Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
When God does not act, it seems to suggest that God is okay with what I am doing....
God's kindness is meant to lead me to repentance....
What if I am not doing okay now.... but God is silent, because He is hoping I would turn my footsteps around?
How do I know?
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
I have only one solution for myself now - that is to stay as close to God as I can, in His words and in prayers, holding onto Him; although I know that He sees my heart and He might not be too pleased, I'm not gonna let go. At this moment, with regards to my faith, my mind shall be over my heart. Even though I don't feel this way anymore, I know this way, and with this knowing, I'm clinging on to His promise and His might, that He would deliver me out of whatever I have to go through.
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Romans 1 - Beautiful
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21)
To be able to see God in nature.
To see the beauty of God in nature.
How many of us can, or actually do?
But be careful... Nature is not God. We don't stand in awe of the beauty of nature and then bow before it.
We behold the beauty in nature, and through it, stand in awe of a Creator God who has such an eye for beauty and details. That shows He wasn't hasty when He created the world. And He definitely wasn't hasty when He created us.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
(Psalms 139:13-14)
To be able to see God in nature.
To see the beauty of God in nature.
How many of us can, or actually do?
But be careful... Nature is not God. We don't stand in awe of the beauty of nature and then bow before it.
We behold the beauty in nature, and through it, stand in awe of a Creator God who has such an eye for beauty and details. That shows He wasn't hasty when He created the world. And He definitely wasn't hasty when He created us.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
(Psalms 139:13-14)
Monday, July 5, 2010
Romans 16 - remember those in front of you
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7)
Paul acknowledges that Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before him. In fact, many of the apostles and believers were following Jesus before Paul began his journey.
Although Paul went on to become one of the great workers of God, and writing many of the epistles as found in the Bible today, yet, we see how Paul acknowledges the faith and works of the seniors before him.
Today, there must have been many chances when we have been taught and led by those in front of us, and many of them are indeed pleased to see the young excelling beyond what the old was (้ๅบไบ่).
However, we as the younger generation ought not to be puffed up, but continue to be humble to learn from the older ones, especially those whose walk in Christ is longer than ours.
Let us not think that they are old and obsolete, or that their experience in the faith are already things of the past. Because our God is a living God. The same God had touched them and led them. The same God is leading us by the hand today.
These people therefore were in Christ before us. They have heard and seen more. They have experienced more. They have have been touched more. And I believe there will always be something more for us to learn from them, only if we are willing to sit down and listen.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:7-8)
Paul acknowledges that Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before him. In fact, many of the apostles and believers were following Jesus before Paul began his journey.
Although Paul went on to become one of the great workers of God, and writing many of the epistles as found in the Bible today, yet, we see how Paul acknowledges the faith and works of the seniors before him.
Today, there must have been many chances when we have been taught and led by those in front of us, and many of them are indeed pleased to see the young excelling beyond what the old was (้ๅบไบ่).
However, we as the younger generation ought not to be puffed up, but continue to be humble to learn from the older ones, especially those whose walk in Christ is longer than ours.
Let us not think that they are old and obsolete, or that their experience in the faith are already things of the past. Because our God is a living God. The same God had touched them and led them. The same God is leading us by the hand today.
These people therefore were in Christ before us. They have heard and seen more. They have experienced more. They have have been touched more. And I believe there will always be something more for us to learn from them, only if we are willing to sit down and listen.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:7-8)
Romans 15 - Pass the love on
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (Romans 15:26-27)
A beautiful exchange.
Do we sometimes also feel that we are in debt to certain people? It could be their unceasing love and concern for us. It could be their unwavering belief in us. It could be their faithful sowing of the seed of God's word in us. It could be their constant acts of love towards us. It could be also in terms of material needs; they are always the ones to pay for our meals.
They are the givers.
We merely receive.
Seems unfair, doesn't it?
Isn't one taking advantage of the other?
However, it appears that in the kingdom of God, equality and fairness are given a different definition from the one that the world commonly knows.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
It may be that at the present moment I can only be at the receiving end, but I gladly and humbly accept. Because I know that someday, I will do the same for these people, when the need arise and when I have the resources to do so.
If not, I will pass the love forward, to their next generation, repaying the same kindness to their children.... and in turn, their children will care for my children... and it goes on...
