Ephesians 3:12

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

 

¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.





It is an awesome privilege to be able to approach God with freedom and confidence. Most of us would be apprehensive in the presence of a powerful ruler. But thanks to Christ, by faith we can enter directly into God's presence through prayer. We know we'll be welcomed with open arms because we are God's children through our union with Christ. Don't be afraid of God. Talk with Him about everything. He is waiting to hear from you.





Joe










 

Ephesians 2:19-22

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

A Temple for the Lord

¹⁹ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. ²² Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

A church building is sometimes called God's house. In reality, God's household is not a building, but a group of people. He lives in us and shows Himself to a watching world through us. People can see that God is love and that Christ is Lord as we live in harmony with each other and in accordance with what God says in His Word. We are citizens of God's kingdom and members of His household.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.





We are God's masterpiece. Our salvation is something only God can do. It is His powerful, creative work in us. If God considers us His works of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work.





Joe

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.





When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That's very nice - now how much do I owe you?" No, the appropriate response to a gift is, "Thank you." Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with graditude, praise, and joy.





Joe





 

Ephesians 1:16-17

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, ¹⁷ asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

 

 

 

 

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know Christ better. Christ is our model, and the more we know of Him, the more we will be like Him. Study Jesus' life in the Gospels to see what He was like on earth, and get to know Him in prayer. Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life.

 

 

 

 

Joe

Ephesians 1:1


1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:




"Faithful in Christ Jesus" - what an excellent reputation! Such a label would be an honor for any believer. What would it take for others to characterize you as faithful to Christ Jesus? Hold fast to your faith, one day at a time; faithfully obey God, even in the details of life. Then, like the Ephesians, you will be known as a person who is faithful to the Lord.




Joe

Luke 2:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!


The greatest event in history has just happened! The Messiah had been born. For ages the Jews waited for this, and it finally occured, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. Don't think you need extrordinary qualifications - He accepts you as you are.


My Family and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy today with your family!
Joe

Galatians 6:9-10

The Message (MSG)

 

 

 

^9-10 So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.





It is discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results. But Paul challenged the Galations and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.







Joe








 

Galatians 6:7-8

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

 

⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.





It would be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It's a natural law to reap what we sow. It's true in other areas too. I you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires, you'll reap a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you'll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you sowing?





Joe






 

Matthew 24:29-44

The Message (MSG)

 

 

 

²⁹ “Following those hard times,

Sun will fade out,
moon cloud over,
Stars fall out of the sky,
cosmic powers tremble.

^30-31 “Then, the Arrival of the Son of Man! It will fill the skies—no one will miss it. Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven. At that same moment, he’ll dispatch his angels with a trumpet-blast summons, pulling in God’s chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.

^32-35 “Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.
³⁶ “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.
^37-39 “The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.
^39-44 “The Son of Man’s Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Well... another end of the world prediction came and went!
Verse 36 say's that Jesus did not know the day when He would return. If Jesus doesn't know, what makes you think the Mayans do?
Jesus' purpose in telling about His return is not to stimulate predictions and calculations about the date, but to warn us to be prepared. Will you be ready? The only safe choice is to obey Him today.

Joe

Galatians 3:27-28

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

²⁷ And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.²⁸ There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.



It's our natural inclination to feel uncomfortable around people who are different from us and to gravitate toward those who are similar to us. But when we allow our differences to seperate us from our fellow believers, we are disregarding clear Biblical teaching. Make a point to seek out and appreciate people who are not just like you and your friends. You may find that you have a lot in common with them.







Joe


















 

2 Corinthians 10:12-13

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.






Paul criticized the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God's standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel pride because we think we're better. But when we measure ourselves against God's standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride. Don't worry about other people's acomplishments. Instead, continually ask: How does my life measure up to what God wants? How does my life compare to Jesus Christ?






Joe









 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.



People may hesitate to give generously to God if they worry about having enough money left over to meet their own needs. Paul assured the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs. The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return. Don't let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously.






Joe







 

2 Corinthians 6:3

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

 

 

 

 

In everything he did, Paul always considered what his actions communicated about Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, you are a minister for God. In the course of each day, non-Christians observe you. Don't let your careless or undisciplined actions be another person's excuse for rejecting Christ.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 6:2

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

² For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.
On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

 

 

 

 

God offers salvation to all people. Many people put off a decision for Christ, thinking that there will be a better time - but they could easily miss their opportunity altogether. There is no time like the present to receive God's forgiveness. Don't let anything hold you back from coming to Christ.

