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 and Holy 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 can get the practice of holiness quite wrong, if we’re honest.
We can probably bring to mind people who take a limited view of the practice of holiness and try to restrict everyone around them into that view.
But deeper, we can also remember times when we have failed to be holy, to practice being holy, to point to the holiness of God.
Paul is clear.
When you get stuck on a tradition, letting a sign or a symbol supersede all else – be careful!
Circumcision on the body was a big important deal – You only have to read Abraham’s story to know that, or that of Moses’ wife Zipporah.
We know there is a deeper truth, a circumcision of the heart. A heavenly reality where the Spirit writes His law upon our hearts, planting 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 – Thank You for Your wonderful grace and mercy to us, undeserved!
Amen.