1 Corinthians 8:1–3

Those who love have fulfilled the law. Without it we are just making noise! 

The more we know about God the more humble we should become.

We are able to share the love of Christ with others because He first loved us.

God's actions with Israel help us see how He approaches our lives, too: He still brings clarity to confusion, and light to darkness, when we are centered around His love. In our human fragility, losing focus from time to time is inevitable, but the best way we can establish order in our lives is to position our hearts toward trusting and following Jesus. Today we do not physically surround the tabernacle or temple of God; rather, believers in Jesus "are God's temple and … God's Spirit dwells in [us]" (1 Corinthians 3:16; emphasis added). First5 

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you. SabbathMoments 

1 Corinthians 8:1–3

We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. The New King James Version

Love strengthens the faith of believers rather than destroying it. 

Some Corinthian believers assumed that knowledge was the true sign of spirituality. They did not understand that knowledge without love indicates a lack of knowledge. 

Paul identifies love as the true basis of knowledge. Those who love God live in relationship with Him; they are known by Him. This is also the basis for godly conduct; it does not destroy other believers but builds them up. Faithlife Study Bible

We know that we all have knowledge appears to have been a slogan used by certain Corinthian believers as an arrogant statement against weaker Christians.

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. This is one of Paul’s five attacks on the arrogance of some of the church members at Corinth. These people belittled their weaker brothers and sisters with their knowledge. They had missed the point. They should have been using their knowledge to help other believers in the church. The NKJV Study Bible

There is no proof of ignorance more common than conceit of knowledge. Much may be known, when nothing is known to good purpose. And those who think they know any thing, and grow vain thereon, are the least likely to make good use of their knowledge. Satan hurts some as much by tempting them to be proud of mental powers, as others, by alluring to sensuality. 

Knowledge which puffs up the possessor, and renders him confident, is as dangerous as self-righteous pride, though what he knows may be right. Without holy affections all human knowledge is worthless. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Romans and Christ in the Scriptures

Only in Christ and the power of Holy Spirit ,are we as humans, able to fulfill His plans for our life. Without Him we are without hope.

God can do what we cannot!

I had listened to Charles Stanley on this very topic on Sunday and it is slowly sinking in. We are not capable of a sinless life here on earth without His power. In our weakness He is made strong!

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God the Gardener bless you.
May God the Gardener bless you.
May you be planted in God's deep rich earth,
nourished with God's grace and wisdom
and refreshed by the dew of God's love.
May you know the experience of breaking through
and of flowering with compassion, justice, and mercy.
May God the Gardener be with you.
Maxine Shonk, (SabbathMoments)

Romans and Christ in the Scriptures

Romans presents a Jesus who offers His righteousness as a gracious gift to sinful people like us because He bore God’s condemnation and wrath for our depraved nature. Paul makes it quite clear that the Savior’s life, death, and resurrection are the basis for our redemption, justification, reconciliation, salvation, and glorification. What is more, Paul contends that the Spirit of Jesus can motivate us to live responsible, Christlike lives. That’s what the second half of Romans is all about. The NKJV Study Bible

In the Church

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

In Society

12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Toward Government

13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Love Your Neighbor 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Put on Christ 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Toward other Believers

14 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

15 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The New King James Version

Psalm 44:3 For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.

Psalm 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me.

Psalm 44:7 But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us.

Mark 2:5-12 (Faith pleases God)

Faith is a gift! How can we expect God’s guidance and power in our life without believing that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who believe in Him.

Without faith it is impossible to please God.

In a world where discouragement and weariness are real, too often stoked by stress, loneliness and political division, every single one of us needs kindness and grace. SabbathMoments 

 “For our high priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV).

When we stumble we aren’t abandoned. The stunning idea is simply this: God, for a time, became one of us. God became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ. And neither his humanity nor deity were compromised.  Max Lucado

Mark 2:5-12

5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” The New King James Version

Jesus’ words to the man suggest a connection between sin and illness, an assumption rooted in the old testament understanding of disobedience to God’s law resulting in various curses. The healing that follows authenticates Jesus’ claim to forgive sins.

The people’s increasing recognition of Jesus’ authority provokes conflict with these teachers. 

In Mark, the Greek term used here for scribes, dialogizomai, is often used in contexts where a sense of disapproval or disagreement is involved. Each episode of controversy in this chapter is provoked by a question about the behavior of Jesus or His disciples. The scribes (teachers of the law) accuse Jesus of blasphemy because He, a human being, claims to do something only God can. 