Love gets passed on.
God's love. :)
Let us be humble to accept the love and care of others while remembering this debt which we will, in due time, pass it on.
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it:
You spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.
A beautiful exchange.
Do we sometimes also feel that we are in debt to certain people? It could be their unceasing love and concern for us. It could be their unwavering belief in us. It could be their faithful sowing of the seed of God's word in us. It could be their constant acts of love towards us. It could be also in terms of material needs; they are always the ones to pay for our meals.
They are the givers.
We merely receive.
Seems unfair, doesn't it?
Isn't one taking advantage of the other?
However, it appears that in the kingdom of God, equality and fairness are given a different definition from the one that the world commonly knows.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
It may be that at the present moment I can only be at the receiving end, but I gladly and humbly accept. Because I know that someday, I will do the same for these people, when the need arise and when I have the resources to do so.
If not, I will pass the love forward, to their next generation, repaying the same kindness to their children.... and in turn, their children will care for my children... and it goes on...
Love gets passed on.
God's love. :)
Let us be humble to accept the love and care of others while remembering this debt which we will, in due time, pass it on.
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it:
You spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Romans 14 - Don't judge nor stumble another
Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15)
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. (Romans 14:20)
This instruction was repeated two times, and it really stood out for me.
The people then was having some issues over food. Probably some felt that some things cannot be eaten, while others felt that all those laws have been done away with. It must have caused quite a bit of a mess and disorder for the church then.
In fact, the Bible did not specify whether the food can be taken or is to be abstained. There is a principle though:
that we do not judge others in whatever they do, and we do not stumble others with whatever we do.
Sounds easy, but not really.
It kept me pondering, what is my food today? What is this food that I am insisting on eating today?
What is this food that I am holding so strongly to, even to the extent of destroying a soul because of it? Which is really more important - man's soul or my food? We all know what is God's answer to that. For the Bible referred to the souls of man as "the one for whom Christ died" and "the work of God", telling us how much God esteems each and every one of us.
So, what is my food today?
----
Do not let your good be spoken of as evil (Romans 14:16).
This is another point that stood out for me. How can something good be deemed as evil? But the Bible clearly tells us it is possible.
Sometimes we may have a good intention to do certain things and we truly believes that it can edify others! Thus, we become stubborn to doing certain things in certain ways, but, genuinely with good intentions.
However, sometimes, others may be better able to point out to us our mistakes, or areas which we have failed to consider. Do we then still remain stubborn, refusing to think of our intentions as anything but good?
I think in this verse, God is telling us that sometimes our well-intended actions can be misunderstood by others who may not fully understand. However, it does not mean we can push all the blame to such people, thinking that as long as we have a good motive, we are doing right. In actuality, we are stumbling others!
The verse above was directed to us. Therefore, we have the responsibility ourselves to make sure that our good is not spoken of as evil by others.
What else does the Bible say?
Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edifiy another. (Romans 14:19)
And the Bible states that one who does this is acceptable to God and approved by men. (Romans 14:18)
While we strive to meet God's standards and do the things which is pleasing in His sight, we must also seek for peace among men. We should not let anything be a stumbling block to others nor let others misunderstand our good intentions. If there is any slight chance of so,
it is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Romans 14:21)
May God help us to work towards this.
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. (Romans 14:20)
This instruction was repeated two times, and it really stood out for me.
The people then was having some issues over food. Probably some felt that some things cannot be eaten, while others felt that all those laws have been done away with. It must have caused quite a bit of a mess and disorder for the church then.
In fact, the Bible did not specify whether the food can be taken or is to be abstained. There is a principle though:
that we do not judge others in whatever they do, and we do not stumble others with whatever we do.
Sounds easy, but not really.
It kept me pondering, what is my food today? What is this food that I am insisting on eating today?
What is this food that I am holding so strongly to, even to the extent of destroying a soul because of it? Which is really more important - man's soul or my food? We all know what is God's answer to that. For the Bible referred to the souls of man as "the one for whom Christ died" and "the work of God", telling us how much God esteems each and every one of us.
So, what is my food today?
----
Do not let your good be spoken of as evil (Romans 14:16).
This is another point that stood out for me. How can something good be deemed as evil? But the Bible clearly tells us it is possible.
