Scripture Reading:
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
4:1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh?
4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
4:3 For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."
4:4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due.
4:5 But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
4:13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
4:14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
4:15 For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
4:16 For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us,
4:17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations") -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Message:
There are some things that we can’t earn, and some things that we can’t buy. The song “Can’t Buy Me Love” by Paul McCartney comes to mind. How empty would love feel if it wasn’t a gift? The meaning seems to melt away if love is something to be bought, or earned like a wage. It being a gift is what makes it so precious.
It is also true for the gift of
life that Jesus gives us. If we could somehow earn our way into heaven or earn
God’s love it wouldn’t feel as beautiful and precious as the gift that we’ve
been given. We all indeed have sinned, and because of our sin God could punish
us accordingly. However, He has given us the gift of love, and the gift of
forgiveness. Finally, He has given us the most beautiful thing of all, the
chance to be close to Him for all time.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the precious gifts that You have given us. Let us share this gift of love with those we meet today. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
536 Precious Name http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh536.sht
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the precious gifts that You have given us. Let us share this gift of love with those we meet today. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
536 Precious Name http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh536.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
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