Monday, August 18, 2003

Judgment


What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? {Romans 1:19-20, 2:14-16, 3:5-6}

most Christians at some point in their faith journey ask the question, "How can my loving God let people go to hell?" i know that i certainly have wondered that question several times. but as i grow in my understanding of who God is and the love He has for us, i discover that i ask that question less. i'm only beginning to understand that His love for us exceeds human understanding. His gift to us of free choice has to be incredibly difficult to give, since so many of us choose not to love Him in return. His justice needs something to be based upon, so there has to be a law in which it base it.

and another deep understanding, He doesn't want any of us to be condemned to hell. {2 Peter 3:9} this is why He sent His Son to go through the suffering and agony which He endured for our sake. i can't imagine being God in Heaven experiencing His Son's execution by the hands of those whom He created for His glory. and yet, ultimately, it was for our glory that Jesus should die on the cross a sinner's death. yet, we already know death did not hold Him. Him was raised from the dead so that we can be spiritual people with access to a loving Father who longs to communr with us.

this is all very profound to me, and still i barely have an understanding of it all. but i trust this all to be true, and the i am currently seated in the heavenlies with Jesus and my Father. {Col. 3:1,3}

Amazing Love,
how can it be that You would give Your life for me? in You i place my trust. You are my hope, even when i walk on the breeze. thank you for saving me from the pit of hell. thank you for raising me with Jesus, that i may rejoice in giving up my life. use me in a way that draws others to a deeper understanding of Your great love for them. open their eyes, sweet Jesus, to see how much You love them, and desire for them to love You too. let NOT my fear of being injured, misrepresented, or killed for your sake hinder the way i love others. You've overcome death, and i trust that i am already seated with You, no matter if i'm in this body or not.
through Christ, Amen!


beginning to day i want add an extra section. it will bet the names of people whom i'm praying for today.
*Brandon *Shannon *Hope

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