Blasphemy—a significant theme in Mark’s Gospel—is the first and last charge Jesus’ Jewish adversaries will bring against Him. For Jesus’ opponents, His claim to forgive the man’s sins—equivalent to claiming divinity—is easily dismissible since there is no proof of the success of His claim. Jesus’ rhetorical question and following action are meant to stimulate His audience, and especially His accusers, to recognize that He had authority to act with God’s power. 

The phrase, which may be literally rendered “human one” refers to a Messiah figure who comes to Yahweh (called the Ancient of Days), with the clouds surrounding him, to be given dominion over all of the world. Yahweh is also depicted as riding on the clouds, which means the Son of Man is depicted like Yahweh himself—indicating that the Son of Man figure is also divine. 

This is fitting as a description for Jesus’ ministry, since He is divine and human, and is establishing the kingdom of God on earth. Jesus acted with an unprecedented authority over physical maladies and demons. Faithlife Study Bible

Not only did the four men have faith, but the paralytic himself had it too. When Jesus announced to him, your sins are forgiven, He was implicitly acknowledging the paralytic’s trust that He was the Messiah. 

Mark notes the opposition of the scribes, who under their breath accused Jesus of blasphemy. In Christ’s day the scribes were commonly called lawyers. Jesus asked the which is easier question to demonstrate the truth of His claim to forgive the man’s sins—something only God can accomplish. Anyone could assert the ability to forgive sins, since there was no earthly way of confirming the statement. But to say arise, take up your bed and walk to a paralytic could be tested immediately by whether he walked or not. By healing the paralytic, Jesus made His pronouncement of forgiveness far more credible. 

Son of Man is a term regularly used for the Messiah. 

The crowd’s reaction showed that they understood the significance of Jesus’ miracle. It is possible that some scribes and Pharisees joined in the acclamation. But permanent, life-changing faith is what Christ sought, not temporary adoration from the crowd. The NKJV Study Bible

When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

Matthew 9:2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?

John 15:22 if I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Life Church Vineyard

Lead Pastor Mitch Price

Way Maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, that is who You are!!!

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long!

“After God’s own heart.” In hot pursuit!!

Psalm 127 (Child Dedication Sunday)

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. The New King James Version

We want a heart that leads into Your own.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

We teach our children and they will always know the truth. Even if it doesn’t show at this moment they will always know the way home to Him.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Are we seeking God’s own heart. Are we serving others? 

We need to be hot pursuit of His ways. 

Our children emulate our ways. Pray that our actions reflect the ways of God. We are the representative of Jesus. Without His love for every person He created in our actions…we do not reveal His heart.

Becoming like Jesus is more caught than taught.” Unknown

Our actions show what we truly believe. 

“You are like the people you hang out with” Lonnie Price

Hebrews 12: 1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We can only do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. 

Velocity matters. How fast we pursue God determines how we accomplish the mission He sets for us. We need to let Holy Spirit stir up our passion. 

The father of the prodigal son meets the return of his wayward son return with open arms. So does our Father in heaven.

God called David a man after His own heart knowing that David had committed adultery and had the husband murdered. 

No one is beyond God’s mercy and grace. He wants no one to live eternity without Him.

Matthew 9:10–13

We are all sinners in need of a Savior!

Christians are not a clique, Church  is not a social club. We are the Body Of Christ whose duty lies in relating God’s gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to all!

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Faith in God's presence, provision and promises leads to obedience to His commands, and hope in His salvation. 

God calls sinners to belong to Him and saves them by His grace. First5 

For you shall go out in joy; and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  The Book of Isaiah SabbathMoments 

God asked this question through the prophet Isaiah. “‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:25-26).

Let’s humble ourselves before the hand of God. The Bible reminds us that those who walk in pride, God is able to humble. And we don’t want him to humble us, do we? Max Lucado

Matthew 9:10–13

10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” The New King James Version

Jesus’ answer might be a simple analogy. It also could reflect the cultural assumption that disease was associated with sin. A common formula used by rabbis to direct their followers toward a particular passage in the Scriptures. Jesus’ use of this formula might be a subtle jab at the Pharisees, who are not His disciples and represent the learned of Jewish society. Because they have failed to properly understand the spirit of the law, Jesus treats these experts as beginners. 

