Thursday, 11 December 2014
By faith not by sight
Everyone has a measure of faith. While everything is falling apart, the act of reaching into the unknown is a position of strength. Make no mistake heaven knows your name. Nothing ahead of you can separate you from the love of God. It will all make sense when it comes together in the end.
By Matthew Taylor
Monday, 28 July 2014
Private obedience leads to public blessings.
The Bible promises that if we obey God, then He will bless us. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Moses told the Israelites, "If you fully obey the Lord your God and
carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God
will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings
will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." The
next fifteen verses list all sorts of blessings that God will give His
people.
It sounds really good to be radically blessed, but notice that there is a condition: you must "fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands."
Obedience can be difficult, but if you consistently obey God in secret, then "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).
You may freely choose between obedience and disobedience, but know that "a man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7).
Obey the Lord in all things—private and public. Then you will see "all these blessings ... come upon you."
It sounds really good to be radically blessed, but notice that there is a condition: you must "fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands."
Obedience can be difficult, but if you consistently obey God in secret, then "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).
You may freely choose between obedience and disobedience, but know that "a man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7).
Obey the Lord in all things—private and public. Then you will see "all these blessings ... come upon you."
Listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.
What are you praying for? Are you asking God to give you more
stuff--a bigger house, a new car, a bigger salary? What you pray for
indicates what is important to you.
It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for.
King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33).
Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love.
Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually.
Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.
It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for.
King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33).
Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love.
Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually.
Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.
Monday, July 28, 2014
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the
many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace
and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ,
overflow to the many!
Romans 5:15 (Read all of Romans 5)
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Sunday, 27 July 2014
Time is the price you must pay for intimacy with God.
One of the most valuable things that a person could possibly have is an intimate relationship with God. That same God who is big enough and powerful enough to create the whole universe is also small enough and caring enough to desire a personal relationship with you--a relationship that will last for eternity.
Of course, such an intimate friendship won't happen by chance. Your relationship with your best friend didn't come overnight, and your relationship with God is no different. It requires time.
There is a principle that can be seen both in the Bible and in the world, which basically states that you reap what you sow (see 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-8). However, you can't expect to reap a harvest on seeds you've never sown. In other words, you can't expect to know God well if you don't invest significant amounts of time and energy into the relationship.
Therefore, it is very important how you use your time. No wonder Paul, in Ephesians 5:15-16, wrote this: Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Here, Paul is encouraging us to use our time wisely--that is, to make the most of it.
The way to make the most of your time is to invest it into something of great value that lasts forever--an intimate relationship with God.
A practical tip that I have found to be true in my own life is this: Reserve a specific slot each day to spend time with God. Don't do anything else during that time; make it your time specifically for you and God. You can't use the excuse, "I'll read my Bible and spend time with God, as soon as I can find some time." You will never find time! You must make time. Therefore, reserve time for God, remembering that time is the price you must pay for intimacy with God.
There is a principle that can be seen both in the Bible and in the world, which basically states that you reap what you sow (see 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-8). However, you can't expect to reap a harvest on seeds you've never sown. In other words, you can't expect to know God well if you don't invest significant amounts of time and energy into the relationship.
Therefore, it is very important how you use your time. No wonder Paul, in Ephesians 5:15-16, wrote this: Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Here, Paul is encouraging us to use our time wisely--that is, to make the most of it.
The way to make the most of your time is to invest it into something of great value that lasts forever--an intimate relationship with God.
A practical tip that I have found to be true in my own life is this: Reserve a specific slot each day to spend time with God. Don't do anything else during that time; make it your time specifically for you and God. You can't use the excuse, "I'll read my Bible and spend time with God, as soon as I can find some time." You will never find time! You must make time. Therefore, reserve time for God, remembering that time is the price you must pay for intimacy with God.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot
lose." Jim Elliot wrote that in his journal shortly before giving his
life on the mission field. He knew that the cost of the cause of Christ is everything you have.
However, the things you give up to Christ (e.g. control of your own life) are things you couldn't keep anyway, but the things you gain as a result of faith in Christ (e.g. eternal life) are things you cannot lose.
Jesus said, in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Everything you have here on Earth will decay and rust away -- you'll lose it all. However, what you store up in heaven you cannot lose.
The author of Ecclesiastes, who was probably King Solomon, recalled, in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, how he had done great things and accumulated much wealth. Yet, he realized that accumulation here on Earth is useless: I undertook great projects ... I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ... I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. ... Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:4,9-11). Even though he had everything he wanted, it was all pointless, because it didn't satisfy and couldn't last.
Take some advice from these passages. Trade the things you can't keep (your life, your money, your possessions) for the things you can't lose (eternal life, righteousness, a relationship with God).
However, the things you give up to Christ (e.g. control of your own life) are things you couldn't keep anyway, but the things you gain as a result of faith in Christ (e.g. eternal life) are things you cannot lose.
Jesus said, in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Everything you have here on Earth will decay and rust away -- you'll lose it all. However, what you store up in heaven you cannot lose.
