Tried and True

G. K. Chesterton was wrote, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." The general essence of his statement is that Christianity at its core is humanly impossible. People cannot walk according to the Word of God in their own strength, so they conclude that no one can do it.

The Scriptures are clear that the Christian walk is a supernatural one. It is clear from John 3 that the new birth is a work of the Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is the one who quickens the heart through the work of regeneration. It is he who plants the seed of faith. We don't become believers by praying a prayer. We become the children of God when we trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

In order for us to trust Jesus, our hearts have to be changed. The Holy Spirit works that change in us. It is to paraphrase Paul, God who works in us to will and to do his good will (see Phil. 2:13). Thus, many people "try" Christianity only to find that they don't have what it takes to walk the walk. They become disillusioned and abandon the faith.

For this reason, the apostles urge us to search our hearts to see if we have evidence of the work of the Spirit (see Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 2:4-12; 2 Cor. 1:22; Jam. 1:26; 2 Pet. 1:10). When asked who can be saved, Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27).

The trick is not to try harder, but to yield to the only one who has the power to change you. Christ is our only hope for living the Christian ideal. Yes, it is difficult. In truth, it is impossible apart from Christ. But when we trust him, he gives us the strength we need.

The Lord Is Sweeter than Honey

"A person who is full tramples on a honeycomb, but to a hungry person, any bitter thing is sweet" (Prov. 27:7, HCSB).

It is no wonder that the words of the wise are often referred to as dark sayings. There is a certain level of obscurity in most of the proverbs. More often than not, the reader is left asking what does that mean? Even the ones that are more easily understood leave the reader wondering if their is more than meets the eye.

Proverbs 27:7 is no different. Reading it leads one to conclude that it is only an observation. It is as if Solomon was saying, "Fact: when people are full, they don't want more food. Fact: hungry people would by glad to eat anything." But is that all Solomon is saying. If so, then the proverb takes on a meaning similar to the modern expression, "Never go grocery shopping when your hungry."

What if Solomon is using this observation of human behavior to point us to more startling truths? What if he is using the hunger imagery to symbolize something else? Jesus spoke of hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). The Lord says through Isaiah:

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and you labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in rich food. Incline you ear, and come to me; hear, that you soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David (Isa. 55:1-3, ESV).

These two examples help us to see that the imagery of hunger/eating points to a deeper spiritual reality. These images draw an analogy for the reader. Just as a person is hungry (craves, yearns, or longs) for food, their soul also longs for "food." The food for our soul can be purchased, but not with money. It can only be obtained by listening (hearing combined with obedience). What is this bread? Jesus is the bread (see John 6:35-37).Thus, the hungry soul can only truly be satisfied in Christ.

Solomon uses the sweetness of the honeycomb to complete the analogy. Honey is sweet, and for that reason it is alluring. It offers a reward for merely tasting it, but it can be dangerous. Solomon warns, "If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it" (Prov. 25:16). Yet even honey is more than honey. It is said the lips of the adulterous drip honey (see Prov. 5:3).  Solomon isn't saying she is a sloppy eater, but that her words are sweet and alluring.

Now that we see it is an analogy, let's return to Proverbs 27:7. Solomon says, "A person who is full tramples on a honeycomb." Within his culture, the idea of trampling on a honeycomb would most likely seem ludicrous. We could paraphrase it as, "A person who has just eaten a good meal will skip dessert." I know what you're thinking, "Dessert is part of a good meal," but try and follow the analogy. It isn't really about dessert. Let me put it another way, "A person who has what they want doesn't want anything else." David (Ps. 23:1), Jesus (John 4:31-34), and Paul (Phil. 4:11-13) were full in God. Therefore, they refused to chase after other sources of pleasure. They had all they needed.

The second part of the proverb states, "But to the hungry person, any bitter thing is sweet." Eddie Murphy once joked that if you give a starving person a cracker they will ask, "Is this a Ritz?". He humorous observation captures the same reality that Solomon is explaining. An empty belly doesn't always discriminate between yummy and yucky. Genuine hunger overrules the palate. King Tongue may have the say when the cupboards are full, but taste doesn't rule when it's eat or die.

The analogy holds if we apply it to the soul. The empty soul, that is, a soul that is hungering for God (even if it doesn't realize it), will look for fulfillment in all the wrong places. Richard Trench once said, "None but God can satisfy the longings of the immortal soul; as the heart was made for him, he only can fill it." Augustine stated, "Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee."

It is this nagging sense that something is missing deep within the human heart, that propels us to search. However, apart from God, we cannot find what we are looking for. We are so hungry that the bitter seems sweet. I believe this is the reason many people are overtaken by sin. They get caught in addiction because they are trying to fill the void. Even believers who fail to apply the gospel to all of their lives struggle with this as well. Many who believe the gospel are never trained to understand the full implications of the message. It changes everything about us.

If we are full of the message of Christ, so that it touches every part of our lives, temptation will lose some of it's power. Why taste the honeycomb when we are full? Or will we keep cramming the bitter things of this world down our throats while telling ourselves, "It's a Ritz"? Don't forget, the Lord is sweeter than honey.


Image Credit

Hymns: "I Stand Amazed"

The hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene," is one of my favorites. I love the song because it puts into words the way I feel in my heart. I cannot understand how Jesus could love me, "a sinner condemned unclean." The love of Christ is overwhelming to the point of amazement. The song captures that sense of awe and wonder very well. Here is a version by Chris Tomlin. I hope you enjoy it.

FAQs Mondays: Can Anything Be Done?

Last week, we sought to answer the big question, "How did it effect the World?" We learned that the sin of Adam brought the world into a state of sin and misery. We also learned that all of Adam's descendants inherit a sin nature. You can read that post here. As we learned last week, we need a change of heart to get into heaven.

What do we call this change of heart?

The new birth. Note: For older children you can also use the term regeneration.

Who can make this change of heart?

The Holy Spirit alone.

The only solution available is to experience new birth. It is important to understand that regeneration (the new birth) is a work of the Spirit. Children need to realize that the new birth isn't something they can manufacture. At the same time, they also need to be taught how to recognize the Spirit's work in their hearts. Next week, we will begin looking at one of the Spirit's great tools in bring about the new birth: the 10 Commandments. Next week, we'll will answer "What is the nature of the Commandments?"

Sermon Recap 4-24-11

Sunrise: I read from 1 Corinthians 15:1-23. We focused on verses 19 and 20. Paul explains that without the resurrection our faith is wasted and our lives are pitiful. He then goes on to remind us that Christ is indeed raised.

Morning: The sermon, "Be Reconciled to God," explored 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2. In this passage, Paul urges us to be reconciled with God. He explains that this is only possible through Christ's death as our substitute and Christ's imputed righteousness. We were reminded that God's grace is ours to seize today because it is the day of God's favor.

A Case for the Resurrection

Here is a video of William Lane Craig discussing the historicity of the resurrection. Feel free to check it out.

Good Friday

Here is a video that combines a portion of an S. M. Lockridge sermon with clips from The Passion of the Christ. It is an encouraging reminder that the cross must always been scene through the lens of the resurrection. If Jesus only died for our sins, we will still be in them. Since he has been raised to life, we too, have hope that we will be raised. I hope you're blessed by this sermon.

Praying in Earnest

I'm thinking about Jesus praying in the garden. There he was crying out to his Father for the strength to do what must be done. Although we are not told Satan was present, we can see Jesus being tempted. In Luke 22:39-46, we see the seen.

Jesus warns his disciples to pray "that you will not enter into temptation." It may mean that they are to ask God to keep them from being tempted. Or it may mean that praying will keep them from giving into temptation. They are to be watchful, vigilant.

Jesus sets the example. As he is being tempted to find another way, he yields to the Father. He prays, and the Father strengthens him through an angel. Then he prays more earnestly.

The disciples were to pray, but failed. They slept why Jesus prayed. Jesus rebuked them, and commanded them to pray. They should have been praying for the strength to stand with Jesus, but they didn't.

If we are to escape the power of sin, it will take prayer. In Christ, we have the Spirit's help when we pray. He enables us to do the work set out for us. When we need strength, we only have to ask, and he will give it to us. Temptation will come. We must prepare ourselves by praying for deliverance.

Spiritual Songs: "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe

Evil is an ever present reality in our world. Because evil exists, some have concluded that a good God cannot exist. However, God's goodness is visible even in the heartaches and hardships of life. Just because we cannot imagine a reason compelling enough for the existence of pain, doesn't mean that there isn't a reason. It simply means that we have limited understanding of the world and its workings.