Sometimes we may have a good intention to do certain things and we truly believes that it can edify others! Thus, we become stubborn to doing certain things in certain ways, but, genuinely with good intentions.
However, sometimes, others may be better able to point out to us our mistakes, or areas which we have failed to consider. Do we then still remain stubborn, refusing to think of our intentions as anything but good?
I think in this verse, God is telling us that sometimes our well-intended actions can be misunderstood by others who may not fully understand. However, it does not mean we can push all the blame to such people, thinking that as long as we have a good motive, we are doing right. In actuality, we are stumbling others!
The verse above was directed to us. Therefore, we have the responsibility ourselves to make sure that our good is not spoken of as evil by others.
What else does the Bible say?
Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edifiy another. (Romans 14:19)
And the Bible states that one who does this is acceptable to God and approved by men. (Romans 14:18)
While we strive to meet God's standards and do the things which is pleasing in His sight, we must also seek for peace among men. We should not let anything be a stumbling block to others nor let others misunderstand our good intentions. If there is any slight chance of so,
it is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Romans 14:21)
May God help us to work towards this.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Romans 13 - what do we owe?
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:7)
Some questions to ask ourselves:
Do we give tithes?
Do we pay taxes willingly?
Do we download free movies or songs online?
Do we install pirated softwares?
Hopefully we have answered favourably to the questions above, but I would like to extend this instruction in Romans 13:7 a little more.
Render therefore to all their due: praises to whom praises are due.
If we know to give unto those who deserves, then how about he who deserves praise? Are we more likely to neglect this?
Blessed is he who praises!
For he sees the strengths and good of others.
Let us learn to give unto others what they deserves to get (in the positive sense, of course). In that case, we will be fulfilling what the next verse say: "Owe no one anything....."
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfulled the law (Romans 13:8).
The only IOU that we should ever write is that of love. Yet, in our day to day interactions with people around us, we have come to believe that we don't owe anybody anything as long as we don't do anything against him, isn't it?
In reality, I owe the greatest debt of love to Jesus. And what greater way to repay this debt by repaying it on His little ones?
‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
I owe my neighbour a debt of love, and so, I need to repay that debt. And the best way to repay is to share the gift of salvation with them. I ought to remember this as I mingle daily with my colleagues, my brethren, my family and friends.
Some questions to ask ourselves:
Do we give tithes?
Do we pay taxes willingly?
Do we download free movies or songs online?
Do we install pirated softwares?
Hopefully we have answered favourably to the questions above, but I would like to extend this instruction in Romans 13:7 a little more.
Render therefore to all their due: praises to whom praises are due.
If we know to give unto those who deserves, then how about he who deserves praise? Are we more likely to neglect this?
Blessed is he who praises!
For he sees the strengths and good of others.
Let us learn to give unto others what they deserves to get (in the positive sense, of course). In that case, we will be fulfilling what the next verse say: "Owe no one anything....."
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfulled the law (Romans 13:8).
The only IOU that we should ever write is that of love. Yet, in our day to day interactions with people around us, we have come to believe that we don't owe anybody anything as long as we don't do anything against him, isn't it?
In reality, I owe the greatest debt of love to Jesus. And what greater way to repay this debt by repaying it on His little ones?
‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
I owe my neighbour a debt of love, and so, I need to repay that debt. And the best way to repay is to share the gift of salvation with them. I ought to remember this as I mingle daily with my colleagues, my brethren, my family and friends.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Romans 12 - we belong to each other
so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:5)
so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT)
We are all very familiar with the idea that we are one body in Christ. As long as we believe and are baptised in Jesus, we belong to the Church which is His body. The Holy Communion bread we partake every month also reminds us of the fact that we are one in Him.
However, have we considered the latter portion of this verse? We are individually members of one another.
It is not only that we are different parts making up one body and thus it would suffice that we each perform our individual duty without getting into each other's way.
The New Living Translation states it clearer, that we belong to each other.
What does this mean?
This means that you belong to me, and I belong to you.
It's like, I am a subset of You; and You are also a subset of Me.
It's a very special relationship.
But, have we considered this relationship in all the things that we do?
If so, then in every decision that we make, or in every thing that we do, we would first think about the consequence it will have on the other. We would think thrice before we do anything.
Is this pleasing to God?
Is this beneficial to me?
Am I hurting any members of my body?
We might even go to the extent of asking permission for doing things, because now we are not our own. We belong to Jesus, and we belong to one another. Perhaps we would not literally ask permission, but the spirit of doing so is there. If we know for sure that something will not benefit the other, we will not attempt to do it. We will never do anything to hurt a member of ourselves! For in the end, we are only hurting ourselves and all others in that body.
We would take good care of all our belongings, won't we? We would be upset to find something that belong to us missing or damaged. This is the same attitude we must have towards our brethren. If any one is sick or weak, we must take it upon ourselves to do something about it! We ought to be upset over it! Imagine, it is our leg that is sprained! Or, it is our ear that is infected!
Lord, help us to remember that we all belong to each other. Therefore do not let our actions and words hurt, but rather build each other up.
so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (NLT)
We are all very familiar with the idea that we are one body in Christ. As long as we believe and are baptised in Jesus, we belong to the Church which is His body. The Holy Communion bread we partake every month also reminds us of the fact that we are one in Him.
However, have we considered the latter portion of this verse? We are individually members of one another.
It is not only that we are different parts making up one body and thus it would suffice that we each perform our individual duty without getting into each other's way.
The New Living Translation states it clearer, that we belong to each other.
What does this mean?
This means that you belong to me, and I belong to you.
It's like, I am a subset of You; and You are also a subset of Me.
It's a very special relationship.
But, have we considered this relationship in all the things that we do?
If so, then in every decision that we make, or in every thing that we do, we would first think about the consequence it will have on the other. We would think thrice before we do anything.
Is this pleasing to God?
Is this beneficial to me?
Am I hurting any members of my body?
We might even go to the extent of asking permission for doing things, because now we are not our own. We belong to Jesus, and we belong to one another. Perhaps we would not literally ask permission, but the spirit of doing so is there. If we know for sure that something will not benefit the other, we will not attempt to do it. We will never do anything to hurt a member of ourselves! For in the end, we are only hurting ourselves and all others in that body.
We would take good care of all our belongings, won't we? We would be upset to find something that belong to us missing or damaged. This is the same attitude we must have towards our brethren. If any one is sick or weak, we must take it upon ourselves to do something about it! We ought to be upset over it! Imagine, it is our leg that is sprained! Or, it is our ear that is infected!
Lord, help us to remember that we all belong to each other. Therefore do not let our actions and words hurt, but rather build each other up.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Romans 11
"Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear." (Romans 11:20)
God is a just God. He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
He has only one condition for salvation, that we have faith in Him. And this standard is used on both the Jews and the Gentiles. As long as we believe in Jesus, we can be reconciled with Him.
Today, in our context, it is the same, isn't it?
We see many who are born into the true church eventually leaving the church. Such grace was given them that they should be born into the true church! Yet they didn't seem to cherish it as much.
And then there are others who only later were brought back to the true church after a long search. They stand by faith now, in place of those who have left due to unbelief. And what did the Bible say?
Do not be haughty, but fear.
Yes. Do not think that we are stronger than those who have left, for who knows what tomorrow may bring? It may bring something so terrible that will strike us at our knees and we may never stand again! We never know. We can only stay close to God and rely on His help to bring us through.
To be honest, I am very fearful of the future. I wonder if I would fall. I wonder if I am already going down the wrong path. I really need all the spiritual motivation that I can get from like-minded spiritual peers. I really need to be closer and closer to God.
But at the same time, I am excited of what God would bring into my life, if I allow full control by Him. He said that He would carry me through my entire life, even to my old age!
Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
(Isaiah 46:4)
The only problem is, how to give full control to Him?
I want to love Jesus more deeply, for He is such a wonderful Saviour to me.
God is a just God. He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
He has only one condition for salvation, that we have faith in Him. And this standard is used on both the Jews and the Gentiles. As long as we believe in Jesus, we can be reconciled with Him.
Today, in our context, it is the same, isn't it?
We see many who are born into the true church eventually leaving the church. Such grace was given them that they should be born into the true church! Yet they didn't seem to cherish it as much.
And then there are others who only later were brought back to the true church after a long search. They stand by faith now, in place of those who have left due to unbelief. And what did the Bible say?
