Faith was the righteousness approved to Abraham. He believed, he trusted and he obeyed God’s command… the one true
God, the unseen God, the eternal and everlasting God the Creator of all things
seen and unseen who sent His Son (who was in the beginning, was with God and is God) to redeem us from the law of sin and death.
Abraham was rewarded for obeying God’s command just as we will be… how? We will be rewarded for our faith in the Lamb who was presented for us as a living sacrifice. Whenever we come to God in prayer and supplication we come as a living sacrifice for we know that having Christ in us we have life and have it abundantly… forever Amen.
The Jews rejected Him because they pursued the law. Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right ‘righteous’ with God. And it was by faith that this took place ~ Romans 9:30; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.…Romans 9:31.
The Word Brings Salvation...For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.…Romans 10:2-4.
Reading 2 Timothy 4: 1-5 ~ I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people (sadly women) will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after false beliefs/ideas.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Titus 1: 1-3 ~ This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
Yes, you read right... "proclaim faith to those God has chosen"… those who hear God’s voice as Abraham did. Everyone hears… but few are chosen. Why? Is God being cruel or exclusive. Not at all… God sent His Son because He so loved the world. God saves all especially believers.
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. Its why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Command and teach these things ~ 1 Timothy 4:10-11.
Unity in Christ is being a member of the body of Christ. How? When we gather together in His name. "Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." ~ Matthew 18:20. All the believers were together and had everything in common ~ Acts 2:44. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had ~ Acts 4:32.
Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good ~ Titus 1:15-16.
Some of you may think there is no hope if they have an impure heart… this is true. But, believe me if you are listening to this blog, you are not impure. You are not ‘no longer’ corrupted. You have been delivered from the law of sin and death by the power of God (Father/Son/Holy Spirit). No one comes to the Father except by Him… and you have come. John 14:6. Who is ‘Him’? The Son of God who was at the beginning, was with God and is God. John 1:1
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.…Romans 10: 8-10.
Always remember, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit ~ Titus 3:5.
