Real Men Read Romans: Chapter One

Romans 1

1:1 Greeting

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 Desire to Visit Rome

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established — 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

16 The Just Live by Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

18 God's Wrath on Unrighteousness

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
NKJV

You Can't Imagine

1 Cor 2:6-16

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written:

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
NKJV

God's Plan

God's plan for our life doesn't change just because we feel like we have run out of resources or energy. His plans include renewal and resupply!!

Fear

The very thing Job feared the most happened to him. Don't allow fear to open the door to loss in your life!

-- Post From My iPhone

Did You Prepare For A Prosperous Day?

I have said that the most dangerous part of a person's life is not necessarily the speed bumps they encounter in life. Most often it is the smooth road between the speed bumps that lure us to sleep and we don't "feel" like we need God to intervene or even guide or direct our steps.

That time when everyone's healthy, money's in the bank and you're feelin' great and our eyes turn from God to us. After all, God is there when I need a panic button, right?

The Word says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God". Therefore, faith is something we are to use every day. We develop our faith, by reading, believing, speaking and renewing DAILY. We must activate our faith when our feet hit the floor every morning and prepare for a prosperous day.

If we were going fishing, we would grab the tackle box and poles. If we were going hunting, we would grab the ammo and the guns. When a surgeon performs surgery, he studies the patient, assembles a team and acquires the instruments in preparation for successful surgery.

Do you leave the house empty handed today?

Powerful word tonight at Guts Church 7p and 9p

God is Exited About His Plan For You Today

I get passionate when I think of the plans that God has for my life and that he created another day for me to win. The Kingdom prospers every time I claim a victory and His people shout with me in triumph. You know, playing football or basketball by yourself is "just ok" at best. But when you hook up with a bunch of friends (even if they're lousy players) the fun level jump several notches and now you have a "game". Well, Sunday may be "Game Day" for the church but Monday is Game Day for the Kingdom and your life. So is Tuesday and Wednesday and Today. I encourage you to make today fun, pursue victory in every area of your life and Game On!

Pray You Don't Survive

Believe His word and THRIVE!
In a world where the theme of the day is "How Can I Survive?" I find that God's will focuses on "How Can I Thrive?" so that you can have the resources needed to 1. Lead people to the saving knowledge of Jesus 2. Heal the sick and 3. Teach and train others to spread the Gospel to all nations and all people so that NONE SHOULD PERISH!

Everlasting abundant life is here now, for you to access if you have turned your entire life over to Jesus. You don't have to die. You can have the greatest life imaginable today.

Quantum Leap

Did you know that some people in third world countries, that have never had conventional phone service or television now have cell phones and wi-fi? All of a sudden these people are accessible!

Do You See Them?

Do you see the neighbor across the street mowing his yard? Do you see the lady buying groceries? Do you see the family having dinner at the next table? Jesus died for them too! Easter is a great time for them to hear a life changing message. Guts Church 9a 11a 6p

Compel

Jesus said:

Luke 14:23
23 Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
NKJV

Websters definition-
Compel
1: to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly ,hunger compelled him to eat
2: to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure ,public opinion compelled her to sign the bill
3archaic : to drive together

Is your lifestyle compelling?
Are your words compelling?
Is your invitation compelling?

Guts Church 9a, 11a and 6p for a message that will change your life.

The "A" Team Cleans North Tulsa

Guts Church Servolution "A team" cleaned 6 abandoned homes and 2 vacant lots by 1pm Thursday. The neighbors were watching and the team was working and inviting people to Easter Services. The work was dirty, hard, scratchy, hot ,wet and FUN!

One act of kindness

This is an email that has gone around the internet for a while, I wanted to post it here because this is exactly what Servolution is all about.

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives. '
He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.
He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends
He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!' He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.
When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends; that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak on Graduation day. I saw Kyle, he looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began, 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years, your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach, but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told about the first day we met.
He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.
He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.
Not until that moment did I realize its depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life. One single act of kindness. This is what Servolution is all about.

JV 4K Easter Egg Hunt

500 Guts Church junior high kids converged on a field of 4000 eggs looking for the magic eggs with $100 bills. You can see more pictures here on facebook.

Guts JV has a large crowd of junior high kids every Wednesday night at 7pm for activities, games, live music, and indoor skate park. Visit this website for more information.

Easter services for the entire family will be this Sunday at 9am, 11am and 6pm with a bunny bash for the kids immediately following the 11am service.

Do it to to Him...

Servolution Tulsa once again was busy around town serving in many capacities. Servolution teams from Guts Church were sent out to work on cleaning up more yards, helping a widow move, feeding the homeless, serving lunches to area business owners, and visiting elderly in nursing homes.

