Confess and Believe

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Not sure what to write? Try using ACTS to frame your prayer. Begin with adoration for who God is. Then move on to confession – being real about where you have fallen short in the last day or two. Give thanks to God for all that He gives (including forgiveness for the sin you just confessed!). And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

Romans 10: 1-21

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

God's Righteousness; Confess and Believe

by Tom Richards

Today we read about the apostle Paul’s sincere love and concern for his fellow Jews. His “heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” He further states “that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” Paul’s concern was that the Israelites had rejected Jesus and continued to strive to earn a righteous standing with God through the law.

Does Paul know what he is talking about when it comes to the Jews? The answer is clearly “yes’! This is the same Paul (Saul) who persecuted the early Church. The same Paul who was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” as we read in Philippians 3:4-6 “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."

Yet Paul came to realize that his pursuit of righteousness through the law did not work. His encounter with Jesus on the “road to Damascus” changed everything; so much so that in Philippians 3:8-9 he describes his accomplishments in his previous life as follows: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

The unbelieving Jews in Paul’s day clung to the belief that they could somehow earn their righteousness with God. They “did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own.” Do we know people like that? Do we know people who consider themselves to be “good” but do not believe in Jesus? Do we fall into the trap of thinking we can earn our own righteousness with God by being “good”? 

Thankfully, in Romans 10:4 Paul shares the good news that “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." In Romans 10:9-10 he goes further, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” That is great news! That is the gospel!

Father, help us to have the same zeal for our unbelieving friends and neighbors as Paul did for his fellow Jews.  Help us to submit our possessions and accomplishments to your will. Please allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives so that we can share the good news of Jesus to an unbelieving world.  Amen

Righteousness Through Faith

Prayer Practice

Cup Prayer – This prayer will help you pour your heart out to God (Ps. 62:8). Begin with your hands folded together like an upside-down cup. Pour out before God all your fears, anxieties, guilt, sin and shame. Tell Him what troubles you. Take time to be specific. When you feel like you’ve poured out your heart, flip your hands over, folding them like an open cup, ready to receive from God. Sit in silence, asking God simply to fill you with His Spirit. If your mind runs back to sin, shame, anxiety or concerns of the day, flip your hands back over and pour it out to the Lord. When you are finished praying, read today’s Scripture and listen as God shares His heart back with you.

DAILY READING

Romans 3:21-31

REFLECTION

"But Now"

Pastor Jeff Morlock   

It’s amazing how two small words can make all the difference. Today’s reading begins with, “But now.” Think about how we usually use that phrase, and you can almost anticipate the sigh of relief that follows. “He was unemployed and desperate, but now he has a new job”. “She was afraid of contracting the virus, but now she’s been fully vaccinated”. “He was stuck in a cycle of addiction, but now he’s found sobriety”. “But now” signals that something has happened to change life as we knew it.

Up to this point in the book of Romans, Paul has been making the case that human beings stand condemned before God, whose righteous goodness has been revealed through the Law of Moses – the law that we’ve been trying and failing to keep since it was given. But now God’s Son, Jesus, the One to whom the Law was pointing all along, has come to live the perfect, sinless life in and through those who have faith in him. That's good news!

Yet evaluating ourselves by performance and achievement is a hard habit for fallen people like us to break. In fact, it’s something of a default mode for descendants of Adam. We will always be tempted to comfort ourselves with the thought, “At least I’m kinder than him, or more honest than her, or not as greedy as them.” But of course, this is the wrong measure of goodness. It’s not how we stack up against our neighbor that matters, but how we compare to a holy God. In this regard, the Law is like a mirror that will never lie to us, but always reflect the truth. The Law will always reveal our deliberately selfish choices and show just how short we fall of God’s glory. To believe that we can measure up to the Law’s demands simply by trying harder will eventually lead us to despair. This is the human condition, the predicament we all find ourselves in.

