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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for March 2026
April 1, 2026
Romans 4:16 – Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is father of us all.
Thought: The law could not save. That was not its purpose. Salvation was going to be through faith in the work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. This plan offered salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul notes three important points about the redemption that is in Christ. First, “…it is of faith.” Second, it is “by grace.” Third, the end is that “the promise might be sure to all the seed.” God never limited salvation to the Jews alone. It’s for all.
Galatians 3:28-29
April 2, 2026
Romans 4:17 – (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Thought: Abraham was not given a promise to be the father of one nation. God told him: “I have made thee a father of many nations.” Paul affirms that Abraham believed God’s promise. He gives two reasons why God should be believed. First, it is God “who quickeneth the dead,” that is, He can bring he dead to life. Second, God can call “those things which be not as though they are.” Things not presently happening, God can bring to pass.
Genesis 17:4-5
April 3, 2026
Romans 4:18 – Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
Thought: When Abraham was promised a child both he and Sarah were passed the age of childbearing. In essence, there was no hope for their having a child. However, Abraham believed in hope after God spoke to him. He truly, sincerely believed that God was going to bless him and his wife with a son. He firmly believed that he would become the father of many nations. He believed it because God said it. God is faithful and can always be trusted.
Genesis 15:4-5
April 4, 2026
Romans 4:19 – And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead when he was about a hundred years old, neither the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
Thought: When God made his promise of a child to Abraham, Abraham’s body was dead, Abraham did not have the ability to reproduce. Too, Sarah’s womb was dead. She, too, could not reproduce. Yet, once Abraham received the promise, he did not focus upon these two things. He embraced the promise in its fulness. Paul describes this great patriarch as “being not weak in faith.” It was God’s promise versus nature. Abraham chose God.
Hebrews 11:12
April 5, 2026
Romans 4:20, 21 – He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Thought: In this section of Scripture, Paul has contrasted a strong faith with a weak faith. A weak faith ceases to hope. A weak faith looks at the things that are seen. A weak faith staggers at the promises of God. On the other hand, a strong faith believes in hope. A strong faith does not consider the things that are seen. A strong faith gives glory to God. A strong faith is fully persuaded. A strong faith believes that what God promises, He can perform.
Genesis 21:1-5
April 6, 2026
Romans 4:22 – And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Thought: Abraham fully believed God’s promise that he and Sarah would have a son. Because of this belief, “it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Many go to this text to teach the doctrine of “faith only.” They affirm, and rightfully so, that Abraham only believed on this occasion. Here’s the question. Why did he believe only? The answer is because that’s all one can do with a promise. Believing a command is different. It must be obeyed.
James 2:21-23
April 7, 2026
Romans 4:23, 24 – Now it was not written for his sake alone, that is was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Thought: Abraham was saved by grace without the Law of Moses. This is interesting because he is the “father of the Jews.” The Jews held Abraham in high esteem. Paul told the Romans that Abraham’s example was for them. Just as Abraham could be saved without the law, so could they. If they manifested the same type of faith as Abraham did, righteousness would be imputed to them. This faith would believe the promises and obey God’s commands.
Romans 15:4
April 8, 2026
Romans 4:25 – Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Thought: Jesus’ death and resurrection were for the benefit of humanity. Paul reveals that Jesus was delivered to be crucified “for our offences.” Jesus Himself did nothing to deserve death. He took the punishment for the transgressions committed by man. However, if Jesus had remained in the tomb, there would have been no saving benefits to His death. Thus, the third day He was raised. Paul teaches us that He “was raised for our justification.”
1 Peter 3:18
April 9, 2026
Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: Man is justified by faith. His active, obedient faith activates the grace of God on his behalf. Once he is justified, he has peace with God. He is no longer separated from God by his sins. This blessing was made possible “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice that we said our faith must be active and obedient. Many read this verse and immediately attach the word “only” to the word faith, but justification has never been by faith only or faith alone.
James 2:24
April 10, 2026
Romans 5:2 – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Thought: Faith brings us peace with God. Too, faith grants us access into the grace of our loving God. This grace involves His divine assistance, His powerful aid, His loving help. It is in His grace that we are to stand. In that grace we can stand with absolute confidence. In addition, we can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. In this life, we have not obtained that glory. It awaits us. However, we have both a desire and expectation of receiving it.
