Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Romans 4:16-25

It is all about faith. Belief. Trust. Knowing that God brings life to the dead. He brings into existence things that did not exist before. I've seen it - haven't you? I have seen God bring life to people' s lives that were utterly dead...people who were roaming to world as walking zombies...empty...confused. I have seen God bring love into a heart, where no love existed before that. I have experienced God bringing life and new creation to my own life. Do you believe that? Do you have faith?

Abraham placed his faith in God...Abraham believed that God would make him a father of many nations even though he was old and his wife was barren. He trusted God and he was counted as righteous. And Paul tells us that these words are not only reserved for Abraham. These words are also reserved for you and I! Do you ever think about that? Paul is saying that we are able to experience that same righteousness by faith that was experienced by Abraham the father of Judaism and Christianity. If you choose only to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was crucified for our sins and rose from the dead...you will be counted as righteous. You will be honored as the sons and daughters of God!

Rule following cannot save you. Church attendance cannot save you. Tithing 10% of your income cannot save you. Service projects cannot save you. If we were judged by our actions and our ability to follow God's Law, we would all be found to be unrighteous. But if we choose instead to focus on the amazing grace of God...if we choose instead to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins...if we choose to place our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ and the redemptive work he is doing in the world - we will be saved! And through that righteousness...through that salvation...our actions will become more God-honoring...we will seek godly community...we will become exceedingly generous and servant hearted. But faith comes first. You believe your way into good works...you do not work your way in faith.

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