But now… there is an alternative. We no longer need to fear the Law or run from it. We no longer need to let it lead us, either to unwarranted pride or paralyzing guilt. Instead, we can let the Law do its intended work in us. We can let it accuse and convict us, but most of all drive us over and over again to the waiting arms of Jesus. It is in him alone that we measure up. It is by him alone that the image of the Father is restored in us. It is through him alone that we are made whole.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you have already accomplished in us what your Word declares. Empower us to believe this truth that has power to set us free... "The righteous will live by faith." In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wait with Purpose and Wonder

Isaiah 56:1 (NIV)
This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
My righteousness will soon be revealed...(Isaiah 56:1)
I am bringing my righteousness near...(Isaiah 46:12)
My righteousness draws near speedily...(Isaiah 51:5)

This righteousness is Jesus who was foretold in the Old Testament, long awaited. Yet, many missed it. I often wonder if I would have recognized Him when He finally was revealed. I would like to think I would, but then I remember how many times I haven't realized He was right beside me. How many years was I wondering in the desert in search of something to satisfy a thirst I had.

Then, one day, that all changed. There was one happening that opened my eyes to just how desolate my life was. I didn't know what was missing, I just knew something was off. The funny thing is, once I admitted this to myself, life took a different turn. It wasn't overnight, but it was a gradual move from one side of the Red Sea to the other.

Christmas morning is our yearly opportunity to recognize Jesus and embrace just what that means on a personal basis. So much more than presents we wrap and then frantically rip open. Christmas is acknowledging the Blessed Presence of the One who changed everything. The best gift of all. Let's keep waiting expectantly.

Isaiah 56:1-8

Great are those who teach and obey the commandments

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away,not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

Why do people tend to view the "law of God" negatively rather than positively? Jesus' attitude towards the law of God can be summed up in the great prayer of Psalm 119: "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day."

For the people of Israel the "law" could refer to the ten commandments or to the five Books of Moses, called the Pentateuch or Torah, which explain the commandments and ordinances of God for his people. The "law" also referred to the whole teaching or way of life which God gave to his people. The Jews in Jesus' time also used it as a description of the oral or scribal law. Needless to say, the scribes added many more things to the law than God intended. That is why Jesus often condemned the scribal law because it placed burdens on people which God had not intended.

Jesus made it very clear that the essence of God's law - his commandments and way of life, must be fulfilled. God's law is true and righteous because it flows from his love, goodness, and holiness. It is a law of grace, love, and freedom for us. That is why God commands us to love him above all else and to follow in the way of his Son, the Lord Jesus who taught us how to love by laying down our lives for one another.

Prayer
"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts, minds, and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words, and deeds may be in accord with your Father's law and wisdom. And thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."

Daily Scriptures

"Not by works of righteousness that we have done..."

Deuteronomy 9:1-6

In today’s reading Moses is talking to the Israelites as they are about to cross the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land.  Verses 1-3 summarize the challenges (Anakites!) of claiming this new land and end with the promise that “the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire.  He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you.”  These had to be some exciting words for a people who have been wandering in the wilderness for many years!


But after the promises in verses 1-3 the tone changes.  Three times in the next three verses Moses tells the people that the victories that they are going to experience are not because of their righteousness.  In fact, the reading ends with Moses telling the Israelites that instead of being righteous they “are a stiff-necked people.”


These warnings made me think of Paul’s instruction to Titus in Titus 3:4-5:  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”.  (We hear a similar message from Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9).


God calls us to live righteous lives just as he did the Israelites.  But like the Israelites, we need to be reminded that our efforts toward righteousness do not “earn” our deliverance from our enemies (sin and death).  That only comes from the grace God showers on those who believe in his son, Jesus Christ.
  
As Lutheran Christians we like to talk about Law and Gospel.  The Law does a pretty good job of reminding us that our efforts toward righteousness are not enough.  The Law Shows us Our Sin (SOS).  The Gospel shows us the true source of our deliverance (salvation).  The Gospel Shows us Our Savior (SOS)!  


Thank-you Father for sending Jesus to win a victory for us that we could never win ourselves.  Help us to remember Moses’ message to the Israelites and Paul’s message to Titus as we give thanks for this incredible gift.  Amen.

Who Is Your Master?

READ: John 8:31-39

America is the land of the free. We believe what we want; we say what we want; we do what we want. We are all independent, bound to no master! Or so we think.

2 Peter 2:19 says that all people are slaves to whatever has mastered them. The truth is easy to see in the life of a drug addict or a youth madly in love. Everything must be given to obtain that which has captured the fascination of the mind and the passion of the heart. We just can’t control ourselves. We have to have it.

So what is your it? What has mastered you?

Wealth? Personal accomplishment? Love of spouse, child, or parent? Your reputation for holiness built upon the sins you hide? Escapism through alcohol, through television, through work that doesn’t even need to be done?

