Passage of the Day:
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation, Romans 5:6-11.
Reflection:
Today’s featured passage is the apostle Paul’s version of John 3:16-17. However, rather than Jesus unveil God’s plan to redeem human beings, Paul unfolds the inspiration for faith. Mankind didn’t do anything to deserve the grace and mercy of God. Yet, as God demonstrates His own love for us while we were still sinners, this makes reconciliation with God possible. When a stranger does something to save your life or protect you from harm, you feel obligated to repay this individual. As Jesus took the place of sinners on a cross, to become the perfect lamb of God, Hebrews 4:14-16, this is the inspiration for faith.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need, Hebrews 4:14-16.
Fueling your Faith this Spiritual Season:
Evangelism Explosion uses Romans 6:23 for their Bridge Illustration to explain the good news about Jesus Christ to the world. The apostle Paul uses a what if technique in this passage beginning with the negative. Romans 6:23a, “For the wages of sin is death.” The point Paul makes is that if you continue on your current path of sin, you will receive death as a payment for what you earned. However, Paul saves the best news for last in Romans 6:23b, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This promise in the Bible gives me all the inspiration that I need to place my faith in Jesus.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The lyrics of Confidence provide an Old Testament perspective on faith. Sanctus Real builds upon the spiritual character of godly leaders in the Bible which inspires me to place my faith in Jesus.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 