Author: Ben Bourland

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Biblical Community…

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12

A little shorter one today – I just love this pointer to the importance of the gift God has given us in each other. Just yesterday Paul was talking about his gratefulness of the Roman church and how their faith was renown across the land, undoubtedly an encouragement to him and an admiration he had of them. Now here Paul is talking about the spiritual gift of instruction he is bringing them in this letter to strengthen them. So, the mutual encouragement is so powerful for both.

APPLICATION

I am so grateful for my wife and the men the Lord has placed in my life. My brothers on the church elder board, the pastors I serve alongside, the men I am able to disciple, and the men who have been so instrumental in my life (my dad, my Uncle Rich, and many others).

One of the things my Uncle Rich shared with me before the Lord took him home to glory, was – “Ben, after you have placed all of your hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and love Him with your whole mind, soul, and strength — then do this one thing…INVEST IN PEOPLE.” That, tested by scripture and guided by my walk with Jesus, has been something that has given me the perspective to LOVE others.

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Your Faith is Proclaimed…

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. Romans 1:8-10

In every letter that Paul wrote to the churches, he expressed his gratitude for those who would receive it…except one letter -> the letter to the Galatians. Their veering away from the TRUE gospel caused him to forgo the normal opening commendations of the church.

The piece that came out at me today was the notoriety of this Roman church’s faith. In fact, the Roman church’s faith was so great that 49 years after Jesus ascended, Claudius expelled all of the Jews because of the influence of “Chrestus” which was undoubtedly a reference to Christ. Since Rome was the center of the Roman empire (and the inhabited world at that time), whatever happened in Rome became known throughout all of the lands.

My mind goes to those saints who in the past and even today, have undergone so much persecution yet hold steadfast to their faith. Who am I to think that I am anything when I have not been asked or put into a situation where my life was on the line over my faith in Jesus? So, I may never have the opportunity to have that tested but in my everyday life, is my faith proclaimed? Not that I seek the fame or anything like that, so please don’t hear that in these convicting questions I am asking myself – but is my faith known by others as something both genuine and unshakeable?

APPLICATION

I believe time is short. I look at the state of the world and culture, the coming of Jesus must be near. If I am not living a life that consistently drips with a love for God, sharing about Him, what His Son did for me, and where my hope rests…then I am not doing enough. Today I am convicted that I am not being bold enough in my walk and witness. That I am in some cases fearful of man in terms of how I operate at work or what I am willing to risk sharing the gospel with some there. Time for a recalibration.

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For the Sake of His Name…

Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4c-6

In my reading this passage today, the word “GRACE” is called out for the first time in this book and is a crucial part of the gospel message. The term ‘apostle’ was a unique way to refer to the 12 disciples but in the broader and less official sense it can describe anyone whom God has sent with the message of salvation. APOSTLE means “one who is sent”.

‘Obedience of the Faith’ is pointing to the TRUE saving faith that always produces obedience and submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. I am going to skip over the namesake of my post title really quick. Paul talks about the fact that he has a mission to bring this message and instruction on ‘obedience of the faith’ to the NATIONS including those in Rome who have had the effectual call of elect sinners to salvation. Those who just don’t believe in Jesus (even the demons know and believe who Jesus is) but those who place their trust in Jesus.

Why all of this? For the sake of His name, that’s why. Jesus is the center point of redemption, grace, object of our faith, and why we commit the rest of our lives to Him when we have been REDEEMED.

APPLICATION

I love God, I am so grateful for Him, and I want to serve Him desperately. I want my life to emulate His. I want to have enough evidence in my life to be convicted of being a follower of His. BUT, do I really internalize the power of His name. This name that is above all names. The one that will be emblazoned on His thigh when He returns. I need to fix my mind on how my daily actions and thoughts support ‘for the sake of His name‘. It seems like such a natural pivot, but I think it is a piece that only adds to the ‘Fear of God’ I should have as I walk through my day.

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The Promise…

2 [gospel]...which He promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God Romans 1:2-4

Just able to get into verse 4 today of Romans chapter 1.

The biggest stand out to me in this passage today was how Paul reminds us that the Gospel was promised by the LORD through the prophets in the Old Testament. Not only that but that those scriptures (through the prophets) were all concerning the coming of God’s Son Jesus Christ…who was flesh (descended from David) and declared to be the Son of God (God Himself). These several verses are huge! So much theology! Who Jesus is to us today, as well as all that He has accomplished, was promised by God long ago!

APPLICATION:

There is no difference in these promises today than the way Paul communicated them in this letter to the Romans approximately 56 years after Jesus ascended into heaven. The good news to us was a promise before Jesus came. Jesus is both flesh like us (feeling during His lifetime, everything we feel) and God the Son at the same time. That is no different today than it was in the time of Paul. Jesus is no different today in His promises than His promises before ascending years earlier in the time of Paul.