Are you a slave unto sin?

We all used to be. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3) 

Some of us still are. “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:14-15)

And some of us aren’t anymore. “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Feel like you’re caught in between? Remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

“Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

He Doesn’t Raise the Bar. He is the Bar.

Romans 3:21-29 & Romans 6:23

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%203%3A21-29%2CRomans%206%3A23&version=NIV;NLT

 

 

There’s a series of recent Ford F150 commercials that sells the popular pickup truck in very clever and creative ways.

         One talks about how the F150 re-writes the “Truck Laws” for pickup trucks because of how many different ways you can use it.

         Another speaks metaphorically. As the screen flashes back and forth between NFL football and your F150, it suggests that you’re the quarterback and your truck is your offensive line.

         The third one praises the F150 for being “Brainiac Smart” because of all the protective sensors it has.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=2018+Ford+F150+commercials
 

Each one of these commercials finishes with the narrator powerfully saying, “THIS IS THE NEW 2018 FORD F150! IT DOESN’T JUST RAISE THE BAR PAL! IT IS THE BAR!” In 30 seconds you have been convinced that Ford F150 “Is the bar” for other trucks to reach.

 

Paul was trying to sell something to his peers by setting the bar. The Jewish culture of his day, set the bar of righteousness by focusing on the Law. Even Paul, before his conversion, had bought into this belief. However, he changed dramatically.

 

²¹ But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping

the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. ²² We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.                   NLT

 

This statement must have rankled the Jewish religious establishment who firmly believed in living by the Law to attain righteousness. The idea that all you had to do was believe in Jesus must have been heretical.

 

In fact, it was more than that. It was a statement of freedom. Freedom from the rules of man born out of pride. Pride that said, “Look at what I did”. Pride that believed in self-righteousness, not God-righteousness. With pride, we don’t need God.

 

²³ For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (The bar.) ²⁴ Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.           NLT

 

In other words…

JESUS DOESN’T JUST RAISE THE BAR PAL! HE IS THE BAR!

 

 

 

 

 

King of Righteousness

JANUARY 1                                                                                      

Scripture Reading
Read Jeremiah 23:1-6 and reflect on the passage.

Happy New Year beloved brothers and sisters in Christ! What a wonderful call to righteousness for 2018; I unpacked the word righteousness and related it to virtue, morality, and honor. I think to be righteous is to lean into the call to “tend” to the body of Christ “unafraid”. To me, tending to the body is to daily take a posture of service; to get down on my hands and knees, in complete humility, to wash my brothers’ and sisters’ feet. 

Luke 9:23 calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. As a human I am entirely incapable to serve or love, until I pick up my cross- until I am walking beside the Righteous Branch, the Righteous King. I challenge you this New Year to walk this journey with me- to consistently lower yourself to serve the Church. This call to service looks like standing beside the person struggling with porn, walking unfaltering with the struggling teenage couple or doing a new mom’s laundry. I challenge you to wash the dirty, beautiful feet of the Church. To act as a vessel of righteousness, showing honor, grace, and mercy to the lost as well as the found.

QuestionsHow will you intentionally remember to humble yourself and then ACT on this call to service?In what capacity are you equipped and called to serve? What types of people or situations?

Prayer

Lord, help me to humble myself before You to lift my cross to serve and wash the feet of the Body of Christ!

                                                                                                                                    Hannah Gilliam

God loves righteousness

 December 1

Scripture Reading

Read Psalm 45:4-7 and reflect on the passage.

“That was righteous, dude!” is a compliment that might be directed to someone who did something unusual or difficult. It could be the playing a musical instrument, performing an extreme sport or stating something that we wholeheartedly agree with. We all want to be righteous. We want to do things that win approval from others.

Jesus lived a righteous life while here on earth. He loves righteousness and we are to emulate him. Sadly, while our deeds may get approval from our friends, by themselves, these deeds do not emulate Jesus and cannot win God’s approval.

Fortunately, for us, Jesus, who is powerful and just, gives us his righteousness. Crucified on the cross, He traded our sin for His righteousness. What a loving God indeed! What great comfort He brings!

Jesus did it all; we have life in His awesome, everlasting kingdom. There is nothing we need to do, yet, almost paradoxically, we are expected to emulate Jesus by loving others and sharing His Good News. It is only through Jesus’ love that we are able to respond with God-pleasing righteous.

