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

Acts Bible Sketch

In prison?

 

Are you praying for what you need?

 

Are you listening to the voice of God and getting what He has for you?

God always keeps His promises. Our Creator sees everything, knows us completely, and refreshes us with exactly what is needed to live one day at a time. Total self-reliance or human interdependence isn’t enough. We need Jesus because humanity inherited corruption at the fall. We share this life imperfectly, under the forgiveness of our Savior who has made us His own. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit works faith into all who receive the Gospel and Sacraments to make us holy by the blood of Christ who is our only and certain hope. Unified in the faith, we are free to confess our sins. Though we don’t deserve mercy, as God’s Word is spoken, taken in and digested, we receive the richness of forgiveness.

“What has God done? He has become man of the Virgin. What has He done it for? Simple. For us.” —Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray  Read More

Faith humbles the soul needing rescue from corruption and gives strength to cling to the Lord.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:4

The Creator sacrificed Himself to be our Redeemer. Nothing we do creates faith for salvation; it is by the work of Jesus who sent the Holy Spirit to help us trust our Heavenly Father. The God of all seasons will never leave or abandon us during our most difficult times. He keeps us calm and patient during the waiting. He walks us through hardships. Faith supplies repentance for the love of Truth, as well as confidence that our own darkness, and that of others, can be safely brought to Light. Blessed to be drawn near God, encouraged, equipped and empowered by Him, in the Name of Christ we love and comfort others, just as we long to be treated by them. We gladly receive compassion and joy as our focus is set on the life of Jesus for us to live freely, endure sad times, and celebrate together as the Church. 

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” Hebrews 13:1-3

When fooled to reject God’s love and forgiveness, then selfish motives lead to apathetic tendencies of recklessly harsh use of power and manipulation to control others. Even so, no one’s misbehavior usurps the Almighty Father’s plan of grace and mercy. Because of sin, Christ died for you, me and everyone in the process of living eternally. Upon passing through death into the resurrected life, all people will continue in one of two destinations.

1. In God’s mercy—those having repentant faith, consoled in Christ’s cross for forgiveness (through meditating on the Word, hearing it preached, in Holy Baptism, in the Lord’s Supper), will be gathered together to praise God in everlasting harmonious perfection with memory erased of former sin, schism, abuse, anxiety, regret, chaos, pain, sorrow and death.
2. In God’s wrath—those rejecting the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith in Christ will be separated from God in a miserable eternity horribly suffering with Satan.

Jesus fixed what humans break. 

The preserved Church gathers to honor Christ who died, rose from the dead, and helps us even when we don’t know what to do, or pray. As we pray for entangled, estranged, damaged, or broken relationships, He reads the motivation of our hearts. Faith assures us that the Lord hears us, answers, and from Him all blessings flow! Please, pray for hurting people in the Church and thank the Lord for those who pray for you. 

“So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” Acts 12:5

Acts 12:7

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. Acts 12:7 ESV

Angels serve God by rescuing people from persecution and also by proclaiming the message of salvation. 

Divine reality is that angels minister with rest and refuge from harmful captivity. The all-powerful, all-knowing, faithful Creator incredibly and mercifully answers prayers of exhausted, confused people whom He deeply loves, fully forgives, and blesses with freedom. Thankfully, God has pity on us. Because He completely understands our suffering, He cares and involves Himself in unexpected ways or by a series of intricate processes over time. He determines what is best for those joined to Him by baptism into His death. Our loving Father’s purpose is designed to redeem people and is perfectly composed within an unimaginable larger picture. He supplies contentment so we need not understand more than He gives us to know. We needn’t hide from God, nor be afraid to share His love with others willing to listen. The faith holds us firm in His grace for ability to continually repent of weaknesses, failures and struggles amidst chaos all around us. A rigid answer to every question isn’t necessary as we’re moved to conform to the Gospel, praying His will be done and trusting it is so. Our plans may not match His plan for us and others. His will, not the same as our will, may play out differently than what we want or predict because God allows all things, including things we see as bad, to happen for a greater good.