Jesus was promised, He came to do what God willed, He paid it all, He rose to glory and is right now active and working in the world today, working in my life today, showing power in His Name today, and loving of me today.

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Another Deep Study of Romans

Today I step away from my study of Mark to venture back to Romans for a discipleship study I am beginning with a dear brother in Christ at church. The first time I went through this book in a deep study I marked up my Thompson Chain NIV study bible pretty good. This time I will be working out of the John MacArthur (JMac) ESV Study Bible I received as a gift. As you can see from the image below, MacArthur had quite a bit to say in Romans.

I started this morning by reading through JMac’s introduction to Romans which was really good. It didn’t reveal anything I didn’t already understand about the circumstances of this book by Paul but it was nice to refresh my memory of all of the particulars.

These first 6 verses have got to be in the running for the longest ‘English’ translated sentence in the whole bible. Goodness! Given the time I have spent on the intro here today, I am only covering verse one in this post today.

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God," Romans 1:1

In my JMac study bible today I circled “a servant”, “called”, and “set apart”. In this life that God has ‘called’ me to here on earth, is there enough evidence in the way I conduct myself, that someone could accuse me of being ‘a servant’ of Christ Jesus? Finally, if I have been called and I embrace and strive to be a servant of Jesus, have I been conveying the gospel of God? Am I just standing stagnate in my ‘set apart’ state?

APPLICATION:

I definitely feel ‘called’ by the Lord to a life in servanthood to Him…however, I need to be more conscious of the opportunities the King Jesus is putting before me to share the good news of His sacrifice and life at the Father’s right hand through the resurrection. A presence He has in advocacy for those who have accepted Him. Praying today that the Lord would give me the boldness and courage to be more forward and take advantage of every opportunity He lays before me to share the good news of His Son.

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Jesus Wants to Hear Our Needs…

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52

The is the continuation from the day before yesterday on Bart, the blind man who was calling out to Jesus to have mercy on him.

We now hear Jesus’ question to Bart after he had jumped up, threw off his cloak, and was assisted toward Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knows what Bart needs – He knows that Bart is blind but asks him anyway. In a very simple response, Bart says that he wants to see. Even though Jesus knew what Bart needed, He asked and wanted to hear his response anyway. This is the same question Jesus asked James and John in verse 36. But unlike them, Bart doesn’t ask for glory—he asks for his sight. He knows exactly what he needs…and he believes Jesus can give it.

Additionally, this is not just about Bart’s sight. Jesus uses the word that often refers to salvation. Bartimaeus’s faith was genuine—it was saving faith. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah, and his faith brought BOTH healing and salvation. What happens next is an indicator of true conversion — Bart didn’t just get what he wanted and walk away. He became a follower. He joined Jesus on the road to the cross.

Bart is an example of every sinner who genuinely comes to Jesus. He knows he’s blind. He accepts that he can’t fix himself. He cries out for mercy, he believes Jesus is the only one who can save him, and he follows Jesus after being healed.

APPLICATION:

Today this is simple…do I live out my salvation every day?

  • I am no longer blind because I can see the world for what it is.
  • I accept that I must rely on Jesus to make it to the end.
  • I cry out to Jesus when I need help.
  • I believe that Jesus knows what is best for me.
  • As long as I am following Him, I am doing all that He would have me do (Psalms 1:3).
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“Call Him…” [Persistence without Resentment]

And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” Mark 10:46-49

Please remember that my posts are what the Lord reveals to my heart when I read His Word. I simply want to share with the reader (in an accountable way) what applicability I take away from what I prayerfully read every day.

I labeled this post “Persistence without resentment” because this story about Bartimaeus (I am going to call him Bart) is convicting to me. Bart was persistent but there is no hint of frustration, bitterness, or resentment in Jesus not answering him right away…and, he would not be deterred by the nay-saying people around him. This was a personal call from Bart to Jesus, the Son of David, to have mercy on him.

I was convicted this morning because I am taking an inward look at my motivations and expectations when I make requests of my Savior while I am here on this earth, under the sun. There is no doubt that Jesus heard him the first time Bart called out. So, what does Jesus finally do? He tells his disciples to “Call him…” over. I happen to think that what the people said to Bart about Jesus calling him over, was probably a little comical. “Hey Bart! Jesus is calling for you! Cheer up man, get up, He wants to see you!” Bart immediately jumps to his feet, throws off his cloak, and came to Jesus.

