disobedience vs. obedience

Romans 5:19 “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many were made righteous.” Adam brought extreme tragedy to the world.  Nothing could be worse.  Because of Adam we all suffer and die.  Terrible!!Jesus brings fantastic blessing to you and me.  Nothing could be better.  Because of Jesus we all have joy and live forever.  Wonderful!!That is a summary of Christianity.

Why?

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Usually we love those who show a love for us.  We find it irrational to love those who hurt us, misunderstand us, don’t listen to us, do anything which seems to enjoy making our lives difficult.  God is far different.  He loves you and me because He created us and wants us to be His.  There is not much about any of us which makes us desireable.  Yet, God, in His perfect love makes us His own.  There is no greater love!!  Thank Him!

Suffering is the best?

Romans 5:3 “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” As faithful followers of our God we recognize that in all circumstances we praise Him.  When times are the best we praise and rely on God and when times are seemingly the worst we rely on God.  He is by our side at all times.  We often hear—why God are you allowing this to happpen?  For a Christian this passage gives each of us insight. Have you ever told a person–have a day of suffering, you will be blessed because of it.  If you ever do tell a person that you will be remembered and maybe that would be a blessing in disguise. We pray for Marilyn:Dear Richard, As we age we may have more and more health issues!   Me having breast cancer twice and now CMML.   But my arthritis which only gets worse from taking the cancer pill, has given me a new left knee and a new right hip!   On May 22,  my left hip will be replaced and the doctor doesn’t know how I made it this far because it...

justified = declared perfect

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Without our Heavenly Father sending His Son into this world to pay the ultimate price for our guilt we have no chance of enjoying life on this earth or eternally.  God demands perfection and because of His Son you and I are perfect in God’s eyes.  That is grace.  That is a truth we often ask WHY?  Why would God send His Son?  Answer: because of His phenomenal love for each of us.  Live it–Enjoy being a child of God!

Promises

Romans 4:21 “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” God has never and will never break a promise.  That truth is very difficult for us to understand because we live in a world of broken promises.  Our court system is overloaded with attempts at truth being discovered.  What is the truth and unkept promises are almost expected and often difficult to determine.  With God there is no such thing.  His promises are absolute.  He has made wonderful promises and it is our joy to read His Book and discover those wonderful truth promises.

Abraham’s faith

Romans 4:20 “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but he was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” He in this verse is Abraham.  He, Abraham, though well beyond child bearing age with Sarah, his wife, Abraham believed God.  His faith is an example for all of us to follow and God wants us to know that.  Abraham believed the impossible, humanly speaking, would absolutely happen.  You and I must have such a faith.  An unquestioning faith is what you and I need to pray for daily.  We rest in the confidence of the promises of our God.  We live by faith. Have a great weekend.