collective purpose.

Reflection Question: What is your measure of faith?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 16 — “How Faith Comes"

Friday, September 16, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 16
(Lesson from Day 21 of the Book, Romans Road)


Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Continuing from the previous lesson, we learn from this text that faith can only come from the Word of God. Just as people can only earn college degrees from learning the content during college classes, God’s “content” is learned from the Bible and through people who preach/teach the word.

People who don’t hear or take the opportunity to obey the Gospel cannot be saved, though God continues to extend His mercy. This is why the apostle Paul extensively traveled his world preaching and planting churches. That is why we continue to send missionaries around the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ
.
When people hear God’s word they can have faith to believe Him for salvation and for everything else God wants to do.

Reflection Question: What and who are your sources for hearing God’s Word?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 15 — “Genuine Faith”

Thursday, September 15, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 15
(Lesson from Day 19  of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 10:6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “’Who will descend into the abyss?’”(that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 

Genuine faith in God requires neither “signs” nor our “help” to fulfill God’s word. We don’t need Jesus to come down from heaven. We don’t need to go to heaven to see Him. If He was still in the grave, we would not have to go to that place to bring Him up. God’s word and promises have their own power.

Genuine faith does not demand external evidence. The beauty and simplicity of the faith is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to make it possible for us receive from God by believing and speaking.

Religion demands that people do something to prove their earnestness to God. Cults only require allegiance to a person. 

For the person who wants new life in Christ, they only need to receive what Jesus has already provided. Not only has God provided salvation, He has provided the “measure of faith” to receive it. For the person coming to faith in Christ and for believers who already serve Christ, the word of faith is in your mouth and heart. 

This is not some magical formula, it is not a particular Christian movement, it is simply the way that we access the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8 says “we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God not of works lest anyone should boast.”

Something that is provided by the grace of God can only be received by faith...and that faith begins with believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth. God does the rest!

Reflection Question: Why does faith speak? What does faith say?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 14 – God is For You!

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 14
(Lesson from Day 18 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

When we consider everything God has done, said, promised, and provided there’s only one conclusion: God is for you and no one can successfully be against you!

This is why it is important to know what God has done, said, promised, and provided. This is why we read the Bible, go to church, have a pastor, participate Bible studies, and do personal study and devotions. We’re not trying to “earn” favor with God, we are simply living as disciples who want to learn and grow.

Place a high priority on spending time with God and studying His word.

Reflection Question: Why is God for you?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
_______________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon





ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 13 – From Suffering to Glory Revealed

Monday, September 12, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 13
(Lesson from Day 15 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

It is very important to have proper perspective in life. How we perceive our life can determine our reality and influence our circumstances. The Apostle Paul endured a lot of suffering–much more than most of us will endure in a lifetime. Suffering and difficulties have a way of reshaping our thinking and putting us into a negative mindset, if we allow it. That’s the danger of suffering, not only what we’re going through (which will pass!) but the false sense that the suffering is defining our life.

Paul states that the sufferings of the present time cannot be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. 

There’s the key: Focus on what God is revealing...not on the suffering!

I’ve come to understand that the revealing of that glory is not only later in heaven, but a lot of that glory happens now while we are yet on earth. That “glory” is not some mist or other temporary manifestation. God’s glory is His purpose and presence revealed in and through your life.

God has the unique ability to turn “ashes into beauty.” He can transform our darkness to light.

Reflection Question: What glory is being revealed in you?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


Good Stewards: God’s Most Blessed People

Monday, September 12, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




LISTEN TO PODCAST


John 8:31, Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful....7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

Paul used the word “steward” which is oikonomos (οἰκονόμος) in the Greek. It was a word understood by people in his day. Oikonomos was the “major domo” or the person in charge of the administration of the house or estate.

Most importantly, a good steward received an unlimited supply.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION & ACTION STEPS WORKSHEET








ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 12 – Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ

Monday, September 12, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 12
(Lesson from Day 13 of the Book, Romans Road)

LISTEN

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

It is important to remember that as a Christ Follower, you operate under a different set of laws and principles. When I travel to places like Africa or England, I am reminded every moment of every day that I am in a foreign country. I recognize and operate according to the laws of the host country, such as driving on the left side of the road in England

In your life in Christ, you have the opportunity to live by something called “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ.” This is exactly what it sounds like. It is most certainly as good as it sounds! It is the Holy Spirit, it is God’s life in Christ, and it is powerful! After more than 38 years of living a Christian life I’m still discovering the benefits of the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ in every part of life and ministry. It is something better experienced than explained.

