COLORFUL CHRISTIANS
Part 9 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series
Romans 3:22-26
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
This Scripture is the core of our Christian faith. Despite being bad kids, we’re loved, and forgiven—when we believe in Jesus. Our Father embraces us because Jesus took our punishment. He won’t even punish us for the bad things we did before we accepted Jesus as our Savior!
God’s kids have always been bad. When trouble comes to us because of our faith in Jesus, we’re rewarded….Let me explain.
Believers were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26). The disciples were busy preaching, (because Jesus told them to: Matthew 28:19-20). They preached the Good News of Jesus Christ from memory. Three years they walked with Jesus, soaking up everything they heard Him say, everything they saw Him do. The Holy Spirit helped them remember correctly.
The conversion of Saul into Paul—from tormenter of believers to fellow disciple—happened in 34 A.D. (Acts 9). Those rowdy Christians turned the world upside down! But, they often paid for it with their own blood.
In year 34, God’s Word blazed Stephen to speak. He was stoned to death (Acts 7:54-57). James, the brother of John was beheaded in 44—same year Paul took his 1st missionary trip to Cyprus and Asia Minor. By year 60, Paul wrote his epistles (e-PISS-les mean letters) to the churches he founded in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica. Paul was beheaded in year 67, but not before writing to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
James (Jesus' earthly brother) wrote his book in year 61—same year Mark wrote his. Matthew was written in 65, Luke wrote his book, and Acts, in year 67.
John wrote five books, from years 86-92. As the last living disciple, he penned Revelation—the final book of the Bible—while a prisoner. John died in year 100.
Take Home Nugget
While you might not choose the lives of Jesus’ disciples, I guarantee that they wouldn’t change places with you! Their books still speak to us, and their rewards are in heaven!
Stow God’s Word in your heart, show it in your life, sow it in the world.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
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