Joe

2 Corinthians 5:20

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.




An ambassador is an official representative on behalf of one country to another. As believers, we are Christ's ambassadors, sent with His message of reconcilliation to the world. An ambassador of reconcilliation has an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are you fulfilling your commission as Christ's ambassador?



Joe

2 Corinthians 4:18

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹⁸ So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.




Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing terrible illness, persecution, or pain is the realization that this life is not all there is - there is life after death! Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we face in this life.



Joe

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

The Message (MSG)

 

 

^25-26 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.




What is your response when a fellow Christian is honored? How do you respond when someone is suffering? We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Too often, unfortunately, we are jealous of those who rejoice and apathetic toward those who weep. Believers are in the world together - there is no such thing as private or individualistic Christianity. We shouldn't stop with enjoying only our relationship with God; we need to get involved in the lives of others.




Joe











 

1 Corinthians 11:17-19

The Message (MSG)

 

 

 

^17-19 Regarding this next item, I’m not at all pleased. I am getting the picture that when you meet together it brings out your worst side instead of your best! First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other. I’m reluctant to believe it, but there it is. The best that can be said for it is that the testing process will bring truth into the open and confirm it.




Paul allows that there might be differences among church members. When they develop into self-willed divisions, they are destructive to the congregation. Those who cause division only serve to highlight those who are genuine believers.





Joe

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The Message (MSG)

 

 

 

^24-25 You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
^26-27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.




Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from a grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently - your spiritual progress depends on it.



Joe

1 Corinthians 9:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

¹⁶ Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!




Preaching the gospel was Paul's gift and calling, and he said he couldn't stop preaching even if he wanted to. Paul was driven by the desire to do what God wanted, using his gifts for God's glory. What special gifts has God given you? Are you motivated, like Paul, to honor God with your gifts?




Joe

1 Corinthians 7:20

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

²⁰ Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.





Often we are so concerned about what we could be doing for God somewhere else that we miss great opportunities right where we are. Paul says that when someone becomes a Christian, he or she should usually continue with the work he or she has previously been doing - providing it isn't immoral of unethical. Every job can become Christian work when you realize that the purpose of your life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Christ. Because God has placed you where you are, look carefully for opportunities to serve Him there.



Joe

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The Message (MSG)

 

 

^9-11 Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.



In a permissive society it is easy for Christians to overlook or tolerate some immoral behaviors while remaining outraged at others. We must not participate in sin or condone it in any way, nor may we be selective about what we condone or excuse. Staying away from more "acceptable" forms of sin is difficult, but it is no harder for us than it was for the Corinthians. God expects His followers in any age to have high standards.



Joe

1 Corinthians 4:18-20

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. ¹⁹ But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. ²⁰ For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.



Some people talk a lot about faith, but that's all it is - talk. They may know all the right words to say, but their lives don't reflect God's power. Paul says that the kingdom of God is to be lived, not just discussed. There is a big difference between knowing the right words and living them out. Don't be content to have the right answers about Christ. Let your life show that God's power is really working in you.



Joe

1 Corinthians 3:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.



A building is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation of our lives is Jesus Christ; He is our base, our reason for being. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern provided by Him. Are you building your life on the only real and lasting foundation, or are you building on a faulty foundation such as wealth, security, success, or fame?



Joe

1 Corinthians 3:7-9

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁷ It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. ⁹ For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.



God's work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. There are no superstars in this task, only team members performing their own special roles. We can become useful members of God's team by setting aside our desires to receive glory for what we do. Don't seek the praise that comes from people - it is comparatively worthless. Instead, seek approval from God.



Joe

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

 

 

 

Paul called the Corinthians infants in the Christian life because they were not yet spiritually healthy and mature. The proof was that they quarreled like children, allowing divisions to distract them. Immature Christians are "worldly," controlled by their own desires; mature believers are in tune with God's desires. How much influence do your desires have on your life? Your goal should be to let God's desires be yours. Being controlled by your desires will stunt your growth.

 

 

Joe

Today I am going to write about a dream I had a couple of years ago. I know I have written about this before, but I get comfort from it.

December 4th is my daughter Amanda's birthday. She would've been 29 today. She went home to be with the Lord a little over 9 years ago.

John 14:2

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)


 

² In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.