Christ Followers have been delivered from the law of sin and death. This is as bad as it sounds. It is the cycle of defeat that we left behind when coming to Christ. Today, we want to introduce others to Jesus and to the many benefits of the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ.

Reflection Question: In your words, what is the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 11 – Delivered from the Law (Do’s and Don’ts)

Sunday, September 11, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 11
LISTEN

Romans 7:6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul makes the argument that the best way to live a new life is to remember that you’re dead to the old life. This is possible because we are in fact dead to the old life because of what Jesus has done for us.

In every day life “newness” looks like this: If you were a person given to arguing with somebody who disagreed with you, because of Jesus Christ you realize that the old argumentative person is now dead and inactive. When the opportunity comes to argue with someone, “newness” reminds you to love others and do good for them. Jesus’ “newness” inside of you responds before the habits of the “old you” kick in.

Reflection Question: In what ways have your old ways been replaced by “newness of life?”

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 10 – 
Sin Has No Dominion Over You

Saturday, September 10, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 10
LISTEN

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Christians sometimes struggle with living righteously. Even though we are righteous and in right standing with God, there is the challenge to live the right way. However, the key is to not “try” to be righteous, but let God’s grace work in you.

Living better is a matter of growing stronger in our walk with Jesus Christ. More than anything else, it is recognizing that sin doesn’t have actual power over you. In Christ, sin only has the power that we give it, because it is already defeated. Jesus also delivered us from something called a “sin consciousness” (Hebrews. 10:2) which is the false feeling that we are still somehow sinners. No, you are the righteousness of God in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:21)

People who are not Christ Followers cannot stop themselves from sinning. Christ Followers already have the power to live victoriously. We only need to remember this truth: “dead men do not sin.” We gain strength, not from “fighting” bad impulses, but from knowing and exercising the grace we already have.
Think of it like this, when you are about serving God and “front-sliding,” there is no time for “back-sliding.”

Reflection Question: Why are you dead to sin?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 9 – ”Newness of Life”

Friday, September 09, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 9
LISTEN

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Water baptism is an outward demonstration of the inward work of God. When you received Christ as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit baptized you into the body of Christ. You became a part of Jesus and He became a part of you. What occurred is nothing less than a miracle!

Going down in the water symbolize the burial of the old person, it also symbolized being immersed into Jesus Christ. Coming up out of the water symbolized being raised from the dead. The amazing result of all of this is that you can “walk in newness of life.”

In a life and world full of old, tired things, look for the newness God has provided! When you expect it, you will see it and often be pleasantly surprised.

Reflection Question: What is the significance of water baptism. How are you experiencing “newness” in your life?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 8 – "Reign In Life"

Thursday, September 08, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


DAY 8
LISTEN

Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Adam, as the progenitor of the human race, is responsible for leaving us a legacy of what we call the “sin nature.” We inherited the desire to sin which resulted in death reigning over humanity. 

Jesus, who is called the “last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45) has reversed the curse. Jesus empowered us to be able to experience an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. 

The outcome of this grace and gift is that through Christ you can reign in life! We do not reign over people, but we can reign over ourselves and our circumstances. 

Because of Jesus, we are no longer victims. We are victors!

Reflection Question: How do you “reign in life” through Christ?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 7 - "Access Into Grace”

Wednesday, September 07, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


DAY 7
LISTEN

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Self-righteousness produces no peace, only religious arrogance. Being justified (made righteous) by God produces peace. There is a peace in life that only Jesus Christ can give.
Furthermore, faith in God has also provided access into the grace of God. Grace is God’s favor and includes everything He makes available to you. I like to think of God’s grace as His “operational power.” 

Living in the grace of God is like having access to a great warehouse full of provisions that you can use when you need it. The knowledge and reality of possessing God’s grace is both humbling and a cause for rejoicing!

Reflection Question: What is grace?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 6 - "The Provision of Promise”

Tuesday, September 06, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 6
LISTEN

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all...20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 

God promised to give Abraham and his wife a child. That’s not remarkable until you realize that Abraham was 99 years old and his wife Sarah was 90 years old! She was long past the childbearing years, but that did not prevent God from doing what He wanted to do for them and for His own purpose. 

The faith that Abraham showed toward God made him the “Father of Faith” for all of us. God’s grace made provision for Abraham and Sarah. Today, it is our privilege and responsibility to have faith in God... and He provides the faith to believe in Him. 

The hardest thing we have to do is to believe that God can do what He promised! Just like Abraham, we only need to become persuaded that God can do what He said.


Reflection Question: What is the “hardest” thing about having faith in God?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 5 - "An Act of Love & Grace”

Monday, September 05, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


DAY 5
LISTEN

Romans 4:4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to jhim for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

Abraham had no basis to boast because without God he could have done nothing...and the same is true for you and me. As stated in a previous lesson, faith in God is the basis for becoming righteous. Righteousness by faith is a gift and impartation of grace from God through Jesus Christ. 

When people think they must work for salvation, they also think God is indebted to them. Example: If I do a job for you, I expect to be paid. If you do a big job for me, and do not charge me, I regard that as an underserved act of love and grace. 

Jesus did the big job of saving us, changing our eternal destiny, and giving us purpose for life! He only wants you to say “thank you” and go out to become a witness to others.

Reflection Question: How does less work in our own strength bring more grace from God?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon


ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional: Day 4 - "No Boasting.”

Sunday, September 04, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


DAY 4
LISTEN

Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

One of the sure signs of self-righteousness is bragging about oneself in relation to being a Christian. If someone asked you, “How did you become a believer in Christ,” the answer does not include the good things you have done. The answer is all about what Jesus did for you.

We are justified neither by the Old Testament law nor by any other law invented by religion. We are justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Jesus made this possible.


Reflection Question: What does in mean to be “justified?”

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon

ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 3 - Righteousness Without Religion

Saturday, September 03, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 3

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

In a day when people are blessed to receive the free gift of salvation by faith in Jesus, there are still those who believe they have to work for it. Worse, there are others who insist that you must live by their rules and lists of “do's and don’ts.” 

Yes, we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory, but we don’t find the answer to any sin issue by doing any religion or religious practice. God loved us and Jesus gave His live to make salvation, redemption, and righteousness available to all. 

Those who have received Jesus Christ have been made righteous and now desire to follow God. We have been “justified” which means “made righteous.” 

The grace that saved you is the same grace that will motivate you to follow God and be obedient to God’s word.

Reflection Question: How is God’s grace at work in your life?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon

ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 2 - Your Best Opportunity in Life

Friday, September 02, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 2

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” 

The message of the Gospel of Christ carries the power to change lives. It is a message of which we should never be ashamed. In fact, the best thing you’ve ever had the opportunity to know and share is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The Good News of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the power that produced salvation and the hope of our eternal future. 

The Gospel produced righteousness that you could never achieve on your own. It is the gift of God along with the faith that God gave you to believe Him. “Faith to faith” describes your walk of faith from salvation to your daily life. “The just shall live by faith.”


Reflection Question: In relation to your faith walk, what do you need to stop talking about and begin talking about?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon

ROMANS ROAD 21-Day Devotional | Day 1 - The Value of Impartation

Thursday, September 01, 2022 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY 1

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 

One of the encouraging truths about our Christian life is that we are never alone. We are not islands unto ourselves. We are neither independent nor dependent. We are interdependent in both helping one another and being self-empowered. 

We have great riches in Christ! We are complete in Him (Col. 2:10), but we also have the blessing of impartation from others. God uses others who can share insights and wisdom with us. Leaders, such as our pastors, help us discover new dimensions of God’s gifting within.
Paul expressed his desire to spend time with believers to help them through instruction and training in God’s grace. We need our pastors, spiritual mentors, and fellow believers in the same way. We spend time in personal study and prayer for direct impartation through the Holy Spirit. 

We also benefit greatly from participating in Bible study and other gatherings of believers where we can receive the word and grow stronger in Christ.


Reflection Question: Who does God use in your life to impart gifts and grace? 

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
____________________________

Order Your Copy of Romans Road on Amazon

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )