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
"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.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."
Identity Before Ministry
When you hear the word ministry, what comes to mind? Do you immediately think of a church, an organization, or a formal position?
My friend, if you have renounced the enemy and made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, then your life has become a ministry that exists to glorify God.
As we journey through the book of Romans over the coming months, I encourage you not to simply read God's Word but to study it prayerfully. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth and allow Scripture to transform your heart.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Looking Back Is Satan's Plan, Not God's Direction
My friend, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful picture of the Christian life in Philippians 3:13–14. He reminds us that following Jesus requires us to leave what is behind and press toward what is ahead.
Does this mean we forget what God has done in our lives? Absolutely not.
There is a difference between remembering and looking back.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
When Yesterday Competes with Eternity
My friend, very few people begin their journey with Jesus intending to turn back. No one says, "I will surrender my life to Christ today, only to return tomorrow to what He has set me free from."
Yet many believers find themselves looking back, not because they planned to, but because they underestimated the enemy's schemes
That is why 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) warns us:
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Who Is This Jesus? Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina.