Thursday Morning: 14 Mar 2019 – Romans 2:17-3:8 ~ Who is truly Jewish?

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Romans 2:17-3:8 (NLT)

The Jews and the Law

You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 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? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say,

“The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”

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. And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 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.

For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

God Remains Faithful

Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.

True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him,

“You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”

“But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world? “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.
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Morning Reflection:

Who is truly Jewish?

In today’s reading, Paul addresses the Jewish belief that they have a special relationship with God by birth-right. They are the custodians of God’s Law and, as such, are the arbiters of truth and righteousness.

The Problem: Hypocrisy – They don’t practice what they preach, and are more concerned with external appearances than sincere obedience.

The Solution: Inner Transformation – A change of heart produced by the Spirit of God. Hearts like those described in Ezekiel 36:26 –

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

The Result: Truly Jewish People

+ Those whose hearts are right with God
+ Those who obey the Law in spirit and truth
+ Those who seek praise from God, not from people

“Reality with God is not a matter of outward conformity to religious rituals,
but rather of obedience that results from God changing your heart.” – Steven Cole

Questions for Consideration:

Do you consider yourself a Christian? Please explain how you arrived at your conclusion?
Have you experienced a God-given change of heart – from stony stubborn to tender responsive? Please explain.
Re: hypocrisy – Can you think of an area in your life where you don’t do what you know is right; you don’t “practice what you preach?” Please explain.
Re: approval – Can you think of an area in your life where you are more concerned about what others think, than about what God thinks? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Psalm 51:10-12

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
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“Fix You – Ezekiel 36:26” – Coldplay

When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you’re too in love to let it go
But if you never try, you’ll never know
Just what you’re worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 13 Mar 2019 – Romans 2:1-16 ~ God will judge everyone’s secret life

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – Romans 2:1-16 (NLT)

God’s Judgment of Sin

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
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Morning Reflection:

Well that ought to slow us down; Paul is talking about us – we too are without excuse! Nevertheless, God is “wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient” with us. Why?

Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
– Romans 2:4c

God’s kindness and patience is intended to lead us to repentance.

The Protestant reformer John Calvin wrote that repentance “may be justly defined to be a true conversion of our life to God, proceeding from a serious fear of God, and consisting in the mortification of the flesh and of the old man (crucified with Christ), and in the vivification of the Spirit (raised with Christ) – a newness of life, which corresponds with the righteousness of God.”

Questions for consideration:

And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. – Romans 2:16

How has God changed your life? What aspects of your life have been truly given to God? Please explain.
What aspects of your life are you still holding on to? What needs further conversion? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for your kindness, tolerance, and patience. Hear my prayers and forgive the sins of my secret life for the sake of your son, Jesus Christ. Fill me with your Spirit, and continue the process of conversion in me – from death to life – with you in Word and Spirit. And give me a healthy fear of the coming judgement, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“In the Day of Judgement” – Bryann Trejo

(Turn on Closed Caption)
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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 12 Mar 2019 – Romans 1:18-32 ~ What makes God angry?

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – Romans 1:18-32 (NLT)

God’s Anger at Sin

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
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Morning Reflection:

What makes God angry – not impulsively, but measured – a settled indignation?

God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness…. Yes, they knew God (through creation), but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. – Romans 1:18, 21

So how has God responded?

God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. – Romans 1:24

And how has this worked out?

Please read the following two paragraphs slowly in light of what you are seeing on the news, in your community, in your workplace, in your family, and in your own life. It’s not pretty.

As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. – Romans 1:24b-27

Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. – Romans 1:28-31

And we are without excuse –

They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. – Romans 1:32

Questions for consideration:

If you were to read these paragraphs aloud in public, would they be considered hate speech in your community? Please explain.
Which of the sins listed above has become the “new normal” in your community, in your family, in your life? Please explain.
Which of the sins listed above do you struggle with personally? Is there something else not listed? Please explain.
Why should you attend to your own sins first? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me – a sinner.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. – 1 John 1:8-9
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“In Christ Alone” – Mercy Me

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 11 Mar 2019 – Romans 1:1-17 ~ Good News about Jesus Christ

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Morning Reading – Romans 1:1-17 (NLT)

Greetings from Paul

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

God’s Good News

Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
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Morning Reflection:

The Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by describing his motivation –

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,
chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.
– Romans 1:1

and describing his message –

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.
It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes
— the Jew first and also the Gentile.
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.
This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.
As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
– Romans 1:16-17.

The Good News about Jesus Christ is the theme of the entire letter. Here’s a preview:

+ It’s a gift of God’s grace through faith, and we are indebted to God for having received it.

+ It’s an inexhaustible truth, so vast that we can spend our whole lives exploring its riches.

+ It reveals God’s standards of holiness – as revealed by the Law; by his condemnation of sin; by the way in which he saves us by faith; and by pouring out his wrath on the Lord Jesus, so that sin’s penalty is paid.

+ It’s a part of God’s eternal plan and purpose, which is still being worked out.

+ It’s the means by which God’s power is implemented so as to save everyone who believes.

+ It’s both the message by which we enter into salvation; and the motivation and the means by which our salvation is lived out.

+ It’s revealed “from faith to faith” – beginning with saving faith, and initiating a life characterized by an ever-growing faith.

Questions for your consideration:

When did Jesus Christ become more than just a name to you? Please explain. If you are not sure, please click on this link – PeaceWithGod.net .
Has the Good News about Jesus Christ changed your life? Yes, No, Maybe? Please explain.
When you consider this preview of Romans, what perplexes you? Please explain.
When you consider this preview of Romans, what encourages you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Gracious God: Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can be made right with you. Open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to receive all that you have in store for us as we begin reading through the Book of Romans. Make us joyful witnesses to the Good News about Jesus Christ, that we might love him and serve him wholeheartedly, and grow in faith and practice. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for his glory. Amen.
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“I’m Not Ashamed” – Jeremy Camp

You are the fullness of the beauty I seek
You are the healer of the broken and weak

Even though few may stand and proclaim Your great name
It’s the life I want to live
I’m convinced, there is none like You

I’m not ashamed of the Gospel
I’m not ashamed of Jesus Christ
I will stand and boldly say
This is my life, whoa

You are the author of salvation and faith
You are the victory that conquered the grave
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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The 1st Sunday of Lent – 10 Mar 2019 – Luke 4:1-13 ~ the devil is a liar

First Sunday of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you alone do we worship, only your word gives life.

Sustain your people on our Lenten journey. When we walk through the desert of temptation, strengthen us to renounce the power of evil. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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“God is our Strength and Refuge – Psalm 46” – Glory Presbyterian Church Singapore.

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
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Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Teach us to rely on your Word and Spirit to guide us during our Lenten journey. We pray especially –

+ For your people throughout the world….
Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

+ For all those preparing for baptism this Easter….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the poor people of the world, provide their basic necessities….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For believers under attack, protect them and rescue them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For people displaced by war and violence, provide for them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For lost, unbelieving people, find them and save them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the sick and those who grieve and mourn, heal and comfort them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

Lord our God, you protect and provide for those who put their trust in you. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one – through Christ our Lord. Amen
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“You Say” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing –

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.
As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. – Romans 10:4
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Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!