Fellowship Hall

Mom and dad were having a discussion last week. Mom told dad, according to the Bible, it was not her responsibility to make the coffee. Dad, being pretty upset, told mom to show him. She took him to the book of Hebrews, Not knowing what to say, he went in the kitchen and brewed the coffee. Ephesians  2:8 By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: 9  not of  works, lest  any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. I know that there are those who teach their people that they earn their way to heaven. How can that be true? Jesus said in  in John 14:6 " I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh  to the Father but by me."  2 Corinthians 5:17 therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new. Jesus said that we are like sheep. I've never raised sheep but I am told that sheep are the opposite of being self sufficient. This means that we can't make right decisions for ourselves. It also means our actions are unprofitable.  That is why our good works are brought about by the Holy Spirit. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the realities and truths of God. That is why we need the Holy Spirit to pray through us because we don't know what we need. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. Thank God we don't have to be justified on our merits but through faith in Jesus. Because we are in Christ, and Christ is in us we are made to be seated in heavenly places. it is not in our righteousness, goodness, or wisdom, but it is through our faith in Jesus and what He did on Calvary's cross that gives us that privilege. We do good when we are obedient to the Lord Jesus, and repent when we fail. We are to be looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Because we believe, we can receive. James tells us to be in health as our soul prospers so we need to make sure we stay in God's Word and in prayer so that our spiritual and natural man can prosper and be in health. There are times we bear infirmities because we are tried. God will never leave us nor forsake us. We just need to stand on the Word and believe His promises. My twin sister was sick most of her life, but she was a great example to others, encouraging them to keep holding on in faith and love.