The Word: Galatians 2:15-21

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Are you really preaching the gospel?

I ran across this post today, “You Know You’re Really Preaching the Gospel When…” on the For The Church blog.

Pastor Dave Harvey makes some really great points, and although it is most useful as a read for pastors to examine themselves — I think lay people would also benefit.

The Word: Ephesians 5:1-12

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;  and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

The Word: Romans 8:1-11

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

The Word: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Fellow Christians, let us remember we are ambassadors of the gospel of Jesus and ministers of reconciliation.

The Word: Romans 10:1-17

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.  For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.  For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

The Word: Romans 1:8-18

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m at home watching the movie Martin Luther, from 1953. It was when he was studying Romans chapter 1 that shook him to his core and impressed upon him the doctrine of justification by faith alone. 

The Word: Psalm 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in seat of the scornful.

The Word: Proverbs 2

My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,

Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;

For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;

The Word: Galatians 3:1-14

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?