From condemnation to righteousness and THANK YOU!

Romans 3:28a “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith…” Good deeds accomplish salvation in every false faith except the one true faith of Christianity.  In Christinity good deeds are a result of an appreciation to God for His love to each of us.  In Christianity it is impossible for you and me to earn anything.  Jesus has done EVERYTHING.  We absolutely need Him.  Our good deeds are simply a thank you.  And you and I love saying–THANK YOU!  

All need Jesus

Romans 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” This verse certainly deflates a person’s ego.  God does not say–some of you are ok while some of you are not ok.  He says—all of you are not ok–all of you need Jesus, your Redeemer.  Forget the concept you are bad, forget the concept you are good.  Accept the beautiful concept—I have sent my Son and because of His life, death and resurrection—you are mine, you are perfect before me–you couldn’t be more blessed–you couldn’t be more at peace.  You are my child–ENJOY!

Make a choice

Romans 2:7-8 “To those who are persistent in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.  But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there willl be wrath and anger.” God has given each of us a free will.  Each of us can choose to serve Him or we can choose to serve ourselves.  Serving Him means separating ourselves from worldly thinking, studying His Word and following Him– while serving self means relying on one’s self for answers to life’s questions, concerns and issues.  Relying on God’s answers is very secure while relying on man’s perspective is very insecure and is as solid as sand.  We all make a choice.  What is yours?

Know and obey

Romans 1;28 “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” God’s ways and man’s ways are miles and miles apart.  In this section of Romans God speaks of the depravity of man in his thinking and actions.  God does never say–do whatever you want, its ok.  No, God is very specific as to morality and what is depraved.  We live at a time when God’s ways are mocked.  Let us, as Christians, not fall for worldly thinking, but always ask ourselves—-is this God thinking?  And then always apply God’s absolute truth.

God is God

Romans 1:20a “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen,…” It is impossible for God not to be Himself.  Every superlative known to man does not give enough credit to the magnificence of God.  Trees, oceans, animals, sky, humans—the entire universe testifies to the wonder of our Creater.  We are all surrounded by the eternal power and divine nature of our God.  Praise to God for having chosen you and me to represent him to both ourselves and others as we walk this life on earth.  What an honor!!

Fw: Let the truth be spoken

—– Forwarded Message —– From: Richard Waldschmidt Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 07:55:17 AM EDTSubject: Let the truth be spoken Romans 1:16a “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:” Jesus always spoke truth.  He knew He would be hated because of His speaking and teaching.  He exposed hypocrisy to authorities while He welcomed many into His circle of those He loved and came to save.  Our Great Teacher never spoke to please a crowd or spoke telling a small or large group what they wanted to hear or was a popular thought of the time.  He was never ashamed to represent truth.  It was impossible for Him to speak anything but truth.  Let’s learn this great lesson as we represent our faithful Heavenly Father.

Let the truth be spoken

Romans 1:16a “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:” Jesus always spoke truth.  He knew He would be hated because of His speaking and teaching.  He exposed hypocrisy to authorities while He welcomed many into His circle of those He loved and came to save.  Our Great Teacher never spoke to please a crowd or spoke telling a small or large group what they wanted to hear or was a popular thought of the time.  He was never ashamed to represent truth.  It was impossible for Him to speak anything but truth.  Let’s learn this great lesson as we represent our faithful Heavenly Father.

The value of encouragement

Romans 1:12 “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Which is more valuable–a friend giving you a large amount of money or your friend giving you encouragement?  Which is more valuable–you having a boat load of assets or you receiving a boatload of encouragement?  Which is more valuable–you valuing the love and encouragement of your Savior or you valuing recognition as being a celebrity?  Encouragement wins every time.  If that statement is true, doesn’t it make sense to live our lives actively encouraging one another?  Imagine what happens with encouragement!

You are special

Romans 1:6 “And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” Either you are a Jew or you are a Gentile.  In all likelihood you are a Gentile.  You are not only a Gentile, you are a unique and blessed Gentile because your Savior has called you to be His child.  That special calling gives you a security and peace which you can enjoy both on this earth and eternally.  Relax and enjoy your special calling!

Fw: Promises kept

—– Forwarded Message —– From: Richard Waldschmidt Sent: Friday, April 21, 2023 at 08:01:43 AM EDTSubject: Promises kept Romans 1:2-3 “the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,” God’s promises are always kept.  His assurances are always met.  He is without fail faithful.  He promised an Advocate. He sent His only Son.  He has written your name in His Book of Life.  You are secure.  All fear is gone.  What a God we honor!! Please pray for Angela and Grace.  They both need the comfort only you can provide and healing for Grace.  Also Andrew and Matt.  The same comfort only our Savior can provide. Have a great weekend.  

Promises kept

Romans 1:2-3 “the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,” God’s promises are always kept.  His assurances are always met.  He is without fail faithful.  He promised an Advocate. He sent His only Son.  He has written your name in His Book of Life.  You are secure.  All fear is gone.  What a God we honor!! Please pray for Angela and Grace.  They both need the comfort only you can provide and healing for Grace.  Also Andrew and Matt.  The same comfort only our Savior can provide. Have a great weekend.  

A specific purpose

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God–” Paul knew God had a very valuable purpose for his life.  His purpose was to serve his Savior in whatever capacity God wanted him to serve.  He listened and served–not himself–but rather, his Heavenly Father.  Today he enjoys living with his Savior.How does all this apply to you and me?  Substitude your name where you see Paul’s name.  Really, reread this passage with your name instead of Paul’s.  You have a God given purpose and as Paul, someday you will receive the rewards of accomplishing that God ordained purpose.