Colossians 1:18 Firstborn 2

Colossians 1:18 "And He is the head of the body, the church (ecclesia), who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (NKJV)


(LITV) And He is the Head of the body, the assembly, who is the Beginning, the First-born out of the dead, that He be preeminent in all things;


(YLT) And himself is the head of the body--the assembly--who is a beginning, a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things --himself--first,


(CLV) And He is the Head of the body, the ecclesia, Who is Sovereign, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may be becoming first,



I'm giving you 4 different translations of the same verse to show you how confusing the bible can get. Keep in mind the story of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection will never change, they are consistent throughout, however details differ, which is why we have so many different churches (denominations).

What I want you to see from this verse is "firstborn". Who is the "firstborn from among the dead"? Is Paul is talking of the church being the firstborn? Considering the context is Christ the firstborn from among the dead? I believe if you read the chapter over closely you will see that the "firstborn from among the dead" has to be Christ. The meaning is just that, Christ was the first to rise from the dead, and Paul knows that fact to be true, hence the title. The church has yet to resurrect from the dead. (see 1 Thess. 4:13-18) Christ is referred to as the "Firstfruit of those who are reposing". (1 Corinthians 15:20)

I love the word "firstborn" to describe Christ. No other person can claim that title, no other person can claim that fame, and no other person deserves our attention like Jesus the Christ. The firstborn in any family is said to have to best chances for success, money, and fame; I'm not sure whether that is true or not, but there is no doubt that the Firstborn in all creation has taken that honor. Among the creation there is no one I'd rather get to know this coming year than God the son, Jesus. May God give you the desire and passion to really know the Firstborn among creation and from among the dead.

Grace, MB

Colossians 1:1-29 Firstborn 1

When I read through the scripture preparing to write a post on this blog site I don't have a set agenda, I just write about whatever jumps out at me. This first chapter was no exception. How fitting Colossians chapter one is for Christmas.

Colossians 1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (NKJV)


Some commentaries say this term "firstborn" refers to priority of position rather than of origin. Using passages like Psalms 89:27 to prove their point, "Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth." The author assumes the firstborn mentioned is in reference to Christ. Actually I believe it refers to King David, "highest of the kings of the earth". The writer is not talking about Christ at all. I believe firstborn means firstborn in origin, Christ was firstborn over all creation, not at the stable but before the foundations of the world. Before Christ created the heavens and the earth, He was created by The Father Himself. Christ is God and "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. " (2 Corinthians 5:19) They are ONE. (John 10:30 "I and My Father are one.") Of course in the beginning Christ wasn't born in a physical nature, that came many years later. This birth was a spiritual birth, then came the physical in Bethlehem, when He emptied Himself (took the form of a bondservant) and came to earth. (Philippians 2:7) How many times was Christ born? 1,2, or 3. Stay tuned for yet another birth. To be continued...


Merry Christmas, MB

Philippians 4:4-13 Peace on Earth. Right!

During this time of year it's quite a challenge to remain peaceful. If there ever was a scripture that spoke to those having trouble maintaining peace and happiness it's gotta be Philippians 4. Who couldn't use the "God of peace" this time of year.

Philippians 4:9 "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Well what are these things he's talking about?

1. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice! (v 4)
2. Be gentle to all men. (v 5)
3. In everything pray; don't be anxious, let your requests be made known to God. (v 6)
4. Meditate on these things: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, whatever is virtuous, and
whatever is praiseworthy - meditate on these things.
5. Learn to be content in whatever state you find yourself in.

I know this seems tough, and I'm sure it won't happen overnight, but if we really try, I think it's doable. Wouldn't it be worth it. When I was a kid I remember a song we sang in church that went something like..."I found happiness, I found peace of mind, I found the joy of living, perfect peace sublime, I found the real contentment happy living in accord, I found happiness all the time wonderful peace sublime, since I found the Lord." I'm not sure we knew what we were singing but I believe Paul did, for he confessed in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me."

Grace and Peace, MB

Philippians 3:20-21 When is resurrection?

Your next question should be "when is resurrection?" When will we receive these immortal bodies?

First let me say there is a difference between the "Day of Christ" (only spoken of in Paul's writings) and the "Day of the Lord" (referring to the Isrealites and their 1000 year earthly kingdom, see Matthew 24) The Day of Christ is also referred to as the Rapture or Snatching Away. This is when all believers from all nationalities will be taken up in the air and thus we shall always be with Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). I tend to believe there will be a judging of works as well during the Day of Christ. The Great White throne judgment we hear so much about in Revelations 20:11-15 is for the nation of Israel and those Gentiles who were not a part of the Rapture. The Day of the Lord is the period of time (1000 yrs) before the Great White Throne judgment. Confused?

Philippians 3:20-21 "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (NKJV)


This passage essentially says we are waiting for Christ to come out of the heavens to change our mortal bodies into immortal bodies just like His. We know from 1 Timothy 6:16 that "Christ alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see..." So the Day of Christ is our expectation and hope, that someday we will put on a glorious body that conforms to His glorious body, and so we will be with Christ. Now I'm curious how this differs from what you thought the end was going to be like. Comments welcome.



Grace, MB

Philippians 3:10-12 What is resurrection?

Here's something we seldom think of, resurrection. Seems like we get stuck at death, struggle with it and never move past to what's next. What is resurrection mean?

Resurrection means life from death. Christ was resurrected, He rose from the grave. Rising from the dead is the same as resurrection. "But someone will say, 'How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come? Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies." (1 Corinthians 15:35-36) If you read on in that passage you understand that we have a body on this earth (terrestrial/natural), and new bodies at the resurrection (celestial/spiritual). The spiritual bodies will not be invisible like a ghost but will have physical features like a human albeit without blood. We know that from Christ's resurrected body in John 20:26-28. He literally walked thru the door like a ghost but He also had Thomas put his hand on the nail holes and into His side wear He was pierced. In another place we read Jesus ate after His resurrection, spiritual bodies need not eat. He also walked with men on the road to Emmaus and they talked with Him like He was a normal person. (John 24:13-16, 30-31)

Jesus rose from the dead so that we could too. (Romans 6:5 "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.") Now that is something to look forward to, don't you think?

Grace, MB

Philippians 3:9 Why did Christ have to die?

Here's a big question, "Why did Christ have to die?" Ever thought about it? Couldn't God have done it another way? He's God, He can do anything, right? Why do you think Christ had to come to this earth as a human being, teach and love for a while, suffer like Hitler should have, then die on a cross?

Philippians 3:9 sparked that question and now my brain has a cramp from thinking about it. That verse reads, "and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;" I believe Christ came for many reasons, most of which we don't even comprehend now, but one of the reasons He came was to bring us righteousness from God in a way we could understand and thereby accept it. God's love is such a simple truth that all those who over think the concept struggle to understand it. I believe the complexity of the world we live in has blinded us to the simplicity of God's love. God could of showed us His love in a number of ways but He chose Christ on the cross. The whole concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament, the shedding of blood for sin, that reality was all part of God's plan to reveal His love for us through the death of His Son.

The last part of Philippians 3:8 tells me that my righteousness (right-standing with God) is from God, it's nothing I did by my own effort, it's something only God could have given to me and He's had for me since the creation of the universe, some 6,000 years ago. He's "the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end", "God is love", and His love for us will be the same in the end as it was in the beginning. (Rev 1:8, 1 John 4:8)

Grace, MB

Philippians 2:29-30 Epaphroditus, A Hero

Epaphroditus? Who is Epaphroditus? Well, he's a fellow-worker and buddy of Paul's from Philippi who brought him supplies to help with his ministry. He's a hero. My mind can't help but think of all those who work behind the scenes to make things happen. The ones we take for granted, and let's be honest, lack appreciation for. I've been on both sides of the fence, and I'll admit it's nice to receive the praise and accolades when your in the spot-light. But now I see how selfish that can be. Is that really the best place to be?

When I played basketball I dreamed a getting that slam-dunk, the crowd going wild, and watching it on films the next day hearing my teammates go, wowwww, can he get up. Does that sound funny or familiar? What's funny is that now I could care less about seeing a dunk on TV, they are so common, but a great pass gets me excited. I understand now that without that assist the slam wouldn't be possible. Isn't it funny how different any game is when you understand what's really going on behind the scenes?

Paul understood the game; he says, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me". (Phil 2:29-30) Epaphroditus delivered a great assist. Paul said "here's a hero".

