Having Bible knowledge and understanding is great, however if the scriptures are not living and active in our lives, it is all in vain (Hebrews 4:12-13). The life application selections contain thoughts provoking, real life challenges that will prayerfully transform us to be more like Jesus in our spiritual journey. James 1:23-27 challenges us to not just merely listen or read the scriptures, it says “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” Do not miss your blessings my friends!
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
This Scripture continues to ring in my mind as I meditate on Romans 1:8, where Paul is praising the faith of the church in Rome, a faith that was being reported throughout the world.
My friends, do you believe that, together with the believers in your congregation and throughout the world we are God’s temple?
Notice, I did not ask, “Do you feel it?”
Feelings are fleeting, but knowing and believing should be evident in the lives of those who understand that they are God’s temple.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."
My friends, studying Romans 1:1–7 has caused me to reflect on my own journey as a follower of Jesus.
How often do you stop and reflect on the grace of God in your life?
Paul makes a powerful statement: “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
To understand the weight of those words, we must remember who Paul was before grace transformed him.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
Deep-Seeded Love
Have you ever loved someone so deeply that your heart longed simply to be with them?
As I read Romans 1:10–14, I am deeply moved by Paul's love for the believers in Rome. Although he had never met many of them, they were continually on his heart. He prayed for them, longed to visit them, and desired to strengthen their faith.
What strikes me most is that Paul's desire was not centered on himself. He was not seeking recognition or building a following. His greatest longing was to encourage fellow believers and see the gospel continue to bear fruit.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."
As I reflected on Romans 1:8, two lessons immediately stood out to me.
Gratitude…
Paul did not praise the Roman believers for their wealth, influence, or accomplishments. Instead, he thanked God through Jesus Christ, acknowledging that every good thing in them was the result of God's grace.
What a reminder for us.
How often do we focus on our gifts, abilities, or successes instead of giving God the glory? Everything we have and everything we become is because of His grace.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
Your identity matters
Have you ever wondered if you truly have a place in God's Kingdom?
Romans 1:6 answers that question with beautiful hope. Paul reminds the Gentile believers that they, too, were called to belong to Jesus Christ. They were not forgotten, excluded, or second-class citizens in God's family.
My friend, that same invitation is extended to us today.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
What Does It Mean to Be a Servant?
Jesus completely redefined greatness. The world measures greatness by status, influence, and recognition. Jesus measures greatness by humility, surrender, and service.
As we continue our study of Romans, this truth is beautifully reflected in Paul's introduction:
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus..." (Romans 1:1, NIV).
The Greek word for servant is doulos, meaning a slave or bondservant—someone who willingly belongs to another. Paul understood that Jesus was not only his Savior but also his Lord. His identity was not found in his education, accomplishments, or ministry, but in the One to whom he belonged.
Who Is This Jesus? Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina.