Friday 24 May 2013
- Bible Book:
- Romans
“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (vv. 1-5)
Background
Complete trust in Christ brings us into aright relationship with God. Such faith also guarantees the gift ofinward peace and gives us a share in the very nature, character andglory of God. Like Christ we are invited into an inward and outwardjourney of suffering, endurance and hope. Already the one who hasfaith in Christ discovers deep within themselves, in addition toall their emotions, thoughts and motivation, the presence of God'sown love. And this love is poured out into our hearts by the HolySpirit.
To Ponder
- The great new factor in Christianity is the new commandment ofJesus: "Love one another ... as I have loved you" (
- William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army) once said, "Iwanted my life to be my argument."
- Faith - peace - grace - hope - glory - suffering - endurance -character - love - Spirit. Paul has brought ten key words togetherin one place in just five verses. How are they reflected in yourlife?
- Today - 24 May - is the anniversary of John Wesley's 'Emmausexperience' when he felt assured of God's love and forgiveness. Ashe listened to Martin Luther's preface to the Epistle to theRomans, John Wesley's heart burned within him as the Scriptureswere being explained to him. (Something similar happened to thetravellers on the road to Emmaus on Easter Day (