Study Desk

When we finally got to Rome, Paul was given a place to live all by himself, but a guard was placed at his door.

Three days later, Paul called all the local Jewish leaders together for a meeting. He quieted everyone down and then said, "I have done nothing against any Jewish law or custom. But despite this, they arrested me in Jerusalem and handed me over the Romans for execution.

But the Jews objected and kept up their pressure on the local Roman government. I was forced to appeal to Caesar. My hand was forced even though I never wanted to bring any charges against my own people.

But we have heard about those who ride for the Way. We'd like to hear more about this because some of the things we've heard haven't been all that great."

A few came to see the truth, but others were too stubborn to turn from their ways.

'Go tell 'em this, "You'll hear, but you won't listen; you'll see, but you won't notice what it is.

"You've heard the truth now and what you do with it is your business. But God now offers eternity to the mavericks . . . and they listen and receive it gladly!"

But in truth, he was said and proved to be the Son of God. Nothing else needs said about it because he came back to life after being in the grave for three days.

Everything we've got and everything we ride for comes from God through Jesus Christ. He gives us the opportunity to cowboy for him and gather the herd from all the nations who've said they believe in Him. We do it, not for ourselves or to say look at me, but only to bring honor to his name.

Listen, I've been wanting to ride out to see y'all for a long time now. But up until now, it hasn't been possible. What I want is for us to ride together. I've ridden with others and worked for Christ alongside them. I want the same with you.

But I can't wait to get to y'all and tell y'all what I know of the good news.

The good news shows us how God makes us all right with him. It's nothing but faith from nose to tail. It's nothing more than faith, but nothing less either. The Good Book says, "It's faith that makes us right with God, nothing else."

God is going to give these evil folks what's coming to them. They try to say there is no God, but God ain't going to be hearing this excuse. He's made himself plain to see for the whole world.

They brag about their wisdom, but they are fools.

They know this type of life leads to death, but they continue on like it's a joke. The only people they like are the ones who go with them toward the cliff.

Do you look down your nose at the way other cowboys ride? There's no excuse for judgin' another cowboy. When you do, it ain't nothing but the pot calling the kettle black. When you condemn others, you are really condemning yourself.

So when you, a human cowpuncher, judge another fella, but do the same things he does, what makes you think God sees his sin, but not yours?

But because you're stubborn as a mule and won't quit doin' things you ought not be doing, you're just piling up judgment on yourself. If you keep it up, God's gonna have to call you to the carpet for 'em.

But to those who have been strivin' for sin that destroys the body, he will let sin destroy their body forever in hell.

But God takes his hat off to all those who do what's right. Those cowboys will be rewarded with glory and honor, first for the Jews who do right, and then for everyone else who does.