The author of Ecclesiastes, who was probably King Solomon, recalled, in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, how he had done great things and accumulated much wealth. Yet, he realized that accumulation here on Earth is useless: I undertook great projects ... I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ... I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. ... Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:4,9-11). Even though he had everything he wanted, it was all pointless, because it didn't satisfy and couldn't last.
Take some advice from these passages. Trade the things you can't keep (your life, your money, your possessions) for the things you can't lose (eternal life, righteousness, a relationship with God).
Saturday, 26 July 2014
Our level of living depends on Our level of giving.
Conventional wisdom says that your life will be better if you keep
everything you have for yourself. However, God clearly says that your
life will be better if you work to make another person's life better.
In Galatians 6:7-9, Paul writes, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
In other words, what you give to others will affect how they give to you; the amount of love, patience, and kindness that you show to others will affect the amount that they show to you. This principle of giving and receiving applies to many areas of life. For example, if you invest an hour a day into exercising, then you will reap the benefits of that investment—a strong, healthy body. However, if you invest that same time into flipping channels on T.V., then you will reap the benefits of that investment—a wasted hour.
Paul isn't just talking about money or time; in fact, he is focusing on giving into the lives of others. In the very next verse, Galatians 6:10, Paul instructs believers: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. If you "do good" to others by giving into their lives, then you will benefit.
So, if you don't feel like you're getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you're giving the love you should give. Why? Because you reap what you sow. If you give love, you'll receive love. If you give friendship, you'll receive friendship. If you give mercy, you'll receive mercy. (It is important to note that you may not always receive from the same place you give.)
Therefore, decide to give freely to others, actively look for ways to be a blessing to other people, and deliberately go out of your way to walk in love. Then, watch as the benefits of that giving affect your life. Remember, your level of living depends on your level of giving.
In Galatians 6:7-9, Paul writes, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
In other words, what you give to others will affect how they give to you; the amount of love, patience, and kindness that you show to others will affect the amount that they show to you. This principle of giving and receiving applies to many areas of life. For example, if you invest an hour a day into exercising, then you will reap the benefits of that investment—a strong, healthy body. However, if you invest that same time into flipping channels on T.V., then you will reap the benefits of that investment—a wasted hour.
Paul isn't just talking about money or time; in fact, he is focusing on giving into the lives of others. In the very next verse, Galatians 6:10, Paul instructs believers: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. If you "do good" to others by giving into their lives, then you will benefit.
So, if you don't feel like you're getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you're giving the love you should give. Why? Because you reap what you sow. If you give love, you'll receive love. If you give friendship, you'll receive friendship. If you give mercy, you'll receive mercy. (It is important to note that you may not always receive from the same place you give.)
Therefore, decide to give freely to others, actively look for ways to be a blessing to other people, and deliberately go out of your way to walk in love. Then, watch as the benefits of that giving affect your life. Remember, your level of living depends on your level of giving.
Do you lack the unity in community?
All Christians share a common bond—a belief in Jesus. But
unfortunately that bond is often overlooked or damaged by strife and
discord.
However, the Bible instructs Christians to live in harmony with one another and to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another (Romans 12:16, Colossians 3:13). This need for love, harmony, and forgiveness is important because we, as Christians, cannot be an effective community without unity—and that means helping each other, forgiving each other, and walking in love with one another.
Galatians 6:2 says, Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. This means that if we help each other—in other words, walk in love—then we, as Christians, will fulfill Christ's law, which is to love one another (see John 13:34-35). Any Christian community must have unity.
However, the Bible instructs Christians to live in harmony with one another and to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another (Romans 12:16, Colossians 3:13). This need for love, harmony, and forgiveness is important because we, as Christians, cannot be an effective community without unity—and that means helping each other, forgiving each other, and walking in love with one another.
Galatians 6:2 says, Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. This means that if we help each other—in other words, walk in love—then we, as Christians, will fulfill Christ's law, which is to love one another (see John 13:34-35). Any Christian community must have unity.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30 (Read all of Mark 12)
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Friday, 25 July 2014
Thoughts on Today
Jesus' love for children in an age when they weren't highly regarded is a
powerful reminder. It is a reminder of God's love for what the world
often abuses or abandons. We are called to love the unloved, the
forgotten, the abused and neglected. Why? Because that is what Israel
was in Egypt and that is what Jesus was at Calvary and that is what we
were without grace (Romans 5:6-11). How can we claim to know salvation
and not share it with others who need that grace!? How can we claim to
be Jesus' disciples and not show love for those the world forgets?
Thursday, 24 July 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
Proverbs 3:34 (Read all of Proverbs 3)
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Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The God of all grace, who called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will
himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10 (Read all of 1 Peter 5)
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Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my
transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2 (Read all of Psalm 51)
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that
the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Read all of 2 Timothy 3)
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Monday, 21 July 2014
Use your words as building blocks not battering rams.
Weekly Wisdoms for the week of July 21, 2014 Use your words as building blocks not battering rams. Every word you say will have an affect on others.