Jesus is our righteousness!

Questions

1.      How did Jesus’ love comfort you in the past week?

2.      What opportunities do you have next week to share Jesus’ love with others?

Prayer

Dear God, may Your presence comfort me and may Your love motivate me to share it with others in the coming days. Amen.

—Mark Locher

Don't Worry About It

Today’s passage comes at the perfect time.  Since yesterday’s election, the internet has been bombarded with differing opinions.  One side of the aisle claims that everything will now be fixed while the other says we are all doomed.   We are such a polarized nation, but both parties had one thing in common on Tuesday.  Before the results were reported both sides were consumed with worry.  

Both parties were worried that if the “wrong” candidate won, we were fated for disaster.  Matthew 6:25-34 has something to say about that. I’m sure you have been told, “No matter who wins, remember God is still on the thrown and Jesus is still King.”  Yes, that is true.  Very true.  Matthew’s message is even more personal than that. 

Verse 25 says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…”  Verse 26 reads, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Don’t miss that, “ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?”  God loves you.  He has a plan for you.  He has numbered the hairs on your head.   So, what do we do when we are consumed with worry?  Verse 33 answers that question, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  To seek his kingdom, we must take our attention away from what is causing us to worry.

Maybe you’re not concerned with politics but your family is going through a tragedy.  Perhaps your job is consuming your thoughts day and night.  So many things take us down a path of worry.  Take some time and seek God’s kingdom.  Write down a memory verse and focus on that when the worry creeps in.  Pray that God will show you how to focus on his will for you and not your worry. 

Heavenly Father,

Please help me in my time of worry.  I can’t control everything that is going on around me and so I give it to you.  I know you love me and you have a plan for me.  Show me how to seek your kingdom and not my worry.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read today's passage here Matthew 6: 25-34

Ephesians 6:10-20 Life on Mission – Pray

The Armor of God

As we envision the Knights in Shining Armor of the past, we might be reminded of how courageous they appeared as the swordsmen raced toward one another upon the backs of  bold and determined steads. They were relentless until one or the other had fallen to his death.

There was a living, breathing human being inside each set of armor. Focusing on one in particular, let's speculate how this jousting match came to be: 

Likely as a young man, the knight began preparing for the day his competition would take place long before it happened. When the helmet was first placed upon his head, it strained his neck and put pressure on his temple. The breastplate made him uncomfortable as it dug into his ribs and made it difficult to breathe. As his belt was tightened, he groaned and wondered how he was going to manage. Placed in one hand was a gold plated shield he could barely lift, and in the other an ornate silver sword that made his arm and wrist ache as he raised it pridefully into the air. He was told that his feet should be at the ready at all times. Though excited about the challenge, he doubted himself and had no idea how he was going to find the strength to do the will of the king.

As time went on, the young knight to be was gaining strength. He listened to the other knights. He read up on the laws and rules of knighthood. He hung out with others who were in the same situation as he was, as well as those with more experience and asked questions that helped him grow as a knight. When he was alone, he worked with each piece of armor individually until he was comfortable with it and then added one after another until he was in full armor. Day after day the heart and soul of this knight grew stronger until he knew he was ready. Did he have a few twinges of doubt from time to time, sure, but overall he had the faith he needed to do the job . 

As we forge ahead with God's promise in hand, we too will be protected by armor, but this armor of the Lord is all housed within us.  

"Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,.....Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the work of God. And PRAY in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...." Ephesians 6:10-18

Our armor will feel heavy and awkward at first as well, yet continued prayer and faith will lighten the burden and make this "Life on Mission" well worth the challenge. How are you doing on your checklist?

Ephesians 6:10-20

What Is Your Role?

I am a fan of college basketball. I enjoy laying on my couch on Saturday afternoon and watching my favorite teams on TV.

 

There are some very good freshman playing basketball, but most are learning the game. In fact, I often wonder, “Why is that freshman playing. He is making more than his share of mistakes.” Of course, two years later I ask myself, “That junior is pretty good. Why didn’t the coach play him more when he was younger?”

 

That freshman has a scholarship, and he has a role to play, albeit sometimes a small one. As he matures, he takes on more responsibility. Everyone has to start somewhere! And sometimes even the freshman makes an outstanding play, gathering kudos from his coach and teammates, and surprising me!