Romans 15:13
April 11, 2026
Romans 5:3, 4 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.
Thought: This is quite a turn from rejoicing in hope. Paul said that he also gloried in tribulations. This word is translated elsewhere as “anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble.” Who glories in these things? Paul did. Why? “Knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Tribulations bring us into a school that challenges us, refines us, and causes us to mature. Some call is “the school of hard knocks.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
April 12, 2026
Romans 5:5 – And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Thought: When Christians are involved in tribulation, they are called to endure, that is, be patient. They bear up under the struggles and difficulties. Each one of these adds to their file of experiences. They learn to trust deeply in their one hope (Eph. 4:4). They are not ashamed of that hope regardless of how much the enemy seeks to shame them. These are individuals who have truly experienced the love of God manifested in them by the Spirit.
Philippians 1:20
April 13, 2026
Romans 5:6 – For when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Thought: Jesus’ death was the ultimate display of God’s love toward man. Christ died for the ungodly. He died for those who had no power to save themselves. Sinful and helpless. Only God would reach out to such individuals. It is interesting that Paul tells us that “in due time” Christ was offered for the ungodly. God had a plan from the beginning that He set in motion to save men. When the time was just right, He sent His Son to die for our iniquities.
Galatians 4:4
April 14, 2026
Romans 5:7 – For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Thought: There are only a handful of men for which others will sacrifice their lives. Some would be willing to die for a righteous man. Others would be willing to give up their lives for a good man. Most of the time, those who are willing to be offered for others are family, close friends, or brothers in some type of an organization or unit. This number, however, is limited. How many would be willing to die for a criminal, the immoral, or an adversary?
2 Samuel 23:14-17
April 15, 2026
Romans 5:8, 9 – But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Thought: God did something that most human beings would never do. He exhibited His love to individuals who were sinners. A sinner is one who transgresses the law of God (1 John 3:4). Instead of punishing those who violated His will, God loved them by sending Christ to die for them. Jesus’ death did two things for them. First, it justified man. Second, it saved man from the wrath of God. No wonder Paul describes this as a “great love” elsewhere.
Ephesians 2:4
April 16, 2026
Romans 5:10 – For if, when were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Thought: Not only were we sinners, but we were also enemies of God while we were in sin. We were children of the evil one. Our sins alienated us from God. However, “we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.” The word “reconciled” means “to be made friendly.” Jesus’ blood cleansed us. Therefore, we could once again enter into the presence of a holy God. Reconciliation also allowed us to be saved because Jesus freely gave His life.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
April 17, 2026
Romans 5:11 – And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement.
Thought: Paul has thus far mentioned three benefits man has received because of God’s love and Jesus’ death: justification, saved from God’s wrath, and reconciliation. In this verse, he notes another, joy. “…but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement.” If a Christian truly comprehends what the death of Jesus has done for him, he will also experience deep and lasting joy. This is a calm delight in the soul.
Psalm 32:11
April 18, 2026
Romans 5:12 – Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
Thought: Sin and death go hand in hand throughout Scripture. Sin is the violation of God’s law. Death is the consequence of man’s sins. Paul reminds us that sin entered into the world “as by one man,” Adam. We are reminded of the last words of Genesis 3:6. “…and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Adam physically died (Gen. 5:5). All men who have come after him have died. The reason is simple: “…for that all have sinned.”
1 Corinthians 15:21
April 19, 2026
Romans 5:13, 14 – (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Thought: Before the Law of Moses, sin was in the world. This is only possible if some form of law existed (1 John 3:4). If no law existed, sin could not be imputed to man. However, we know that it was because “death reigned from Adam to Moses.” Remember death is the consequence of sin. Those who lived in patriarchy did not sin in the same manner as Adam, but they sinned. Paul closes by noting Adam was a figure of him that was to come.
1 Corinthians 15:45
April 20, 2026
Romans 5:15 – But not as the offence, so also is the free gift: for if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Thought: Paul presents two men to his readers. The first is Adam. Adam violated God’s law and brought sin into the world. His evil deed impacted many. However, there is another man, Jesus Christ, who entered the world. Paul notes that He also has “abounded unto many.” He is described as God’s “free gift.” He is also pictured as God’s “gift by grace.” He came to help sinful man. His efforts reversed the impact of Adam’s transgression in Eden.
