Anticipatory Faith

Bible Bites

Scott Beyer
06/29/23 - Bulletin

“…set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” (Romans 1:1-2)

As Paul begins his letter to the Romans, he makes a connection between the Old Testament and the new one. The New Testament is built upon promises found in the Old Testament. The news of Jesus Christ is good news because after 1600 years of waiting and hoping, God sent the Messiah, His Son, to save us all. So many details about who Jesus is and how God loves us can be found in the Old Testament because the Old Law, the one Moses gave the Jewish people, anchored itself in detailed, specific promises of God’s redemption.

One of the reasons I love the Old Testament is because it reminds me of what was anticipated and now is fulfilled. I have never lived a single day of my life as a Jew, but as I see the world through the eyes of those people that looked forward in faith to a promise that would only be realized in Jesus, it helps me to hold to promises which I look forward to as well. God is faithful. He will not forsake us. Jesus is coming back… and the wait will be worth it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 1:1-10

Questions to ask:

How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision