Ephesians Bible Sketches

What points you to assurance?

 

How can you be sure of your future?

 

What in the world is hardest for you?

Sometimes things just fall into place easily, though this is not always the case. By faith, life for us in Christ offers hope, wellness, and forgiveness of trespasses.

1. Sin—we missed the bullseye: God’s target of being perfect.
2. Transgression—we took the dare to cross the line.
3. Iniquity—unevenness; we’re good sometimes and sometimes we’re bad.

Clinging to Jesus, He carries us through what we cannot get through alone. 

He makes a Way out of fiery trials of body, mind and spirit—hardships, disharmony and death. It’s no surprise difficulties are happening to us. We’ve had to expect them ever since Eve and Adam wanted more than what had been given them and they took the dare to break the law. Though we may try to do the right thing, we’re fully aware that, at times, we either haven’t tried or haven’t succeeded. No degree of determination seems to reach the high standards we want to achieve. Perfectly meeting the goals we set and others expect, isn’t happening. Honestly, we aren’t always loving the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind and soul; nor are we loving our neighbor as ourselves. 

A few examples of things to repent of, perhaps often…

• Lack of being a blessing to others by offering nourishing care and honor
  
• Holding grudges
• Attempts to control situations and manipulate people
  
• Close ears to others’ concerns and desires
  
• Harshly lord over people
  
• Even after releasing, repenting and receiving forgiveness—allowing resentment to creep up and resurface
  
• Lack of refraining from corrupting talk that causes people to sin
• Claiming to love someone, yet regarding them as an object to satisfy own desires
• Ignorance and ingratitude for all that God supplies
• Halfhearted persistence of prayer and devotion to God’s Word
  
• Apathy or considering participation in the faith irrelevant
  

What is the good pleasure of God’s will?

To the praise of His glorious grace, it pleases God to save us. The Bible reveals everything! The sum of God’s plan and timing is Jesus, His beloved Son.

Ephesians 2:4-6

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-6

It’s not on us. 

It’s on Jesus who took the punishment for our guilt at the cross. The Holy Spirit lavishes us with wisdom and understanding of the mystery of His will according to the eternal purpose in Christ. Suffering leads us to sift, refine and focus on Jesus who withstood every temptation without failing. Relational harmonious coexistence flows from the Gospel’s compassion which promises that God’s peace is for everyone who willingly receives it!

Holy Baptism saves us from our futile foolishness when the Holy Spirit seals our adoption into the family of faith. Our Father teaches and disciplines to help us grow up. Opportunities to hear Truth of assurance surround us. Having free will, we either look to Scripture for help to do what pleases God, or not. Salvation is ours by grace, in Christ, by the faith given and on the pure authority of His Word. Jesus will come again; then believers will have full possession of His glory. When unbelievers deny or reject this gift of the Holy Spirit, they choose their own devastating end.

All of God’s wrath, which we deserve, is put on Christ for us because our Creator loved us before he made us! He designed the Way to keep us His own! Poured out with the touch of water and sound of His Word in Baptism, the faith itself is given to us in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By nature, apart from Jesus, every single human inherited rebellious selfishness that wants to embrace sin of body, mind and spirit. God wants us to inherit His incorruptible plan since our corruption has no hope; no decision or effort of our own can work out a way to save ourselves.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

We are God’s workmanship. His love is made alive in us through Christ. By faith, we pray to do the good opportunities He planned for each of us to do. He wants us to discover and carry out His beautiful works of art He placed within us to bring us joy we can spread!

Ephesians 2:19-20

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, Ephesians 2:19-20

Filled with hope at God’s house, we grow, care and look forward to life together forever with our Savior.

When Jesus died and rose, the New Testament of Christ’s Body and Blood in the gift of The Lord’s Supper is ready for us to forgive us. Rather than remaining in the wrath of God, we’re consistently renewed in Christ so that we may, to the praise of His glory, be strengthened in faith to enjoy the inheritance He has prepared for us.

Ephesians 3:14-21

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT

 

Gifts you can’t choose—you can only receive or refuse, then keep or lose.

Amazing grace means the cross Jesus willingly bore for us declares us right and perfect in our Heavenly Father’s eyes! God be praised! The wonderful part of our Creator’s good gift for us is that the Holy Spirit puts things into the hearts of people who open up to listen and do not block Him out of their lives. He provides wellness for individual souls and collectively in our life together. He’s constantly revealing the Truth of what’s in the Bible for us to know relating to our personal reconciliation with God and between each other. Minds gradually mature to be generous in love when frequently renewed by faith. Knowledge of Christ’s mercy and humble gentleness equips us to patiently build each other up in merciful gentle love. 

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:1-7

Trusting the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and direction brings contentment and joy! Ephesians 4:24 instructs to “put on the new self” created in the form of God’s righteousness by Jesus’s work on the cross. Christ is present in the Word for us and in us at His Table. Love won’t fade or wither which springs up from the Spirit’s strength and forgiveness; it seeks and shares Truth of our one Lord and Savior in one Baptism forever. Even when we choose to walk away and intentionally lose God, He does not lose sight of us; He wants us back. The power of being covered and clean in Christ’s saving work for us allows that we always, until we die or Christ returns, can repent and return to our Baptism by the faith sealed in the promise of the Word. God tells His children to be honest, share and talk with anyone who hears; not block people from the powerful love we have within us.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32

Do you see the Bible as a lamp on the path to take, an actual Light given for us?

While the Law exposes darkness, disobedience, and lack of trust in God, the Gospel of Jesus forgives and guides our walk. Children of the Light take what God supplies and aim to please Him along the way. Fully clothed in the whole armor designed to attain the trust that keeps repenting—even when grace seems hard to understand, unreasonable by worldly standards, and too good to be true—we praise the Giver of Light!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20

Schemes of the devil are no match for us on our own. 

They thrive on negativity, division, and all that leads to death. Sinful desires of rebellion act as flaming darts in attempt to steal our inheritance Christ has won for us.

We need God’s armor to guard our hearts and minds. Thankfully, He delights in filling us with His encouraging Spirit. By the means of grace Christ provides to protect and preserve the faith through every trial and test. In the peace of His Truth, forgiven believers discern, through the Word, what positively pleases the Lord. Determined to reflect God’s self-giving love, we are equipped to repent, grow, forgive, and uplift others in prayer to our loving Father. Others may or may not choose to forgive and live in harmony with us; yet, shining in Christ who intercedes our repentant prayers, we are reconciled to God, forgiven for our own confessed failures and imperfection. We enjoy the fruits of Christ’s compassion. In gratitude for His mercy, we worship the Lord our King.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:23

Jesus is assurance of God’s love for us right here and now. 

Certain hope for believers is that when our Savior returns, the dead will be raised to see His glory which will surround all who praise Him in an eternal place with no more sorrow or pain.

More goodies on Ephesians

• Read or listen to the book (about 15 minutes)
• Insight on the details

Galatians Bible Sketch

Where is freedom to be free?

 

Who keeps every promise?

Where does the good we share come from?

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

God Almighty is pure; the only source of everything trustworthy, good and just. God’s moral perfection—the very goodness of His creation—is His design. The Gospel of Jesus is vital for life eternal. 

God’s commands are extremely helpful in life, yet following His standards perfectly isn’t possible, nor does it earn a ticket out of hell. Explaining sin for what it is, the law portion of the Bible exposes many types of temptations we come up against and defines the magnitude of our failures:

• the good that we fall short of saying, doing and thinking 
• the unhealthy, damaging, prideful things we say, carry out and hold in our minds
  

No fraction of doing it right contributes; it’s not an option. Since we were conceived and born in sin, into a world cursed because of sin, the law was given because of our sin, not the other way around. Scripture serves our just God’s loving purpose to wake us up and give us exactly what we need: escape in Christ. The negative consequences of the curse are hard to bear for all people. Each and every single sin is evil in God’s eyes—He hates evil. The Heavenly Father loves us so much that He designed a Way out from the despair and ruin of being under the weight of everything gone wrong. All who believe, rest in the fact He gave up His Only Son to remove sin, death and the power of the devil.

• Unbelievers, living their best life here and now, later will severely suffer forever. Eternal punishment is real—we can’t ignore hell just because we don’t like the idea of a dark place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unbelievers don’t confess their sin and ask for forgiveness; they either deny they are sinning or try to make up for it by doing good.
• Believers, redeemed in Christ, have confidence the best is yet to come, eternally. Led by the Spirit, the faith given them is strengthened, as often as they hear the Word, to trust Jesus who lived perfectly, suffered, died in the place of all who cannot be perfect, rose and ascended to heaven; the work God the Father gave His Son in order to lift the curse and free sinners. By grace, undeserving believers can confess their sin, ask for forgiveness and be rewarded life everlasting.

Focusing on the restrictive aspect of the law distorts the Gospel of Jesus. If it were possible we were good enough to earn a relationship with God, which we aren’t, we wouldn’t need Jesus. Saying we have to do something to be saved is like having the audacity to say Jesus didn’t suffer enough.

Who inherits the blessings promised in Christ Jesus? 

The Holy Spirit continually leads those in genuine faith through the Gospel.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”… But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. … for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:13,22, 26-27

How can I confidently believe the Gospel promise?

Being baptized into Christ is to be completely clothed in His righteousness by adoption. The baptismal means of grace through faith that happens to us is the basis for assurance. There’s a unity created in baptism for all sinners. For Christ’s sake the world has been forgiven. Christ justifies by faith through His Word. He bore the curse of the law, in our stead, so that we are free from it. We are certain God deeply loves, knows and sees His baptized children through the lens of His Son Jesus who died to save us. 

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father! Galatians 4:4-6

Everyone’s natural inclination is to resist God or think there is more to being saved than simply receiving the gift. It is not us—it’s the Holy Spirit revealing Truth, faithfully creating hope and continually refreshing the life of believers as they are routinely drawn to read and hear His Word; seeing salvation by tasting and having fellowship in The Lord’s Supper.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. … For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:1,5

What happens when we belittle or discard the Word of God? 

To drop opportunities to seek, trust and draw near God in worship, puts faith at risk of being lost. To reject and refuse Christ is to declare God’s promises null and void for oneself. There’s an eternal penalty for abusing the faith by rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

How do we compassionately care about people; stop being petty and argumentative about everything?

But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Christ’s work on the cross belongs to everyone. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:15-18

Where’s motivation to step into freedom to love which is ours in Christ?

Inspiration is in the Word. Blessings of worshiping together—prayer, listening to sermons, singing meaningful hymns and studying the Bible—bring joy in remembrance that we depend, not on ourselves, but on Jesus who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14)

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

Fruit of the Spirit is catered for you by Christ Jesus—the substitute for sinners.

People claim excellent virtues and demand them from others. However, careful inspection of our own fruit, in light of knowing that even one slip-up or inadequacy separates us from God, makes clear we deserve to be cut off and thrown away. We’re desperately in need of a Savior to make us clean and grow toward the Light. 

Jesus taught people about goodness. He knew we can’t live up to His Father’s expectations. He was born to experience the evils of humanity, die by crucifixion and rise from the grave so that we may also. Perfectly, he said “no” to temptation and “yes” to becoming sin, taking our penalty to remove every mark, bruise and scar we’ve ever caused or taken from another. He finished everything needed to redeem all people of all time. Our Creator’s innocence and suffering at the cross is the center point where He atoned for the sin of the world and provides opportunity for new life made right in connection to faith in Him. You could see it like the stem of bananas connected to the stalk that feeds the fruit to grow and share essential nutrients that enhance heart health, help manage blood pressure, and boost a person’s mood. Our Creator supplies saving faith in His Word. Repentance and all the benefits of the Holy Spirit give purpose to the lives of all who believe and share it. Christ loves to hear from us and bless us with grace. He intercedes for us with our Heavenly Father so that we may be delivered from guilt of all our junk—selfish passion for power, greed, jealousy, impure desire and discontent.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26

How much do I need to do and how do I know I’ve done enough?

Salvation is 100 percent by faith in Jesus (nothing more, nothing less). Although there’s nothing anyone can do to be saved, the faith doesn’t clear us to indulge in whatever sin we want. Being led by the Spirit, faithful believers want to please God and are grieved over sin. Repentance is the freedom Truth supplies.

Living by faith in Christ is blessed by proper focus on the fruit He serves, by grace, now and forever with Him. Trust in God’s promises carries us past the past and through rough terrain, even death. There’s peace and joy in the walk that receives and appreciates pardon. According to God’s Word, we take in Christ’s body and blood for forgiveness and strength to grow, mature and multiply love. 

Faith in Jesus constantly steers us away from temptation to fall from grace by returning to the slavery of self-trust, wrongfully thinking we must earn God’s favor as the way to salvation. Without faith in Jesus, our insufficient best effort results in doubt, shame and division from freedom. 

As tension and hard times come, faith comforts and trusts Christ’s presence in this life. Hope clings to the patience Christ supplies until the Last Day arrives when everyone will see Jesus face-to-face. He promised to return and—separated from unbelievers—believers will remain with Him in the new creation for a great banquet in a house with many rooms, glorifying God, never again to have tears, sin and death. 

Faith which recognizes God’s sole authority to judge, says “yes” to every ounce of His mercy. 

The taste of bitterness is manipulative, punishing, blaming and grudge-holding; puts self above God. By faith, generous measures of repentance and mercy are supplied for each chaotic annoyance, failure and unrecognized sin. Abundant love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruit received from Jesus and gracefully shared. Gratitude enhances the deliciousness God feeds those who receive the Holy Spirit’s sweet faith in Christ’s work to pick up all who’ve fallen to the ground, spoiled rotten. Opportunities grasped by faith’s strength, forgive and pray for the hurting as well as those who hurt others.

Pray for self-control to not let faith go to your head and escape through carelessness. 

The struggle for personal accountability continues daily; so is need to repent and be reminded of God’s mercy. Arrogantly pointing, comparing and bullying others keep us from contentment. Discontent prevents humbly serving God by loving others unconditionally. Self-isolation by establishing estrangement prevents others from sharing God’s love with us.

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:3

Justice for sin has fallen on compassionate Jesus. 

Jesus brings undeserved peace. He doesn’t blow-off, trap, complicate, unsettle or hate like people do. By grace, honesty about our own great personal needs invites our Savior to tend and nourish meaningful relationships. Focusing on what Jesus has done for us makes it possible to love, thank and praise God who desires us to be trustworthy and vulnerable about our dependency on Jesus so we can be a light to help others who also struggle. There’s no condemnation for those who cling to Christ. God trains people to gratefully spread their joy which comes from the forgiveness Christ provides.

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:4-6

The Spirit of Truth supports and gently restores believers in Christ from damage and threat caused by fault and failing. Faith encourages being cautious about falling for Satan’s constant lies and temptations to fall from the grace which trusts Christ. Jesus sees and knows every detail of life as a human in this world. He bears our burdens, hearing prayers of repentance as well as prayers of caring for those who hurt us. To release resentment, Jesus draws us close with forgiveness, comfort, protection and peace. Faith motivates moving forward in Truth—thankfully, lovingly, purposely listening—receiving discernment and opportunities to love one another according to grace given.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Everyone needs the kindness of Christ’s simple and gentle freedom. 

The Holy Spirit opens minds to desire Truth. A humble fruitful way of life means responsibly digging into Scripture for growth and learning to wildly love others. Participating in healthy relationships involves willingness to be loved and receive fruit of the Spirit as well as share life loving each other. Trust not self, things, or others—trust Jesus who has all authority deserving praise and glory. Loving God, all things work together for good according to his purpose.

Go to church and sing it!

Almighty Father, bless the Word
Which through Your grace we now have heard.
Oh, may the precious seed take root,
Spring up, and bear abundant fruit!
Lutheran Service Book‎ 923

Juicy, fruity, tasty food for thought

• Freedom in Christ 
• Concerning Christian Freedom
• Galatians Study Part 1 or Playlist
• Radio Talk
• Discussing Issues
  
• 1517 Resources 
• From Women in Mission 
• Overview Video
• Forgiven Therefore Free: Galatians, Full Page Illustrations to Color
  
• Verse of the Day 
• Free Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Martin Luther

2 Corinthians Bible Sketches

How does power in weakness work?

Can God’s “no” have purpose?

What’s beyond control to change?

Who or what keeps you humble? Emotional, relational, spiritual, mental and physical strengths sometimes turn to weaknesses. Confronting and trying to fix problems may aggravate, not solve matters. Our Creator knows how uniquely we each look at and interact with situations. We can’t perfectly fix everything for ourselves or for everyone else. Do you know why? It’s because we are not God.

Jesus cares and protects. 

Faithfully hearing those who trust Him and making messy prayers presentable, Christ’s humility is humanity’s answer to peaceful living. This combination of God Himself becoming man—His perfection of innocence, endurance of unjust cruelty and crucifixion, then resurrection and ascension to heaven— provides us with repentance, forgiveness and salvation. The faith given to us makes opportunity to be healed by Spirit of Truth’s encouragement to crave His Word, the precise tool He uses to build up the souls of sinful people. Rich instruction and promises instill insight for living safely and patiently while waiting for Jesus to return. Correction and comfort flow from God’s supportive people who are mercifully forgiven, trained and strengthened to share gratitude, experience and understanding.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Forgiveness is God’s fix for the brokenness of the world. We’re free to share the joy of humbly receiving and applying Christ’s generosity of grace.

so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. … Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8,10-11

“2:11 outwitted by Satan. To misuse the process of discipline as some legalistic punishment or some method of humiliating a repentant sinner would turn Christ’s Church into a cesspool of self-righteousness. Paul warns against this satanic twist. his designs. Satan plans and purposes to destroy congregations. ‘He provokes the world against us, fans and stirs the fire, so that he may hinder and drive us back, cause us to fail, and again bring us under his power’. (LCIII63)” The Lutheran Study Bible     

Surpassing power belongs to God.

Acting on temptation makes messes which cling to us in the chaos of this world. Inability to make change, convince others of a better way, sort out thoughts, correct mistakes and refine choices to the state of perfection God designed for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden cause frustration, knowing time is short and death will claim each of us. Our battle isn’t with people; it’s with the devil who wants to bring us down, tear us apart so to wreck faith which would help us live harmoniously. Motivated to eternally separate us from God, demons are always tempting and distracting us. Careless human nature listens to Satan’s lies. Falling for the temptation to base salvation, partially or fully, on self-reliance denies the saving Truth.

Jesus will have the last word on the Last Day. 

We are created to instinctively know what Christ taught is morally good and right.

We should repentantly be disgusted by every error, including reluctance to rely on God’s grace that allows us to adore Him above all else. Jesus teaches us what to say when we pray.

“Christian life is not a practice in perfectionism. Rather, it is a life of dying and rising, lived under the cross of Christ, in the continual forgiveness of our sins” Read, or listen, more by Kyle G. Jones

We’re called to act on the nudges of our Almighty God who offers the power of saving faith through opportunities at Church and in daily devotions. God’s eternal perspective desires that each of us would turn to Him regularly to get a supply of strength which trusts Christ’s work sets us apart for forgiveness, protection and rest. Peace flows from the wounds of Jesus, our brotherly advocate who pleads our case before our Father in heaven.

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Don’t let Satan use trivial quirks or quarrels to close your ears to the glorious and powerful Word of your Savior, the One to whom the ‘power belongs.’” Read more by Dr. Jane L. Fryar

Our Creator supplies forgiveness for us.

God knew we’d need it and designed how forgiveness happens. He’s not satisfied with what we mistakenly think will make us right with Him. Jesus actually became sin for us to perfect us by giving us His own righteousness and calling it ours. For our sake, God considers Jesus, who never sinned, to be the greatest sinner.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. .… For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19,21

“Forgiveness Is Not a Layaway Plan … forgiveness does not originate from repentance; it originates solely from Christ. … Should you repent of the wrong you’ve done? Of course. You must. Should you continue to repent as you struggle to un-love that ex-sin? Of course. You must. You will never repent enough. You will never repent sincerely enough. But forgiveness is not based upon having enough repentance or having sufficiently sincere repentance. Absolution is based entirely upon the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His atonement is enough. His sacrifice was perfectly sincere. His blood covers not only the sin of which you repent, but your imperfect repentance for that sin.” … Read more by Chad Bird

On being told the Gospel, genuine faith

• reaches out the hand for more
  
• rejoices
• accepts it as Truth
  
• puts confidence in it
• draws comfort
• by grace becomes righteous in the sight of God
  

2 Corinthians 6:2

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Now, not later!

We pray we won’t take God’s offer for forgiveness lightly. Our Creator loves us and for our good He was born to sacrifice Himself to save the world. In baptism, He adopts us as His own. Gifts of Word and Sacraments increase our love, warm and soften our hearts. Talk about an encouraging win-win situation! Gratitude has us wanting to share the Gospel with other struggling friends and relatives so they might receive the Holy Spirit and be saved, along with us, in eternity with Jesus.

The source of Christian hope is not by chance based on us or someone else—it is certainly based on Jesus. 

Walking with Jesus, we share His love, forgive and make the best of situations with His help. We prayerfully commend to the Lord’s care those who do us harm, stubbornly refuse to forgive us and reject our love. We cannot, yet Jesus clearly sees within hearts. He faithfully removes sin and directs the path of those who trust Him. We pray, Lord have mercy on us all.

2 Corinthians 6:18

and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

 

Children depend on a capable adult to bring them up with a healthy mind, body and spirit through disciplines of instruction and grace. 

All God’s children depend on their Heavenly Father for righteousness to live in the world, while not of the world. The Great Teacher Jesus was born to save us, supplies confidence that, by the faith given and received, we’ve been separated from the unbelieving world. The Almighty One wants a loving relationship with us, yet allowing us to think for ourselves, He doesn’t force us to believe His Word. He knows the difference between, “I’m sorry” and “I’m sorry I got caught”. Jesus teaches us to love—not only those who are easy to love—but also our enemies by praying for those who reject and hurt us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Has God said, “no” to a prayer request of which you expected a “yes”? 

He works in mysterious ways, higher and more complex than our own. His Word does two things:

1. Shows us our sin
2. Shows us our Savior Jesus

We may trust He always answers prayer according to His good and gracious will.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace is sufficient.

The thorn of weakness benefits when Truth is made known and received. While conceit and pride keep worry alive, hardships reveal that we don’t control things, God does. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10   

Life’s challenges, including helplessness to overcome death, lead us to lean on Jesus in prayer.

Concerns, failures, sorrow and grief of losing loved ones to death—or for whatever reason we can’t understand—we bring it all to the Lord in humble honesty. Though not deserving grace, we are free to ask to be forgiven, calmed and refreshed with new confidence. 

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians:19-20

Are you looking for opportunities to help others within the family of faith?

First, remember our help comes from the Lord who encourages us by the Gospel. From Christ’s Church, we take home a dependable boost of power, rest and peace in being fed at His House, His Table, week after week getting a glimpse of what’s next while we patiently wait to behold the full glory of God when Jesus returns! 

It’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus who is preparing a place for us in paradise and keeping us secure in gladness and joy that looks forward to eternity.

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.…The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11,14

Check out more on 2 Corinthians: 

• Intro
• Forgive the Sinner
• Godly Sorrow – Worldly Sorrow
• Reconciled Reconcilers
• Forgiveness Is a Choice
• What was Paul’s ailment?
• God’s Grace is Sufficient
  
• Faith is … Living Life as a Procession of Triumph
  
• Delays in the life of Paul 
• Let’s Take a Walk
• The Race of Faith: Continuing to Train … A God-Pleasing Aroma

1 Corinthians Bible Sketches

Who knows you?

 

Why would you want to be known?

Is it about who you know?

Beyond who you know or discover to connect with for a career, your valuable education, talent, skill, experience and reputation are qualities which may convince a business owner to fill or create an employment position. It’s a combination that functions along with the employer’s assets to benefit both, plus the company’s clients and their customers, too. This sensible business-world concept isn’t how the Last Day when Christ returns will work. Then, our Creator, who knows us completely and supplies all we need, won’t base His selection on our performance or who we know. Even the devil knows what he’s doing and knows Jesus. God’s perfect standard for living and salvation is higher than any human can reach on our own. What really matters is whether or not we’ve received, and taken to heart, the faith He offers us. Faith which loves and trusts God’s perfect sacrificial work is powerful enough to save all who grasp it.

“Our preaching of Christ crucified has always been ‘a stumbling block,’ ‘folly,’ ‘foolishness’ and ‘weakness’ to the non-Christian world (1 Cor. 1:20–25). So be it.” –Pastor Harrison

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1

God planned ahead to provide Truth, not so we would tear each other apart, but that we may build each other up in the name of Jesus. He desires all people receive faith, be set apart, known and purely loved by Christ. Caring enough to ask questions and giving ear to hear another’s answers helps all types of relationships—professional, personal and spiritual. Having courage to be honestly vulnerable about what’s really going on in our own heart to a willing listener increases understanding which can lead to good things. God listens to prayers of those who ask and trust His will be done. Though not necessarily as we predict His answers would be, He allows things to happen which serve His good purpose for us or those we know.

On the other hand, a smarty pants attitude which thrives on its superiority complex that uses intimidation to satisfy the sinful heart’s desires, shows no interest in what’s going on in another’s heart or mind. Disrespect shows up in shut-down, talk-over, noisy hurtful remarks, insults and deluded degrading criticism. Testing patience, tempting counteraction, the unwanted perspective is squashed so the conversation is ineffective and a waste of precious time. Manipulative, abusive, immature, limited emotional development, and cognitive impaired behaviors are part of this dark, sinful world. Concealed personal errors of an inflated ego cause pain for all involved. Correction resistance may lead to further loss of empathy and sense of curiosity about people. Thankfully, God is in control and cares enough to help us confess such nonsense as we stand before Him for mercy and strength. Though we don’t understand someone causing pain and harm, we can always trust he or she is a child of God because of Christ’s death and resurrection. Repentantly admitting our own failing, we may love with a gentle spirit by forgiving and praying for everyone in the name of Jesus. We’re all works-in-progress living in grace.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.…What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? 1 Corinthians 4:5,21

If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

Receiving the opportunity to be fully known.

An appropriate amount of effort is wonderful, yet no matter how hard we work out or what degree of dedication we give to training—the more we drive ourselves to perfection, we’ll discover that on our own we can’t win. Lack of success needs to be realized or it could lead to depression or despair. Undeserved forgiveness of Jesus allows grace to joyfully look forward to the eternal prize faith promises.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Participation in the race by grace focuses on the the Spirit of Truth. Sorrows too heavy to carry may be dropped into the empty grave of our Lord. God is Love running within us, keeping us honest, forgiven, safe and motivated. Recipients of Christ’s victory, in the gifts he provides, have purpose in life. Turning to our Heavenly Father is possible by His amazing design in that sin is made invisible to Him through the lens of His Son who died to save us. Spiritual-tangible food is available for us to receive by the senses and faith God’s Word creates to renew and refresh us regularly. Listen to a chapel sermon.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Carefully celebrating Holy Communion, we bring sin to the Lord’s Table where He lovingly serves us forgiveness and strength.

My church family, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), has about 1,807,408 baptized members. As our pastors desire to faithfully love and care for you, we ask, please respect our position of love. We believe and teach the Word of God distinctly from all other Christians. The Lord’s Supper is a life-giving blessing given by God to the Church. It’s a miracle in bread and wine established by the God-man Jesus Christ. Those who attend The Lord’s Supper have carefully examined what the Scriptures and the Confessions reveal about Jesus’ gift of His true body to eat and His true blood to drink. God serves us with his Word and sacraments, allowing us to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. An educational process leads to understanding and rejoicing in the distinct nature of our worship and faith life to be witnesses to Jesus Christ. If you haven’t yet been instructed in the faith or if you hold to a faith different than the LCMS, it is out of love that we would, for the moment, invite you to refrain from partaking of this meal until we’ve had a chance to talk with you about our beliefs and practices. Until then, you may come forward for a blessing, placing your arms across your chest to let the pastor know you would like to receive that blessing. The congregations of the LCMS welcome you to learn more by calling or visiting—please talk with pastors and members.

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:23-27

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

 

Does a fragmented reflection distort what we know about how to love? 

What is love? How long will love last? What does love have to do with trust? How does love grow? What about tough love? Do you know how to be loved? How many types of love are there? How do various kinds of love differ? Where does love come from? What does the greatest gift of Love do? Why are we called to love? God first loved us.

Listen to ten conversations about love:

1. Love
2. Love
3. Love
4. Love
5. Love
6. Love
7. Love
8. Love
9. Love
   
10. Love
    

Our own sin, and that of others, hinders our capability to love as perfectly as Jesus loves us.

On our best days, our ability to love isn’t what it should be and on our worst days it’s heart-breaking. Thankfully, we’re forgivable in Christ who has risen from the grave to remove the sin of the world. He isn’t finished loving, teaching, caring and patiently desiring we receive and use His gifts to His glory.

For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

God’s love has defeated jealousy, worry, arrogance, selfishness, rudeness, resentment and irritation—even death itself! Contentment is dependent on Jesus who protects, comforts, heals and encourages.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Joy within God’s merciful presence brings peace which cherishes grace-filled, honest, helpful conversations. Love hates what is wrong and doesn’t excuse evil, yet it kindly looks into the face of each other as a person for whom Jesus died. 

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Truth bears, believes, hopes and endures while trusting God’s love is perfected in Christ.  

Negativity most often leads to negative results. However, positivity brings about different results. Running goals — or any other goals — can only be achieved with positive motivation, hard work, and perseverance. As strong as a dose of positive thinking is, faith in God can do infinitely more. The Race of Faith: A Positive Mind

Eventually Jesus will return and the people who’ve died will be bodily resurrected. At that very moment, all cynicism, confusion and damage by sin will be expelled forever. God’s glory will be complete where harmonious, blissful, forgiven believers of all time, together in Christ, will eternally show appreciation for God who saved them from the pit of eternal suffering.

More

• Intro and Issues
  
• Talks and Audio Commentary
• Video Overview
  
• Foolish Things Shame the Wise 
• Ordinary People 
• Fleeting Breath 
• Quarrel? Or Collaborate?
• Begin with God … He Helps Us Conquer Temptation

Romans Bible Sketches

What is good?

 

Is good the same for everyone?

 

Can terrible situations end up leading to good?

Our Creator unconditionally loves us. How do we reciprocate?

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV

With freedom to think and act however we choose, we should seek to find the good and be thankful in all things.

Too often, we fail to show gratitude. We make poor choices. What seems weird to our little minds is, that to take away punishment we deserve, God had planned and allowed His innocent willing Son to endure being mocked, beaten, lifted up on the cross, and humiliated by a slow painful death. 

We perceive much of what happens in this world as bad, however, everything our glorious unchanging God controls is actually for the good of the people He created who love Him—all is either hidden or revealed in His perfect timelessness.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19

Our Father in Heaven hates all things which are bad for us. 

His Word helps us discover that twisting, suppressing or trading Truth for lies is dangerous. The Spirit of Truth shows us how to trust our dependable Savior for forgiveness and how to live a different life that 

• pursues peace
  
• turns away from lies
  
• is honest
• is open to correction
• is grateful for protection 
• is certain about the promise of an eternal home with Jesus
  

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV

Wholesome Truth breaks down contamination. 

Our downfall and the vexation of our relationships result from the combination of our bad thoughts, words and deeds which poison the pure goodness God desires for us. Repeatedly succumbing to the devil’s temptation to pick and twist Truth sends us spinning into a messy downward spiral that tries to suck others in as well. Problems increase by our bad choice to remain unchecked. Refusing help puts at risk the faith which trusts Christ’s purpose. 

Receiving help allows God’s warm love to dissolve what has become harshly cold and rigidly hardhearted. The work of the Holy Spirit transitions us into softer people who are more flexible and genuinely friendly. As baptized, beloved, adopted children of God, His good will for us is the way of life which fears, loves, and trusts our Heavenly Father’s mercy above all things, frequently worships Him, prays to receive forgiveness, correction and help, then passes hope on to others willing to receive the Gospel for strength to resist natural sinful inclinations which would rather

• demand entitlement to what, when, where, and how we want things
  
• carelessness of what would be good for others
• say we are good, proud, and in tune with modern society of this world
  
• ingratitude for how good we actually do have things
  
• hypocritically claim we are good
• persist we already know better than others, so refuse to listen to them
  
• think or speak negatively about the good fortune or success of others
  
• judge and hold others in contempt
• defame the good reputation of another
• manipulate
• make light of problems recorded in Romans 1:18-32

An interesting post tells more: The Righteousness of God for You: God’s Righteous Wrath against Man’s Unrighteousness.

We never completely grow up to God’s standard of excellence, nor to another person’s flawed ideal. Consistent failure to do the good we want to do is more obvious than we like to admit. Doing the bad we shouldn’t exceeds what we care to discover about ourselves. A self-deceptive blame-shift tactic in attempt to escape responsibility for personal problems unfairly projects those issues onto someone else; also, changing the subject and making excuses are ploys to distract from festering guilt that resists confession. To pacify the inner child, we stoop low, rather than stand up straight in order to observe ourselves in the mirror and light of God’s Word.

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1

They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them Romans 2:15

Sin tarnishes everyone’s reputation and is the very reason suffering and death exists.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

By faith in the Word, we understand that the Lord has compassion.

As we mature in the faith, we pray that our inner childish disobedience becomes more recognizable so we can confess quickly with sincere gratitude for grace in confidence that Christ removes sin as far as the east is from the west. Jesus compassionately lifts us sinners up to rescue, comfort and safely carry us through risky and terrible situations.

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

An interesting post questions: So, Who Will You Serve?

Deep down, we do have a sense of God’s version of good. He designed us with scruples to realize His good will is superior to our own selfish tendencies. 

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18

Regarding the problem of sin and its consequences, no amount of 

• denial
• blame
• book knowledge
  
• working harder
  
• scrambling for self-made solutions

does what humble, honest, trust in Christ’s accomplishment for us does. The Bible establishes direction for how to stop sinning, but humans will always struggle, incapable to carry out those commands. The repentance God provides allows us to admit we absolutely cannot rid ourselves of sin, death or the power of the devil on our own. God is God and we are not, so we cannot expect to fix or control things. 

Relying on the loving work of Jesus is the only way to let go of what weighs us down. 

Only by receiving the faith, we are made right by Jesus. Released of shame, we may contentedly carry out his purposes. This doesn’t mean the scars are gone [memories of trouble, pain, lack of trust, and sadness], or that all in the world will suddenly align to our personal liking; but that we have certain hope which is set free from sin’s negativity, heaviness, and eternal consequences. In light of receiving forgiving faith, we take on our responsibility to release and confess our own bad behavior. Believing in the victory Jesus won at the cross and resurrection, the Spirit He sent to live in us is constantly working and motivating us to receive mercy and grace as well as offer it to others. Confession and absolution keeps us honest and peacefully ready to move forward.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1

What good comes from pride, jealousy, selfish meddling and hurtful arrogant actions based on unmerited authority or stubborn self-righteousness? No good—only an influx of frustration and confusion—while the junk of our fallen human nature stirs up misery.

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7

Surprisingly, the Almighty’s judgement isn’t based on perfection apart from Christ. It is based on timeless Scriptural grace (among various views on grace) for those who rely upon our perfect Substitute for forgiveness. Since humanity is estranged from our all-knowing God because of our unholy thoughts, messed-up desires and worthless deeds, our Heavenly Father has freed us to take refuge in Christ’s extraordinary work for graciousness designed with good purpose specifically for us to share the Good News! Sadly, some won’t receive the gift. Rejection of the Holy Spirit’s gifts of Truth and repentance, Scripture warns, means self-exclusion from the gift of eternity in paradise with Jesus. A person’s choice to deny the free gift of faith in Christ precedes their damnation to an eternal destination of never-ending misery in hell.

No favorites. 

Our Creator compassionately wants all to be rescued from hell on Judgement Day. He lowered Himself to become human, born of a virgin, for us. Though we are not, He was perfectly good while He lived with us. One horrible day, the innocent man Jesus became sin that is hated by God in taking violent punishment and death on the cross so we all can become right by Him and live. Wow! Undeserving Christians call this Good Friday. Christ descended to hell, on the third day rose from the grave so that we can, too, because He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father and intercedes for us. The Helper’s gifts of faith and forgiveness are in the water of Baptism and Word spoken in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. His body and blood—given for us during the Lord’s Supper, together in the Church—is where we receive forgiveness and strength. In the Spirit of Truth, with purified minds, we trust and are justified in Christ Jesus for our salvation.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 ESV 

There’s no other way we can be proud of anything except to boast about the fear and faith we have in God for mercy and grace our Savior provides. Listen to the Music.

The complexity of God’s control—always appointing time and working things together—is well beyond comprehension.  

His good solutions may not be revealed to us in this lifetime. Nor may we ever know the whole story of why God permits certain details to happen or how He works with mistakes and around inadequacies to achieve His good purpose for us or someone else. It’s okay, even good, to not know it all. It’s hard work to be patient and content with God’s ways of handling difficult things to serve His good purposes. Adversity increases appetite for Scripture which satisfies us with the fullness of a meaningful life that leans on Jesus and on other Christians. The peace He provides is sufficient. That is very good!

Comfort is for those who, baptized and hearing the Word of God, love Christ’s purpose.

God’s good is that He died on the cross to give meaning to life. If we wish to refuse that good gift by our own choice to stay away or leave it behind, that’s completely on us. It is not His intent that we deny the grace He offers.

Romans 8:28, 31b

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28, 31b NIV

 

In all things God is graciously working for the good of those who love Him, called to his purpose. With that, who can be against us?

We don’t always get what we want; yet in God’s control of all things, we get the good we don’t deserve. Because we can’t stop sinning or achieve perfection, Christ our merciful Lord justifies us and makes us holy.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Romans 8:34

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 ESV

 

The devil is a tricky liar who tempts us into trusting idols and losing the faith. 

