“For you
did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received
the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself
testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children,
then we are heirs– heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share
in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:15-17
(NIV)
The great
danger of 21st century Christianity is to view our faith from the world’s
perspective. A worldly view is a “tolerance” view, a
“faith-based” view. Religion is viewed from the perspective of
whether it is useful or harmful, whether it can do something for society or
not. And unfortunately this perspective has invaded our churches.
danger of 21st century Christianity is to view our faith from the world’s
perspective. A worldly view is a “tolerance” view, a
“faith-based” view. Religion is viewed from the perspective of
whether it is useful or harmful, whether it can do something for society or
not. And unfortunately this perspective has invaded our churches.
When
Christianity is reduced to merely a religious opinion or a benefit to society
or a tool to advance governmental programs and agenda, then Christianity has
lost its transforming power. Christians must never forget that our
non-Christian world does not believe in the God who reveals sin. The
non-Christian world does not believe in the God who provides a remedy for sin
in the Crucified and Resurrected Christ.
Christianity is reduced to merely a religious opinion or a benefit to society
or a tool to advance governmental programs and agenda, then Christianity has
lost its transforming power. Christians must never forget that our
non-Christian world does not believe in the God who reveals sin. The
non-Christian world does not believe in the God who provides a remedy for sin
in the Crucified and Resurrected Christ.
Think
about this: a fallen, guilty, sin-laden individual sits under the condemnation
of God’s judgment and eternal wrath, but God loves the condemned one so much
that he sacrifices himself on a Cross to rescue the condemned. And in our God
and Savior Jesus Christ there is no condemnation!
about this: a fallen, guilty, sin-laden individual sits under the condemnation
of God’s judgment and eternal wrath, but God loves the condemned one so much
that he sacrifices himself on a Cross to rescue the condemned. And in our God
and Savior Jesus Christ there is no condemnation!
The
condemned isn’t liberated by social benefits. Condemnation is isn’t defeated by
religious ideas or opinions. Despite a “faith-based” association,
government agendas or programs cannot deliver us from condemnation.
Condemnation is only defeated by the blood of the Crucified Savior and
Resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ.
condemned isn’t liberated by social benefits. Condemnation is isn’t defeated by
religious ideas or opinions. Despite a “faith-based” association,
government agendas or programs cannot deliver us from condemnation.
Condemnation is only defeated by the blood of the Crucified Savior and
Resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ.
Faith in
God’s work on Calvary in Jesus Christ is the only remedy for sin and
condemnation. In return for our faith (i.e., belief and repentance), we are
delivered from fear and receive “sonship” in God’s house. Think about
that for a moment. God sacrificed his only child that we might become his
children and heirs of his eternal kingdom.
God’s work on Calvary in Jesus Christ is the only remedy for sin and
condemnation. In return for our faith (i.e., belief and repentance), we are
delivered from fear and receive “sonship” in God’s house. Think about
that for a moment. God sacrificed his only child that we might become his
children and heirs of his eternal kingdom.
We who
place our faith Jesus Christ are not scared of God. We approach him intimately
and boldly as children who are approaching their father. Think about it: in Christ, condemnation is defeated. In Christ, God welcomes you. In Christ, you are a child and not a slave.
Christ’s righteousness covers you. And you come to him as boldly as a little
child comes to a father! Why would you reject that?
place our faith Jesus Christ are not scared of God. We approach him intimately
and boldly as children who are approaching their father. Think about it: in Christ, condemnation is defeated. In Christ, God welcomes you. In Christ, you are a child and not a slave.
Christ’s righteousness covers you. And you come to him as boldly as a little
child comes to a father! Why would you reject that?
Dear
Father, thank you for your work on Calvary. Empower every reader to place faith
in Christ as Savior and Lord. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Father, thank you for your work on Calvary. Empower every reader to place faith
in Christ as Savior and Lord. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong
and courageous today in Christ,
and courageous today in Christ,