When people say, "If God was good, this event wouldn't have happened!" Does one negative experience, or even a million negative experiences for that matter, actually erase the countless blessings we experience everyday? If we are blessed, yet fail to recognize it, does that remove the blessing? Do we actually deserve every good thing that happens in our life?

This song deals with the problem of pain. It encourages trust in the faithfulness of God. It calls for us to bravely embrace the path God has for us, whether the going is easy or tough. Suffering is part of the Christian life.  This song is a heart cry for God to be glorified in our lives. Do you yearn for God to be glorified in your life? Then, trust him when he brings the rain.  Enjoy the video:

FAQs Mondays: How Did It Effect the World?

Last week, we looked at the question "What went wrong?" You can read that post here. We learned that sin had dire consequences for Adam and Eve, but we were left wondering how it effected the rest of the world. To this question, we turn our attention.

What effect did the sin of Adam have on all people?

All people are born in a state of sin misery.

What do we inherit from Adam as a result of this original sin?

A sinful nature.

What does every sin deserve?

The anger and judgement of God.

Can anyone go to heaven with a sinful nature?

No; our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven.

These questions and answers help us to understand the desperate plight of humanity. We are born in a state of sin and misery. It is our nature to sin. Our sin brings the anger and judgement of God. Being under the judgement of God, it is impossible to enter heaven without our hearts being changed. It is a very serious situation that faces humanity. Because of our sin, we are cut off from God. We are driven to ask, "Can anything be done?" We will look at the answer to that question next week.

Sermon Recap 4-17-11

Morning: It was Gideon Rally Day. We had an excellent speaker. The sermon, "The Living Word," focused on Hebrews 4:12-13. In this passage, the author reminds his readers that God's Word is living and active. As we read it, we encounter the living God. It also brings life to those who read it in faith. The Word warns us of coming judgment, our need for forgiveness, and depth of our sin. It is our foundation and guide.

Evening: We looked at the life of Saul from 1 Samuel 9:1-31:13. Here are some of the principles we can draw from Saul's life:

• Be careful for what you ask, you may just get it.

• You can't judge a book by its cover.

• The fear of man is the beginning of folly.

• Foolish decisions will taint your legacy (especially when they outnumber your wise ones).

• Obedience is better than sacrifice.

• Sometimes, sorry just doesn't cut it.

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

How does a father get to know his daughters? How does he become one of the leading influences in her life? These are the questions Greg Wright tackles in his book Daddy Dates. In this book, he lays out "the roadmap for any dad to raise a strong and confident daughter." The book serves to guide fathers in the practice of "dating" their daughters (in a nonromantic, non-creepy way). Dad's are encouraged to take their daughters out on "dates" which revolve around the daughter's interest and provide an opportunity from him to get to know her.   

The book has a good deal of advice. Wright offers tips on how a father can connect with his daughter. He reminds us that men, as fathers and husbands, need to learn how to listen. He rightly suggests to us that there is no substitute for spending time with our daughters. If fathers want to influence their daughters in a positive way, then they have to be connected to their daughters in a vital way. This connection take time and care to develop.

I'm struggling with the terminology of "dating" one's daughter. Wright clearly didn't intend for the concept to be misunderstood, but it still creeps me out a little.

Another thing that bothers me about the book is that it doesn't deal with spiritual issues. Wright speaks about raising "strong and confident daughters," but that isn't the same as godly daughters. I'm not suggesting that he doesn't desire his daughters to be godly, it just not explicitly stated in the book. It is wonderful that non-believer could pick up the book and use it to develop a better relationship with his daughter, but a believer should strive for more than just improved relationships. I was left wondering how the process of dating helped him with the spiritual formation of his daughters.

One final, minor complaint. The books seemed to jump around to me. Some of the chapters, although they were helpful, seemed to be out of place. It could have been better organized. Specifically, the chapters concerning divorced dads and mommy dates interrupted the flow of the book, and would have been better at the end.

