Children of God

February 16, 2013

Opening Hymns:
348 Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh348.sht

Scripture Reading
Romans 10:8B-13:
“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 it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Message

Today’s scripture gives me deep comfort as I read and reread the words that are written for us. All we need to do is call on the Lord and we are saved. It is so beautiful to know that everyone who believes has the same blessing of acceptance. There is no hidden membership fee, you don’t have to be a certain age, race, gender, or live in a certain place to be a child of God. As the Scripture says “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (10:13).

It is a comfort to know that we are forgiven… however, sometimes it can be hard for us to accept such a gift. It can be even hard for us to accept that others are given this same gift. Sometimes when you look in the mirror you can see all the ways you have fallen short. You may not have been perfect at work or at home. There can be things in our lives that we regret and hold on to. We know God forgives us, but we can’t always forgive ourselves. At these times, remember that we are saved, and we all have fallen short. With God’s help we can learn to heal and grow from those moments in our lives.

When we see bad decisions others make this Scripture makes life hard. Sometimes we may wish to ask, ‘Lord, even them?’ And His response will come back “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (10:13). It is hard to go through life without hurting someone, and without being hurt by someone. Sometimes we will face the challenge of needing to forgive someone else. In these moments it may help to remember God’s forgiveness, and how others have forgiven us in the past. Everyone is a child of God and we don’t need to approve of sinful actions, but I’ve heard it said “Love the sinner and not the sin.” That is how God loves us, and that is how we are to love others.

As I look over the scripture again, I am once more filled with comfort. God has not only shown us His love and acceptance, but also demonstrated a way that we can love and accept one another. Through prayer, repentance, and forgiveness each of us can heal from the wounds that sin creates. Each of us can be called children of God.  

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving us, and for showing us how to forgive others. As we journey through our lives let us never forget that we only need to call on You and we will be saved. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn

369 Blessed Assurance http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh369.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God