APPLICATION:

  1. Bart knew Jesus was there – So, given the promise of the Helper, I know that Jesus is always with me.
  2. Bart called on Jesus – Every circumstance I am in, I need to think of calling to Jesus as my first response, not my second, third, or last.
  3. Bart was persistent – I need to continue to call on Jesus even when to everyone else, it seems frivolous.
  4. Bart’s response when Jesus answered was immediate – When I hear the answer Jesus has for me, first do I recognize that He is answering, and second, do I accept and respond with deliberate action?

Tomorrow I will be looking at Jesus’ response and conversation with Bart.

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Spiritual Wealth and Sacrificial Discipleship….

28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:28-31

[Spoiler] I have used some of the late John MacArthur’s thoughts on this passage here in my write-up today. His perspective really resonated with me.

True Riches in the Kingdom – In this passage, Jesus is redefining wealth—not in terms of material possessions, but in terms of spiritual blessings and eternal reward. The “hundredfold” promise is interpreted as spiritual family and provision within the body of Christ. We as believers gain a new community and deeper relationships that overcome biological ties.

Persecution Is Part of the Package – Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the cost of discipleship. The blessings come “with persecutions,” which is a mark of genuine faith and a refining tool in the believer’s life.

Reversal of Earthly Status – The phrase “many who are first will be last, and the last first” is a warning against pride and worldly ambition. This is a call to humility and trust in God’s justice, where the true value of a person is revealed in eternity.

APPLICATION:

There are so many questions from this passage I feel compelled to ask myself!

  • Would I give up my house? — 100% yes. Our home is a gift from the Lord and I take no possession of it. If I felt the Lord leading us to sell it and go into the mission field, I would do it in a heartbeat.
  • Have I left family or my current living location (Washington)? My family means a lot to me but my Lord and Savior means ‘everything’ to me. In this time in my life, I feel called to be there for my mom and dad especially while my mom is battling Alzheimer’s. I am currently living out the command to honor my mother and father by being here close to them.
  • Finally, am I prideful? Yes, is the simple answer. I sometime struggle with selfishness or rights-based expectations. The Lord has brought me a long way in my pursuit to eradicate this from my life, and He has brought me through trials that bring me to the humble realization that He is the only answer; the only One who can bring peace and satisfaction.
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Little Children Inherit the Kingdom of God…

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16

This passage is so appropriate today at camp. Tonight PJ Lewis (Middle School Camp Speaker) made a call to all the students to place their belief and trust in Jesus. Leading up to this night, camp chapels have consisted of all of the “I AM” statements. I am the way, I am the gate, I am the good shepherd, etc. PJ laid out the gospel and the character of Jesus so well. He not only covered what Jesus did on the cross for us, but he also covered Who Jesus is for us today. Coming to this passage in Mark today is awesome because I was blessed to spend time with one of the cabins in my Flock Group where 2 boys accepted Jesus into their hearts. I was able to share how they have a new redeemed spirit and the promise of the Helper (Holy Spirit) to come alongside them from this point forward.

The faith and simplicity of a child is how we all need to come to Jesus. It is exactly what Jesus was talking about in these verses — “whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child, shall not enter it”. Kids have this simple innate trust we must embrace when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

There were so many good questions by these Middle Schoolers. I was so impressed with the depth of their inquisitiveness.

APPLICATION:

I need to live everyday with the faith of a small child. Like the little kid sitting on an airplane in turbulence who is watching a movie on their device…totally trusting the pilots and the plane — I need to have trust in my Savior that He wants the best for me in EVERYTHING. That best may not be what I THINK is best for me, but I can walk forward in faith, knowing that the Lord is in sovereign control and as long as I am following Him, He will sustain me until the time set aside for me to meet Him in heaven or in the air.

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A Clear Line on Divorce…

2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Mark 10:2-12

There are several places in God’s Word where divorce is addressed, but here is one of the places where Jesus elevates the standard of marriage above the mosaic concessions. Jesus instead points to God’s original intent by pointing to the “two shall become one” and “let no man separate what God has joined together”. Jesus is berating the Pharisees for using scripture to justify divorce, showing them that their hearts were far away from God’s purpose.

Breaking the marital covenant is a serious thing. It is a shame that today, divorce is used to correct an oopsie or ‘unreconcilable differences’. All throughout God’s Word, Love is an action…a state of heart and mind toward another. God emphasizes that spiritual gifts, knowledge, generosity, and even faith are meaningless without love. –> 1 Corinthians 13 tells us all about this. When we bring all of the aspects of Love into even a broken marriage joined by repentance and the goal of glorifying God, anything is possible.

APPLICATION:

I am so grateful for Marianne. We have had some rocky areas in our marriage but our desire to honor and glorify God above all else, has always positioned our hearts in the right orientation toward each other in light of the Gospel. The order is so important, and this order I must embrace every day –> God is my head and I am the head of my wife and family. When I am seeking the Lord with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength, (and applying to my life all the Lord is teaching me) everything else falls into place.