Paul continued asking about the things people do because they believe. If Christ didn't rise from death, then what purpose would it serve to baptize in the name of dead people. For that matter, why would he put himself in harm's way if there is nothing to believe in? If that's true then we should follow the saying, "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we will die." (15:32; Isaiah 22:13) Then Paul advised them not to be fooled, that bad companions ruin good character. Some people wondered what kind of body they would have. Paul told them to stop being foolish and explained that when a seed is planted, it dies and changes form into something new. God gives each his own body. Things are different according to God's will; there are different kinds of beauty. The physical body will die and the spiritual body will rise. Stand firm and know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.
Paul explained how they should handle the collection they had made for God' people in Judea. Paul planned to go through Macedonia and hoped to spend some time, perhaps the winter with them. Paul was in Ephesus until Pentecost because there was a great opportunity there for ministry. Paul asked that if Timothy came to them that they make him welcome. In finishing this letter, Paul told them to stand firm in the faith and do all work in love. He recommended a man named Achaia and his family to them. Paul signed off with words of love in Christ Jesus.
2Corinthians
This letter begins with Paul's greeting. Paul gave thanks to God for the help He gives which grows as it is shared. Sharing in hardships helps to endure them. Paul had been afraid they wouldn't live long when they were in Asia. But it turned out to be proof of God's saving grace. Paul felt proud that their relationship was based on truth and sincerity by the power of God's grace. He wrote to them what they could understand and hoped they would understand more in time. Paul had planned to visit them on his way to and from Macedonia. Paul knew that he appeared to be like people who say 'yes' when they mean 'no' because he did not visit as he had planned. Paul told them he was not trying to tell them what to believe, but trying to support them in the faith.
Paul wanted the people of Corinth to know that he wasn't trying to make them sad with his first letter, but to make them realize how much he loved them. Paul encouraged them to forgive those who had offended them. Without forgiveness Satan gains the upper hand. In Troas, Paul had been very worried because he couldn't find Titus. From there he went to Macedonia. In union with Christ we are led by God and He uses us to let people know about Christ. Because it is God's message, they speak with sincerity as servants of Christ.
Tomorrow read 2Corinthians 3-7
20101205
December 5, 2010 1Corinthians 12:12-15:28
We have been baptized into the body of Christ. Just as different body parts serve different functions and purposes, so we do as well in the body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers, the rest of it suffers too. Not everyone has the same gifts, which benefits the whole body.
The best of all though is love. Chapter 13 is often quoted as a beautiful example or description of love and what it is like. All the best gifts are nothing without love. Paul said, "Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (vv.4-7) Love lasts eternally. Gifts of knowledge or inspiration are temporary and partial; when what is perfect comes it replaces the partial with the whole. Mature things replace or complete immature things. Until we are completed we have faith, hope and love; the greatest is love.
Paul hoped that they could all have the gift of proclaiming God's message in plain language, because speaking in tongues doesn't help if nobody can understand what is being said. Paul encouraged those with the gift of tongues to pray with their minds and their spirits to be understood by those who heard them. Paul spoke in tongues and would rather speak 5 words that could be understood than thousands in tongues. Paul instructed them that their worship meetings should be orderly. Different people were to run different parts of the meeting according to their gifts. If someone sitting in the meeting received a message from God, they should share it so everyone can learn and benefit. Paul said women shouldn't speak in a church meeting, that it is disgraceful. If a woman has a question, she should ask her husbands at home. The focus should be on proclaiming God's message, but speaking in tongues was not forbidden.
The greatest message is that Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose from the grave to life three days later. He appeared to Peter and then to the twelve, and more than 500 of his followers at once, then James and then to all the apostles, and finally to Paul. Paul asked them how some of them could say there was no life after death? If that were true then Christ was not raised and they have nothing to preach about or believe in. They would be lying about God it if weren't true that the dead are raised to life. If there is no resurrection then we are just sad pitiful people. But Christ has been raised to life. Just as death came through one man, Adam, so life has come through one man, Christ. So Christ is resurrected first, then everyone in his turn. Then Christ will deliver the kingdom to God after overpowering every other authority. The final enemy to be abolished is death. Then the Son will subject himself to the Father, who will be everything to everyone and rule completely.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 15:29-end; 2Corinthians 1-2
The best of all though is love. Chapter 13 is often quoted as a beautiful example or description of love and what it is like. All the best gifts are nothing without love. Paul said, "Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (vv.4-7) Love lasts eternally. Gifts of knowledge or inspiration are temporary and partial; when what is perfect comes it replaces the partial with the whole. Mature things replace or complete immature things. Until we are completed we have faith, hope and love; the greatest is love.
