Category Study

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST

The Preacher 1 Comment

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

This happy condition of not being damned comes only to those in Christ Jesus. Being in Christ evidently refers to those who are obedient to the Gospel having been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:36-27).

Sin condemns us. In Romans 7, Paul describes mankind’s struggle with sin and the bondage it produces. Sin separates us from God and through it we have sold ourselves into bondage (Rom. 7:14; Isaiah 50:1). But now, through Christ our redeemer, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Him and walk after the Spirit.

The Law of Moses condemns us. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom. 7:7). The law itself was holy and good (Rom. 7:12), but it exposed sin and made men conscious of their guilt. Through Christ, however, those who are in Him are freed from the condemnation that comes from transgressing the old law (Rom. 8:2-4).

Satan, is called the accuser (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9; Zec. 3:1), and there are many who oppose the gospel of Christ and seek to condemn God’s people. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:33-34). Through Christ, the accusations of the adversary cannot condemn those who remain faithful to Him.

Romans 8:1 specifies this freedom from condemnation is for those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” It is not a one-time event only, but a continuing walk. To walk after the Spirit is to live according to the teaching revealed by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Apostles and prophets (John 14:26; 16:13-15; Eph. 3:3-5). Those who are led by the Spirit are those who submit themselves to the word the Spirit revealed (Rom. 8:13-14). Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), and the written testimony of the Apostles was given so men might believe and have life through Christ (John 20:30-31).

This spiritual blessing provides comfort for those who are in Christ, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1John 5:13). Some may interpret this as once saved always saved, but don’t be confused. We can leave Christ (1Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12; 6:4-6; 10:26-29) and stop abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2John 1:9-10; John 6:66).

But now, through Christ, there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ and walk after the Spirit. We are imperfect people, and we have access to forgiveness through Christ. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).

Agape
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Bearing Fruit: Pruning

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“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2)

PRUNING for greater fruitfulness.
In grape production (viticulture), the vinedresser removes dead or unfruitful branches entirely to concentrate the vine’s energy to improve growth and health for greater productivity. This is not destruction but care. God actively tends His people for fruitfulness, accomplished primarily through His Word, all aimed at greater Christlikeness and productivity. From this verse in John 15 we see two actions being taken by the vinedresser (God the Father):

ONE: Branches that produce no fruit are removed. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6). This is a warning about those who were “in me” but are not bearing fruit. We see other scriptures warning of this same condition; The parable of the Sower (Mark 4:13-20); the warning about false prophets (Matt 7:15-20); and the breaking off of branches (Romans 11:11-27). The possibility of apostasy is real.

TWO: The Father cleanses or prunes fruitful branches “that it may bring forth more fruit.” The goal is increase, not comfort—removing what hinders maximum productivity. Paul wrote about a similar “pruning” using the metaphor of “mortifying” and “putting off” the works of the world (Colossians 3:5-17).

The primary instrument of pruning Jesus says is the word, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you… If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you” (John 15:3, 7). Reading, applying, and obeying Scripture convicts, corrects, and trains (cf. 2Timothy 3:16-17).

Another way God prunes is through the trials that are in this world since the fall. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). Trials test and develop endurance, leading to maturity (perfection). God has established principles in creation and redemption that automatically correct deviation (sowing and reaping, consequences of sin, Galatians 6:7). Any true understanding of discipline through trial comes from the revealed Word of God.

Hebrews 12 informs us that discipline is for our good, as a father who loves and disciplines his son. It’s considered loving to train a child. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6). God may use circumstances, but understanding flows from knowing His Word. God “prunes” for greater fruitfulness, because He loves us, for maturity, and to remove hindrances. We respond by abiding in Him (through His word), count trials as joy because of what it will produce in us, actively participate by removing sin & distractions, and fully trusting in God who wants us to be fully equipped for every good work. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Agape
spencer

Heroes of Faith: The Resolve of Ruth

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But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

The story of Ruth is to me one of the most beautiful stories in the bible.

When Ben Franklin was in Paris, he would often converse with members of the ‘Infidels Club’, a group of philosophers who spurned the Bible. These intellectuals spent much of their time searching for and discussing masterpieces of literature and art. For his amusement, Ben Franklin announced that he found an ancient manuscript worthy of their consideration. “We must hear it!” they exclaimed.

Franklin then read to them The Book of Ruth, changing the names of the characters and locale so that it would not be recognized as a story from the Bible. When he was finished, the hearers were unanimous in their praise. “We have never heard anything like it”, they said. “It is one of the most touching stories we have ever heard. You must tell us where you found it!” You can imagine Franklin’s delight when he announced that it was a story from the Bible, the object of their ridicule and disapproval.

The Book of Ruth stands as a compelling example of why we read the Bible. We turn to Scripture to strengthen our faith and deepen our hope (Rom. 15:4). Through Ruth’s story, we learn about the steadfast resolve displayed by those who choose to follow the Lord (Ruth 1:16-17). The narrative also highlights the unique character and strong work ethic that mark individuals who remain faithful to God. “And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”” (Ruth 2:11-12).

Ruth further illustrates the blessing of trusting in God’s ways as revealed in His Word. This is powerfully demonstrated in chapter 3, when she carefully follows Naomi’s instructions concerning the law of redeeming an inheritance. In the end, we witness hope fulfilled and the great joy that awaits God’s children who live as faithful, trusting followers of Him.

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel!” (Ruth 4:13-14)

Agape
Spencer

PS: At the close of the book, Ruth the Moabite widow is woven into the royal line of Israel. “Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.” (Matthew 1:5-6) 

Why some don’t Read the Bible

The Preacher 1 Comment

Why don’t people read the Bible?

They DON’T like to read.

they’re APATHETIC & have unbelief

Not ENOUGH time to read.

They Reject it because it’s too REPULSIVE.

For a book that has shaped history, guided nations, and transformed lives, the Bible often sits unopened. The reasons are not always complex—but they are revealing.

First, some simply don’t like to read. In a fast-paced world driven by screens and short attention spans, reading itself feels like a chore. The Bible, with its length and depth, can seem especially intimidating. For those who already avoid reading, opening Scripture rarely becomes a priority.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)

Others struggle with apathy and unbelief. If someone doubts the Bible’s relevance or truth, motivation quickly fades. It becomes easy to think, “It doesn’t apply to me,” or “I don’t believe it anyway.” This quiet indifference can be more powerful than outright rejection, because it removes any urgency to explore what the Bible actually says.

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

A common excuse is lack of time. Life fills up with work, responsibilities, family, and constant distractions. Yet this reason often reveals more about priorities than availability. People tend to make time for what they value. When the Bible is seen as optional, it is often the first thing pushed aside.

“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18)

Finally, some reject the Bible because they find it repulsive. Certain passages challenge modern values, confront personal behavior, present difficult truths, and in some cases are gruesome to them. Rather than wrestle with these tensions, some choose to dismiss the message entirely. Conviction can feel uncomfortable, and avoidance becomes the easier path.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

These reasons—dislike of reading, apathy, busyness, and rejection—may differ on the surface, but they share a common thread: they keep people from engaging with something that has the power to shape their lives. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)

What’s your reason?

agape

spencer

Bearing Fruit: Members

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“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

When we talk about being fruit bearers, we recognize that there is One vine (Christ) and One way of defining fruit (the word). What we may overlook is how different each of the branches are. While we are all part of the One vine, and bear fruit, we are still unique individuals. For this we look at another metaphor, the parts of the body.

“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1Cor 12:14-26). Another passage on this topic is in Romans 12:4-8, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office.”

From these two passages we learn that each of us is individual fruit bearers attached to the One vine, who is Christ. He is the source of our nourishment and growth, and we each have differing abilities from which we bear fruit (cf. Matt 25:14-30). We have differing roles, functions, and abilities for “…the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). These differences work together for the building up of the body.

One of the ways we can bear fruit is through personal evangelism. Our differences (not in the political sense of unity in diversity–which celebrates plurality itself, with less insistence on a single unifying purpose) give the church the greatest ability to reach the most people. Because of our differing interests, abilities, and spheres of influence, we are able to reach people with the gospel that others in the congregation may never meet. From my experience, some folks respond better to those who have similar backgrounds than to those who come from different ones.

Being one in Christ fuses many hearts into one purpose.

Agape
spencer

Blood in God’s plan

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

As we continue to count our spiritual blessings in Christ, today is a fitting time to talk about the blessings we have in Christ through His blood. For us to appreciate the full impact of this blessing, we need to go back and see the impact of blood in the Old Testament.

The first implied reference to blood appears in Genesis 3, when God took animal skins to cover Adam and Eve after their sin. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Gen 3:21).

The next reference we find in the scene with Cain and Abel. Abel made an offering to the Lord from the firstlings of his flock. It says, “And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Gen 4:4; cf. Heb 11:4). Three things stand out: first, that Abel gave the ‘firstling’; second, that it was the shedding of blood; and third, he offered it by faith (Heb 11:4).

We see animal sacrifices continue throughout Genesis, often involving the building of an altar and the offering of clean animals as burnt offerings. They emphasize faith, obedience, thanksgiving, or covenant relationship. When we get to Abraham we see another important element. Initially, his son Isaac was to be offered as a burnt offering, but God provided a ram caught in a thicket, which Abraham sacrificed in his son’s place. This event is seen as a foreshadowing of substitutionary sacrifice. “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh (the LORD will see to it [will provide]): as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen” (Gen 22:13-14).

In Exodus God turned the waters of the Nile to blood and commanded the Israelites to apply blood to the doorposts and lintel during the final plague. This Passover event powerfully foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus Himself used the elements of the Passover meal as symbols of His body and blood: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread… this is my body… For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt 26:26-28).

Another notable instance of the use of blood is at the dedication of the tabernacle. Blood was used—along with oil—to consecrate both the tabernacle and the priests setting them apart as holy for God’s service. Moses applied blood to the horns of the altar to purify it (Lev. 8:15), and he placed blood on the right ear, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and his sons before sprinkling them and their garments with a mixture of blood and oil (Lev. 8:23–24, 30; see also Ex. 29:12, 20-21, 36–37).

Blood plays a central role in God’s plan of redemption.

Agape
spencer

BLOOD

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

(Hebrews 9:22)

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

WALKING WORTHY

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“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-3)

The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the unity of His Spirit in the bond of peace. In this passage He gives 3 avenues through which we are to “walk worthy of the vocation you are called.” To understand this passage, we need to understand the words.

Walk: To conduct one’s life, behave, or live in a habitual manner; the ongoing pattern of daily conduct and lifestyle as a believer (Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 5:2)

Worthy: Suitably, appropriately, or in a manner that matches or balances the value of something; living in congruence with the dignity and nature of what has been received. Philippians 1:27 — “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (worthy manner);

Vocation: The divine calling, invitation, or summons to salvation and service in Christ; the position or role to which God has invited believers. 1Corinthians 7:20 — “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called”;

Called: To be summoned, invited, or effectually drawn by God into relationship with Him through the gospel. 2Thessalonians 2:14 — “Whereunto he called you by our gospel.”

Lowliness: Humility of mind, lowliness of thought about oneself; thinking soberly of self in light of God’s grace, without pride or self-exaltation. Colossians 3:12 — “Put on… humbleness of mind.”

Meekness: Gentleness, mildness, or controlled strength; a disposition that is patient and considerate, not harsh or self-assertive, even under provocation. It’s Restrained power, not weakness. Matthew 11:29 — “For I am meek and lowly in heart.”

Longsuffering: Patience, forbearance, or endurance in bearing wrongs; slow to anger and long to endure provocation or hardship. Colossians 3:12 — “Putting on… longsuffering.”

Unity: Oneness, harmony, or unanimity; the state of being one in spirit and purpose, produced by the Holy Spirit among believers. The term appears only here and in Ephesians 4:13.

Peace: Harmony, tranquility, and reconciliation; the state of concord and absence of strife, especially the bond that holds believers together. Ephesians 2:14 — “For he is our peace, who hath made both one.”

These words reveal that walking worthy involves humble, gentle, patient conduct that preserves the Spirit-given oneness among believers.

Agape
spencer

Bearing Fruit: 100 fold

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“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

Bearing fruit is more than a positive affirmation, it has substance. In God’s law of sowing and reaping, the physical act of planting seed mirrors the spiritual work of evangelism. Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower, “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:8, 23). When we scatter the seed of the Gospel, four powerful incentives assure us that our labor is never in vain.

First, we receive personal benefit—FOOD for ourselves. Just as the farmer’s harvest supplies daily bread, God promises the same in the spiritual realm: “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2Corinthians 9:10). Every time we share the Gospel, our own faith is nourished. You’ve heard that the teacher gets more than the student. Evangelism also feeds the sower. Are you sowing the seeds of the kingdom, brother?

Second, we can expect a harvest OVER and ABOVE what we can imagine—30, 60, or 100-fold—but it may come well after us. Paul declares, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). A single conversion to Christ can ripple across decades and continents. The person you teach to obey the Gospel today may win others tomorrow, producing fruit far beyond your lifetime (2Timothy 2:2). The surplus benefits into future generations, and praise that glorifies God. While we can expect an overabundance, there is a caveat, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2Corinthians 9:6). Are you sowing the seeds of the kingdom, brother?

Third, we benefit from the LABORS of others, and others will benefit from ours. Jesus reminded His disciples, “One soweth, and another reapeth… I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:37-38). Every believer is the fruit of someone else’s faithful sowing—parents, teachers, friends, or even strangers who planted the seed of the kingdom years earlier. We in this place are beneficiaries of the labors of others. Are you sowing the seeds of the kingdom, brother?

Finally, we are to sow DILIGENTLY—while remaining wholly DEPENDENT on God. Even in paradise, Adam was commanded to cultivate the garden. The same command echoes in the Great Commission: go and sow the Gospel. Diligent Duty is the record of history; we cannot sit idle. Yet growth is never by our power alone. God sends the sunshine, the rain, and He gives the increase. All glory belongs to Him. Are you sowing the seeds of the kingdom, brother?

This goes beyond evangelism. These lessons can be applied to all fruit bearing. The fruit is felt first by the individual Saint, then there’s an overabundance of fruit, followed by lasting benefits for others. Finally, there’s a reminder to remain faithful and thankful to Christ, the Vine.

Agape,

spencer

How to get All The Spiritual Blessings that are in Christ

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

Last month we saw how all spiritual blessings are IN CHRIST, and none are for those OUTSIDE of Christ. This month we shall answer the all-important question, “How to be in Christ?”

Continuing in the first chapter of Ephesians, all spiritual blessings (such as election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and sealing with the Holy Spirit) belong exclusively to those who are “IN CHRIST” (Ephesians 1:3–14).

To be “IN CHRIST” means to be united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection, then His righteousness, and blessings become yours (Romans 6:3–11; 2Cor 5:17, 21; Col 2:12; Gal 2:20).

The New Testament describes this union as happening through faith in Christ, through FAITH, REPENTANCE and BAPTISM:

Faith is the means: “Ye are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Believing the gospel of Jesus Christ begins our unity to Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Repentance is inseparable from faith: Repentance was preached by Jesus at the beginning when Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). And continued to be preached after His death, burial, & resurrection, “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21; cf Acts 2:38).

Baptism in water is the point of inclusion: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:42, 47). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” (Romans 6:3). “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Note that it is faith in God’s work as we obey the Gospel.

Thus, one becomes “IN CHRIST” by Hearing, Believing the gospel of Christ, Repentance, Confession (Romans 10:9), then being Baptized into Him (immersion in water in His name, Acts 2:38). It’s only then that a person is a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), reconciled to God, and receives every spiritual blessing in Him.

Agape
Spencer

All Spiritual Blessings are IN CHRIST

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

From this verse we learn that those who are “IN CHRIST” have been given spiritual blessings. There is a very important distinction being made by this verse; those “IN CHRIST” from those who are “OUTSIDE of CHRIST.”

Paul describes those who are (or were) outside of Christ: “…who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph 2:1-3), and “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12, emphasis added seb). There’s more going on in these chapters, but for our discussion we must recognize that there are NO SPIRITUAL blessings for anyone OUTSIDE OF CHRIST! This must serve as a warning for everyone. Living outside of Christ is like standing exposed in the open wilderness during a ferocious storm—far beyond the sturdy walls of a fortified city or the secure shelter of a stormproof refuge.

The winds howl, lightning cracks without mercy, torrents of rain lash, and unseen predators circle in the darkness. Every step is perilous: the ground shifts underfoot, thunder drowns out any cry for help, and the cold seeps into the bones with no warmth to counter it. There is no barrier against the elements, no refuge from judgment, no covering from the wrath to come. There’s only vulnerability, isolation, and inevitable ruin.

Jesus Himself described this danger vividly in the parable of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-27): The foolish man built his house upon the sand. When the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Outside of Christ, life is built on shifting, unstable ground. No matter how impressive the structure appears, the inevitable storms of life, temptation, trial, and final judgment will sweep it away completely.

In stark contrast, the wise man built his house upon the rock. The same rain fell, the same floods came, the same winds blew and beat upon that house—yet it stood: for it was founded upon a rock.

Do you remember what Jesus declared to Peter in Matthew 16:18? “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That Rock is Christ!

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ARE IN CHRIST!

Agape
Spencer