2 Corinthians 9:15
April 21, 2026
Romans 5:16 – And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Thought: Everything that Adam did in his partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Jesus reversed. Adam brought condemnation upon himself and all humanity by bringing sin into the world. The free gift of the Christ, on the other hand, brings justification to those overcome by sin. Justification involves the removal of the charges against the individual. It is not that we have not sinned. Another has suffered the consequences for us.
Acts 13:38-39
April 22, 2026
Romans 5:17 – For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)_
Thought: Paul sets forth another contrast between Adam and Jesus. Because of Adam’s sin, dead reigned upon the earth. Jesus came to reverse that consequence. Paul sums up the matter, writing: “…much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Jesus came to bring life to man. Paul reminds us that it was done through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.
1 John 1:1-2
April 23, 2026
Romans 5:18 – Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Thought: The lives individuals choose to live have remarkably different consequences attached to them. Adam sinned. Thus, judgment and condemnation came upon all men. Jesus, on the other hand, lived a righteous life. His life brought justification of life upon all men. Mankind is challenged to live like Jesus. However, we often choose to follow Adam’s example. We should be thankful for God’s free gift that provides us with forgiveness.
1 Corinthians 15:22
April 24, 2026
Romans 5:19 – For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Thought: Paul contrasts the result of Adam’s disobedience with the result of Jesus’ obedience. We all should be grateful that Jesus was sent to counteract the sin brought into the world by the first man. Jesus came and showed us the kind of life man should live. His perfect life enabled Him to be the perfect sacrifice for mankind. His righteousness enables all to be made righteous. Righteousness overcame sin allowing man to be righteous before God.
1 Corinthians 1:30
April 25, 2026
Romans 5:20 – Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Thought: The law was not designed to save man. The law only magnified man’s sin problem. In fact, Paul notes that the offence abounded when the law entered. Yet, the magnitude of sin did not hinder the grace of God in any way. “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” There is not a sin that grace cannot conquer. There is no amount of sin that grace cannot forgive. If this is the case, does this give man the license to sin even more?
2 Corinthians 3:7-9
April 26, 2026
Romans 5:21 – That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thought: Sin is an evil that brings death to mankind. Death is the divine sentence against the transgression of God’s will. Looking only on this side of the coin gives man a very bleak outlook. All have sinned. Therefore, all must die. However, when we turn the coin over, we see God response to man’s sin problem. God’s divine grace (help) forgives sin. Man is made righteous through Jesus Christ. Instead of death, he now has the hope of eternal life.
Titus 1:2
April 27, 2026
Romans 6:1 – What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Thought: Grace is a very powerful force. There is no amount of sin that grace is unable to cover. With that thought in mind, man has a tendency to desire to take advantage of God’s grace. If grace forgives all sin, then perhaps man needs to sin more so that grace may abound. A thought like this shows the depravity of human reasoning at times. Instead of longing to be holy, man seeks to sin more. He, then, justifies his sin on God’s blessings.
Jude 1:4
April 28, 2026
Romans 6:2 – God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Thought: In the previous verse, Paul highlighted a thought that some had about grace. If grace covers sin, then the more man sins the more grace abounds. Some refer to this as turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. Paul answers the question posed in verse one with a very plain: “God forbid.” When sinful man is converted, he is supposed to die to sin. The dead man of sin is buried in the waters of baptism to live no more. He is to sin no more.
1 Peter 4:1
April 29, 2026
Romans 6:3, 4 – Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Thought: In verse 2, Paul reminded his readers that they had died to sin. Here, he points to the time when they buried that old man of sin in the waters of baptism. Two points are of interest. First, twice Paul says that these Christians were baptized “into” the death of Jesus. In His death, Jesus shed His blood. Thus, it is in baptism that we contact His saving blood. Second, one walks in newness of life after baptism. Baptism is essential to salvation.
Galatians 3:26-27
April 30, 2026
Romans 6:5 – For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
Thought: Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 that the gospel involves the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A person follows the Lord in that process when he dies to sin, is buried in the waters of baptism, and is resurrected as a new creature in Christ Jesus. Yes, the symbolism is there. We are planted together in the likeness of His death. We are raised in the likeness of His resurrection. The symbolism, however, does not negate the necessity.
Mark 16:16
Read devotionals for May 2026