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

The faith sustains our hope in Christ for us. In unexpected, purposeful ways which are higher than ours, Jesus goes through everything with us. Receiving our Savior’s mercy and comfort brings peace of conscience in midst of trials, ill-treatment, troubles and in the face death. The Kingdom of Christ is His slow-to-anger compassion. Jesus relieves us of our hunger to always be right, forgives our wrongs, heals our wounds, fills us with Truth and prepares us with grace as He fights battles of each day for us. The blood and righteousness of Jesus is available for the safety of all people. Those who receive the Spirit of Truth have wisdom for sharing life. In loving perfect timing, God releases oppressed prisoners who trust Him to help, uplift and carry them in His gentle, powerful, everlasting arms. 

What a privilege it is to give God the glory for guarding, protecting and saving us!

We’re so thankful! While we wait and grow together, we want everyone to receive the Good News of our risen King Jesus before the harvest!

“and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15

Learn more.

• Sermonette
• Strong Word
• Dorcas
• Rhoda
• Eunice and Lois
• Phoebe
• Lydia
• Priscilla 
• Baptism and the Holy Spirit
• Different views of Baptism
• Baptism playlist

John Bible Sketches

Do you apologize?

 

Is it hard to be completely honest with yourself and others?

 

Do you think the Bible is hard to believe?

Believing cannot be done by human reason or strength, yet there’s help regarding how to believe the Bible.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (read more)

John 3:16-17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 ESV

Consider what it looks like to be fooled by sin, the world, and the devil.

If you’ve never read the Bible, listened to a Bible app, or attended a Christian church, you may not initially understand what I am about to say about being fooled. Since the fall, the world is corrupt, human nature falls for temptations and calls what is evil, good. Roads which should be safe, when blocked by sin, become dangerous. We stumble, fall and become injured. When unfaithful to God’s Word, we can be tricked into holding grudges, digging pits and slinging mud. It’s possible to get tightly stuck in dark rigid boxes we build for ourselves to protect our fragile egos while in denial of our need for God’s mercy. Choking life out of us, know-it-all and entitled attitudes creep up and grow out of haughty refusal to be vulnerable about truth. Attacking others and isolating from people make things worse because we are created to genuinely know, love and care about them. Conversations aren’t balanced to communicate effectively. The hoax of pride wrecks healthy relationships God designed to be good for us. The devil continuously feeds lies to steer us where he wants us in a distant place of timidity, mistrust and fear of embarrassment. Off the faithful safe path, carelessness of God’s commands takes over. We refuse to forgive people who’ve apologized; rather, punish by depriving them of due respect. Misled apart from generosity and kindness, character becomes hard, cold, blind to our own need to be forgiven and helped. Division derives from evasion of self-reflection in light of God’s Word while pointing a finger at others. Antagonistic menacing harsh behaviors flare up to twist or deny full-truths in effort to silence and hurt others which is especially devastating when it happens while falsely claiming to serve God. The list of specific ways humanity can be fooled goes on. The devil doesn’t want you to know that life depends on trusting in a good and gracious God. I pray the Spirit of Truth will inspire you to get into Scripture, reveal and help you through everything that is tripping you up.

Thankfully, nothing is hidden from God. 

Mental, emotional and spiritual abuses won’t have the last word because sin, death, devil and hell are all conquered for all people connected to Jesus who did what no one else can accomplish. He perfectly lived without sin and carried out Our Heavenly Father’s plan to save humanity. Believing in Jesus is exactly the what it takes for us to get back on our feet, be healed, and eventually get to eternal perfection God will make new for all who trust the Word. Before creation, God the Father knew we’d all fall short of deserving His glory so He sent His Son to overcome evil and forgive sins. Faithful to His promises—knowing how foolish and ugly we behave toward each other and how squeamish, weak, injured and burdened we become due to our sin—God sent The Spirit to shine protective and guiding Light. Our Lord demands our attention for our own good. Baptism is one of the miraculous means of grace (together with God’s written and spoken Word) through which God creates the gift of faith in a person’s heart. He opens ears to hear the wisdom of His Voice so we’ll crave more of His Truth to flow into the soul, satisfy the gut with strength and encouragement. Faith receives God’s good will and compassionate mercy; then by grace, motivates sharing. Welcoming the truth of everyone’s failures and shortcomings by Christian education and exposure to the Light, we discover the complexity of sin and its consequences, how to fight against wavering, stand in truth, and walk by grace with Faith-opened eyes with insight for repentant thoughts and behaviors such as

