God vs. The Law - The Ladder Analogy

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,” - Romans 5:20

God vs. Law

In Romans 5 the Apostle Paul is writing about the need for the law to show where sin is, the need to know right and wrong. He also shares with us how sin came to be and that is through Adam. But we now have Jesus and with Jesus we have hope through grace that covers all sin because Jesus is the perfect Adam.

When studying this verse, I came across this beautiful illustration of God (or Jesus and grace) vs the Law (sin) and I wanted to share it with you all.

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As a sinner, separated from God, you see his law from below as a ladder to be climbed to get to God.  Perhaps you have repeatedly tried to climb it only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one or two rungs. Or perhaps the sheer height of the ladder seems so overwhelming that you have never even started up.  In either case what relief you should feel to see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above the ladder of the law and take you directly to God.  Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence you are free to obey – out of love not necessity and through God’s power not your own.  You know that if you stumble you will not fall back down to the ground.  Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ’s loving arms.

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Our pastor has shared another illustration with us on numerous occasion. You picture a staircase, with a door to “enlightenment”. In most religions, you climb the staircase to get to the door to finally open to enlightment. But in Christianity, the door is at the beginning. When you say yes to Jesus, you walk through the door and into “enlightenment” and then climb the staircase.

Both of these illustrations show the importance of faith and grace. It’s not performance. There are no steps. You can’t earn salvation. You simply open the door or lift your arms to Jesus.

We pray you remember this each and every day living in his abounding grace.  For it is not what you do, but what he has already done.

Encouragment to stay Steadfast

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58

In my study bible I read these words, “Paul says this because of the resurrection knowing that Christ has won the ultimately victory should affect the way we live right now.  Don’t let discouragement over the apparent lack of results keep you from doing the work of the Lord enthusiastically as you have the opportunity.”

Guys, here is my right now – a stinker, strong willed little almost 2 year old.  This verse.  This sweatshirt.  This bible study application right here, couldn’t have hit at a better time.  Our output in patience, consistency and appropriate discipline is at an all time high and we’ve had very very little results.  It’s draining and discouraging but I hold steadfast.  God has granted the wonderful (sometimes exhausting) privilege of raising these beautiful children for Him.  Children who will know God and live in light of the resurrection.  So I hold steadfast and unwavering.  I trust that God is partnering with me in this.  And when days that are beyond hard come, I’m going to put on the sweatshirts as a reminder.  Even if I have to dig it out of the dirty laundry. (okay maybe not)

I know there are so many of you also struggling.  Waiting for that deal to close, mission to grow, friend to change.  You’ve worked or prayed for so many hours.  You feel called and passionate yet nothing is growing or moving.  I pray you remain steadfast.  Look beyond the lack, the discouragement, and hold onto the promise and hope.

Thanksgiving Devotional

Thanksgiving might not be a biblical holiday but its reasons to celebrate are scattered throughout the Bible.

History of thanksgiving

Squanto was a Native American who became the pilgrims “trusted” friend by offering them help and wisdom to survive their first harsh winter in a new land. Please note that this is not a blog on history.  The motives behind Squanto actions are not the point here.  When the pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest, they gave gratitude to God.  During this feast Squanto was invited and he brought with 90 Native American friends who graciously served up plenty of wild turkey to prepare for the feast.

The 1st thanksgiving was a mingling of cultures and races.  I can only pray it was a feast of mutual respect for their differences and a time to understand each other.  It all centered around one idea though. Giving thanks to God. That was the intent set out by the Pilgrims.  A feast of thanksgiving for his hand in helping them survive and then thrive with the harvest.

Thanksgiving for Christians

The Bible is littered with verses about thanksgiving, grateful hearts, and blessings.  Do a quick 2 minutes Google search and you’ll have more verses than you need.  But it’s what we do with those verses that cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, an attitude of gratitude.

Two things I love most about the thanksgiving story is the idea of community and service:  usually those 2 words together aren’t a good thing but here they are.  The pilgrims came together for one reason.  To give thanks to God.  They endured crazy hardships fleeing their homeland being persecuted as Christians, traveled the Atlantic Ocean by a simple wooden ship just to be welcomed by the chance of survival.  And because of someone who doesn’t look like them, a Native American, they do.  They survive.  And how do they react?  They don’t say well done self and pat themselves on the back.  You worked hard.  No.  They throw a feast of thanks to God.  And they invite an outsider and he comes serving and sharing his plenty.  He gives what he has with an open and welcome heart and it’s a beautiful picture of what biblical service looks like..  The feast in 1621 has so much to teach us.  Don’t let the intentionality of this gathering lose its meaning because greed and persecution set in later in the American history.  This feast, the original thanksgiving was beautiful in God’s eyes.

A day devoted to thanking God for their blessings.

A day devoted to humbling themselves and glorifying God for his provisions and care.

A day devoted to giving of oneself so another can prosper.

A day devoted to community and service.

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A Prayer For Thankful Hearts

As we draw upon Thanksgiving, take time to quiet your soul, pray this prayer, and meditate on the verses below.

Heavenly Father,

You are the giver of every good thing. Your blessings are beyond measure.

Your mercies never run out or expire. Perfection is not a prerequisite for your love.

Your grace is freely given, and repayment is never required.

You are a generous and faithful God.

With thanksgiving we surrender our hearts and open our hands.

We let go of that which we shouldn’t hold, to receive all that you have for us.

Shape us and use us for your purposes.

All glory and honor and praise be yours, forever and ever.

Amen

Bible Verse:

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us - to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Open up your bible and dive deeper into these verses:

• Ephesians 1:3

• Psalm 103

• James 1:17

• Psalm 9:1

• Psalm 118:1

Being a Christian is like being a Pumpkin Quote

My lovely mother sent this to me. “Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin” She saw it from Iverson Tree Farm. Not sure if they originated this idea or not. But I love it and wanted to share with you all.

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin

God picks you from the patch and brings you in.

Then washes all the dirt off of you

He opens you up and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.

Then He carves you a new smiling face.

And He puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

Picks you from the patch - John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Washes the dirt - 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:; The old has gone, the new is here!

Scoops the yucky - Romans 6:6: For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

He carves - Psalm 71:23: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.

Puts His light - Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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