Reading
SAA Notes
Freedom! Freedom is not freedom to be like God, to be the one in control. Freedom is freedom from sin through faith in Christ! Free to live with love, justice, courage, goodness, mercy, peace. Free to live without arrogance, manipulative behaviour, substance abuse, immorality, anger and malice.
SJA Notes
* Jealous God, please fix our eyes on You today, as we come to Your word to us.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”
We get the practice of holiness wrong, a fair bit if we’re honest.
We can probably bring to mind one or two folk who take a limited view of the practice of holiness and try to restrict everyone around them to that view.
But we can probably also remember times when we have failed in the same way.
Paul is clear.
When you get stuck on a tradition, letting a sign or a symbol supersede all else – be careful!
Circumcision of the body was a big important deal – You only have to read Abraham’s story to know that.
But it was a circumcision to a deeper truth, to a circumcision of the heart. A heavenly reality where the Spirit writes His law upon our hearts, plants His word deep within us so that we bear much fruit.
Faith working through love.
* Lord God,
You are our great God, we believe in You – Please help us in our unbelief!
Your love is steadfast and unfailing – Please help us to work through love, expressing our faith in You which is Your gift to us.
Thank You for Your wonderful grace and mercy to us, undeserved!
Amen.