The Gospel According to Paul

Is the Good News that "Jesus died on the cross to save you from your sins"? That's certainly a part of it, but ultimately, what does that mean? Take a look... and pass on the Good News of reconciliation:


All this is from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV

God's way never changes, and unfortunately, neither does the self-righteous way of man. Take a look at what He said to the prophet Ezekiel:

Yet your countrymen say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' But it is their way that is not just. If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, he will die for it. And if a wicked man turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live by doing so.
Ezekiel 33:17-19 NIV

Jesus came to put us in the habit of repenting, rather than issue the demoralizing condemnation of the Accuser.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:11 NIV

Pray that the Church repents for pretending like "we've arrived"; that we've done what we need to for salvation; that we can now live in whatever way seems right in our own eyes. In truth we're all living in a struggle to live rightly, trusting in God's Grace.

Humility comes from the understanding that we've not yet arrived.

Trust is built as we witness how God's Presence changes us and empowers us to live rightly.

Jesus' death is an example that sets us free -- free to live in His anointing -- free to see past our immediate sufferings -- free to come into the Presence of a Holy God, Who loves us, forgives us, and empowers us to live a life free from sin.

Blessings, Peace and Love!

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