Overall, I thought it was an okay book. There were several good stories (no real tear-jerkers, but after all it was written by a man for other men), but there was nothing profound. Men are pursuers. Listen. Don't screw up. I think men with daughters could benefit from this book, but only if they are going to put it into practice.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Pleasant Reminder

Have you ever felt like a complete and utter failure? Does it ever feel like your life has been wasted? Do you ever wonder if God has washed his hands of you? Although it pains me to say it, I wrestle these feelings more often than I care to admit. Feelings are funny things. Although they are real in the sense that we genuinely feel them, they don't always express reality. For example, you could be sitting a crowded room surrounded by friends, and still feel lonely. You "feel" all alone, but that isn't actually the case.

We don't always perceive our value. God has demonstrated his love toward us; it is unquestionable (see Rom. 5:6-10). Yet we don't always feel loved. I was recently reminded of God's love again. A few days ago, I drove passed an apartment complex where I used to hangout before I came to know the Lord. In fact, it was a place where one of the darkest moments of my life occurred. I'm convinced that I came close to dying one night in the parking lot of that apartment complex. I don't remember what that complex used to be called, but as I past I noticed a sign that said, "Providence Place."

I have known for a long time that God brought me through that destructive phase of my life, but I could help but marvel at that sign. There was literally a sign marking the spot where providence had spared my life. I don't want to read to much into it, but I find it intriguing. The sign, although not made for me or with me in mind, was used by God to confirm, once more, his unquestionable love for me.

It felt like he was saying, "I wasn't through with you then and there, and I'm not through with you here and now." But the truth is I don't need a sign. I have the Scripture. Paul said, "For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" (Rom. 11:29). If they are irrevocable for Israel, even in their rebellion, how can they be revoked from us whom the Spirit has made alive? Paul also said,

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now received reconciliation (Rom. 5:9-11).

 That sign reminded me of the truth from a truer source. Seeing the "Providence Place" sign was like a catalyst. It caused me to retrace the steps of my journey, but this time I didn't focus on all of my missteps. This time I focused on the unseen hand of God that brought out of the darkness and into the light. Instead of feeling the shame of my past, I saw the love of God. The love that rescued me then hasn't lost any of its potency.

If you feeling down, I hope that you recognize the signs of God's love that are surrounding you at this moment. If you look closely enough, you will find God's fingerprints all over you life. He has loved and will continue to love you with an everlasting love. You may not feel it, but it doesn't mean his love is not real. Anchor yourself in the truth of his Word, and you'll weather your stormy feelings.

Event Notice: Slugs and Bugs

If you are looking for a fun, family friendly outing, I'm excited to say that the "Slugs and Bugs" tour is coming to our area. This Saturday, April 16th, 2011, Randall Goodgame will be performing in Powderly, Kentucky at 6:00 pm. The Journey Church is hosting this free concert. Slugs and Bugs is an fun children's album produced by Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame. The songs are fun for children (and adults). I hope to see you there. Here is a video of one of my favorite songs from the album.

FAQs Mondays: What Went Wrong?

We looked at the beginning of human existence last week as we answered the question, "Where did it all begin?" You can read that post here. The image of a holy and happy humanity left us asking, "What went wrong?" This series of questions and answers help us to be able to answer the bigger question. Let's look at them now.

Did Adam and Eve stay holy and happy?

No; they sinned against God.

What is sin?

Sin is failing to do what God commands. Note: Sometimes, Sophia struggles with this wording. I will often say, "Sin is not doing what God tells us to do." She seems to be able to remember that answer more accurately.

What was the sin of our first parents?

Eating the forbidden fruit. Note: It was fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You may want to add that information when working with older children. Also, I sometimes phrase the question as, "What was the sin of Adam and Eve?"

Why did they eat the forbidden fruit?

Because they did not believe what God had said. Note: This is another answer that we usually change. Sophia will answer, "They didn't believe what God told them."

Who tempted them to sin?

The devil tempted Eve, and she gave the fruit to Adam.

What happened to our first parents when they sinned?

Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable. Note: Sometimes, I change "our first parents" to "Adam and Eve." This change proves less confusing to Sophia.


So we learn, through this series of questions and answers, that mankind rebelled against God's word. They chose to reject God's command, and became sinful and miserable. The trouble we witness within the human race has its beginning in the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

The realization that Adam and Eve brought sin into the world leaves us the another question. We must ask, "How did it effect the world?" That is to say, next week we will probe the way in which the sin of Adam and Eve impacted the rest of the world.  I hope you are being encouraged through this series, and I hope you keep following it. Feel free to leave a comment.