Paul hoped that they could all have the gift of proclaiming God's message in plain language, because speaking in tongues doesn't help if nobody can understand what is being said. Paul encouraged those with the gift of tongues to pray with their minds and their spirits to be understood by those who heard them. Paul spoke in tongues and would rather speak 5 words that could be understood than thousands in tongues. Paul instructed them that their worship meetings should be orderly. Different people were to run different parts of the meeting according to their gifts. If someone sitting in the meeting received a message from God, they should share it so everyone can learn and benefit. Paul said women shouldn't speak in a church meeting, that it is disgraceful. If a woman has a question, she should ask her husbands at home. The focus should be on proclaiming God's message, but speaking in tongues was not forbidden.
The greatest message is that Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose from the grave to life three days later. He appeared to Peter and then to the twelve, and more than 500 of his followers at once, then James and then to all the apostles, and finally to Paul. Paul asked them how some of them could say there was no life after death? If that were true then Christ was not raised and they have nothing to preach about or believe in. They would be lying about God it if weren't true that the dead are raised to life. If there is no resurrection then we are just sad pitiful people. But Christ has been raised to life. Just as death came through one man, Adam, so life has come through one man, Christ. So Christ is resurrected first, then everyone in his turn. Then Christ will deliver the kingdom to God after overpowering every other authority. The final enemy to be abolished is death. Then the Son will subject himself to the Father, who will be everything to everyone and rule completely.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 15:29-end; 2Corinthians 1-2
20101204
December 4, 2010 1Corinthians 8-12:11
Paul continued to answer their questions. They were seeking guidance about what foods were approved for them to eat. Paul said, "...'all of us have knowledge', as they say. Such knowledge, however, puffs a person up with pride; but love builds up." (8:1) Paul instructed them that food won't bring them closer or take us away from God. Be sensitive around weaker people and don't expose them deliberately to things they cannot withstand.
Paul stated that he had the right to earn a living from his work as an apostle. He said he had the same right as the other apostles to bring his wife along on his preaching tours. But Paul had made a different choice regarding asking for money, as well as having a wife. Paul made himself everyone's slave for the gospel.
Paul reminded the people of their ancestors when they were guided by Moses. Paul admonished the people to take it as a cautionary example of what not to do. Those people disobeyed God again and again and wouldn't do His will. He told them not to test God or complain. Paul encouraged them to stand firm and not get too comfortable. "Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." (10:13) Many people use this scripture as the basis for their comment, 'God never gives us more than we can bear.' Paul told them to stay away from idols. For the Lord's Supper, they share the cup containing the blood of Christ, when they eat the body or bread they are sharing the loaf. This is done just as they are one body as the body of Christ. Whatever you do, do it for God's glory. Don't cause trouble and consider the good of others. Imitate Christ.
Paul said that Christ is supreme over every man, and a husband is supreme over his wife, and God is supreme over Christ. Men were't supposed to cover their heads and women were. Nowadays it depends on the congregation. Paul said that the man reflects the glory of God and the woman reflects the glory of man, since woman was created from man. Also, man wasn't created for woman, but woman was created for man. Paul then points out that just as women depend on men, men can't be born without women. Then Paul said to judge for yourself whether a woman should cover her head or not. Paul discusses hair length. Paul couldn't praise them for their worship meetings because they did more harm than good. They were eating their own food in church (like a picnic) and letting some go hungry. Paul instructed them again in the proper use of the Lord's Supper. First we are to examine ourselves, then partake. Paul advised them to eat meals at home.
No one can say "Jesus is Lord" unless he is guided by the Holy Spirit. One Spirit gives many different kinds of spiritual gifts. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in everyone. There are many different gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing power, working miracles, speaking God's message, discernment, languages, and interpretation. As he wishes, the Spirit gives different gifts to people.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 12:12-15:28
Paul stated that he had the right to earn a living from his work as an apostle. He said he had the same right as the other apostles to bring his wife along on his preaching tours. But Paul had made a different choice regarding asking for money, as well as having a wife. Paul made himself everyone's slave for the gospel.
Paul reminded the people of their ancestors when they were guided by Moses. Paul admonished the people to take it as a cautionary example of what not to do. Those people disobeyed God again and again and wouldn't do His will. He told them not to test God or complain. Paul encouraged them to stand firm and not get too comfortable. "Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." (10:13) Many people use this scripture as the basis for their comment, 'God never gives us more than we can bear.' Paul told them to stay away from idols. For the Lord's Supper, they share the cup containing the blood of Christ, when they eat the body or bread they are sharing the loaf. This is done just as they are one body as the body of Christ. Whatever you do, do it for God's glory. Don't cause trouble and consider the good of others. Imitate Christ.
Paul said that Christ is supreme over every man, and a husband is supreme over his wife, and God is supreme over Christ. Men were't supposed to cover their heads and women were. Nowadays it depends on the congregation. Paul said that the man reflects the glory of God and the woman reflects the glory of man, since woman was created from man. Also, man wasn't created for woman, but woman was created for man. Paul then points out that just as women depend on men, men can't be born without women. Then Paul said to judge for yourself whether a woman should cover her head or not. Paul discusses hair length. Paul couldn't praise them for their worship meetings because they did more harm than good. They were eating their own food in church (like a picnic) and letting some go hungry. Paul instructed them again in the proper use of the Lord's Supper. First we are to examine ourselves, then partake. Paul advised them to eat meals at home.
No one can say "Jesus is Lord" unless he is guided by the Holy Spirit. One Spirit gives many different kinds of spiritual gifts. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in everyone. There are many different gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing power, working miracles, speaking God's message, discernment, languages, and interpretation. As he wishes, the Spirit gives different gifts to people.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 12:12-15:28
20101203
December 3, 2010 1Corinthians 4:14-7:40
Paul felt affection for the believers in Corinth as a father for his children. He wanted them to follow his example in Christian living. To help them in this, he sent Timothy to them as a teacher and leader in the principles to follow in union with Jesus Christ. Paul himself hoped to be able to visit them in person and figure out whether they needed discipline or nurturing.
There had been reports of sexual immorality among the Corinthians and that they were proud of it. Paul asked how they could feel this when they should feel sadness. He also told them that the guilty should be expelled from among them. Paul reminded them that it takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise, meaning that they needed to get rid of the evil amongst them and quoted Deuteronomy. (Deut. 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21,24; 24:7)
Paul had also heard that they were taking their disputes with each other to court to be settled, rather than to their own community of believers. Paul was also concerned that they had disputes among them that had to be settled by a third party whoever it was. They didn't seem to understand that wicked people - those who didn't believe - were not the sort of people they should be associating with on a regular basis. Paul reminded them that their bodies were to be used to serve the Lord, not their own desires. Their bodies are part of the body of Christ and they needed to remember how sacred that made them. The Holy Spirit lives in our bodies and that makes them a temple to be used for God's glory.
