to us the message of reconciliation. 20  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21  God made him who had no sin to be sin for The fact that you've been reconciled to God has nothing to do with your own effort, but rather because Isn't that amazing - God had reconciled you to Himself in Christ before you ever sinned (or even existed LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would fulfill the simple imperative you've been given in every

At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort Everybody - people from every tongue, tribe and nation, both Christians and pagans, - experiences worldly Not only does this worldly sorrow make people miserable here and now, but it ultimately brings death It brings about a readiness to see justice done in order to make things right.

That I sincerely acknowledge the only true God, trust him alone, look to him for every good thing humbly Summary Jesus makes three counter-intuitive claims that are really hard to understand in this short passage In that sense, every disciple of Jesus bears the same cross." We all stand convicted of idolatry when we see how far down the priority list this effort actually is It's easy to 'find' yourself in a made up reality.

But don't make that mistake. same doubters will also quickly point out that God's decision to wipe man from the face of the earth makes That's a mistake that far too many people have made throughout history and continue to make today: to It's true that not every passage of the Bible is of equal importance. We look for conclusions that maintain the integrity of each and every passage.

Regeneration a Supernatural Work Regeneration, is the new creation, the raising from the dead, and the making But the second strophe makes it clear that the writer of this song no longer experienced the dreamy laughter It's so easy to let our pressing needs for restoration bully every other facet of prayer out, but the The psalmist recognizes that restoration didn't come about by their own efforts or hard work.

of the Gospel In order that people may be brought to faith,  God mercifully sends messengers of this very One of the criticisms that are put up against these doctrines of grace is that if God controls every content to just sit back and wait for God to miraculously convert those He will without any of our effort This is why you need to make preaching the central activity in your life - both regularly hearing it

Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes But Jesus Christ is our righteousness in making available to us all his merits and all the holy works When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins. Likewise, when you go to work or sell your product, you're expecting to be paid for your efforts. Understand that every good thing you have - especially your faith - has come to you as a gift from God

throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort Nearly every one of these Beatitudes Jesus mentions are rooted in Old Testament passages. All unrighteousness grieves them and makes them homesick for the new heaven and new earth—the home of

Even your best efforts are as filthy rags, so you need new clothes! Why can’t the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with him? A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin. The mountains tremble before Him and the nations quake as He makes His name known.

Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. ⁸ Ask me, and I will make Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2 sets forth two competing realities, but it also makes clear that only one of these realities He's not laughing because He thinks their attempts are so funny, but because He knows their rebellious efforts laughs and scoffs at those who try to thwart His plans; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that in every