Let's be careful who we hold in high-esteem. There are some who really deserve heroic status, and they're the ones who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and for "the work of Christ". Honor these above all others.

Grace, MB

Philippians 2:12-15 Are you happy with your job?

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both (to will and to do) for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,..." Philippians 2:12b-15a

What's all this have to do with being happy at your job? Think about it, if it's God who is working in you both "to will and to do", the position you find yourself in is no accident. Not any desire you mustered up, but God's desire placed on your heart. Actually He may have placed you there contrary to your will at this moment. It's OK! Would you want to be anywhere outside His will? Of course not. You will never be happy working for yourself. You will only be happy, or I should say joyful, when you are working for God and His good pleasure. If the thing created is something other than what his Creator created it to be there is confusion and chaos. Do you feel confused? Is your life chaotic? Tell God the Father to take over your confused and chaotic life, and the pieces of the puzzle will begin to fall into place.

Grace, MB

Philippians 2:5-8 Must turn mind on before reading!

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

The Concordant Literal New Testament adds a word with great significance to verse 6. It reads "Who, being 'inherently' in the form of God..." This word means the same as belong, and comes from the Greek word - (h)up arch' o, which means to "originate" under.

Form is another important word to this text, meaning to take the visible shape of, coming from the Greek word - morph e' How can Jesus take the shape of God who has no shape? Think about that.

"Philippians 2:5-8 is one of the strongest assertions in the NT of the Deity of Jesus Christ." (Scofield's Commentary) It also gives us clues as to who Jesus really was and what was His relationship to the Father? We must not however take this passage out of context with the rest of scripture (i.e. John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, ...and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. How can these two thoughts exist together? ) Scripture has not made the relationship between God and Jesus very clear to our minds, our understanding not able to wrap itself around this concept of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Does that make it any less truthful? Have we done an injustice by describing it as the Trinity? Are we locking into this 3 in 1 idea and consequently blinding ourselves to a better understanding? Are we limiting what God can do, being a spirit being? Consider these three passages: Ephesians 4:5-6 "one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all." 1 Corinthians 11:12 "...but all things are from God." Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;" I believe it is absolutely possible to put God on the cross without putting God on the cross. Confused? You're not alone.

If God is spirit, can we really limit what He is capable of doing and being, by putting Him in a Trinitarian box? I'm curious to hear some of your comments about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and how they relate to each other.

Grace, MB

Philippians 2:2-4 Close-minded?

Today we have a new president, and to be honest, I voted for McCain and Palin. I'm obviously discouraged but I believe a nation divided against itself is a nation that can not stand for long. So I choose this day to support President Obama and Vice Biden. I could be close-minded about this but I want to be open or like-minded with our government which follows the United States Constitution and the One True God who holds it all together.

To many times I think everyone needs to believe exactly like I do, and if they don't, well, they don't count. But after reading Philippians 2:2-4 over and over I find Paul was against division in the church from close-mindedness.

v 2-4 "fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Paul doesn't say be open-minded, but like-minded, better translated mutually disposed, or having a bent or inclination toward something. This is not to say, "it's my way or the highway", it's moving in the same direction (Christ), but possibly disagreeing on the minor issues. The next verses support this thought, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others."

It's ok to agree to disagree sometimes. We don't all think alike, in fact our beliefs should be changing if we are honestly searching for the truth. How many of you believe the same way today that you believed 5 years ago? Don't get me wrong, some things are unchanging and we may have to take sides. Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Me". John 14:6 There is no other way, contrary to Opra.

Grace, MB

Philippians 1:1-30 Guaranteed to suffer?

I learned something over the weekend at a bible conference that actually worked. One of the speakers said to clip and paste scripture from biblegateway.com so that there are no chapters and verses to a passage. This morning I read Philippians 1:1-30 without verses, like a letter. What a difference. Go ahead and do that now, see what jumps out at you.

Philippians 1:12 ..."that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (NKJV)

I was first struck by the love Paul had for this church. Must of been a cool place and I'm sure he was close to many. (see 2 Cor 8:1-6) Secondly verse 12 jumped out at me because bad things happen to good people, and deep down I truly believe they happen for a reason, that reason being to further the gospel, to help others come into relationship with Jesus Christ. I know Satan is real, and that he causes many bad things to happen, to draw us away from God. However, I believe God is using him like a puppet, a rag doll sounds better for some reason, and that God is accomplishing His purposes through the good and bad, no matter what rabbit trail we take in life. And get this, "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,..." (verse 29) Ya, we're gonna suffer for Jesus Christ. I wanna make sure my suffering is for the furtherance of the gospel, not for the hindrance. Guaranteed!

Grace, MB

Ephesians 6:11-12 Whose the enemy?

Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Who is our real enemy here? Supernatural forces, demons, and evil spirits, sounds like a haunted hayride doesn't it? We really lose sight of this fact. Our enemies are not the people around us, but the spirits controlling those people. There are good spirits and there are bad spirits. The closer we walk in fellowship with God, the better able we are to discern those spirits and to know whether they are good or bad.

Make no mistake though, God has defeated the evil general-Satan and his forces. Colossians 2:15 says "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Here's the final outcome: the beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), the devil, who deceived the nations during the final years of the earths existence, is cast into the lake of fire with the beast and false prophet (Revelation 20:10), and the last enemy "death"- God will destroy (1Corinthians 15:26). And in the end of all ages, "...God will be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:28) You see the bible tells us the whole story, we know in the end God will have the final victory and death will be defeated. Sweet!

For now Satan has been given the title "prince of the power of the air" or ruler of this world. He's the deceiver of men who have chosen not to follow Christ. If your not following Christ your are following and being deceived by "the prince of this world", and he wants to take with him as many as he can, to steal our inheritance and our reward. When Christ comes to take His own at the rapture, which by the way could happen at any moment (1 Thess 4:13-5:2), will you be ready? Don't give Satan the satisfaction. Ask Jesus Christ into your heart today, thank Him for forgiving all your sins, and make Him your master. Only then can you see who the real enemy is.



In His Grace, MB

Ephesians 6:5-8 Are You a Bondservant?

Ephesians 6:5-8 is addressed to bondservants. In the past I've always skimmed through these 3 verses, not giving much attention to them because they were written for slaves. Not the kind of slaves we think of, held against their will, but the bondservants of old who volunteered to work under different circumstances. As I read it today the thought occurred to me, "What if we saw ourselves as bondservants all the time?"

How do you see yourself, humbly or proud? Do you see yourself as better than or less than or equal to those around you? Is there jealousy? Are you angry with anyone now because they are succeeding and you are struggling? Are you mad at your boss? Ticked off at Bush? Wishing McCain was MIA or Obama was exposed for who he is? These kinds of thoughts were most likely the very thoughts bondservants of old had toward their masters. These thoughts manifest on a daily basis with us if we're honest with ourselves. What would the world be like if people listened to God's advice for the bondservant?

"Be obedient to your masters(those in authority over you), with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as brown nosers, but like Christ were your master, doing what He wants you to do from your heart, with goodwill, like you were doing it for God, not for a man or woman. Knowing that whatever good you do for someone else, it will be returned to you from God."



Grace, MB

Ephesians 6:1-3 We Are Still Children

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'" Ephesians 6:1-3

When should we stop honoring our parents? Will we ever grow older than they are? Whether they are still living or they are sleeping in death, God calls us to honor our parents, respect them, and listen to them. I've always been the kind of person/child that had to understand why I was doing something, it had to make sense. Over the years that attitude has caused me to disrespect my parents wishes, not honoring them as I should. I am sorry for that, God. I'm asking You to forgive me; I'm asking you to help me honor my father and mother until the day that I die. Amen And I mean that, with all my heart.

It's interesting that this is the first commandment with a promise. Funny how we invest so much into this life (me included), hoping for a long and prosperous life, all the while ignoring the first command of God which promises that long-well life we are hoping for. Could it be that simple?


Grace, MB

For Believers Only?

We should be careful when reading the bible to take note of the context. Some passages in the bible are for select people, other passages are for everyone. Ephesians 4:1--5:17 is an example of a passage with meaning for one group but not for all. This passage is for the believers, those born again spiritually, who have their minds renewed, wearing a new set of glasses, seeing God's perspective. This is not a slam on unbelievers by any means, but a reminder that without the Holy Spirit dwelling within, much of the bible is senseless.

