Romans 5:17-6:14 ~ The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more

Romans 5:17-6:14

17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, 
Jesus Christ!

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans Chapter Six

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as 
Christ was raised from the dead 
through the glory of the Father,
 we too may live a new life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ,
 we believe that we will also live with him. 

9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather
 offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; 
and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Who is going to preach this text? Unless the answer (and the answer is always Jesus) is Jesus - the answer is going to be whoever preaches this text - is a sinner.

When I have pictured this passage for four decades - I have always pictured the dependency wreckages. Drugs. Heroin. Meth. Crack. Alcohol. Cigarettes. Obesity. Wife beaters. Porn addicts.

And the people I have met with dependencies will try to sweep this away or finally weep to say it has eaten them. Age is sometimes a factor. If we have Jesus - we are alive - we have hope. Today.


This is a great passage to thunder on in the prior centuries. When Black Plague arrived - ashes, ashes - the cattle and the livestock dropped dead in the fields. The Catholic priesthood had finally declared for celibacy and half of the priests were living in sin, openly. The services were held in Latin - a man tradition superseded the Word of God enriching lives.

A typical person was held in a bondage to be fed - in serfdom. Praying to God the people behind the monastery walls would feed them from their bounty. The Church and Europe would be freed from this lack of Light by Death.

Serfdom ended because the land was free. Just, please, get in the field, raise food. The Church had seen they needed the grace of God. And moved into hospitals, education, and building outside the walls to make the people willing to live freely,  not huddled behind walls. Trust and trade began to flourish as the people remembered only the Church of Jesus would wade into illness and death.

And we call this the Middle Ages. They made the ages after the Middle Age looook gooood.

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more

We rightly have not disregarded the law. We all love blessings. Blessings of God are not written in God's Word as blessings very often. Nor promises. You are more apt in a word search of Scripture to find 'Anger'. The way Jesus said all the time - "This is Written." Jesus didn't quote chapter and verse. Because he wasn't bragging about knowledge, Jesus was teaching about God's Wisdom and Love.

Blessings of God are generally in the 3,000 pages found right next to the Law. God isn't being mean, He is saying if you put your work into righteousness, you haven't pleased a mean ol grudging namesake oriented God, you have put your effort into making your narrow path weeded. Dappled with the light of mercy. Your narrow path reaches to the Light. Living water has fed your narrow path. You have nourished what surrounds you with the Word of God, Jesus.

God is saying nourishment and blessing in every Word of God. Jesus not coming to abolish the law but fulfill it - that all the Word of God is a blessing - like these Chapters.

Jesus was not joking about telling the Parable of the Seeds.

You know, right, that Jesus continued the story?

Matthew 13
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

We can turn our relationship to God into milk - we use God for blessings. And if that goes sour - run off.

~ We don't put the effort in this to understand.
~ Deciding this a God season. It's fun in small doses
~ Be worldly wise - offend no one. Be vwery quiwet. No roots.
~ Worries. It's not practical. There are no real solutions or hope. You have to claw yourself forward.
~ Pinches. This is for the wealthy or the very comfortable to drive up and look good. No one wants to cry in Church. Or look needy.

Jesus continued the story. That day is recorded in Matthew 13.
In the Garden you will find weeds. Enemies we have and the things we do to ourselves. Like a bear hunt, you have to do the search to get to the Mustard Tree becoming a Tree.

So going down the path - you find our own weeds.

Ephesians 4
bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

And the weeds around you in Galatians 5
immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

This generation has man made traditions and God traditions. We take our TV sets and watch immorality and wonder why our kids are out there. Idolatry - slurping up to the wealth and the therapy shopping. Using tattoos and jewelry to fortify our fears. In the past this social armor was called "the comment". We see a society in great concern - of each other.

My niece came to me and she said that in fourth grade - things are rough. Very rough. And she said she didn't find all the cussing to be a good thing. Because - God bless her - it's so very Ugly. The boys spend all day trying to cuss as much as possible away from the teacher. And she really, really wanted advice to make them stop.

I said honey, the Bible said the words out of our mouths are the hardest thing to control. And she said not so much for her. And I said that is your gift. And she said what do I do with that. And I said don't cuss. She asked me if I do and I said I do when I'm really trying to make a point. I told her I don't take the name of the Lord in vain.  She said that disappointed her to cuss at all. And she wanted to know if I know someone who doesn't cuss, who isn't a priest. And I told her my mother-in-law. And she asked do people know she doesn't cuss. And I said - that's right - she isn't told all the time she is marvelous, but people brag on her when she isn't there that she doesn't cuss. And my niece smiled and said, "That's who I'm going to be."

That is an upward path.

One of the secrets of life is that if you do the right thing - God will notice. And mankind won't applaud - often. Yet God gives us self-esteem from doing what pleases Him.

We all are part of God's Plan.
God makes a universe to hold His Love.
We feel so unnoticed and so unbottom line.
Instead what is really happening is - that - Today - your life is making a difference
to someone. It's up to us to see that we are doing what pleases God. With the people He places in our lives. With what tools, first? Words.

