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March

March 1                 

Arrows of the Almighty

 

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Growing Up And Faith
“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel…” (Romans 9:6)
   At some point, every parent has heard their child say, “I can do it by myself.” The determination to do something for ourselves is a necessary stage in our development. But in the spiritual realm, that attitude is a problem. Those who opposed Paul’s gospel of grace wanted to replace it with a gospel where salvation depended on human effort. They objected to Paul’s assertion that God had accepted Gentiles through Christ without requiring them to observe the law of Moses.
   This message of grace was a stumbling block to Jews who could not understand how God could accept Gentiles who did not observe the law of Moses over those who had followed it for generations. Paul’s answer is that God’s word to Israel had not failed (v. 6) because their rejection of the Messiah was evidence that “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel” (v. 6). God does not accept us based on our religious heritage or family lineage but on the fact that those who are of faith are accepted because of Who God is Himself. We belong to Him because He has shown us mercy (v. 14).
   Paul compares us to a lump of clay talking back to the potter and telling him what he should do (vv. 19–21). He makes it clear that God is the ultimate source of salvation and its primary actor. Those who try to save themselves always stumble over God’s acceptance by faith of those “who did not pursue righteousness” (v. 30). The only way to be saved is to turn from your own efforts and rely on Jesus Christ and Him alone!
   Are you tired of trying to “do it all by yourself?” There is only one path to righteousness. It is the way of mercy shown to us in Jesus Christ. My friend, turn from your own efforts, put your faith in Jesus and discover that he who believes in Christ will never be put to shame! (v.33)

 

 

 

 

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