"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." (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

Scofield in his commentary says the natural man may be learned, gentle, eloquent and fascinating, but the spiritual content of Scriputre is absolutely hidden from him; and the worldly Christian is able to comprehend only its simplest truths, "milk" (1 Corinthians 3:2). I know this is true because I've been both an unbeliever and a worldly Christian. I've made fun of Christians and I've strayed later in life from deeper commitments to God because I wasn't commited to Him. I still wonder if being "sold out" for Jesus even possible? But I press on.

That being said, almost 2 chapters is given to what a believers life should look like. For fear of sounding legalistic no comments will be made regarding this text. Suffice it to say prayer should precede and follow any conclusions regarding what you read and their applications to your life. Questions...Is going to a bar ok? Is drinking ok? Is smoking ok? Is hanging out with your friends ok when they are watching porno flixs? Is going to a gay wedding right? Is talking about someone else when they are/are not around a good idea? Is buying anything from a communist country a Godly thing to do? (That's half my closet)

"So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." (Ephesians 5:15-17 The Message) I can't make the decision for anyone but myself.


Grace, MB

ONENESS

John 17:8 “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.”

Jesus is praying to the Father. He says He came forth from the Father, or
“came out of” the Father.(CLNT) The Father and the son are ONE. Can we say that the Son was birthed or created out of the Father?

John 17:21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

One common frustration the body of Christ shares is the unbelief in the world. There are many reasons we give for that: “it’s not their time”, “they are too comfortable, life has been too good for them”, “they are captives of the Adversary”, “generational curse or tough up bringing”, “they were just born in the wrong community (country)”, etc….

Let me pose another even greater reason for their lack of belief. From the words of Jesus Himself…”that they all may be one,…that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Point: The world will not believe in Jesus Christ when there is so much segregation in the church. When there is disunity among a group/sect/body of believers there is question as to the validity of the belief. If Jesus is the Son of God why can’t the churches agree? Why not ONE church as the bible teaches? Where is the ONENESS in the body of Christ?

Grace, MB

Ephesians 5:1-2 Love is...

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Is 1 Corinthians 13:3-13 an accurate depiction of what love is? "Love is patient, love is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoince in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

I would like to suggest a higher definition of love. We understand that love is not a feeling. If that were the case God stopped loving us when He flooded the earth. “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Gen 6:6) But God is love and He has never stopped loving us, so we know that genuine love is not of feelings. I suggest love is a commitment, an action, a passion for someone or something that is greater than you.

Paul says it well in Ephesians 5:2 “…as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,”

Paul doesn’t say that Christ gives himself “to us” but “for us”, suggesting the affection is aimed at God, not us. Not that Christ doesn’t love us, but He loves God more; He loves us because God loves us. We were not created to be the center of the universe.

Point: Jesus loves God more than He loves us. Jesus was passionate about one thing…His Father. So of course He was passionate about His Fathers business.

Look at 1 Corinthians 13:3-13. Was Jesus kind when He overturned the money changers? Was He provoked? Did He behave rudely? Was He kind when He ridiculed the Pharisees? What does suffer long mean anyway? Was that bearing all things? Did He parade Himself when He road into Jerusalem on a donkey? Was He seeking His own when He went off by himself to pray or rest? Was He seeking His own when He was making furniture? Someone could make a point against Jesus and His lack of 1 Corinthian 13 love if they tried hard enough. However no one can argue His love based on Paul’s definition…”be imitators of God”. Christ gave Himself up for us, for something greater than Himself, “an offering and sacrifice to God”.

Point: Christ demonstrated true, raw, passionate love, not by being kind, timid, and nice, but by giving Himself totally to the mission…God’s salvation of His creation. That’s passion, that’s love, that’s doing whatever it takes. And that's are calling as well.



Grace, MB

Ephesians 4:29 What's in your pallet?

I love that Capital One commercial with the catch phrase, "What's in your wallet?" It's amazing people are surviving this brutal world. I'm continually impressed with the fortitude and strength people have to cope with what life throws at them. Natural disasters are one thing, but when your people, your community, your friends and family say things that just downright hurt, it's tough. Sticks and stones hurt, and so do names.

I was recently given some advice from a Godly woman who just lost her husband suddenly. She was feeling guilty because she didn't love her husband like he loved her. His love was unconditional and her love was conditional. She had never allowed herself to accept him as he was and this created a critical spirit inside her. She felt bad because every time she said I love you to him it felt like there was a stipulation tagged on to it. "I love you, because you did some laundry." "I love you because you bought me that dress." "I love you because you noticed." In talking with her she challenged me to forgive my wife and love her unconditionally.

She also challenged me to memorize scriptures that would strengthen my marriage, because scripture is the only weapon we have to fight against the Adversary, the devil, and destroying marriages is his priority. The first one I memorized was Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that you may impart grace to the hearers". What's in your pallet?

Grace, MB

Ephesians 4:1-32 The believers walk

There's no room for constructive criticism these days. It's all about being politically correct and not offending your neighbor. Christians need to be tolerant. Does that bother you? It does me, until I read this chapter. It all makes sense now. Paul explains the way the world thinks in verses 17-19 and why they do what they do. Because "their understanding is darkened", because the "natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can they know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). Only 3 verses out of 32 describe the world, the rest describes what Christians should be. Here's the point, we need to love those that don't love Jesus, because we've all been there. (I didn't say condone their actions.)

There was a time in my life when I was closed to God because I wasn't ready, nothing anyone said was sinking in, I thought it was foolishness. But then the Spirit of God started to convict me, starting softening my heart, and I started listening. God sent special people into my life when the soils of my heart were tilled and ready for planting. Then those seeds began to sprout and take root. You know, when I look back it was nothing short of a miracle that I put my trust in Jesus Christ for my salvation and that I am in love with Him and passionate about Him to this day. The faith that took root in my heart was nothing I created or conjured up, it was totally a gift from God. I was chosen by Him before the foundation of the world, "...having predestined me to adoption as a son by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6) There was no accidents. The only reason you are taking the time to read this today is because you are a part of the chosen, God has predestined you. Don't run from the peace that passes all understanding, accept Him today as your Savior, you won't be sorry.

Grace, MB

Ephesians 3:6 The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Ephesians 3:6 "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,"

Fellow heirs or joint enjoyers of an allotment (CLNT) What is the allotment, what are we fellow heirs of? Fellow means "along with", in this case along with Christ. We are joint heirs with Christ. We are heirs of the Universe. Hebrews 1:2 says it this way, "God...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;" What are we worried about? Retirement? What if the stock market crashes? What if the banks close? Is retirement really that important when at the coming of Jesus Christ those that are His are going to receive a joint allotment with Him that is equal to the Universe? Is there a payout on the planet that will even come close. That's what Paul meant when he preached the unsearchable riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8

Grace, MB

Ephesians 3:1-21 Our purpose

We learned from chapter 2 that the purpose of the church (ecclesia, the called out ones) is to build and edify the body of Christ. Understand when we say "body of Christ" we are using figurative language and we are referring to those that are saved, believers in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Now we are to build or grow this group of people and disciple or support them in this present age. Also remember Christ is the head of this body.

Ephesians 3:8b-9 (CLNT) "to bring the evangel of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations (Gentiles), and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the secret, which has been concealed from the eons (ages) in God, Who creates all, that now may be made known to the sovereignties and authorities among the celestials, through the ecclesia, the multifarious wisdom of God, in accord with the purpose of the eons, which He makes in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

Let me paraphrase: The purpose of the church is to tell all about Christ, to let people know this grace is for everyone, and to say that God is so wise this plan of His will all come together in the end. God is in control and there is hope in this age and the ages to come. It's hard to believe that most of our neighbors don't understand this and even harder to believe that we are hesitant to tell them.

Lord help us to understand the unsearchable, untraceable riches of Christ, to grasp the manifold, multifarious wisdom of God, and to have the boldness and elegance to share this with the world around us. Maybe Paul says this much better than I, read verses 14-21.

Grace, MB

Ephesians 2:1-22 Salvation for?

There's alot of talk in the church about salvation from and salvation to, however you hear little about salvation for. We are saved from death and seperation from God (Gehenna/hell) and we are saved to a wonderful place called heaven. But what are we saved for?

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Many seem to think that after realizing our salvation and believing Jesus Christ for it, it's all down hill, just put it in cruise and relax. Why not? We're in, right? It's kinda like making the basketball team and then not showing up for practice or the game. It's missing the point of it all. We're not saved from something or to something as much as we are saved for something. It's a priviledge to be a part of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 says "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ." It's a priviledge to work for something that's bigger than this life, that has eternal purposes and will last. That is, building and edifying the body of Christ.

Grace, MB

Ephesians 1:15 - 3:21 The Perfect Prayer?

Paul gives his prayer for the church, and what a prayer it is. You know you've given a good prayer when the church is still drawing strength from it 1948 years later. Growing up in the church you hear a lot of prayers over your lifetime, and I've given a few myself. You know, I've never given a public prayer that I've been satisfied with. They never seem "just right". A corporate prayer, as the church calls them, is your attempt to say what you think everyone is thinking or would say themselves. How impossible is that. You know, I'm not even sure corporate prayers are biblical. In fact Jesus speaks against them when they are given with the wrong motives. Listen to what He says in Matthew 6:5-8.

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be
seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you
pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father
who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For
they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be
like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask
Him."

So why should we pray? If God already knows what you have need of what's the point? I'm gonna let you all respond to that question, but before I close let me just say that prayer is important, both Jesus and Paul relied on it heavily. Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8 was making a statement against something beyond prayer. I think James was trying to say the same thing (see James 4:1-3). Think about that, I'd like to see your thoughts.

Grace, MB

Ephesians 1:1-23 Continued

I would like to focus on verses 13 and 14. "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."

One of the most popular questions by new believers is "How do I know if I'm saved?" Typical answers include, "because the bible tells us so", or "you just know", and those are both true, but most believers are looking for something more concrete. I still struggle with questions like this because I'm human, and I need continual confirmation. After much thought on this I believe a person knows he/she is truly saved because the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you. Verse 13 calls the Spirit a guarantee.

Your next question is how do I really know He's there inside of me? Good question. Let's look at some scripture to answer that. Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The Holy Spirit has feelings. That's why He is considered a Person. If the HS can feel sorrow and the HS is abiding in us, don't you think we would feel sorrow as well? A guilty conscience when we disobey God is one sign the HS is there. Galatians 4:6 says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Calling out "Abba, Father" implies a close relationship. A person wouldn't confess publicly Jesus Christ unless he believed He was the Savior of the world. Neither would anyone cry out to God "Father" unless the Spirit was dwelling within. These are two signs of many that the HS is present within a believer.

Grace, MB

Ephesians 1:1-23

No where in scripture is there more meat jammed into 23 verses than in the 1st chapter of Ephesians. This is one of my favorite books of the bible. This letter is actually written for many churches, not just the Ephesians, which Tychicus will visit on his journey through Asia. Early texts leave "to the saints in Ephesus " completely out of the 1st verse. Commentaries call the first 3 chapters a prayer, or some say a song. It's not the easiest reading but the more you read it the more beautiful it becomes.

In this first chapter we have the how, when, where, and why pertaining to the "word of truth, the gospel of your salvation". (verse 13) In other words the how, when, where, and why of God's greatest accomplishment next to the creation, the salvation of His lost creation.

Why? To the praise of His glory. (verses 12, 14) How? Through Christ Jesus. (verse 7, 10) When? Before time began. (verse 4, 5) Where? Heavenly places, the celestial, above the earth or physical sphere of influence. We are a part of the spirit world. (verse 3) Do you realize that you have been chosen by God? I can remember when I was in junior high school and we would play dodge ball in gym class or sometimes basketball. It was such a good feeling to be picked 1st or near the top of the class. Being chosen last was such a blow to my confidence, it sucked. But we've been chosen by The God of the universe, the offer is on the table, we just pick it up. The feeling of being a part of a team(body), with Christ as the captain(the head), carries with it the greatest feeling of purpose I have ever experienced. I've been a part of some great teams with some worthy purposes, but they were temporary, as are all earthly things. Being a part of the body of Christ carries with it eternal significance and there's no greater purpose to be part of.

Grace, MB

Rd Galatians 6: 1-18

Galatians 6:1 Perhaps no passage in the bible has hurt more people in the church than this: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Make sure you read this carefully, it may not say what you think it. Let me make a couple observations. There is not a perfect method for correcting people in transgression except it be in love, and even then it's not always pretty. I'm convinced it's not what you say that offends, it's how you say it, and restoration (NKJV) or attunement (CLNT) in the church or outside the church is no exception.

First, lets submerge ourselves in prayer, without that, forget it. No matter how eloquent your speech, your likely to put your foot in your mouth.

Second, the word "overtaken" is important. Overtaken means "get before", precipitate, or come aforehand, from the Greek word "prolambano". Is this transgression by your brother overtaking his life? Is it coming before God on a consistent basis? If not its probably too soon to intervene. Did you know scripture makes a distinction between a transgression and a sin. A transgression is breaking a known law of God, hence the thought "get before"(see Romans 4:15). When transgressing God's laws are given a back seat, God is actually overtaken in importance. A sin is falling short of the glory of God, which we all do quite frequently. (see Romans 3:23) When we are restoring let's make sure our brother is truly in transgression and in need of it.

Third, "you who are spiritual restore". What does it mean to "be spiritual"? Does it mean someone who reads the Tara cards or someone who does yoga 2 times a day? No. Being spiritual means being the opposite of physical. Someone who's physical (the bible uses the word carnal) is someone who cares only about their welfare. They are selfish and caught up in what the world can do for them. Being spiritual is simply keeping our eyes on what is above (i.e. Christ) and how we can best love our neighbor, in the spirit of "gentleness". It may mean bearing their burden for a while until the Spirit does a work in their life. My dad always says when in doubt, wait, it will work itself out, and it usually does.

Finally, "considering yourself lest you also be tempted" takes me to Matthew 7:3, "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Take a look in the mirror, a long look, before you ever criticize someone else's shortcomings. Boy, do I need to hear that. It seems being critical is popular because it makes us feel good. It's ironic that in fact it actually sabotages us instead of benefits us, because we become more critical of ourselves. It's true. Christ said it well in Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Who did you think was judging and measuring back? God? I think it's talking about ourselves or the world itself turning and judging us, but either way we bring it on ourself. Think about it...

Grace, MB

Galatians 5: 1-26

Galatians 5:5 Paul in emphasizing the importance of faith vs. law in this passage uses the word "wait", which I find interesting. What are we to wait on? According to this we are waiting for our righteousness. I thought we as christians already were righteous. Well, we are in God's eyes, however I believe the receiving of our righteousness happens only when Christ comes back for His own, as explained in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, called the rapture or snatching away. What this ultimately means is that no one is in heaven now except Christ Himself, seated at the right hand of His Father. As Thessalonians points out those christians who have passed on are sleeping, awaiting the resurrection.

Verse 9 "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." We've all heard our grandparents tell us this before and it's true. I love my grandma's question, "If you drag a white glove through the mud, does the mud get glovey, or does the glove get muddy?" You are who you hang out with. I'm not condoning seperation from the world, how else will people hear about Jesus, but I am cautious in how much time I do spend there.

Verse 16 Here is the solution to all our problems, actually the solution is in verse 14, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself". But to address a christians biggest problem, our biggest battle, SIN. The answer is simple, "walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh". But how do we do that? I believe the answer, or at least one answer in given in verse 26. "Let us not become conceited,..." When we become large in our own eyes, big headed, and proud, we set ourselves up for the fall. We take our eyes off Christ and put them on ourselves or the world around us, and who can blame us, we don't need Christ if we think we're doing that good, right? The old saying from Proverbs, "Pride cometh before the fall" (Proverbs 16:18) is so true isn't it?

Grace, MB

Galatians 4: 1-31

Since September of 2006, Amy and I have had our eyes opened to a life we never knew existed. We began our relationships with homeless children; children with nowhere to go, vulnerable and confused. Later we found out that their parents also lacked that secure family, and the cycle continued. I can't fathom it, I can't comprehend it, a life without a family. What would it be like to grow up as a foster child? To never truly be a son or daughter to anyone? Galatians 4:4-5 says, "..., God sent forth His Son,...that we might receive the adoption as sons." Christ makes it possible, if we never have an earthly dad or mom, we will never be orphans. We are adopted through faith into the family of God.

We are sons and daughters of our heavenly Father who has "known us". (v 9) Romans 12:3 says that God gives us a measure of faith. And John reminds us that "no one comes to the Father unless the Father draws him" (6:44). I highlight these passages because many people who are hungry for a relationship with their creator are confused. They are searching for God as if He's hidden from us and we need to find Him. People are looking for enlightenment and they are looking in all the wrong places. It's not within us, it's not within some other person, and it's not in any inanimate object or possession. God is not hiding, He's right before us if we would just open our eyes. He is passionate about us and has placed a God-shaped vacuum in each one of us. Listen for Him at this very moment, give your heart to Him. Follow Him. Through His son Jesus Christ we can join the only family that really matters for eternity.

Grace, MB

"God, Help!" (Continued from July 30)

Deism. The third thought is that God exists and is there when I need Him but doesn't really require anything. This is not a true deist thought (Deists typically reject most supernatural events (prophecy, miracles, prayer,) and tend to assert that God does not intervene with the affairs of human life and the natural laws of the universe.), however I'll respond to the statement. God is not some sort of jeanie in a bottle or a cosmic Santa Claus. God created us for relationship and He's in charge, not us. This statement is a conclusion of our reason when we think we are the center of the universe. This thinking may begin when we're young and stuck on ourselves. When Dad and Mom are there only to cook us the next meal and keep us updated on the next PlayStation video game. God is bigger, and in Exodus 20:5 God says "don't worship any carved image or material possession, for I am a jealous God, ..." God does require something, a relationship, our undivided attention, respect and love. To give Him less would be a violation of the greatest commandment of all, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30) Well, I would welcome your comments. Begin to ask yourselves, "what do I really believe about God and my existence. I'd like to take this further if there's any thoughts.

Grace, MB

Are you "happy"? [Continued from July 30]

Therapeutic. Most people wouldn't argue with this statement: "God wants me to be happy". Sounds good, but is it true? If you had one wish for your children, would you ask God to make them happy? Of course not, just the sound of that speaks of lack, something is missing, something is incomplete when you say "I hope you have a happy life". But what? What if you told your children as they left for their freshman year of college: hope your belly's full all year long. Boy, that would be nice, huh? Never have to worry about eating again, never feel the pains of hunger, imagine the time you'd save to. But, think about what they would miss. God wants us to experience so much more than happiness that He's willing to sacrifice that happiness so that we grow in our dependence of Him. God loves us in the truest and deepest sense of the word, and that brings so much more into our existence than just "happiness". If you never felt the cold, would you appreciate the warm house? If you never felt wet, would you appreciate dry clothes? If you never went through the tough times, would you appreciate the good times? Have you heard of joy? Joy can be felt in the good times and the bad times. Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22); it comes by possessing the Holy Spirit as a follower of Jesus Christ. It's amazing and it's totally beyond human ability. It doesn't come from having a good life or from avoiding tough times, it's only available when we understand and apply what joy really means, Jesus, Others, Yourself. Get that right and joy is yours.

Jesus said "I have come that you might have life, and life more abundantly." John 10:10 An abundant life is not a happy life, think about it. It's more. A happy life is like a baked potato, an abundant life is like a baked potato with all the fixins. Will Smith had it half right in the "Pursuit of happiness", good movie, good ending, but he still lacked in the end. Why? What was he missing? Abundant life! God has so much more in store for us, He doesn't want us to skirt around tough times to avoid pain, because that's where we turn into real men and women. Pursuing happiness would have us avoiding pain, causing us to miss growing opportunities, thereby missing the abundant life. Think about the best times in your life, were you happy? Get your potato with all the fixins.

Grace, MB

I Press On, like Bob

Tonight I write this post with a heavy heart. My good friend and brother in Christ, Bob M., left us at around 8:30 ET, and is now awaiting the resurrection of the saints when Christ comes to meets us in the air. No more pain, no more suffering, no more tears, no more wishing he could do all the things he couldn't do, Bob is finally home. I'm gonna miss you friend. I didn't get to spend as much time with you as I would of wanted, we never do, but the time I did share with you never failed to challenge me. It never failed to make me a better person. Bob, you had an enthusiasm for life, a great optimism, the consummate encourager, and most of all no shame for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have big shoes to fill from this night on. Brandy our prayers go out to you and your family, and to all those whose lives will be forever changed. Thanks Bob, you are my hero and mentor; of course I know you wouldn't like me saying that hero stuff, but that's too bad. You can quit being so humble now. There's one verse that comes to mind when I think about you tonight, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me". (Phillipians 3:12) Bob you knew how to "press on".

Love ya, Matt B

P.S. Thanks for being a part of our bible studies and for coming to my surprise birthday party. I'll still keep the picture of you and I on this blog site to remind all of us to "press on".

What Do Students Really Believe?

Let me comment on this question before we begin Galatians 4. Most twentysomethings put christianity on the shelf following their spiritually active teen years. George Barna found that "only 20% of churched teens stay spiritually engaged in their twenties." Why is that? Do you think it has anything to do with their worldview, their spiritual framework which determines their values, morals, and then beliefs? What do you think?

What do students really believe? Well, moralistically students believe God wants them to be "good". Therapeutically God wants them to be happy. And their deistic view is that God is there when I need Him, but doesn't really require anything. What is wrong with these views? What are your views? Lets talk quickly about each one.

Morals. Is being "good" enough to save us? No. Is being "good" enough to keep us saved? No. (see Ephesians 2:8-10 and Galatians 3:2-3) Why would we think that being "good" is enough for God if these two statements are false? Knowing the God of the bible, the creator of the universe, reminds us "how unsearchable His judgments and His ways past finding out!"(Romans 11:33). We do know one thing though, history bares our inability to fulfill the requirements of God. God requires us the be pure, spotless, sinless, holy, and perfect. We know that this is not humanly possible, even with the best intentions. I think this is where the struggle comes, the doubts about how a loving God could punish good people, people that at least appear good on the outside. All I can say in the limited space here is that when I read the bible over and over I realize that God is totally fair and just, and that He has provided a way for us to be perfect(not just "good") in His sight - Jesus Christ. We can trust His ways and lean not on our own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him. (Proverbs 3:5)

Grace, MB

Galatians 3: 1-29

I had a lot of time to think about this 3rd chapter I read at Bob Evans this morning. After reading and then eating a hardy skillet breakfast, I spent the next 6 hours on my motorcycle on the way to Bryan College in Dayton Tennessee. It was a beautiful ride but very hot. I'm praising God that I made it safely. I'm at a Summit Worldview conference and after the opening session tonight I'm completely confident that I'm where I should be, this is going to be so good. Can't wait to share more with you after it's over.

Galatians 3:29 was the key for me as I thought about the whole chapter. "If you belong Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." I'm thankful for Abraham, his faith, his perseverance, his paving the way for me. Abraham is my forefather too. The promise wasn't for the Jewish descendants, and it wasn't for the non-Jewish descendants, it was and is for anyone who has faith in Jesus Christ. I know Paul sounds like a broken record here, but this faith thing, this grace not works thing, it's not only pivotal to our salvation, but also to how we live out our faith. If our best efforts didn't save us then our best efforts aren't going to keep us there, or any of our friends for that matter. It's extremely important to know the fundamentals of the Word.

Here is a good example of what happens when we don't (this comes from our Summit lecture tonight. What do students really believe? Moralistic - God wants them to be "good". Theapeutic - God wants me to be "happy". Deism - God is there when I need Him, but doesn't really require anything. Of course these are false beliefs but we are scratching our heads wondering "why?". That's my goal after leaving Summit that I will be able to effectively articulate the "why?". Maybe you know already, I would like to hear your answers.

Grace, MB

Galations 2:1-21 Sandpaper people

Galatians 2:7 Paul was a rebel in his time, he saw that Peter was the apostle to the circumcised along with James, John, and Cephas, and that he along with Barnabas and Titus were committed disciples to the uncircumcised (the Gentiles). You get the feeling that they were in some sort of CIA vs FBI movie. This was no small thing Paul was involved in, being a former Jew it was seen as the ultimate betrayal, he might as well been convicted of treason. Consequently many false accusations were brought against him. (See Acts 21: 17-30) Some thought he was just plain crazy (Acts 26:24). None the less we see in these first 10 verses a unity of mission, but a difference in the process. This can be a challenge for us in the church and in life today. We have many people from different walks of life trying to live out what they feel God is calling them to do. Unfortunately like Peter and Paul we don't always see eye to eye.

Galatians 2:11-21 In this instance Peter needed correction, he needed rebuked, and rightfully so. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend". We need to remember that as well; we get off track at times and we need a rebuke to get us back on. On the other hand some people in our lives are just tough to live with, they rub us the wrong way, you know the type. You just cringe when you see them coming. Some one told me yesterday that they are sandpaper people. God created everyone for a purpose, and sandpaper people take off our rough edges and help us become more like Christ. May you not run from the sandpaper people, but bare with them knowing they now have a purpose in your journey.

Galations 2:20a "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me;"

Grace, MB

Galations 1: 1-24

Galations is considered by many to be Paul's first letter. Some argue that 1 and 2 Thessalonians are first, however because Paul goes into details regarding his conversion, Galations being first makes more sense to me. What do you think?

Galations 1:1 If there is any doubt as to the importance of Paul's revelation given directly from Christ to him, put it to rest. The secret or mystery hidden from the beginning is the grace now given to the Gentiles who were once excluded from the promises afforded the Jewish nation (see post from Romans 11). Paul reminds us grace is nothing new, Abraham was justified by faith alone 430 years before the giving of the law by Moses (See Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3), and he received that grace (see Romans 3:3,6). However that grace given to Abraham was not understood at the time, not until Paul brought that revelation to the world. If Abraham was indeed justified then for his faith, it makes me wonder why God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Law) in the first place, which ultimately failed to bring the Jews into a right relationship with Him. God knew that was going to happen. So why did He do it? I think Romans 3:20 gives us one good reason, "by the law is the knowledge of sin". God simply wanted His people to see that they couldn't be perfect on their own. They desperately needed a relationship with their creator, and this was part of His restoration plan.

Romans 1: 10-24 The turn around in Paul's life is nothing short of a miracle. (For more details see Acts 9:3-16) Paul was blinded, that got his attention. Even today, I don't doubt for a minute that God would use any means necessary to get my attention and obedience, for my ultimate good of course (Romans 1:6). It seems that afflicting our health is one of His primary means of doing that (1 Corinthians 11:30). I don't mean to scare anyone, God doesn't want us to have an unhealthy fear of Him, but He does require a healthy fear and respect regarding His authority. Resist the temptation to see God as we would see our earthly father, which leads to many false analogies. Our dads, even though you might think yours is perfect, are just human.

Grace, MB

Romans 16:1-27 People matter

Romans 16:1-16 It is evident the Paul loved people. He didn't want to leave anyone out and made it a point to be gender balanced, not biased. One thing I appreciate about our church in New Springfied is its balance of men and women filling roles in the church. We all are necessary, we all are a functioning part of the whole, the body of Christ.

Romans 16:16-20 We're friendly at our church, some would say a little excessive, but I've never seen anyone greeted with a "holy kiss". You've heard the anacranym used for kiss - keep it simple stupid. Well Paul must of as well. Verse 19, "I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. (the CLNT uses "artless for evil") To art means to meddle, in other words, don't be meddling in evil things. Remember Scoobie Doo and the gang, always meddling enough to catch the bad guy. When it comes to Satan, don't meddle, let the God of peace crush him under your feet (verse 20). Sounds like an oxymoran, the "God of peace" will "crush Satan". Oh the mysterious nature of God and His perfect character. I love that about Him. We've seen it before, God's mercy ends where evil begins, especially when the evil is corrupting the body of Christ, His bride (verse 17).

Romans 16:25 My plan now that we've finished Romans is to move on to Paul's first writing - Galations. Here we will talk more about this mystery, the secret kept hidden since the world began, given privately to Paul.

Grace, MB

Romans 15: 1-33 We all bleed red!

Romans 15:27 Paul here gives a quick reminder of our debt to the Jewish nation, God's chosen. For we "have been partakers of their spiritual things", and so we should feel a sense of indebtedness to them. I have to admit I haven't felt that way, probably because I wasn't taught to have that sense of gratitude in the churches I have attended. I'm beginning to understand the historical significance of Israel now, partly because I'm working with Sandy, a women with so much knowledge about the Jews. Sandy has a passion for Jeruselem and she can't wait to get back. She is studying Hebrew now and I often wonder why she is going to all the trouble and why she wants to be there so desperately. I guess it's because that's where it all started and where it'll all end. Think about it, if you loved Civil War stuff, wouldn't you want to go to Gettysburgh? Can you imagine walking in the Garden of Gesthemene or hiking up Mt Calvary?

Romans 15:5-7 "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Here lies the central point Paul was passionate about. Can't we all just get along? Can't you see the big picture here? Paul was all about one body and the unity of that body. If Paul lived in the 60's he would of been standing right next to Martin Luther King for sure. Let's knock down the walls of segregation in our life and learn to see people as God sees them. Let's be "like-minded" and quit looking at the colors and outward appearances that may be different and celebrate the fact that God created each one of us to be different yet special in His sight.

Grace, MB

Romans 14:1-23 What are you wearing?

Romans 14:1-5 This past Sunday morning I was putting on my typical loud shirt and shorts and the 14th chapter of Romans came to my mind. My thought was, am I going to offend anyone who is "weak in the faith" because of what I am wearing? Am I convinced in my own mind that what I'm wearing is ok to wear to church? Before you start laughing remember I'm 40 and I came out of the conservative Church of God era, or at least the tail end of it. I remember quite vividly an older gentlemen in our church confronting me about my attire, saying "we should give God our best on Sunday, and that includes our clothes". I'm well aware how ridiculous that sounds to some of you that have shorts and T-shirts that cost more than a suit and tie. I must however respect that elder who came from that mind boggling up bringing. I know God doesn't care what we wear on the outside, it's about our heart attitude on the inside. The question still remains, am I grieving my brother (v 15), am I putting a stumbling block (v 15) in front of a weaker brother (v 1), and am I walking in love toward my brother (v 15)? (Brother includes sister) What do you think?

Romans 14:12 We shall all stand before God someday and give an account of ourselves. Quit looking at others with judgment and start seeing people as God sees them - a child in need of a Savior. Better yet, quit worrying about the splinter in your brothers eye, and get the log out of your own (Matthew 7:3). Humility. Seems like this concept keeps resurfacing through out this book. Do you think humility is important to the christian faith? I know one thing: humbleness is the cure for the sick judgmental church.

Grace, MB

Romans 13:1-14 Politics?

I know we shouldn't talk politics, but how can you avoid this one?

Romans 13:1 Do you believe every ruler and authority in the entire world is appointed by God?

Romans 13:2 Are there limits to the obedience we should show our rulers and authorities?

Romans 13:6-7 Taxes? I really don't want to go here, however I must admit, I feel we are over taxed and I'm not really happy with where my tax money goes at times. However, I do believe we should pay taxes at this point because it is the law. When Jesus said "give to Ceaser what is Ceasers" I'm sure there was foul play in the government at that time too, and Jesus knew it. None the less His words still ring true today. There is a limit of course and Jesus met that limit at the temple when He overturned the tables of the money changers and released the animals being sold for sacrifices. Matthew 21:13 Why? In this case it was because they had turned His Father's House into a den of thieves, taking advantage of the people in the name of religion. In other instances of resistance Peter and John decided to follow God instead of denying Him, see Acts 4:5-6, 18-20. And Daniel broke a decree by the king by praying to God 3 times daily, see Daniel 6:4-16. These examples seem to bring into question Paul's commands to obey our authorities, however when looked at closely both cases involve evil men with intentions to unjustly destroy men of God. Jesus and Paul make it very clear that we are to seek peace whenever possible, in other words almost always.

Romans 13:9 Here's the bottem line: "love your neighbor as yourself." Where in the world to we get the strength to do that? Verse 14, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ?

Grace, MB

Romans 12:3-21

Romans 12:3 What does this look like practically? First, let's get off our high horse. We have nothing that wasn't given to us and it could be taken away at any moment. We've all seen that sad story over and over, just watch the news or better yet, Entertainment Tonight (ET).

Verse 9 Don't fake it, be sincere. The Message bible says, "love from the center of who you are". That's scary for most of us, but you know what, we're all a work in progress,nobody has arrived. And I'd much rather hang around someone who is real, at least you know what to expect.

Verse 10 The greek word for brotherly love is phileo. To me this is work, I don't always feel like treating my wife, kids, parents, friends, and Joe Schmuck as more important than myself. And believe me, it doesn't always happen. Paul continues to give us the recipe for christian conduct, which has no place for pride, but much humility.

Verses 17-21 In light of our countries current situation in the Middle East, did our country respond biblically to the terrorist attack? What about the country of Iraq? If you were president, what would you do now?

Grace, Matt

Romans 12: 1-2 Got Holy?

Romans 12:1 Paul's speaking(paraphrased) - I've told you all that, to say this. We've talked about our sin (chp 1-3), we've talked about God's love in Jesus Christ, the faith we need in Him to be justified (chp 3-5), that grace that surpasses our understanding (chp 6) , we've talked about God's mercy in grafting us wild branches into the Root, and how the Jews are suffering now for our sakes (chp 11). Take heart, God is the Potter, we are the clay(chp 9). I've said all that to say this: verse 1, "by the mercies(pities) of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." In other words, Jesus take the wheel, act like the child of God you are, not for earning or keeping salvation, but because I love you more than anyone else in this world could ever love you.

Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." In other words, this is how you live it, this is how you stay constantly on track. Don't let the world in any way mold you into its' thinking, get a brain overhaul, see the world through the lens of red, Christ's shed blood for every person you run into. That's Jesus- thinking. Then, and only then, will you be able to make the right choices in sync with God's plan for your life (the "perfect will of God").

Grace, MB

Romans 11: 1-36

It's too bad our government, in all it's strategizing after 911, didn't first go to Romans 11 to get an answer for the madness that had just happened. Why is there war in the middle east? For the most part, aside from greed, money, etc... it's ultimately God's judgment. Everyone hates Israel, they all have an intense anger for the Jewish people. Why?

Your probably asking what does war have to do with Romans 11? Verse 8 says, "God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see, And ears that they should not hear, To this very day." I believe this whole mess is God's judgment against His people because of unbelief. And that unbelief comes so we (the Gentiles) can be grafted into the root, the root being God. We are the wild branches God is having mercy on, and by His grace we are being grafted into the family of God. (v 17) We are the reason for the war, ultimately it's our fault, not the terrorist.

Verse 29 "The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable". Long ago God made Abraham a part of that calling, He made a covenant with the forefather of the Jews, that He would make a nation, the descendents as numerous as the sand in the sea. As promised God followed through with that convenant, we've seen God bring the Jews through thick and then, saving a remnant to this day, even through their unbelief. God also made a covenant with the Gentiles (prophesied in Isaiah 9:6) that through Jesus, God's Son , we would have an opportunity to restore the fellowship (that was broken in the Garden of Eden) with God. So Paul is saying that until the fullness of the Gentiles, God is going to keep Israel in a spirit of blindness toward Jesus Christ. We have so much to be thankful for. The question is, when is our time up, when is the fullness of the Gentiles?

If Romans 11 still confuses you take heart, Paul says in verse 33, His ways are past finding out.

Grace, MB

Romans 10:1-21

Romans 10:1-4 Paul continues to share the burden for his own, Israel. He says they've got zeal and desire but they are ignorant of God's righteousness. It's important to know that their ignorance is not a lack of information (see v 18, 21), but a lack of submission. In other words, let's make sure we are not stuck on doing things our way, but open, subject to, and submissive to God and His ways. God, help me to losen my grip and let go of the things in my life that are keeping me from being completely submissive to You.

Romans 10:14 This passage shows the importance of the preacher, or "one commissioned to herald the evangel of good". (CLNT) Interesting that the preacher (evangelist) and pastor (shepherd) are two different roles here. The scripture says the shepherd is an elder/supervisor (Acts 20:28), and the evangelist plays a completely different role than the pastor or teacher; this distinction is made in Ephesians 4:11. This makes me wonder if asking our pastor to fill all these roles is excessive and possibly unbiblical. What's your thoughts on that?

Grace, MB

Romans 9:1-33

Just when you think you've answered the last challenging question, God throws something else at you to make you really wonder; what is He thinking? And I mean that in the most respectful way.

Romans 9:1-7 Paul shares his grief here, deeply troubled that his own have not gotten it yet. God's chosen people, the Israelites, who have His word and His blessings have missed it. They have failed to see what the Gentiles now get; it's not about your DNA. It's not about the works you do. It's about Christ and our faith in Him (v. 32). Galatians 3:29 says it well, "if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise". How are you Christs? (See Ephesians 2:8-9)

Romans 9:14 Now, ready for this? God created some people for destruction (v.22). Can we say God is unfair? Can we say "God, you don't know what your doing"? Certainly not! Verse 21, "Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" Does this relieve us from our duties as ambassadors for Christ? (2Corinthians 5:20) Does this lesson our compassion for the lost? Do we lose steadfastness in planting seeds of faith in the people around us? Not at all. See, God in His infinite wisdom, leaves one thing out; What do the vessels of destruction look like? We don't know. We only know that "He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), and "whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (v. 33b).

Boy, pray for discernment. We need to know who God wants us to engage, telling them the Good News. Scripture says to "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear". I think the key is, "who asks you". My thoughts go back to what Jesus told His disciples in the sermon on the mount, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces". (Matthew 7:6) Use good discernment my friends, but don't let fear stop you.

Grace, MB

Romans 8: 17-39 More than conquering?

Romans 8:18 Suffering? I know it's hard when your actually suffering to think about our reward, "the glory that shall be revealed in us", but sometimes it gets so bad we need something to hang our hope on. What we're going through now is not even "worthy to be compared with" what God has for us later. Sweet.

Romans 8:20-23 Why ask why? What a great slogan for Bubweiser, one we should consider after reading: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope." Don't worry, be happy. God has a plan, it's perfect, and we don't need to know what it is, just enjoy the journey with Him, with hope. What hope? Romans 8:28 "Now we are aware that God is working all together for the good of those who are loving God," (CLNT) One of my favorite scriptures.

Romans 8:29-30 Paul goes on to explain what He's up to in verse 28. Is verse 28 for everybody? No. It's for those who are loving God because they are called. He knew us beforehand, predestined us, called us, justified us, and will glorify us. This is called God's sovereignty. You say, Matt, how do you know I have been predestined? How do you know He had a plan for me before the sperm met the egg? Because, you wouldn't be reading this if God wasn't calling you. He's peaked your interest. You have a desire birthing inside you. Sorry, you can't get out of it either, but why would you want to? LISTEN TO THIS:

Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:32 "how shall He not with Jesus also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"
Romans 8:37 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Romans 8:39 Absolutely nothing "shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord".

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET.

Grace, MB

Romans 8: 1-17

Romans 8:1 In order to understand verse 1 we need to read thru verse 4. This is awesome news for those of us who have the law (righteousness by good deeds) so ingrained in our psyche from our upbringing that we lack the peace and freedom we have in Christ. In other words we feel guilty 90% of the time unless we are doing something we believe is good or holy. Verse 1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Condemnation is the feeling that "I'm a sinner" and "I'm definitely not on God's good side." This is very defeating and it's a lie. Feeling convicted on the other hand is authentic sorrow we feel when we disappoint God, which most importantly draws us closer to God in the end. Condemnation draws us apart, conviction draws us closer. Without reading verses 2-4, we may think that "do not walk according to the flesh" means living a perfect life. However, "the law" would be a better phrase to use in place of "the flesh". This agrees with the whole of Paul's writings because we are not right with God by following the law but by walking by faith in Jesus Christ. If we substitute law for flesh in all of chapter 8 it will give us an easier time understanding what Paul was saying.

Romans 8:13 "Put to death". I love this statement because it correctly describes what I feel I am doing to my old self and the sinful practices I used to do and still carry the desire to this day. I need to kill those thoughts everyday, I don't think they will ever completely go away.

Romans 8:17 If God owns everything, and we are heirs (joint heirs with Christ), then how rich are we, really? as Children of God? Wow!

Grace, MB

FYI

Did you know that Paul's letters were arranged according to "first-century Greco-Roman" customs where their literature was ordered based on length of text. (Pagan Christianity; Viola and Barna; 2008, p 227) In 1864, Thomas Bernard delivered a series lectures called the Bampton Lectures where he argued that the present order of Paul's letters were divinely inspired. Many scholars believe this to be God's truth today. I'm not so sure.

There are different views on the correct chronological order, here is one well respected view: Galations, 1 and 2 Thessilonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesions, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy. Why does the correct chronological order matter? According to many, it would help us understand the big picture if we were to see the panoramic view of history, instead of snapshots. Speaking of making snapshots. Did you know that chapters were not apart of the bible until 1227 when a professor named Stephen Langton, University of Paris, added them to all the books of the bible. In 1551 verses were born in the pages of the bible thanks to Robert Stephanus. Imagine taking a letter you received from a friend 1000 years ago and trying to decide where breaks should and should not occur. Would this change the way the letter was read? Obviously not all agree. Therefore the reason Romans is believed by some to be correctly ordered first in our bible lies in the fact it is the most complete exposition in the NT of the central truths of Christianity. It is a good point.