Jesus is quoting Hosea, which critiques Israel for focusing on the letter of the law while ignoring its spirit. God desires His people’s faithfulness and steadfast love more than their ritual observances. The righteous refers to people who are perceived as being righteous. According to Jesus, true righteousness involves showing mercy toward outcasts. Faithlife Study Bible

Jesus quoted Hosea to make the point that God is more interested in a person’s loyal love than in the observance of external rituals. Jesus refers ironically to the Pharisees as the righteous. They were not righteous; that was only how they perceived themselves because of their pious and scrupulous law-keeping. But Jesus explained, quoting from the familiar words of an Old Testament prophet, that God had already judged sacrifices without mercy as worthless. The NKJV Study Bible

Some time after his call, Matthew sought to bring his old associates to hear Christ. He knew by experience what the grace of Christ could do, and would not despair concerning them. Those who are effectually brought to Christ, cannot but desire that others also may be brought to him. 

Those who suppose their souls to be without disease will not welcome the spiritual Physician. This was the case with the Pharisees; they despised Christ, because they thought themselves whole; but the poor publicans and sinners felt that they wanted instruction and amendment. It is easy, and too common, to put the worst constructions upon the best words and actions. It may justly be suspected that those have not the grace of God themselves, who are not pleased with others’ obtaining it. Christ’s conversing with sinners is here called mercy; for to promote the conversion of souls is the greatest act of mercy. The gospel call is a call to repentance; a call to us to change our minds, and to change our ways. If the children of men had not been sinners, there had been no need for Christ to come among them. Let us examine whether we have found out our sickness, and have learned to follow the directions of our great Physician. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’  But wisdom is justified by her children.”

Daniel 3:28-29

God protects those who place their trust in Him alone! He is able to do all that we cannot.

Blessed be His holy name.

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5 NKJV). Isn’t it easy to see why? Humility is happy to do what pride will not. The humble heart is quick to acknowledge the need for God, eager to confess sin, willing to kneel before heaven’s mighty hand. Max Lucado

Daniel 3:28-29

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.” The New King James Version

In addition to elevating the God of the Jews above the Babylonian gods, the king pronounces a blessing upon Him. 

Nebuchadnezzar describes the fourth man in the furnace as an angel. Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered. In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile, the Jews to whom the prophecies in the latter half of the book apply—those suffering at the hands of Antiochus—would also find great comfort in this truth.

The king praises the youths for disobeying his command. They yielded to death—the ultimate sacrifice. Their noncompliance, initially the reason for their capital punishment, is now elevated as virtue. 

Rulers often issued decrees that protected various religious groups within their jurisdiction. Still, it is astonishing that Nebuchadnezzar made such a proclamation. His actions demonstrate that he was greatly affected by the experience. Nebuchadnezzar commands that his subjects revere and respect the God of their captives. The Babylonians believed the Jews to be in exile because of their God’s powerlessness, but now they honor Him. Faithlife Study Bible

The God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego saved them completely, so that there was not the slightest evidence that they had ever been in danger. The salvation offered by the Lord is so effective and complete that nothing of the lost condition remains.

Pagan cultures did not deny the existence of other gods, even those of other peoples. Nebuchadnezzar declared only that the God of the Jews was a god who is able to deliver; the king forbade others to despise Him.

Theophanies: When King Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed that the fourth man walking about in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego was “like the Son of God”, it may be an overstatement to say that he recognized Jesus. Yet even though he worshiped other gods, Nebuchadnezzar somehow knew that this mysterious fourth figure was divine. 

Although the doctrine of the Triune God was not fully revealed until Jesus’ time, we find clues that God was preparing humanity for this truth. In the Old Testament, such foreshadowings of God or the preincarnate Christ in a visible form are called theophanies, meaning “appearances of God.” These theophanies include the Angel who comforted Hagar, the visitor who revealed to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, the Lord’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush, the pillars of cloud and fire that led the Israelites from Egypt, and Moses’ glimpse of God on Sinai. 

Some people would also include as a theophany the appearance of Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, who gave wine and bread to Abram. The Old Testament contains nearly 80 references to the Spirit of God and anticipates the arrival of God’s Son, the Messiah, who would deliver His people. Daniel also calls Christ the Son of Man. These theophanies were temporary, however. They were hints of the incarnation of Christ, fully human and fully divine, who would live among and redeem His people. The NKJV Study Bible

What God did for these his servants, would help to keep the Jews to their religion while in captivity, and to cure them of idolatry. The miracle brought deep convictions on Nebuchadnezzar. But no abiding change then took place in his conduct. 

He who preserved these pious Jews in the fiery furnace, is able to uphold us in the hour of temptation, and to keep us from falling into sin.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary 

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.

Colossians 4:5

God shows no partiality. History tends to repeat itself.  He wants no one to perish but all come to Him through Jesus.