Sermon Recap 4-10-11

Morning: The sermon, "Don't Just Stand There! Do Something!" explored 1 Samuel 30:1-25. This passage explores an event in David's life. We drew an analogy between David, God's anointed and David's son, Jesus Christ. In this passage, we see David as a deliverer. As we read this account, we get a glimpse of how God works through his Anointed.

We need to perceive the danger (1 Sam. 30:1-6). David's troop find Ziklag destroyed, and their families taken captive. They realize the danger that their families are facing, and they are moved to respond. Likewise, we need understand the danger that spiritual captives are facing. We have family and friends who are enslaved to sin, dead in their trespasses, blinded to the glory of God, and subject to eternal punishment. We need to allow the perception to move us to action.

We need to hear the command and trust the promise (1 Sam. 30:7-8). David seeks God's guidance, and hears the command to go. But he also hears the promise of victory. Again, we see this in Jesus' words, "Therefore go and make disciples . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20). We are called to serve, and promised that our labors will be rewarded. We need to join the fight.

But each of us must battle with the strength God has given us (2 Sam. 30:9-10). The men who stayed behind are not shamed for their action. They are not accused of treason. Instead they are left to guard the supplies. Today, some of us are on the front lines, while others are behind the scenes. But a day may come when the roles reverse. Until then we labor in the strength we have.

We must remember that it is God who brings the victory (1 Sam. 30:11-20). Through the providential hand of God, David and his men are able to find and defeat the Amalekites. We are not in control of the events of our lives. Some work out for us, and some work against us. When success comes we must always remember that it was God who made it happen. Jesus continually pointed to the work of the Father. To be like Jesus we must honor the work of God.

Finally, we can be confident that all of Christ's people share alike. David would not consider depriving those who stayed with the baggage of a portion of the spoils. Jesus has made us co-heirs with him. We don't all perform the same tasks, but we all serve the same Master.

As we close our 21 days of prayer and fasting, we have to resist the temptation toward self-righteousness and self-reliance. Success in an endeavor like this is all of grace. Should God choose to answer our prayers, it will be because he delights in saving sinners, and because he delights in putting those sinners into service.

Evening: We did our Foundations 16 class. We looked at the story of Ruth, which I believe can be summed up by Ruth 4:14. We also looked at the life of Samuel from 1 Samuel 1:1-28:20.

Principles

(from Ruth)

•  The Lord is faithful, even when his people aren't.

• The Lord will redeem his people.

(from Samuel)

• The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (see Jam. 5:16)

• God will display himself as holy through and among his people.

• God will not be mocked.

• God is our King, we need no other.

• God demands faithfulness.

• God doesn't look on the outside, but on the inside.

An Encouragment to Continued Prayer

Despair not because you do not get an answer immediately. 

While you are speaking, Jesus is listening. 

If he delays an answer, it is only for wise reasons, 

and to try if you are in earnest. 

The answer will surely come. 

Though it tarry, wait for it. 

It will surely come.

J.C. Ryle--A Call to Prayer

Praying in Jesus' Name

What does it mean to pray in "the name of the Lord?" or in "the name of Jesus?" Sometimes, we treat those statements as if they are just the tag that comes at the end of our prayers just before the amen. We'll pray and then conclude, "We asked these things in Jesus' name." In John 16:23-28, Jesus tells the disciples that a time was coming when they would ask in his name, and the Father would give them what they asked.

Praying in Jesus' name means that we are praying in a way that is in sync with his character and motivation. When we pray this way, we are praying for the same things Jesus wants. It is to pray in a manner worthy of Jesus. How do we do that?

Here are five quick suggestions:

• Approach with humility. We don't approach God in our own righteousness, but the righteousness that comes through Christ.

• Approach with desire for God's glory. In John 17:1, Jesus prays for his glory, that he might glorify the Father. We should want to bring him glory as well.

• Approach with a commitment to do his will. In Matthew 26:39-44, We see Jesus praying, and submitting to the Father's will. He sets the pattern.

• Approach with an expectancy that leads to rejoicing. 1 John 5:14-15, tells us that we can be confident that our prayers are heard when we are praying according to God's will.