We don’t love Christ when we rebel by putting anything or anyone in a higher position than God. We need to be corrected. Grounded by repentance, constantly immersed in Truth of baptism and hearing God’s Word, we win! Empowered with knowledge that Jesus died, was raised and is with God for us, in Christ, we have received these gifts:

• we have died to sin
• are raised to new life
• with Jesus standing for us, nothing else is needed.

Romans 8:35-37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37 NIV

 

Trouble, hardship, danger, persecution and suffering doesn’t separate us from God’s love for us. 

God authorizes trouble and hardship, plus, He also makes good in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Absolutely nothing—no person, power, mood, difficult situation, danger, sorrow, death, natural disaster, the devil, anything present or to come—will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Watch the Video.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

 

By the Word and Spirit of Christ who atoned for all, we are transformed to worship Him. 

Though earning our way into God’s good grace isn’t possible and we could never repay the debt He paid for our sins, we pray for help to do what is appropriate within His will. Our entire mind, body, and life of living together functions, according to the measure of faith given to us, while we grow in wisdom of His grace.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9

Romans 12:10-13

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10-13 ESV

 

Affectionately yours, God.

Consider what the Bible says about being useful with God’s gifts. We may ask the Lord for opportunities to serve. He generously provides capability to contribute to needs of all who trust Him. God’s Word is the source for good order, strong conscience in the Gospel, and joyful privilege to share cheerful acts of mercy.

• honor
• zeal to lead for the good of others
  
• compassionate spirit
• rejoicing in the hope of the Last Day
  
• patience in trouble and heartache
• constant prayer
• seek to show hospitality
• bless
  
• care
  
• bear with the failings of the weak
  
• endure suffering without retaliation
  
• encourage
• mutual up-building in love

Christians look to the Lord who gives us good work to do as well as rest, weeping, and dancing. He wants us to enjoy his gifts which are made beautiful in appropriate time ordered by Him in eternal existence.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14

Persecute synonyms: expel, harass, hound, injure, maltreat, molest, oppress, outrage, pick on, pursue, torture, victimize, afflict, aggrieve, annoy, badger, bait, beat, bother, distress, dog, dragoon, exile, hector, hunt, ill-treat, martyr, pester, plague, tease, tyrannize, vex, worry, be on one’s case, drive up the wall. 

How do we bless? Although not guaranteed, goodness is more likely to drive an abuser to repentance than punishment or revenge. When another person’s unsettling behaviors mess with the mind, the Holy Spirit encourages us to rise above it.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:15-21

Take time to pray and think about how to handle everything for the sake of living peaceably, if possible, as far as it depends on you. Be sensitive with someone who is weeping and don’t push them to sing. Sing with someone who is rejoicing! Interact with people whom the Helper supplies to steer you out of isolation toward His love and grace; seek to be there for others if they will receive and allow you to help.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

 

The power of the Spirit of Truth accomplishes joy and peace in belief that we are richly filled and well supplied to trust in an eternal future with the God of hope.

Harmony is when everybody has the same view of God’s purpose to spread the Gospel which is the power of God for salvation to redeem everyone who believes. Living in harmony doesn’t mean we agree on everything, yet by discernment and sensitivity to what is important and what isn’t, small things needn’t get in the way. It’s by grace that we meet people where they are. Good doesn’t come from us or something we do apart from keeping our eyes on Jesus. The Holy Spirit creates the repentant faith for us to receive as we learn from the Lord of hope who fills us with joy and peace in believing!

One final word of counsel, friends. Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth. They have no intention of living for our Master Christ. They’re only in this for what they can get out of it, and aren’t above using pious sweet talk to dupe unsuspecting innocents. And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters—I couldn’t be more proud of you!—I want you also to be smart, making sure every “good” thing is the real thing. Don’t be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus! Romans 16:17-20 MSG

Thank the good Lord! His mercy endures forever!

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27 ESV

Worksheets, notes and doodles from a few of the Romans Bible Studies enjoyed in the past five years. Little-by-little I’m barely scratching the surface of the inerrant Word of God. With distractions, forgetfulness and perspectives to consider, Bible study is a lifelong process. It’s necessary to be reminded often that I am baptized and a beloved child of God. Forgiveness and encouragement is essential, over and over again.

 

I am baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Christ. 

Since before I was born, I heard about God’s Word during church with Mom and while she read the Bible out loud for my family during the week. The Holy Spirit encourages me to cherish the gift of the Word and even during the part of my life when I didn’t put much effort into studying it, helped me remain curious. Thankfully, experiencing adult Bible studies together with church family and among friends, we are blessed to collect valuable nuggets of Sacred inspiration in an ongoing process of growing in the faith that has been given to us. I pray that everyone would welcome wonderful life enhancing opportunities to learn about the goodness of God and what a friend we have in Jesus, amen! 

Excellent study of Romans

• The Word Endures Forever
• Romans within The Good Book

I Leave All things to God’s Direction
Listen to hymn audio

I leave all things to God’s direction;
He loves me both in joy and woe.
His will is good, sure His affection;
His tender love is true, I know.
My fortress and my rock is He:
What pleases God, that pleases me.

God knows what must be done to save me;
His love for me will never cease.
Upon His hands He did engrave me
With purest gold of loving grace.
His will supreme must ever be:
What pleases God, that pleases me.

My God desires the soul’s salvation;
My soul He, too, desires to save.
Therefore with Christian resignation
All earthly troubles I will brave.
His will be done eternally:
What pleases God, that pleases me.

My God has all things in His keeping;
He is the ever faithful friend.
He gives me laughter after weeping,
And all His ways in blessings end.
His love endures eternally:
What pleases God, that pleases me.

—Hymnary