Posts Tagged ‘attending church’


Under Gods Command

Romans 09:31-33 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursed it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.” As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Sometimes we are like these people, trying to get right with God by keeping his laws. We may think that attending church, doing church work, giving offerings, and being nice will be enough. After all, we’ve played by the rules, haven’t we? But Paul’s words sting-this approach never succeeds. Paul explains that God’s plan is not for those who try to earn his favor by being good; it is for those who realize that they can never be good enough and so must depend on Christ.

Lets Bring it home: Only putting our faith in what Jesus Christ has done can save us. If we do that, we will never be “put to shame” or be disappointed.


Under Gods Command

Romans 2:28-29 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the spirit, not by the written code.  Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God. 

To be a Jew meant you were in God’s family, an heir to all his promises.  Yet Paul made it clear that membership in God’s family is based on internal, not external, qualities.  All whose hearts are right with God are real Jews-that is, part of God’s family.

Lets Bring it Home: Attending church or being baptized, confirmed or accepted for membership is not enough; just as submitting to circumcision was not enough for the Jews.  God desires our heart felt devotion and obedience.