One team visited residents in specialized care units of a larger nursing facility. The team members visited with, sang to, and entertained.
But the highlight of the evening was getting to serve them dinner. Team members helped to deliver meals, and assisted residents who had difficulty eating on their own.

Helping those who can't help themselves through simple acts of kindness is what Servolution is all about.
We are acting out one of the greatest commandments "Love thy neighbor as yourself." The "least of His bretheren" are our neighbors or strangers who are unable to help or defend themselves and are in no way able to repay us for anything we have done to show our love to them. Doing it to Him is serving them knowing that the only reward we may receive awaits for us in heaven.

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'
"Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Rockin' The Retirement Center

30 Guts Church Servolution volunteers visited Shadybrook for a night of free hot chocolate, cookies, suckers and bingo. Actually we crashed the bingo party after paying 25 cents each to enter the game. Servolution volunteers went door to door inviting people to Easter service and praying for the residents. Some of our volunteers will be returning to help one of the ladies pack her apartment before she moves to Owasso.

Feeding The Homeless

The Servolution Nation fed the homeless at the adult day center downtown Tulsa today. Approximately 250 men, women and children rely on this center every day for needs including medical, showers, food, counseling and shelter. As you can see from the pictures there is a huge need right here in Tulsa to minister to these people. Right now the shelter is in short supply of childrens medium and small underwear, bug spray, and sunscreen among many other things.

One child at a time...

Servolution Tulsa was busy today helping widows, visiting elderly in nursing homes, and cleaning up vacant homes and lots. While one of our teams was mowing and cleaning 2 empty lots in north Tulsa, a woman from across the street came out and asked for help. She was a widow, her husband had died 2 or 3 years ago, and her back yard had not been touched since.
Later a team was sent out to clear her yard. When they started it was a literal forest. Those awesome volunteers worked hard for about 8 hrs to cut down and clear out overgrown brush and trees. Many trips in and out of the back yard eventually produced a brush pile 5-6 feet high and the length of two city house lots.
The result was well worth it. The woman's grandchildren were so excited because they could now walk through and play in their back yard instead of in the streets. They were also so happy when we told them how much Jesus loved them, and took every Easter invitation we gave them because they wanted to invite their friends to Guts Church.
Going out and serving is a real life example to others around us of just how much Jesus does love them and cares for them right where they are.
What are you doing to be an example?

Servolucion Peru

Desi Wright from Guts Church Tulsa said, "One of our AFCM pastors from Peru saw SERVOLUTION on my facebook, asked about it, and joined!! VERY COOL!"

Servolucion CdV Cusco y Lamay posted: "We distributed 150 bags of love to the people of the quechua community of Sasycancha at 4,000 m.u.s.l. with people of our church in Cusco and a mission team from Winter Haven ..."

The caption under one of the pictures read: "Many receives Jesus as Lord because this acts of love..."

Just The Beginning

Yesterday the Servolution Nation from Guts Church cleaned up the city parks in Tulsa. This week we have a great opportunity for one on one ministry as we visit people in nursing homes, residences, and hospitals as we go into their world to deliver the gospel. Sign up now and don't miss an opportunity that will change your life and the life of others.

How is Servolution changing your world?

There are right now about 300 volunteers out and about in the Tulsa community efforting to help clean up remaining storm damage in the local parks. These are people that have rallied together determined to make a difference and change the world for Christ.
Are you one of those volunteers?
In answering this call to join up with others to change the world we live in, how is this week of Servolution changing YOUR world?

Tulsa World Article About Servolution

Read it here

A Local Church With A Global Impact

The internet is buzzing right now about Servolution. Team members from Guts Church in Tulsa Oklahoma joined forces with over 150 other churches to serve their communities. I was keeping an eye on the Guts Church team from my office and was able to see a constant flow of reports and pictures of people serving other people. The world is watching and they see the hand of Jesus in red shirts! You can keep an eye on the progress through the Guts Church blog or various Guts Church member facebook pages.

The World Is Watching

What do you think they see?

How Would You Win The World For Jesus?

Get creative and tell us how you would win the world for Jesus if you had all the resources....

When Did God Show Up?

When did God show up in your life?

Impact Your Community

You can win the world for Jesus by impacting YOUR community.
Matt 25:40
40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'
NKJV

Welcome to "Win The World For Jesus"

A local church with a global impact from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church membership of Guts Church in Tulsa has hooked up with several other churches around the globe to serve their local communities. Servolution is a program sponsored by Dino Rizzo and his Baton Rouge, LA church Healing Place Church