Up to now, Paul has repeatedly talked about how we don’t live by the law anymore. Such teaching had the same reaction back then that many Christians do today: religious rules are bad, so we don’t need the law anymore. Such thinking then leads to wanting to live however we please. So, where does the law fit into a Christian’s life? Let’s study that this week.
Read MorePaul makes a big statement in this week’s passage: you’re either slave God or sin. In today’s world of a watered down Gospel, some people may try to tell you that there’s a middle ground: that you can live as you please without being a slave to God or to sin. Let’s study what the Bible has to say about this.
Read MorePaul knew his audience - we see that as he regularly references the Jewish law and, this week, he brings in Abraham and David, both of whom would have been acclaimed as founding fathers for Paul’s intended audience. Like a lawyer presenting his case before a jury, Paul builds on his earlier points by bringing in influential witnesses to prove his points. So, let’s see if we can follow Paul’s case here.
Read More“Break up your fallow ground” means to rend your heart, break down the barriers of your soul, and repent. I believe one of the hardest things to admit, especially for those “seasoned saints” or anyone who has walked with the Lord for any length of time, is our misunderstanding of repentance. I will admit that I once believed the word “repent” was directed only towards unbelievers or used only in the context of an altar call. Until recently, I never embraced the beauty that repentance brings to my relationship with Jesus.
Read MoreHave you heard this song before? It’s Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen. It’s a song that grips whoever hears it. It’s a disillusioned love song. But, there’s something about its lyrics that speak into something that we have all experienced but never share.
Read MoreLast year, I had to spend a Friday in a same day surgery center. Believe me when I say I did NOT want to be there. But it was necessary.
Read MoreSeveral years ago, I picked up a copy of Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Minimalism was starting to become more popular, and I liked the idea of trying to organize my life. It didn’t take me that long into the decluttering process to realize I had so much stuff that I never use. Things that I was holding onto simply because I thought I should. It’s like I suddenly woke up and saw all the stuff that was weighing me down, and the whole idea of minimalism totally clicked for me.
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