Positive words will encourage and strengthen other people, but negative words will tear down and harm them. You must decide whether to speak positively or negatively. Please understand that speaking positively requires a deliberate decision, whereas speaking negatively comes easily—for it is human nature. Therefore, actively strive to speak positive and encouraging words to others. It is no surprise that the Bible instructs us to say beneficial things about others: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). Furthermore, Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt ..." Speaking positive, uplifting words is extremely important. Indeed, Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
In Psalm 19:14, David prays, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." David clearly knew the importance of words, and so he prayed that he would speak words that were pleasing to God. We must deliberately choose to speak positive words; otherwise, we will instinctively complain and be negative—for that is human nature. Thus, it is no surprise that Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Similarly, Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Usually when you "hold" your tongue, you'll catch yourself before you say nasty things about others and cut them down with your words.
Lastly, it is important to understand that whatever you say is a reflection of your heart attitude. Matthew 12:34 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (also see Luke 6:45). In other words, your words are simply an overflow of what's in your heart. If you think poorly about others, you'll speak poorly about them.
On the other hand, if you think positively about others, as the Bible instructs us to, then you'll speak positively about them. Since words carry power, make a decision to use your words as building blocks not battering rams.
Giving is the only antidote to greed.
Jesus says, in Matthew 6:24, No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Jesus is making the point that our heart's highest loyalty will be for only one thing. We can't be equally devoted to two things; ultimately one will win out over the other.
If money is the most important thing to you (i.e., if you're greedy), then you will serve your money more than you serve God. And you will find it very difficult to follow God's instructions to give to others: If there is a poor man among your brothers ... do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
If it's true that no one can serve two masters, then the best way to fight against greed is to make sure that your master (your highest loyalty) is God—not money. Follow God above all else; that way your money will follow God, too.
John writes, If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17). That sounds rather harsh at first, but it's really no different than what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24. If you love your money more than God, then you'll keep your money for yourself rather than giving it away to help others. The only way you'll give generously to others is if you love God more than you love your money. So, how do you know if you love God more than money? By examining what you do with your money: Do you keep most of it, or give most of it?
If you want to fight against greed (that is, if you want to love God more than your money), then you'll follow God's instructions to give—give to the poor, give generously, give joyfully, give liberally, and give regularly. Giving is the best weapon against greed.
Positive words will encourage and strengthen other people, but negative words will tear down and harm them. You must decide whether to speak positively or negatively. Please understand that speaking positively requires a deliberate decision, whereas speaking negatively comes easily—for it is human nature. Therefore, actively strive to speak positive and encouraging words to others. It is no surprise that the Bible instructs us to say beneficial things about others: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). Furthermore, Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt ..." Speaking positive, uplifting words is extremely important. Indeed, Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
In Psalm 19:14, David prays, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." David clearly knew the importance of words, and so he prayed that he would speak words that were pleasing to God. We must deliberately choose to speak positive words; otherwise, we will instinctively complain and be negative—for that is human nature. Thus, it is no surprise that Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Similarly, Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Usually when you "hold" your tongue, you'll catch yourself before you say nasty things about others and cut them down with your words.
Lastly, it is important to understand that whatever you say is a reflection of your heart attitude. Matthew 12:34 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (also see Luke 6:45). In other words, your words are simply an overflow of what's in your heart. If you think poorly about others, you'll speak poorly about them.
On the other hand, if you think positively about others, as the Bible instructs us to, then you'll speak positively about them. Since words carry power, make a decision to use your words as building blocks not battering rams.
Giving is the only antidote to greed.
Jesus says, in Matthew 6:24, No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Jesus is making the point that our heart's highest loyalty will be for only one thing. We can't be equally devoted to two things; ultimately one will win out over the other.
If money is the most important thing to you (i.e., if you're greedy), then you will serve your money more than you serve God. And you will find it very difficult to follow God's instructions to give to others: If there is a poor man among your brothers ... do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
If it's true that no one can serve two masters, then the best way to fight against greed is to make sure that your master (your highest loyalty) is God—not money. Follow God above all else; that way your money will follow God, too.
John writes, If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17). That sounds rather harsh at first, but it's really no different than what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24. If you love your money more than God, then you'll keep your money for yourself rather than giving it away to help others. The only way you'll give generously to others is if you love God more than you love your money. So, how do you know if you love God more than money? By examining what you do with your money: Do you keep most of it, or give most of it?
If you want to fight against greed (that is, if you want to love God more than your money), then you'll follow God's instructions to give—give to the poor, give generously, give joyfully, give liberally, and give regularly. Giving is the best weapon against greed.
Monday, July 21, 2014
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will
rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my
refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 (Read all of Psalm 91)
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Sunday, 20 July 2014
Sunday, July 20, 2014
But when they saw him walking on the lake,
they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him
and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take
courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Mark 6:49-50 (Read all of Mark 6)
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Friday, 18 July 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
1 Peter 4:7 (Read all of 1 Peter 4)
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Friday, July 18, 2014
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Read all of 1 Timothy 6)
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Wednesday, 16 July 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all
who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:18-19 (Read all of Psalm 145)
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The Lord is my Light
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Read Psalm 27
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full
acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -
- of whom I
am the worst.
1 Timothy 1:15 (Read all of 1 Timothy 1)
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Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
The law was added so that the trespass might
increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 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 5:20-21 (Read all of Romans 5)
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