In my dream I remember going into a house. I walked down a long hallway toward a room that had a light on. As I entered the room and looked around, I saw painting equipment scattered around... ladders, drop cloths, open paint cans, brushes and rollers. There standing in the middle of all of it was my daughter Amanda with a big smile on her face (the "light up" the room smile that I miss so much). Her cheeks had splatters of yellow and orange paint on them. Her sweatshirt looked like she was using it to clean the brushes. I looked at her and smiled. I said to her, "Amanda, what are you doing? You know that painting is my job!" She looked at me, a more serious look on her face this time, she said, "Dad, I'm getting your room ready!

I woke up knowing that one day I will be with my daughter again.

Joe

1 Corinthians 1:10-11

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Divisions in the Church

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹ My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.


To "agree with one another", allow for "no divisions" and "be perfectly united in mind and thought" does not require everyone to believe exactly the same. There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters - Jesus Christ is Lord of all. In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians.


Joe

Romans 14:1

The Message (MSG)
 

14 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

 

This verse assumes there will be differences of opinion in the church. Paul says we are not to quarrel about issues that are matters of opinion. Differences should not be feared or avoided, but accepted and handled with love. Don't expect everyone, even in the best possible church, to agree on every subject. Through sharing ideas we can come to a fuller understanding of what the Bible teaches. Accept, listen to, and respect others. Differences of opinion need not cause division. They can be a source of learning and richness in our relationships.


 

Joe

Romans 12:19-20

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 

 

 

 

What does it mean to "heap burning coals" on someone's head? This may refer to an Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one's head as a public act of repentance. By referring to this proverb {Proverbs 25:21-22}, Paul was saying that we should treat our enemies with kindness so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. The best way to get rid of enemies is to turn them into friends.

 

 

Joe

Romans 10:8-12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

⁸ In fact, it says,

“The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart.”

And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: ⁹ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. ¹¹ As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”¹² Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.

 

 

 

 

Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" These verses give you the beautiful answer - salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

 

 

 

Joe

Romans 7:23-25

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

²³ but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! ...

 

This inward struggle with sin was as real to Paul as it is for us. From Paul we learn what to do about it. Whenever Paul felt lost, he wouldreturn to the beginning of his spiritual life, remembering that he had already been freed by Jesus Christ. When you feel confused and overwhelmed by sin's appeal, follow Paul's example: thank God that He has given you freedom through Jesus Christ. Let the reality of Christ's power lift you up to real victory over sin.

Joe

Romans 7:1-6

The Message (MSG)

7 ^1-3 You shouldn’t have any trouble understanding this, friends, for you know all the ins and outs of the law—how it works and how its power touches only the living. For instance, a wife is legally tied to her husband while he lives, but if he dies, she’s free. If she lives with another man while her husband is living, she’s obviously an adulteress. But if he dies, she is quite free to marry another man in good conscience, with no one’s disapproval.

^4-6 So, my friends, this is something like what has taken place with you. When Christ died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free to “marry” a resurrection life and bear “offspring” of faith for God. For as long as we lived that old way of life, doing whatever we felt we could get away with, sin was calling most of the shots as the old law code hemmed us in. And this made us all the more rebellious. In the end, all we had to show for it was miscarriages and stillbirths. But now that we’re no longer shackled to that domineering mate of sin, and out from under all those oppressive regulations and fine print, we’re free to live a new life in the freedom of God.




Paul uses marriage to illustrate our relationship to the law. When a spouse dies, the law of marriage no longer applies. Because we have died with Christ, the law can no longer condemn us. We rose again when Christ was resurrected and, as new people, we belong to Christ. His Spirit enables us to produce good fruit for God. We now serve not by obeying a set of rules, but out of renewed hearts and minds that overflow with love for God.


Joe

Romans 5:8

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


 
While we were still sinners - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return.



Joe.

Romans 3:23-24

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus



Justified means to be declared not guilty. When a judge in a court of law declares the defendant not guilty, all the charges are removed from his record. Legally, it is as if the person had never been accused. When God forgives our sins, our record is wiped clean. From His perspective, it is as though we had never sinned.



Joe

Romans 2:21-27

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

²¹ Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? ²² You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? ²³ You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. ²⁴ No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
²⁵ The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. ²⁶ And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? ²⁷ In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.



It is much easier to tell others how to behave than to behave properly ourselves. It is easier to say the right words than to allow them to take root in our lives. Do you ever advise others to do something you are unwilling to do yourself? Make sure that your actions match your words.


Joe