• feeling and expressing sorrow over what is my bad, as well as what others are doing or have done to have negative impact
  
• receiving forgiveness and patience from the Lord and offering these to others
  
• realizing I and others cannot recognize and carry out all the details of God’s perfect ways
• handle Sacred knowledge tenderly with genuine concern for others
  
• carefully listening to each whom I’ve offended
• asking questions for better understanding
• patience while being shunned, estranged and slandered
  
• reflection on all good things
• remembering that putting the best construction on everything does not require agreement on everything
  
• turning to ask for help and blessings from God and people He places to support each other
  
• remembering that eagerness to help and bless people does not give license to control them
  
• in weakness, believing Christ’s unconditional grace is sufficiently, richly perfect
  

Thinking outside the box, in true repentance, is a virtuous gift from God. 

Patiently trusting our Creator who holds the universe together is the best place to start each day. While suffering, faith reminds us we are strengthened in spaces occupied by truth, grace, and entrusting God’s sovereign will in His Son, who willingly was lifted high on the cross, took punishment for all sin and redeemed the world. Whoever believes is not condemned by God, but saved and built-up through Jesus!

John 4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 ESV

Why not experience Light the Church gives for salvation?

Thankfully, the Savior of the world who shattered darkness at the cross and empty tomb comes to live in all who receive the Water of Baptism with the Word. Nothing stands in the way to The Way once faith takes charge to remind us Christ’s work is finished so the evil foe has no power over us. God repeatedly forgives, repairs and renews the broken vessels we are. How wonderful it is to be refreshed daily in prayerful personal devotion and study as well as week-after-week in the divine worship service during this time of grace. God’s mercies are new every day and that is why Christians rejoice in the Lord.

Imagine how the Maker and Giver of all good things is hurt when one, for whom Jesus died to remove sin’s shame, rejects The Spirit of Truth. God has authority to determine who believes and who rejects Him. Only He knows when opportunities to receive faith in this life will end for each and all of humanity.

Our bad thoughts, words and deeds distress everyone. We need forgiveness when we

• are faithless
  
• ruminate on things which aren’t ours to control
• ungratefully reject gifts given in love
• refuse to receive God’s generosity in Word and Sacrament
• consider ourselves judge of others
  
• maintain discontent
• expect entitlement to more (or less) than we are given
• are impatient with others, knowing God has been patient with us
  
• ignore or reject apologies by refusal to forgive
• expect gentle kindness, but neglect to offer it
• blame-shift, try to hide or minimize faults
  
• take on status of a non-apologist refusing to ask for mercy while knowing it is possible that we can be wrong and not recognize our own faults
  
• think we’re good enough on our own rather than depend on Christ and people He equips to provide help
  
• abuse and perplex those who worship in spirit and truth
• reject mercy offered by God and those who’ve generously forgiven in the Name of Jesus 
  

Faith endures and matures. Depending on Jesus is a lifetime process of growing to trust God’s Word. Gracious kindness stems from proper acknowledgement of God’s plan and promises. Christ died and was resurrected to pay for our sins so that we won’t be held accountable and sent to hell, but will be raised to eternal life on the Last Day.

In our dark box wedged between a rock and a hard place, faith encourages us to cry for help.

