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"Because of God's Mercy" November 3 Readings: Romans 12-13

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 12-13 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     This is actually the turning point in the book of Romans, as the devotional will spell out. The first 11 chapters have been doctrinal, spelling out the great salvation we have in Christ. Now, chapter 12 turns to practical commands based on the mercy of God, beginning with the most important: to give our bodies as living sacrifices. The rest of the book is a series of practical commands based on the "mercies of God" - the great salvation laid out in the first 11 chapters. The admoni...
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"Eternally Faithful" November 2 Readings: Romans 11

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 11 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Romans 11 is a significant passage for eschatology as well as for our Christian lives. It tells us that while God set aside the Jewish nation for a time, he is not done with them and will one day restore them, and that Israel will again be the people of God. This passage renders impossible views of eschatology that see the church as completely replacing Israel and inheriting the Abrahamic promises. God has set aside Israel, but only for a time. This passage also gives us hope. Israel,...
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"Thou Art the Potter..." November 1 Readings: Romans 9-10

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 9-10 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Romans 9-10 are among the most controversial in Scripture. They speak of God's sovereign choice of Israel as his people - "Jacob I loved and Esau I hated." The question theologians have struggled with is whether the truth that is taught here about Israel is meant to also be applied to salvation for us as individuals. Does God choose us as he chose Israel? Volumes have been written on this topic and wars have been fought over it (literally and figuratively) so let me solve it with a ...
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"No Condemnation" October 31 Readings: Romans 8

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 8 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     All of God's Word is inspired, inerrant, God-breathed, and useful to teach, correct, and train us in righteousness. It's all God's, and it's all good. But there are still certain mountaintops among the passages of God's Word. If there is a Mt. Everest in the Bible, it is Romans 8. Starting with the affirmation that there is no condemnation in Christ, through the promise that all things work for the good of those who love him, and ends with the promise that nothing can separate us from ...
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"My Greatest Ene-ME" October 30 Readings: Romans 6-7

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 6-7 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     I've been saved by grace, so it really doesn't matter if I sin, right? Forgiving my sin brings glory to God, so I might as well sin so that he can be glorified in forgiving me, right? We aren't under the Old Testament Law anymore, right? So I can live any way that I please! It is amazing how many ways people have found through the years to distort and pervert the teaching of the greatest truth ever - salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 6, Paul begins of his te...
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"While Still a Sinner" October 29 Readings: Romans 5

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 5 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     In this passage, Paul concludes his explanation of the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. He explains that all humanity is basically counted under one of two people - the first Adam or the second. The first Adam sinned and brought sin upon the entire race. The second Adam (Christ) died to show us God's love and brought forgiveness and righteousness upon all who would believe. Every human being is either in Adam and facing judgment or in Christ and due eternal life. Dail...
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"By Faith!" October 28 Readings: Romans 3:21-4:25

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Romans 3:21-4:25 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Romans 3:21 is a turning point in the book. Through verse 20, Paul has been a total downer, exploring the depths of human depravity. Now, though, he is getting to the heart of his argument - "the righteousness that comes from God - apart from the law." He is going to lay out a new way. In chapter 4, he shows that it is in line with OT truths as well.  Daily Devotional:  By Faith! I can remember the bumper sticker clearly. "Proud to be a Christian." That is an oxymoron...
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