[Practical Application Review – Week 24]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us finish the book of Acts and begin in Romans.
Schedule – Week 24:
Please read and/or listen to Acts 27, 28 and Romans 1, 2, 3
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Acts 27
Passage: (vv. 20-26)
Teaching: While Paul was being sent to Caesar in Italy, the winter journey was very difficult. At one point, all hope for survival was given up. Paul encouraged everyone on the ship with what an angel had told him earlier, that all on board will survive.
Application: May we always trust God, especially in those darkest moments. Let us be open to hear from Heaven’s messengers. And never forget, God loves and cares dearly for His children. We will arrive at each point of life’s journey.
Text #2: Acts 28
Passage: (vv. 16-27)
Teaching: Just three days after arriving in Rome, Paul contacted the Jewish leaders to schedule time with them. This gave Paul the opportunity to teach from the law and prophets about Jesus and God’s Kingdom.
Application: Each of God’s children should consider sharing the Christian faith with others in their community. The Holy Spirit will guide us and lead those who are lost in our direction.
Text #3: Romans 1
Passage: (vv. 16-17)
Teaching: Paul identified the gospel as the power of God to salvation to every one who believers. And that the righteous shall live by faith.
Application: It is so important that every Christian have a level of faith and believing. Our God can do anything, so why at times do I doubt or question?
Text #4: Romans 2
Passage: (vv. 1-3)
Teaching: If and when you judge someone else, you also condemn yourself. Likely you are doing the same or similar things, even if a little bit differently.
Application: May we be ever so careful to always help and not hinder. To bless and not curse. To love and not judge. I wish every person I know to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Text #5: Romans 3
Passage: (vv. 23-26)
Teaching: Every human being has fallen short because of sin. Fortunately, the blood of Jesus provides our cleansing. That we may be declared righteous, through faith in our Lord and Savior.
Application: How exciting that I do not have to attempt to be perfect. Instead, I can focus my attention on my Lord Jesus. Faith in Him is the ultimate answer for every problem that I will face.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo