Archive for the ‘Salvation’ Category

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March 12, 2009 New Status In Christ

Today’s Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 19–21; Galatians 3

Scripture Focus:

Galatians 3:26–28 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

These were radical words in Paul’s day. Everyone fit into social categories and lived out their lives in essentially a “caste” system, but Paul declares that all have access to God through faith in Christ Jesus. This was good news for slaves and women. This was an equality they hadn’t experienced before.

Application:

The gospel is no respecter of persons. It is an equal opportunity proposition. In fact, God seems to especially reach out to the lowly and the outcast in society and says, “Join the party! You’re one of us, and you’re welcome here!” Doing so, raises their status in their own eyes and in the eyes of the community.

That’s the kind of attitude I want to have as well.

Prayer:

Father God, give me love for others that transcends status and position. Thank you for making the gospel an equal opportunity proposition!

Posted by admin on March 12th, 2009.
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March 11, 2009 Grace Is Enough

Today’s Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 16–18; Psalm 38; Galations 2

Scripture Focus:

Galations 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

Observation:

Our salvation, our acceptance into the family of God, is never brought about by what we do or the set of rules we follow. There seems to be a tendency for people to want to work to get favor with God, but Paul is adamant that it is through God’s grace alone, based on Jesus’ death on the cross, that we are righteous before God.

Application:

I think it comes naturally for us to start thinking in terms of doing things for God, so it’s a healthy thing, with some frequency, to get back to the basics: nothing I do can earn me the title of being righteous. My place in heaven is secured through the grace of God alone, based on Jesus dying for my sins.

The good works I do are a response of gratitude to a loving God.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for grace! Thank you for taking my sins to the cross so I can stand fully justified before God. May I walk in your grace today.

Posted by admin on March 11th, 2009.
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