The Father is listening because His empathetic Son, who knows us well, is thinking of us. He hears each cry for help and praise of thanksgiving. Faith reminds us to tap into the power of Truth. Taking comfort in safe, warm, brightly lit places, His love allows us to practice becoming good listeners, learn from others, and be there for friends. God is always helping those who love Him, working good in unexpected ways. His peace flows from knowing that pain, tears and all bad will be completely wiped away when Christ returns for believers.

Having a humble mind, we recognize bad behavior in ourselves. By the grace of God we take responsibility by apologizing and putting the other person first. When irresponsibility is apparent, someone habitually becomes incapable of apologizing; so we can pray for them and for their relationships.

• without the expectation to change the one who makes it clear they don’t want to change
• to receive help with ideas of how to help a non-apologist 
• for reminders
  
  • healthy suggestions may, or may not, be received and carried out
  • the cycle of abuse may, or may not, stop spinning from one generation to the next
  • to thank God for using Christ-goggles to see interiors beneath stubborn-as-a-bull exteriors
    
  • that forgiveness reigns for believers redeemed in the passion of Jesus 

“By Jesus’ death the last enemy is disarmed, for where the forgiveness of sins reigns, death is deprived of its sting. …All of us will die. Unbelievers die in their sins. The consummation of such dying is hell. Believers die to their sins. The consummation of such dying is heaven. The forgiveness of sins bestows the gift of the resurrection to life everlasting.” Mercy at Life’s End

John 6:37

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37 ESV

There’s no rejection in Christ.

Pray for those who cast the first stone—prayer may be the only way to love them. Remember, it is only God who gives strengthened faith, repentance and forgiveness for eternal life. His grace warmly welcomes sinners to receive tangible gifts which renew and transform!

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. John 6:53-57

John 8:31-32

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV

God cannot lie.

His Word is Truth and freedom! It is a wonderful thing, to ask about being Freed in Christ that your joy may be full.

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 ESV

By His blood, Jesus defeated sin, death and the power of the devil.

Side-by-side, all believers have victory in Christ Jesus who will return in glory for each and every repentant miserable sinner. Forgiven and given power to resist temptations, believers with a willing spirit sing a new song! Not achieving perfection on our own, we move forward, regularly receiving desperately needed transformation and renewal by grace and strength to live now and forever. Christ is risen indeed, alleluia, praise the Lord!

John 9:3b

“…this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:3 NIV

 

The Holy One is in charge and caring for those suffering disabilities and burdens.

The world is where the blame game is often played. Historically, and still today, some leaders condemn themselves in the battle for power.

John 10:9-11

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11 ESV

Jesus the Good Shepherd laid down His life to protect those who hear His voice.

Complaining is like saying God’s wisdom, grace and power aren’t sufficient. It’s better to stop grumbling and start listening to the One who created and rules over all. Actually hearing the Word, inwardly digesting it, stirs up gifts of forgiveness, growth and strengthened faith to trust the Spirit of Truth is safely guiding believers forward through the most perplexing situations. Anticipating an eternal future with God, we breathe in the sounds and sweet flavors of grace, exhale the noise of fear, and wash away the bitterness of sin which has been taken away at the cross.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

Being ripped-off by disrespect won’t lead to despair while trusting Jesus who allows us to live abundantly.

Suffering, confusion and being burned by hurtful behaviors—these will always exist in the world as we know it, yet thankfully they cannot kill joy of knowing they’ll have no part in the next. Do you ever wonder, “Does God will and even cause suffering? Or does He merely ‘allow’ it to happen?” The Word supplies all that is needed and good.

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25 ESV

As we stumble through darkness in this life, we wait to be taken by The Light into the next.

Moment-by-moment, one-day-at-a-time, trusting Christ for forgiveness, patience, courage and strength—the Bible gives confidence to live this life inspired by a future that is brighter than we can imagine!

John 11:35

Jesus wept. John 11:35 ESV

Emotions are created and experienced by God.

It is okay to cry, weep, and grieve. It is a process. Death, the severing of the body and soul, is a felt pain. Our Lord Jesus is deeply moved, troubled and understands tears resulting from all types of sorrow, grief and loss. Understanding the pain He would endure, He acknowledged the cross comes before glory.