• Approach with confidence. We are loved by God because he has made us his children (see Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:15). Hebrews 4:16 urges us to boldly approach the throne of grace. In Christ, we are free to approach the Father.

Spiritual Songs: "By Your Side" Tenth Avenue North

This is a song that has really been ministering to me this week. Unfortunately, it is far to easy, for me, to forget that God is always with me. Throughout the Scriptures, we see that God is actively for us. If we will trust him, he will lift us up.

It reminds me of the old hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." The two songs cover the same issue from different sides. Where "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is sung from a believer's point-of-view, "By Your Side," is sung from Jesus' point-of-view. "By Your Side" confronts the struggling believer in their pain and strife, and calls them to find rest in Jesus. "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is the response of one resting in Christ.

If you find yourself in the midst of a battle, if you feel weary and worn out, if you aren't sure you can keep going, take time to listen to "By Your Side." Let the words sink in. Remind yourself of the truth that they convey--Jesus is with you.  Maybe when your remember he is by your side, you'll lean on his everlasting arms, and find the peace you so desperately need.

Here is the video:




Credits are on the video.

FAQs Mondays: Where Did It All Begin?

Last week, we answered the question, "How do we come to know God?" You can read that post here. Now let us answer the question, "Where did it all begin." Let's look at the catechism to see how to answer the question.

Who were our first parents?

Adam and Eve.

What was the body of Adam made of?

God made Adam out of the ground. Note: This question (and the next) have been altered. Sophia seemed to remember the answers better when I broke the question up. Here is the original question/answer: "Of what were our first parents made? God made the body of Adam our of the ground and formed Eve from the body of Adam"

What was Eve made of?

God made Eve out of the body of Adam.

What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies?

He gave them souls that could never die.

Do you have a soul?

Yes; the Bible teaches me that I have a soul that can never die.

In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?

He made them holy and happy.

So the human experience began with the creation of Adam and Eve. They were created holy and happy, and given souls that never die. Our existence is directly related to theirs. Through these questions and answers, children learn that humanity had a good beginning.  There was a time in human history, when people were exactly what God meant for them to be.

However, the knowledge that Adam and Eve were created "holy and happy" leads to a question. If Adam and Eve were without sin and content, what went wrong?  We'll answer that question next week.

Sunday Recap 4-3-11

Morning: The sermon, "Who Will You Serve?" explored Romans 6:15-23. In this passage, Paul reminds us that whoever we serve  is our master.

Paul warns us not to fall for sin's faulty logic (See Rom. 6:15-18). Sin would argue that because we are under grace and not under the law, that we are therefore free to do as we please. But Paul counters that with a hard dose of reality. The choice before us is always obedience to sin or obedience to God. One choice leads to death the other leads to life. Paul reminds the reader that although they were formerly slaves to sin, they are now obedient to the word, free from sin, and slaves to righteousness.

In Romans 6:19, Paul warns against misunderstanding his message. When he speaks of service to Christ as slavery, he isn't pushing a point by point comparison. He is using an image familiar to his audience the get his point across.  He reminds them of the similarity of the process: once they gave themselves over to sin, now they must give themselves over to righteousness.  He contrasts the product of the different paths. We only reap death when we serve sin, but when we serve Christ, we reap a harvest of holiness. Finally, he contrasts the payment. Sin pays the wages of death. God gives the gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to those who follow him. We can't earn it, and yet he willingly gives it.

Paul's words should cause us to search our souls. We need to ask, "What fruit is in my life?" Do we have the fruit of righteousness that leads to holiness? Or do we only possess the fruit of sin, which leads to death? Then we need to ask, "Who will we serve?" We will either serve sin, or serve the Lord, but we can't serve both.

Evening: Business Meeting.

Why Wait?

Doubt not

his willingness to save you, 

because you are a sinner.

It is Christ's office to save sinners.

He says of himself,

"I came not to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32)

J.C. Ryle, A Call to Prayer

Wise Words on Prayer

In biblical times, 

extreme circumstances drove people to their knees 

more often than they do today, 

not because we have fewer extremes today, 

but because we are too arrogant (or ignorant) 

to recognize our helplessness in the face of them.

--Terry C. Muck, Liberating the Leader's Prayer Life