Do not be haughty, but fear.
Yes. Do not think that we are stronger than those who have left, for who knows what tomorrow may bring? It may bring something so terrible that will strike us at our knees and we may never stand again! We never know. We can only stay close to God and rely on His help to bring us through.
To be honest, I am very fearful of the future. I wonder if I would fall. I wonder if I am already going down the wrong path. I really need all the spiritual motivation that I can get from like-minded spiritual peers. I really need to be closer and closer to God.
But at the same time, I am excited of what God would bring into my life, if I allow full control by Him. He said that He would carry me through my entire life, even to my old age!
Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
(Isaiah 46:4)
The only problem is, how to give full control to Him?
I want to love Jesus more deeply, for He is such a wonderful Saviour to me.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Romans 10
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (Romans 10:2)
I actually sent this bible verse through sms to a friend before, acknowledging his zeal for God, but lamenting that it was without the true knowledge of God.
I think he thought the same of me as well.
It's really quite comical, if you were to take a step back to visualise the situation. Two persons, such convinced by his/her beliefs, trying to win the other over, with neither budging. So both stay put, where they are.
Although he might appear to be stubborn and hard-hearted, and not willing to accept the truth into his heart, I must say that he is really one of the few zealous people I see around these days. And he is one of the only few in my uni days whom I can discuss about faith and God with.
But it is a misdirected zeal. And I can almost hear Paul's voice crack as he writes this passage of the epistle. However, I truly believe that the sheep of God will hear His voice. They will return to the fold eventually.
It is, too, my heart's desire and prayer to God for my friend to be saved.
I actually sent this bible verse through sms to a friend before, acknowledging his zeal for God, but lamenting that it was without the true knowledge of God.
I think he thought the same of me as well.
It's really quite comical, if you were to take a step back to visualise the situation. Two persons, such convinced by his/her beliefs, trying to win the other over, with neither budging. So both stay put, where they are.
Although he might appear to be stubborn and hard-hearted, and not willing to accept the truth into his heart, I must say that he is really one of the few zealous people I see around these days. And he is one of the only few in my uni days whom I can discuss about faith and God with.
But it is a misdirected zeal. And I can almost hear Paul's voice crack as he writes this passage of the epistle. However, I truly believe that the sheep of God will hear His voice. They will return to the fold eventually.
It is, too, my heart's desire and prayer to God for my friend to be saved.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Romans 9
But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel. (Romans 9:6)
This chapter is about the Sovereignty of God.
"I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."
Sounds like a bigot?
Think of it this way: we are all headed for doom. Yet God still intervenes and desires to save us. And what is the only condition? That we have faith in Him.
It is therefore by faith that we become the heirs of God.
Many of the Jews got it wrong. They thought that by being the heirs of Abraham according to the flesh, they were naturally the children of God. But the Bible tells us that they have stumbled because they did not seek it by faith (Romans 9:32).
When we choose to seek in faith, God has mercy on us.
This verse also reminded me of a verse in Luke.
John the Baptist warned this, "Bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." (Luke 3:8)
Now, how about considering the verse at the top in this manner?
"For they are not all true believers who are in the true church."
Scary, isn't it? Think about it, you have been an Israelite all your life, and then someone comes up to you one day and say, "No, you are not Israel!"
Being in the true church all our lives does not necessary mean that we are all destined for heaven. It is our faith and our actions of faith that pave the way for us.
Often, we do not experience the effect of God's saving grace in our lives. But this verse here reminds us that it is not that the word of God has taken no effect; rather, have we allowed the power of His word to manifest itself fully in our lives?
We have ourselves belittled the power of the Spirit in our lives. How then will this power work mightily in us?
May we become the true Israelites in His house, with the Spirit working mightily in our lives.
This chapter is about the Sovereignty of God.
"I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."
Sounds like a bigot?
Think of it this way: we are all headed for doom. Yet God still intervenes and desires to save us. And what is the only condition? That we have faith in Him.
It is therefore by faith that we become the heirs of God.
Many of the Jews got it wrong. They thought that by being the heirs of Abraham according to the flesh, they were naturally the children of God. But the Bible tells us that they have stumbled because they did not seek it by faith (Romans 9:32).