Grace, MB

Romans 7: 1-25 Ahhhhhh....Grace

Romans 7: 1-6 I was ok till verse 4, then the analogy suddenly became confusing. I would welcome any explanations on how we can understand this symbolism. At any rate, here's my 2 cents. I believe the wife in verses 2 and 3 represent us. The husband represents sin/death which has control over us because of the law. Christ then comes (verse 4), dies and comes back to life, thereby abolishing sin and death (2 Timothy 1: 10).

This leaves a problem with my thinking, what about the law between us? The equation looks like this... you/me + the law = Christ. Previously it was wife + the law = husband(sin/death). Well, verse 4 solves the problem in that we have died as well as Christ, no longer in bondage to the law so that we can marry another, Christ. Confused? Let me say it another way, Christ died, spiritually we died, Christ rose, spiritually we rose (picture of baptism). We are now free to marry another, whomever we choose. Christ or the world? If we choose Christ, we kill the power of the law and therefore the power of sin over our lives. If we marry the world and its laws, we revive the power of sin and its control over us. If your married to the world I'm recommending a divorce. "Just say I do" to Christ, it's the best marriage you'll ever have.

What we've been discussing here is the spiritual application of Romans 7, however the physical cannot be ignored. We can not rest in our spiritual victory and run from our flesh, it's who we are. The flesh is weak and susceptible to temptation and sin. Are we doomed? Hell no, get it? I love Paul for leaving us with verses 15 - 25. Paul is saying to us, don't get discouraged, don't give up or quit, I fail too, and I have evil desires racing through my veins as well. "Who will rescue me from this body of death? GRACE." (CLNT) It all comes back to grace. May we just be able to chill out, sit back, and relax in the bubble bath of grace.

Grace, MB

Romans 6: 1-23

Romans 6:1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Verse 15 "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!" Here in lies the argument of the Baptists, who believe in eternal security, or the idea that once you are saved you are always saved. Which by the way I believe based on the scriptures I read.

There are however those that would say eternal security is or leads to an abuse of grace. Their argument goes like this, "If I can't lose my salvation it won't hurt if I party just a little, right?" Well, verses 1 and 15 speak directly against that. Sinning deliberately because we are under God's grace is not a "use" to be made of grace but an "abuse". Paul says "God forbid" or "may it not be coming to that" (CLNT). If we are truly saved the gratitude we feel will pull us away from sin, not pull us closer.

Romans 6: 16 If you are looking for total freedom in this life to do as you please your not going to find it. Freedom is relative, it's an allusion. Verse 20-21 says before we were born again, we were slaves of sin (CLNT), we were free in regard to righteousness, however the things we did produced fruit we are now ashamed of. Now that we are believers we are slaves of righteousness. We are free from sin. The fruit we now produce will last forever and we will never be ashamed of it. Salvation is not just to be believed but obeyed.

So we are either a slave unto death or a slave unto everlasting life. In this present life there is no other, and therefore there is only relative freedom for us as humans made in the likeness of Adam. (Genesis 5: 3). How does knowing you will never be free from someone controlling you make it easier to chose who you will follow?

By the way, Romans 6: 23 is part of the Romans Road, a group of verses critical to understanding salvation. The others are 3: 23 and 5: 8. Please commit these to memory so that you are prepared when someone asks the reason for your faith. Grace MB

Romans 5: 1-21 Don't Jump Ship

We have hope. What is hope?

Noah had a hope (expectation - Concordant Literal New Testament); Noah spent over 100 years building a ship in his back yard. Can you imagine how disappointing (mortifying - CLNT) that was for him to walk out into the back yard to the jeers and ridicule of the neighbors. 100 years! Come on. What kept Noah going?

Romans 5: 2-5 Paul mentions 2 kinds of hope for us today. Verse 2 says "rejoice in hope of the glory of God". One day God will receive all the glory He deserves, made possible by His Son Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians says "God will be all in all". I see this as our hope for the future. Verse 3-4 tells us of a hope that comes by tribulation (affliction - CLNT). We've all experienced some of that. Tribulation + perseverance + character (testedness - CLNT) = HOPE. Tough times will either make you wilt or cause your roots of faith to grow deeper. I guess it's our test of maturity. Only after seeing God get me through some pretty rough times did my hope in God's love grow.

Jeremiah 29: 11 "For I know the plans I have for you , declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This is what people want to hear, this is your testimony. What God has done in your life and what He is going to do. Verse 5 What is the evidence in your life that you have this hope? Grace, MB

Romans 4:1-25

I can't believe Paul used a minor surgical procedure as his basis for explaining the difference between grace and works. I don't feel so bad about using the speed limit analogy. This is great stuff. By the way, what's all this talk about circumcism? Here's my take on it, I'd like to hear what you guys think. Circumcism was like a tattoo, which symbolized a seal of approval, to set the circumcised apart from the rest of the world. It was not a means of approval, like we say a person cannot earn his/her salvation, it's a gift through faith; well circumcism was symbolic of that faith granted to the Jewish people all because of Abraham's faith. Knowing this is a must if you're to understand this chapter. Now....

Romans 4:15 This is my birthday so I just had to start here; "for where there is no law, there is no transgression". I've discussed this with people before that the definition of sin and transgression are different. A sin can be a transgression, but not always. A sin is "falling short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). A transgression is breaking a known law of God as we see from this passage. Seems like a minor issue but not really. The definition I grew up with was that sin was a "willful transgression". In other words, we didn't sin much as christians unless we deliberatetely broke a law we knew not to do. Well as we see here it not only means a willful transgression, i.e. breaking the law, but also falling short, or just being unrighteous (1 John 5:17), "all unrighteousness is sin". I think scripture shows us we as christians have the ability to live above sin through the power of living in the Spirit, but that we fall short of the glory of God much more than our pride will allow us to see. Let's not dilute God's grace. If we are not saved by works then we cannot remained saved by works either.

Romans 4:21 Here we see how Abraham had achieved his faith (verse 9). How then did this happen? Because he was "fully convinced" that what God had promised He would deliver. I don't think you can find a better definition for faith. Grace, MB

Revival?

Today I was informed of a revival going on in Lakeland Florida by a man by the name of Todd Bentley. They've had to switch locations 3 times now because the crowd of people keeps growing each night he preaches. Todd is a charismatic leader who is traveling around the world evangelizing, prophesying, and healing. I've always wondered about the validity of these teachings. What do you think? Just curious. Grace, MB


http://freshfire.ca/index.php?Id=1


http://www.freshfire.ca/media_centre/mediaPlayer.php
*See videos, page 6, Blind miracle, Crippled Boy, and Jerame for starters

Romans 3:1-31

Romans 3: 19-20, 23-24, 27 Here we see two reasons the law is important for our salvation. By law I mean the 10 commandments that God gave Moses, plus the other Jewish laws important to the Jewish Faith. Number one, Paul says in verse 20 'without the law we would not know what sin is'. Like, without the speed limit, we would not know who is speeding. Number two, Paul says in verse 19 'shut up'. We cannot tell the police officer, but, but, but officer, I didn't know the speed limit through New Middletown was 25 mph. Guilty! Shut your mouth! See the sign... 25 mph. Oh, dah. I guarantee everyone reading this post right now is guilty. You're all speeders, everylast one of you. See, the often quoted comeback, "but I'm a good person", is futile before the Most Holy God, we're all guilty of breaking some part of the law. Verse 23 drives it home by saying, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". You say well God knows my heart, that's scary, he knows your mind too. Listen God is perfect, He requires us to obey Him perfectly or He wouldn't of kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden. We are all falling short of His glory. We owe God a big thanks. He is forgiving us for free (v. 24) through our faith in His Son Christ Jesus. There is no boasting (v. 27), don't think your better than anybody else, because you didn't save yourself.

You know, the message of God's grace didn't become real to me until I was 28, even though I grew up in the church. Is it real and understandable to you today? I hope so.

Oh, and since this is the last post of the week, let me give you something to chew. Find me a passage in the bible that says a born-again believer with the help of the Holy Spirit lives above sin. See you next week. Grace, MB