Paul answered their questions about marriage. Paul thought that the best way to live was a celibate life. He told them that if they married they weren't sinning. A husband should fulfull his duty to his wife and likewise a wife for her husband. Normal marital relations are healthy unless they interfere with a time of prayer. Single people should remain alone. If a couple separates, both should remain single. Paul reminded them what Jesus said about divorce in Mark 10:2-12. Paul suggested that couples where one or the other was an unbeliever should consider the possibility that they will help their spouse to find Christ. Each believer should continue to live according to the gifts the Lord had blessed them with without judgement from other Christians. Regarding unmarried people and widows, Paul gave his opinion that men not marry so they are spared from the everyday troubles of married people. According to bible scholars, this was a very challenging time for believers who were persecuted regularly and having a family could be extremely difficult. Paul wanted them to be free to focus on the Lord's work. If a couple really wanted to get married then they should do so. A widow was free to marry, but Paul thought her life would be easier if she were single.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 8-12:11
There had been reports of sexual immorality among the Corinthians and that they were proud of it. Paul asked how they could feel this when they should feel sadness. He also told them that the guilty should be expelled from among them. Paul reminded them that it takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise, meaning that they needed to get rid of the evil amongst them and quoted Deuteronomy. (Deut. 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21,24; 24:7)
Paul had also heard that they were taking their disputes with each other to court to be settled, rather than to their own community of believers. Paul was also concerned that they had disputes among them that had to be settled by a third party whoever it was. They didn't seem to understand that wicked people - those who didn't believe - were not the sort of people they should be associating with on a regular basis. Paul reminded them that their bodies were to be used to serve the Lord, not their own desires. Their bodies are part of the body of Christ and they needed to remember how sacred that made them. The Holy Spirit lives in our bodies and that makes them a temple to be used for God's glory.
Paul answered their questions about marriage. Paul thought that the best way to live was a celibate life. He told them that if they married they weren't sinning. A husband should fulfull his duty to his wife and likewise a wife for her husband. Normal marital relations are healthy unless they interfere with a time of prayer. Single people should remain alone. If a couple separates, both should remain single. Paul reminded them what Jesus said about divorce in Mark 10:2-12. Paul suggested that couples where one or the other was an unbeliever should consider the possibility that they will help their spouse to find Christ. Each believer should continue to live according to the gifts the Lord had blessed them with without judgement from other Christians. Regarding unmarried people and widows, Paul gave his opinion that men not marry so they are spared from the everyday troubles of married people. According to bible scholars, this was a very challenging time for believers who were persecuted regularly and having a family could be extremely difficult. Paul wanted them to be free to focus on the Lord's work. If a couple really wanted to get married then they should do so. A widow was free to marry, but Paul thought her life would be easier if she were single.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 8-12:11
20101202
December 2, 2010 Rom 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13
Paul finished his letter to the Romans by sending his greetings to many of his friends and ministry partners there. He also warned them about people who cause divisions among the people with false teachings. Paul passed on greetings from Timothy and others. He praised God and gave Him glory.
1st Corinthians
Paul made his introduction to the people of Corinth. He was writing to clear up some issues that had arisen about Christian life and faith there. Paul told them he was grateful for them. He told them they could trust God. By the authority of Jesus Christ, Paul asked them to be completely united, with only one thought and purpose. They were confused about who to follow and Paul reminded them that it was Christ himself who died for us. The message shouldn't be complicated. God saves those who believe. God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense (who would have expected the Son of God to be born in a stable or laid in a food trough for animals?) If you want to brag, do what God said in Jeremiah 9:24, and brag about Him.
Paul talked about how he was nervous when he first started preaching. But the Holy Spirit came through his words. The wisdom Paul shared is the wisdom of God, not the world. People who have the Spirit are able to judge what they hear, but not each other, because that is for God to do.
When Paul began teaching them, they weren't spiritually mature, so he had to begin slowly. He felt that they still hadn't left behind their worldly ways. Paul explained that it is God who makes us stronger spiritually, not human teachers. The foundation for our lives is Jesus Christ and some will add other things like gold, silver, precious stones, wood, glass or straw (or glitter). Each of us will be responsible for the quality of our spritual building on that foundation. If it isn't burned up, we receive a reward. If it is burned, we will lose it, but we will survive. Every one of us is God's temple, Holy. Worldly wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. Everything belongs to God, this world, life and death, the present and the future.
Paul asked the people to look on him and his companions as God's servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. Servants and stewards need to be worthy of trust. Paul admitted that his conscience was clear, but that didn't mean he was off the hook. All will be made clear when Christ comes again. Everything we have is a gift from God, what is there to boast about? Paul observed that though he was blessed spiritually, he and those with him had a lowly existence.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 4:14-7:40
1st Corinthians
Paul made his introduction to the people of Corinth. He was writing to clear up some issues that had arisen about Christian life and faith there. Paul told them he was grateful for them. He told them they could trust God. By the authority of Jesus Christ, Paul asked them to be completely united, with only one thought and purpose. They were confused about who to follow and Paul reminded them that it was Christ himself who died for us. The message shouldn't be complicated. God saves those who believe. God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense (who would have expected the Son of God to be born in a stable or laid in a food trough for animals?) If you want to brag, do what God said in Jeremiah 9:24, and brag about Him.