When we choose to seek in faith, God has mercy on us.
This verse also reminded me of a verse in Luke.
John the Baptist warned this, "Bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." (Luke 3:8)
Now, how about considering the verse at the top in this manner?
"For they are not all true believers who are in the true church."
Scary, isn't it? Think about it, you have been an Israelite all your life, and then someone comes up to you one day and say, "No, you are not Israel!"
Being in the true church all our lives does not necessary mean that we are all destined for heaven. It is our faith and our actions of faith that pave the way for us.
Often, we do not experience the effect of God's saving grace in our lives. But this verse here reminds us that it is not that the word of God has taken no effect; rather, have we allowed the power of His word to manifest itself fully in our lives?
We have ourselves belittled the power of the Spirit in our lives. How then will this power work mightily in us?
May we become the true Israelites in His house, with the Spirit working mightily in our lives.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Romans 8
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)
This verse caught my attention because in the constrast made between life and death, there is an additional "peace" that comes with being spiritually minded.
How wonderful to set our minds on the things above! The things on earth, no matter how they change, can never affect us. We may be a little shakened, but we will not be moved.
How blessed to set our eyes upon Jesus! The people around us can never influence our moods. They may trample on us, they may spit on us, but we still stand, with our eyes fixed on Him.
And this verse gave me much comfort, in the midst of the mountain of work to be completed,
"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)
He has already given us the Most anyone can ever give, and the Best anyone can ever give. How much more would He give us all things freely?
He will be most willing to! He would bring me through all difficult times, for He came to bring me life, not to see me die. With this thought, surely, He will carry me through.
This verse caught my attention because in the constrast made between life and death, there is an additional "peace" that comes with being spiritually minded.
How wonderful to set our minds on the things above! The things on earth, no matter how they change, can never affect us. We may be a little shakened, but we will not be moved.
How blessed to set our eyes upon Jesus! The people around us can never influence our moods. They may trample on us, they may spit on us, but we still stand, with our eyes fixed on Him.
And this verse gave me much comfort, in the midst of the mountain of work to be completed,
"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)
He has already given us the Most anyone can ever give, and the Best anyone can ever give. How much more would He give us all things freely?
He will be most willing to! He would bring me through all difficult times, for He came to bring me life, not to see me die. With this thought, surely, He will carry me through.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Romans 7
But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)
Walking as a new man in Christ. Forsaking the old man.
Reminded me of the blind man who threw aside his garment to go before Jesus (Mark 10:50).
Reminded me of a recent exhortation that I heard over the pulpit about sins being nailed on the cross.
The preacher said that all of us have had our old ways nailed to the cross after we have believed and been baptised in Christ Jesus.
By the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, our old man is torn apart from us and the Holy Spirit now wants to rule in our hearts, to help us walk in newness of life.
But the only problem is that, the old man that was nailed on the cross is not dead yet. He refuses to die. He would not concede defeat. He is still struggling to break free from the cross so that he can rule over my life again.
The scary thing is, I am the one who refuse to let him die. The old ways of deceit, malice, jealousy, envy, dissension, pride...... The more I feed on these, the more I am giving the old man strength to break free.
NO!
Lord Jesus, please let the old man die. He is still struggling to break free from the nails on the cross. Please give me strength to put him to death, so that he can never reign in my body again.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
Walking as a new man in Christ. Forsaking the old man.
Reminded me of the blind man who threw aside his garment to go before Jesus (Mark 10:50).
Reminded me of a recent exhortation that I heard over the pulpit about sins being nailed on the cross.
The preacher said that all of us have had our old ways nailed to the cross after we have believed and been baptised in Christ Jesus.
By the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, our old man is torn apart from us and the Holy Spirit now wants to rule in our hearts, to help us walk in newness of life.
But the only problem is that, the old man that was nailed on the cross is not dead yet. He refuses to die. He would not concede defeat. He is still struggling to break free from the cross so that he can rule over my life again.
The scary thing is, I am the one who refuse to let him die. The old ways of deceit, malice, jealousy, envy, dissension, pride...... The more I feed on these, the more I am giving the old man strength to break free.
NO!
Lord Jesus, please let the old man die. He is still struggling to break free from the nails on the cross. Please give me strength to put him to death, so that he can never reign in my body again.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
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