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:46-47

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

Be Still, My Soul
Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
LSB 752 verse 3, Hymnary.org

Learn more:

• Emotions & the Gospel: Created for Connection
• Hope When Your Heart Breaks: Navigating Grief and Loss

 

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

Exclusively the way, God glorifies Himself as He brings blessings upon Himself, enabling and calling us to worship.

One Way simplifies everything. Christianity lifts the weight every other religion carries as they erroneously believe salvation depends on what they do, leaving them always wondering if they have done enough. With Jesus, salvation is not earned, it is a gift, humbly and gratefully received. God wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Until a person has the Holy Spirit, he/she can’t have faith to trust the Gospel which is 100% from outside of self. The Word of the Bible is for everyone and with the Holy Spirit’s help, those who get into it will never stop learning while studying and growing in it.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

John 14:27

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Jesus is generous with peaceful rest.

Christ’s power resists insults, lies and troubling fears. Faith opens eyes and minds to truth. He humbles hearts to calmly rest in peace. Faithful prayers are heard and Jesus prays for us. God’s good will works in hidden ways to keep us safe and secure.

Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV

Abiding in Jesus means allowing His Word take control of our lives, trusting His power and good will for all to have joy and love.

Come, heav’nly Bridegroom, Light divine, and deep within our hearts now shine; there light a flame undying! In Your one body let us be as living branches of a tree, Your life our lives supplying. Now, though daily earth’s deep sadness may perplex us and distress us, yet with heav’nly joy You bless us. Lord, when You look on us in love, at once there falls from God above a ray of purest pleasure. Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood refresh our souls with heav’nly food. You are our dearest treasure! Let Your mercy warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For You teach us God’s own love through You has reached us. —LSB 395 v 2-3

John 15:12

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 ESV

 

Do you see the fish created by the two hearts connected and centered on the cross?

Faith, hope, charity, and love that rejoices in truth comes from God in His Son the Savior. The love He gives you, He wants you to give to other members of the body of Christ. He delights in us and we delight in each person’s God-created uniqueness. Joy comes from thinking of others ahead of what we want. As friends of Jesus, we love people the way He loves us and extends branches out to everyone in the entire world.

Those in Christ do not obsess on pain, but concentrate focus on eternity when Jesus returns. We may ask our Heavenly Father anything as we rest in His promises on the basis of our brother Jesus. God turns the sorrow of Christ’s death to remove sin, into joy that cannot be taken away in the day we are made like Him.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

In the midst of doubts, violence, shame, fear and all terrible things, Jesus gives His peace as we leave authority in His pierced hands. Together in the faith, our tasks are to

• carry one another’s burdens
• share each other’s joy
• pray for our church family and for those who mistreat us

God’s Word does what He says it will do. It isn’t powerless against disbelief and doubt.

John 17:17

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV

God empowers truth, safety, comfort and encouragement.

Jesus prays that His joy is fulfilled in believers—those set apart in the truth of the Divine Word—in knowledge He came from The Father who sent Him to make us holy in Truth and Love. God’s Word encourages daily life filled with quick apologies and forgiving hearts. Born of God by faith the Holy Spirit gives, believers are no longer of the world, though they are in the world. God the Father keeps His children unified in faith and sends us to shine in the world. Jesus intimately knows all who receive, tend, keep the Word close—those He plans to keep forever!

Pray

Dear Creator, you do not change, yet humans are always changing. Thank you for placing opportunities to gather with loving families, giving us friends who are close—for providing us supportive communities who help us to realize how full life is with those treat us with respect and dignity which flows from Your Truth. We praise You for those who already have or in the future will come into our lives in the name of Your love, and also for the ways we are allowed to return Your love. Enlarge our minds with Your truth. Draw us into the mystery of Your love and the resurrected life to come. Amen.

Links

• Watch John
• Listen to John Full Book
• Differences
• The Gospel of John Endures Forever
• Meditation on John 17