God used Words to create. We use Words as in the image of God. Give Life.

Hello Father God, as we gather together, let's begin today with the sheer joy of knowing the Day has renewed Your mercies. A clean slate and a view to a new day. We hold out both hands in the glowing warmth of love and expectation of Your Goodness. Praying for blessings with the jolt realization of blessings so obtained. Forgiveness others give us. Making us want to be near that kindness. Seeing Your Word bring wisdom in encouragement when only faith is seen.

Thank You God for the new medical knowledge of repairing spines with nose cells. You breathe our prayers and renew us. The Book of Revelations is often dismissed and yet new advances see wisdom.

Believing old broken things renew in Love. Learning each day, regardless of which decade of life we are in, that You renew us. Seeing oil prices goes down is the wind of encouragement. What else can You change in Your Will, Father God? Let us remember this life is temporary and is adventure. God Strengthen, Encourage and Bless all those building up others. Going forth in Jesus to see Your Word fulfilled in Joy. Help us stay salty friends. AMEN.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

Philippians 4 ~ in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
 you whom I love and long for, 
my joy and crown, 
stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. 
I will say it again: Rejoice! 

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.







10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 

16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

This is accurate, astonishingly overlooked and tremendously exciting.
We have a Historic Trail.

Papyrus 46 of Philippians is noteworthy and creates a biblical memory. Critics say the New Testament was drafted  in the Roman Empire's 400 A.D. fulfilling a desire for a document of Christ. In Papyrus 46 there are many scriptures and we see Philippians.

Papyrus 46 dates to 175 A.D. and has written in AD 110  by Polycarp. Polycarp was a disciple of the beloved disciple John while he was an inhabitant of the Island of Patmos.

Bishop Papias evidence alone is compelling. But a chronology of the generations John to Polycarp, then Irenaeus - his is the  letter displayed below. Irenaeus  was the Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul. The three bishops succinctly form a historical chain.

Do the Disciple John's writings correlate to Paul's letter to Philippi  from prison?

- John loves! John's written letters proclaim the depth of his love.
- John declares  God's joy and an explanation of crowns.
- John also, miles and miles and miles, from Paul - writes of the Book of Life.
- John certainly witnessed the evil of the world overcoming Jesus. He never recovered fully seeing evil at work. John chose instead of focusing on evil - John determinedly spoke of the Promises of God being nearby.
- John survived and triumphed as many of the hardships and difficulties as Paul. We discover John is fruitful in old age.
- John describes of the peace of God 7 times.

We have just seen John say Paul's testimony is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!

Bishop Papias records John's quoted praise of the other three Gospels as well.

The first part of the Passage is very well known and beloved. If you are familiar with Scripture this Living Word is a complete balm.

The second half  creates a continuous circle - a study to  fully document and describe  the first part.

The first part - Rejoice in the Lord always!
The second part - you renewed your concern for me. Verse 10

If we are very, very literal and say, "Rejoice always!" We would look unconcerned and out of place. And when we read to the end of Paul's life in the Bible, we see St. Paul has some concerns. Paul is speaking of the Fire of the Holy Spirit. Paul doesn't speak in uncertainty, guile or error. He doesn't turn back. He doesn't ask for insincerity or the pious display of righteousness- simply put, fake joy. Paul declares with vigor  when the Wind of the Spirit lifts us - go there! See what is possible in God!

Love the sheer and utter honesty. What will we do when doubts niggle at us since we are undoubtedly not St. Paul or St. John? Paul says - REVIEW. Take out our truths and reexamine them. Look in the Light for what is is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent.

Share troubles. Verse 14. Paul is not suggesting be poised to hoist up boot straps and display manufactured happiness. The Scriptures proclaim - heartfelt response -  Indeed, you were concerned. Still verse 10.

Is the Lord near? The blessings of Philippi, Greece would say so. Wikipedia says this about Philippi: "The prosperity of the city in the 5th and 6th centuries was attributed to Paul and to his ministry." This is the worldly fruit. The Spiritual fruit is discovered in the victory over the persecution of the first 4 centuries and and enduring Love for Jesus.  Survival of Roman Empire persecution would need God to guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

During the 4 centuries - you bet persecution will cause  "anxious"  about anything and everything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, requests were presented to God. And the peace of God, transcended all understanding and was guarding those in Christ Jesus.

Were the people perfect or the Churches in the early days??? Were these the golden days gone past - no hassles in Church - People and their nature have not changed since Genesis.  God is steadfast through the millenniums. Because Verse 15 teaches us about not whining and adopting Paul's viewpoint to look up to God - here is Verse 15 - "early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving"

What have we learned from this inspiring Scripture of Paul's faith? 
There are steps to take in Rejoicing.
A measure of faith and endurance is called for.
Sharing troubles is part of this.

The disciples gave Gospel saying they were far from perfect people. The story of Jesus with His Disciples is - God loving us as people. This 4th Chapter of Philippians tells us what God has created in someone breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. This is a miracle. Paul cried out "Who are you?"

Jesus did answer distinctly,“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Paul did as Abraham and went. He believed God and this was credited to him as righteousness. The works of God go on, His people have flaws, sins and weaknesses. The Work of God goes forth beyond the workmen.

We can read the first portion of this Chapter and give up. We are not perfect. Jesus is the One who is good and closes our gaps. We need a savior. God Loves You!

Father God, Scripture requires a seek, and yet - You find us when we search. In the Holy Spirit, with seeking Your Word and Law, You write in our hearts. Your Word declares Father God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ. We are transparent to You. All of us. And You decide the answer is Love and Salvation. God you give us the blessing of Your Praise living in our hearts to find reasons to rejoice. Always help us to remember to find reasons to have gratitude. You clearly tell us here that Rejoicing happens when we dwell on Your gifts to us. Help us to abide in this Promise. In the name of Jesus provide this to us and our beloved ones. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

P.S. We all are learning together. I realized today seeing 4 yr old Rylie something so great - it's Biblical - Rejoicing every chance you get - is - the best option! Everyone who meets Rylie, and our group today, remarks, with great joy, that her joy is- INSPIRING!!!

 <><

 <><

Psalm 54 ~ The Lord is the upholder of my life

Psalm 54


O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
2 O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers^{[insolent men]} have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves. Selah

4 Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.          
5 He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.

6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.


Psalm 54 is a Psalm of David.  A Psalm written by a man who saw war, homelessness, being overlooked by his father and brothers, marked as a criminal, a mercenary.  And he lived through victory, indulgence, defeat and into old age.

David lived Life. Jesus says He is Life. 

We live in time when the news generally isn't great.  

People have doubts about their children's futures.  Most of us are amazed at least once a month by a new phone app or a computer application.  

Sometimes it helps to remember my grandmothers grew old after facing life's hardships. I know they had years life shook them like waves. They were not like the centenarian documentaries of never worrying, self-reliance and hard core assurance - because life shook them in difficult, difficult circumstances. Yet both women found they endured and looked forward to more life with God in eternity. 

How are we saved? By the blood of Jesus.

I wouldn't turn this down, especially at the Communion Table. 

By the cross of Jesus?  It is the symbol of victory of the LORD over the enemy of death, despair, false witness. 

Yet David grasps something very important here. 
We are saved by the name of Jesus. The Christ. The Son of God. The LORD.

Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth







What shall we say about our JESUS?

Jesus

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.







 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.


Genesis 1:3-4
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.


Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Isaiah 55:11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Hebrews 6:13
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself

Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

1 Timothy 6 ~ worthy of full respect

Luke 13:1-9


Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

1 Timothy 6

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

Groundhog Day - was there ever a better training ground to not allow the day to leave without acquiring something unique? Reading the Word of God to find out what we can bring to the table.

If we are in one place - we probably should be learning.

If only he had been allowed to keep a gratitude journal. Or text himself gratitude moments.


Thank You God we can rely upon You. For help. For seasonal change. For adventure. For learning. For acquiring skill. For giving to us and we bless others. For Your assistance when life is stressed. Knowing You are God. Thank God in Jesus. Amen.

 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

Matthew 7:1-6 ~ Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 7:1-6

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."





Yesterday, I was forgiven. Held and hugged,  because Edward who forgave me is noble knowing he is imperfect. And when you are forgiven - you are enlightened, again, seeing the true character of the forgiver. Forgiveness given and received.

Expectation. God expects us to see HIM as good. Forgiveness opens up new paths. We all want our narrow path life to have more and more blessings. An open heart lets in more Light.

Forgiveness. We debate and debate if God really wanted Abraham to kill Isaac. I vote a solid no. I vote Abraham would have had more of God's grace if he'd said, "No. You are God. You have the power in Your Word. You promised this son and I expect You to be Merciful." Abraham had famously argued before, for lives, and I believe he should have argued. God cleans up this sad series of events by being Merciful without Abraham's argument. I think God wanted us all to say, God IS more merciful than that.

Forgiveness with this passage  indicates discernment. Jacob never was asked for forgiveness from his sons. Jacob delivered a blessing and departed to God. Reuben was understood by Jacob to stand apart from him.

Owwww. Ouch. When your own heart and expectations are fed back to you. This is the perfect opportunity to say - talk to me. Be honest, be truthful. Truth is said to do this:

Ecclesiastes 1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

That is true. Jesus tells us He is Truth. Simply put, we want to be where Jesus is. This is the narrow, meaningful  path leading us to Jesus.

Leading us to - again - the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We just don't know when our change will occur.

The recent study of 2,600 people returning from being brain dead and knowing peace - seeing dimensions fade, people they know and love - seeing their reactions, and returning to say - they have seen Heaven. We want to obtain entrance to Heaven. Where God sees us, loves us and will know us.

Our seats are not God's. We might want them to look like God sits there, however we are not to judge.

God works vastly beyond what we can perceive.

Jacob was not capable to judge even Reuben. Jacob correctly followed what God tells us to flee from. God is much more in touch with the ones He loves.

Revelation 3 We will want to be
dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.


Acts 13
38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.


Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Mark 1:15
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. 
Repent and believe the good news!"

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><