Paul talked about how he was nervous when he first started preaching. But the Holy Spirit came through his words. The wisdom Paul shared is the wisdom of God, not the world. People who have the Spirit are able to judge what they hear, but not each other, because that is for God to do.
When Paul began teaching them, they weren't spiritually mature, so he had to begin slowly. He felt that they still hadn't left behind their worldly ways. Paul explained that it is God who makes us stronger spiritually, not human teachers. The foundation for our lives is Jesus Christ and some will add other things like gold, silver, precious stones, wood, glass or straw (or glitter). Each of us will be responsible for the quality of our spritual building on that foundation. If it isn't burned up, we receive a reward. If it is burned, we will lose it, but we will survive. Every one of us is God's temple, Holy. Worldly wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. Everything belongs to God, this world, life and death, the present and the future.
Paul asked the people to look on him and his companions as God's servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. Servants and stewards need to be worthy of trust. Paul admitted that his conscience was clear, but that didn't mean he was off the hook. All will be made clear when Christ comes again. Everything we have is a gift from God, what is there to boast about? Paul observed that though he was blessed spiritually, he and those with him had a lowly existence.
Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 4:14-7:40
20101201
December 1, 2010 Romans 11:25-15:33
When the Jews rejected Jesus, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles, but Paul warned them not to get conceited about it. God has a plan and those who will be saved will be saved, whether Jew or Gentile. The Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. Paul gave praise to God.
Paul asked the Romans to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, body and soul. By surrendering to Him, they would know His will for them. Just as a human body had millions of different cells, each with a specific purpose, so too each of us together create the body of Christ. God has given many different gifts to different people. Don't compare yours with others, just accept your gift(s) and do your best to use them for God's will. If you don't know what to do ask Him. He'll tell you. Paul advised them to let love guide them in being kind to each other. Work hard and don't be lazy, serve the Lord with a devoted heart. Stay hopeful, and patient and pray always. Share what you have. Ask God to bless those who curse you. Show empathy. Be concerned for everyone. Stay humble. Don't believe you are wise. Do good and live in peace. Don't take revenge, let God do it for you. (Kill them with kindness.) Conquer evil with good.
Government authorities are there because God wants them there. Do good and you have nothing to fear from the authorities. That's why you pay taxes, they are working for God and workers deserve to be paid. Respect them. You are obligated only to love one another. All the commandments can be summed up with this single act. Love is the fulfillment of the whole Law. Step out of the darkness and into the light.
Different people have different levels of faith. Don't judge them because God has accepted them just as they are. If everyone is doing what he or she believes is the Lord's will for them, who are you to judge? Each of us lives for the Lord and each of us will answer for ourselves to Him. Anything that is not based on faith is sin.
Follow the example of Jesus Christ and be one family worshipping God together. Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you. Paul pointed out that Jesus' service to the Jews was to prove that God keeps his promises. Many times in scripture the Gentiles were claimed by God. Paul continued with an explanation of why he had been so bold; he was earnestly interested in proclaiming the Gospel to as many who had not heard as possible. Paul expressed his hope that he would at long last be able to go to Rome to visit with them. After a visit, Paul planned to deliver an offering to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to go to Spain. He asked them to pray for him and he bid them peace.
Tomorrow read Romans 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13
Paul asked the Romans to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, body and soul. By surrendering to Him, they would know His will for them. Just as a human body had millions of different cells, each with a specific purpose, so too each of us together create the body of Christ. God has given many different gifts to different people. Don't compare yours with others, just accept your gift(s) and do your best to use them for God's will. If you don't know what to do ask Him. He'll tell you. Paul advised them to let love guide them in being kind to each other. Work hard and don't be lazy, serve the Lord with a devoted heart. Stay hopeful, and patient and pray always. Share what you have. Ask God to bless those who curse you. Show empathy. Be concerned for everyone. Stay humble. Don't believe you are wise. Do good and live in peace. Don't take revenge, let God do it for you. (Kill them with kindness.) Conquer evil with good.