 

Today’s reading is Romans 3:21-28. This passage is the core of our Christian faith. Our righteousness is through faith, and that faith is a gift from God. Verse 23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” yet we are justified because of Christ’s death, a “sacrifice of atonement” for our sins.

 

Like the coach chose the freshman to be on his team, God chose me to be on his team.  I have a scholarship, that is, I am righteous because of Jesus’ death. I have a role in the church, but I did not always know what it was. At times I am certain I had that “deer in the headlights” look and made more than my share of mistakes.

 

A basketball team's goal is scoring field goals; God’s team's goal is winning souls.

 

I have a role to play on God' team and over the years I better understood that role. God even gave a bit more responsibility. God used other Christians to help me find my place.

 

There is a difference between a basketball team and God’s team worth noting. Sometimes the coach uses the freshman to achieve team goals. God, however, always uses sinners to achieve his goals. All on God’s team are sinners.

 

What is your role?

Bookends for living

Genesis 15:1 (NIV)  After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." 

The verses selected for today are like bookends on the shelf of life. This first verse finds God telling Abram not to be afraid. He went on to let Abram know that He (God) was his shield and reward.  Shield against what?  Reward for what?  Who knows?  If Abram was anything like the rest of the human race, he feared many things.  

As a warrior he probably worried about his next battle or the repercussions from the last one. Perhaps his enemies were strong and aggressive, maybe they were small and insignificant, but they were real. Just as ours are real.  One of Abram fears was leaving the world without an heir.  Maybe your fear is similar.  Does infertility hang its hat on the hook in your hallway?

Genesis 15:6 (NIV) Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 


At some point Abram started to believe God.  His life took on new meaning because of his faith. Can you recall when your faith began to take on a new shape, when you felt differently about God and His promises?  A right relationship with God is based on faith.  It is not what we do, but what we believe. It is how we act out our faith by trusting; by surrendering, by giving it to God.

Our actions do nothing to add to our righteousness.  Nothing we can do, no good deed, no noble act, nothing will give us righteousness. The only thing that makes us blameless in the eyes of God is the blood His Son poured out for us.  The blood of the Lamb covered us, blanketing our sin with His goodness and perfection.

When we live our life between these two bookends, Trust and Faith, we are living life to the fullest.

Genesis 15:1-6

The Story - Chapter 2 - Romans 4

Justification, Faith and Righteousness are concepts we, as Christians, struggle to understand.  As one who works for results, the idea of God’s love and forgiveness and grace being mine by simply believing, leaves me wide-eyed with amazement.  I don’t need a text book to tell me I am not worthy of the justification I am granted by my belief.

My worldly wisdom communicates to me I must earn vindication, and tells me there is something I can do to be exonerated from my sinful existence.  It is difficult for my human mind to grasp the spiritual concept of justification by faith.  We all sin, we know we do, and we know the extent of this sin, how it invades our lives and often controls our hearts and why we feel guilt at times.

I had this explained to me this way.  A man is on trial for a crime he may or may not have committed.  He is found innocent and set free.  Whether he is guilty or not, there is no longer any record of this incident.  He has been freed from all the consequences of his deeds.

“Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Romans 4:7-8)

I can face tomorrow knowing my sins from today are forgiven.  God forgave them before I even committed them, before I was even born. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)  

We are made right by God who loves us more than we could ever dream or imagine.  His love covers us like a blanket of hope in a storm of despair.  We can wrap ourselves in this and snuggle up to a God whose only demand is that we believe.   “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1)

Read Romans 4 here

Listen to Romans 4 here

Amazing Grace Romans 4:13-25

Sunday I talk about how as Gentiles we have been accepted as fully loved children of God through the sacrifice of Christ. We are no longer excluded from heaven’s citizenship and the covenant promises now apply to us. Today’s passage goes even further to explain how we are seen as offspring of Abraham.

It was Abraham’s faith that compelled God to proclaim him righteous. Later God gave the covenant of circumcision which separated and distinguished God’s people from everyone else, but the physical act of circumcision did not make them children of God. It all started through Abraham’s faith and it continues today through our faith.

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4: 18-25 partial)

That passage shows us how, not only are we included as heirs of the Kingdom but that our actions do not save us. We are saved by grace through our faith. Who do you know that needs to hear that message today? Don’t keep such amazing news to yourself.
 
Read today's passage at Biblegateway Romans 4:13-25