To God alone, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, belongs all honor and glory.

We are the representatives of Jesus. We love others because He  first loved us.

John 4:17 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Colossians 4:5 

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. Faithlife Study Bible

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts”. Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ezekiel 18:30-32

God is gracious and kind. He wants no one to perish but all to share eternal life with Him. In Jesus and the power of Holy Spirit we can be changed.  Precept by precept He works in our life so that we can reflect the image of His only begotten Son to a dying world.

God has provided the way, our part is to accept salvation and allow Him to change our life!!

The voice of Grace tells us that we are more than our labels.

I love the Gospel story about the Samaritan woman at the well. Long story short, here is a woman who carries a myriad of labels--she is a member of the wrong group, she is "less-than," undesirable, a social outcast (not to mention she'd been married several times). And Jesus offers her everlasting water no questions asked. 

My take on his words to her: "You've lived on scarcity—labels that limit you—and I offer you sufficiency, in water that will never leave you thirsty again.”

I love preaching from this text. Which, of course means, that I’m preaching in order to remind myself to believe it (internalize it). To hear it, for myself. Just sayin’. SabbathMoments 

Ezekiel 18:30-32

30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” The New King James Version

In this passage, Ezekiel further clarifies his teaching on individual responsibility for sin by answering certain questions that reflect what his audience might be thinking in response to his previous message. God’s response to their questions through Ezekiel is in part also composed of questions. 

Live and die refer to physical death and not eternal death, since this passage relates to the standards and stipulations of the Mosaic covenant. Everyone is judged equitably and individually. God never enjoys condemning a person, but is just and righteous in dispensing His judgments. The NKJV Study Bible

The Lord will judge each of the Israelites according to his ways. On this is grounded an exhortation to repent, and to make them a new heart and a new spirit. God does not command what cannot be done, but admonishes us to do what is in our power, and to pray for what is not. Ordinances and means are appointed, directions and promises are given, that those who desire this change may seek it from God.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Jeremiah 32:39 then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them.

Ezekiel 33:20 Yet you say, ‘The way of the LORD is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.”

Matthew 3:2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Mark 2:23-28

The Sabbath was made for man it is meant to be a day of rest. A day to reflect on His goodness and care for you. A day to breathe in His love and release it to others. On the seventh day God rested letting us know that there is a rest for those who place their trust in Him and the salvation provided in Jesus Christ.

May God's life dance within you as you pause for quiet places and prayer in your busy life.  Joyce Rupp  

Micah 6:8. Like many biblical passages, it is simple to understand yet tough to execute: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” David French

Mark 2:23-28

23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 But He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: 26 how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?” 

27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” The New King James Version

Jews at this time debated about when human need could legitimately override the command to observe the Sabbath, and many people had strict rules regarding the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest. 

The Pentateuch doesn’t specifically prohibit plucking grain on the Sabbath, though it could be understood as discouraging the gathering and preparation of food on the Sabbath. 

When David was fleeing from King Saul, he persuaded a priest to give him consecrated bread by claiming that he was on his way to a secret meeting with other servants of the king. Because David had need, his action was justified and  the same is true for Jesus’ disciples.

This enigmatic statement likely means that the Sabbath was established in order to give people rest. The Pharisees’ overzealous protection of the Sabbath has lost sight of its purpose and turned it into something burdensome. 

Jesus’ ministry often takes place on the Sabbath. By asserting lordship over the Sabbath, He claims authority over its laws and limitations, and he claims the ability to heal on the Sabbath. Faithlife Study Bible

Ripe grain can be eaten whole and is both tasty and nutritious. Plucking bits of grain from another’s field for sustenance was permitted under Mosaic law. The point to the Pharisees’ accusation against Jesus and His disciples was that they had performed work on the Sabbath, but their charge was dubious. The act of plucking grain should not be confused with Sabbath work condemned in the law. 

This incident is further proof of rising opposition to Jesus’ ministry. Part of Jesus’ defense was to recall the story of David’s eating the showbread from the tabernacle. Since that bread was intended for the priests, it was not lawful for others to eat. Jesus does not declare directly the innocence of either David or His disciples, but instead reminds His critics of the meaning of the Sabbath for humans and His own Lordship over it. The NKJV Study Bible

The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. 

Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Samuel 21:1 Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid when he met David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?”

1 Samuel 21:2 So David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has ordered me on some business, and said to me, ‘Do not let anyone know anything about the business on which I send you, or what I have commanded you.’ And I have directed my young men to such and such a place.

Matthew 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

Luke 6:5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”