Government authorities are there because God wants them there. Do good and you have nothing to fear from the authorities. That's why you pay taxes, they are working for God and workers deserve to be paid. Respect them. You are obligated only to love one another. All the commandments can be summed up with this single act. Love is the fulfillment of the whole Law. Step out of the darkness and into the light.
Different people have different levels of faith. Don't judge them because God has accepted them just as they are. If everyone is doing what he or she believes is the Lord's will for them, who are you to judge? Each of us lives for the Lord and each of us will answer for ourselves to Him. Anything that is not based on faith is sin.
Follow the example of Jesus Christ and be one family worshipping God together. Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you. Paul pointed out that Jesus' service to the Jews was to prove that God keeps his promises. Many times in scripture the Gentiles were claimed by God. Paul continued with an explanation of why he had been so bold; he was earnestly interested in proclaiming the Gospel to as many who had not heard as possible. Paul expressed his hope that he would at long last be able to go to Rome to visit with them. After a visit, Paul planned to deliver an offering to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to go to Spain. He asked them to pray for him and he bid them peace.
Tomorrow read Romans 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13
20101130
November 30, 2010 Romans 8:26-11:24
We don't really know how we ought to pray, so the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. The Spirit pleads with God on our behalf as long as what we pray for is His will. "Your will be done" (Matt6:10) For those who love God, He is right there with them. God takes care of those who love Him. If the creator of heaven and earth loves us, what else do we need? We know He loves us because He gave us everything - even His Son. Wouldn't He give us everything else too? What or who can separate us from God's love? The love of God is ours through Jesus Christ.
Everything depends on God's mercy. He uses us for His own purposes, not for our own gratification. God decides who He will show mercy or not. God has been very patient with those who angered Him. Many times He held back from showing His anger. What matters is that we believe in God.
Everyone who believes is put right with God. If you say that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from death, you will be saved. People can only be saved if they believe, and they can only believe if they hear the message, and they can only hear the message if it is shared. These messengers bring Good News!
God has not rejected His own people, rather, He gave them everything. Most of them worshipped idols, but a few did not and those He has chosen. God chose this by His grace, not because of what they have done. If God's choice were based on things people do, then God's grace wouldn't be real grace. Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. The blessings will be even greater when the Jews are included. Paul hoped that by helping the Gentiles receive God's blessings, the Jews would be jealous and want that too. If the roots are God's then the branches are His too. Branches break off and new ones are grafted in, but they all have the same roots. Don't get cocky about this, because you still have to believe. If you don't continue to believe you will be broken off too. This is where we see how severe and kind God is. He is severe to the fallen, but kind to the believers. If the Jews believe, they will be put back on the tree, God can do that.
Tomorrow read Romans 11:25-15:33
Everything depends on God's mercy. He uses us for His own purposes, not for our own gratification. God decides who He will show mercy or not. God has been very patient with those who angered Him. Many times He held back from showing His anger. What matters is that we believe in God.
Everyone who believes is put right with God. If you say that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from death, you will be saved. People can only be saved if they believe, and they can only believe if they hear the message, and they can only hear the message if it is shared. These messengers bring Good News!
God has not rejected His own people, rather, He gave them everything. Most of them worshipped idols, but a few did not and those He has chosen. God chose this by His grace, not because of what they have done. If God's choice were based on things people do, then God's grace wouldn't be real grace. Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. The blessings will be even greater when the Jews are included. Paul hoped that by helping the Gentiles receive God's blessings, the Jews would be jealous and want that too. If the roots are God's then the branches are His too. Branches break off and new ones are grafted in, but they all have the same roots. Don't get cocky about this, because you still have to believe. If you don't continue to believe you will be broken off too. This is where we see how severe and kind God is. He is severe to the fallen, but kind to the believers. If the Jews believe, they will be put back on the tree, God can do that.
Tomorrow read Romans 11:25-15:33
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