Rules Entice Us To Rebel But We Still Need Them!

Birds seem so free from rules and laws as they soar!

Often parents create rules for their children to teach valuable lessons. Thus, my parents enforced strict rules and expectations for us. Since we were raised with spankings as a consequence, we did not disobey very often. Today, rules can entice disobedience. When we watch movies or a series, characters often disobey the rules.

Are rules necessary if they can lead to disobedience?

In Romans 3, Paul begins questioning what advantage does a Jew have or is there value in a circumcision. Even though God entrusted the Jews with His Word and they failed to obey, does this conflict with God’s faithfulness? Culturally, people closely identified themselves as Jews or Gentiles.

In Romans 3:5-8, Paul asks if God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on man who is unrighteous. Is it fair for God to judge the world? If our sin shows God’s righteousness, then why should we be condemned as a sinner?

In Romans 3:9, Paul concludes that the Jews are not better off even though God gave them His Law initially. Jews and Greeks are all under sin. In verses 9 to 18, Paul mention there is none righteous. Everyone does not understand or seeks God. All mankind are not perfect and our words can deceive and curse. Also, man does evil and can shed the blood of others. Lastly, man does not have peace and does not fear God.

Why did God give the Jews the Law or the 10 commandments?

 For by works of the law no human being^[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20

Therefore, God gave the Law to all mankind to show us we cannot live up to these rules. Hence we acquire knowledge of sin by our failure to obey. No matter how hard we try, we will fail to be righteous since it is easier to sin and disobey.

Moreover, God’s righteousness is seen apart from the law. When Christ lived on Earth, He showed God’s righteousness in His life. He also provided God’s righteousness to all who believe and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Then, Christ provided man redemption as a gift to be accepted. This redemption is possible with Christ’s propitiation by His blood to be received by faith. Thus, Christ’s blood allows God to pass over our sins. Additionally, God shows His righteousness in His gift of salvation by giving us redemption through Christ.

Lastly we are justified by faith apart from the works of the law. No one can abide by the law. We all will fail since we are sinners. Also God is not just the God of the Jews but also the God of the Gentiles. We can still uphold the law. Even when we fail in following the law, God allows us to be justified by our faith in Christ.

What do we learn from the 10 commandments or the Law –

• All people fail and sin – No distinction of people for Jews and Gentiles
• God is faithful even though man is not
• None is righteous – No one understands or seeks God
• The Law shows our failure and gives us the knowledge of our sins
• The Law shows the righteousness of God
• Grace is God’s gift to be justified without our sin
• Christ is our propitiation by his blood when we receive Him in faith
• We uphold the Law to see our failings and to act in faith

Frankly, we all get tired of rules. Sometimes, we choose to ignore certain rules.

Why do we need rules? To show our failure to obey rules even though the rules may be good for us. For example, it is a fact too many sweets and sugary foods are not good for health. How many of us are disciplined to stop eating desserts and candy? I need to eat a little bit of chocolate every day.

God gave us the Law or rules knowing we would break the rules.

Then God gave us His Righteousness and Redemption with Christ as the propitiation for our sins (shedding His blood to appease God’s wrath of man’s sin), and we are justified by faith.

Instead of identifying as a Jew or a Gentile, recognize our identity is in Christ when we are justified by faith.

Contemplate belonging to the Body of Christ and recognize the blessings and benefits!

Judges and Hypocrites

Just as a caterpillar grows into a beautiful butterfly, transform into the image of God from knowing Christ.

When we watch competitions, judges possess expertise to discern the best. In American Idol, the judges are talented singers who are experts in singing, music and talent. Therefore they are not hypocrites, since they are successful singers.

When we judge other people, are we hypocrites by judging bad traits that we practice too? In Romans 2, by passing judgement on another we condemn ourselves. When morally educated people judge others and say they do not do those sins, their judgment violates another standard. Or do we judge others and fail by doing the same sinful actions. Moreover, judges cannot escape the judgement of God. Thus God’s wrath against these judges will happen at the 2nd coming of Christ.

Is there a qualified judge? God is the only qualified judge of mankind. Therefore God judges those who seek Him with mercy and provide eternal life. But those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, will face God’s wrath.

Thus, God gave the Law or the Ten Commandments to the Jews. Often some Jews followed the letter of the Law, but their hearts did not know God. Even though the Gentiles did not have Law, their conscience helps them know morally what is right and wrong. Ultimately, God judges the secrets in men’s hearts by Christ Jesus.

How often do we judge others and fail to see we are guilty of the same sins. Some Jews felt they would go to heaven because they obeyed the Law. Unfortunately, they also criticized others without seeing their hypocritical hearts.

As circumcision was an outward sign in obedience to God, it meant nothing if the Jews’ hearts were far from God. In verse 28, Paul mentions a someone could outwardly be a Jew. Moreover, being a Jew inwardly with a heart who praises God is more important.

Consider whether our inward hearts are sincere and consistent with our outward words and actions.

Lastly, our home in heaven is dependent on our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It does not depend on our physical acts of kindness and good deeds towards others. But rather it is our heart behind the actions. Do our good actions come from our faith in Christ and are they the outward manifestations of loving God?

How much do we know Christ personally? If we seek Christ to understand His work on the cross, then our hearts will reflect His character.

Depend only on Christ for salvation and the hope of heaven.

Are We Really Bad People?

Do we ever notice some small children possess a mischievous look? In our family, an elder daughter was a ringleader and precocious child. Also, her precocious behavior came naturally. No one taught her this behavior. Since she was head strong, it was difficult to teach her the error of her ways.

Therefore, bad behaviors can come naturally to all of us. Conversely, good teaching can help us to be “less bad”. Ultimately, we all tend to fail in our behavior periodically, since we are not perfect people. Maybe we tell white lies or are judgmental about other people. Or we cheat on a test due to the pressure to excel. Hence we can behave badly from time to time.

In Romans 1, Paul writes the Romans from the Greek city of Corinth. When Paul sent his letter, Nero was 19 years old and was the Emperor of Rome for 3 years. At this time, Nero didn’t begin his persecution of Christians yet. In this letter, Paul educates the Romans about the Christian and Gospel doctrine.

In verses 1 to 7, Paul greets the Romans who are loved by God and called saints as believers in Christ. Also Paul mentions doctrinal truths about the Gospel in these first few verses.

• Promised – God fulfilled his prophetic promise about His Son who descended from David.
• Power – Christ show His power as he resurrected from the dead and is our Lord
• Peace – We receive peace from God and Christ

In verses 8 to 15, Paul expresses his gratitude to God for these Roman believers whose faith is proclaimed worldwide.

• Prayers – Paul prays always for the Roman believers and that God would allow him to come to them. He desires to the mutual encouragement from him to them and visa versa.
• Preach – Paul desires to preach the Gospel in Rome and reap some harvest among them and the Gentiles.

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

In the above verses, Paul states he is not ashamed of the Gospel. Unfortunately, do we feel afraid to share the Gospel? Even though we accept the Gospel, we fear rejection or objection to the Gospel since sin must be realized to obtain forgiveness and righteousness. Many of us don’t enjoy admitting guilt for doing something wrong. Admitting being bad is humbling.

In contrast, the righteousness of God is revealed by faith in Christ. Thus God’s power for salvation is free to all who choose to believe. When we become righteous by our acceptance of Christ who died for our sins, then we live by this faith. With all the evil in today’s world, God’s righteousness revealed gives us hope in the midst of all the bad things that happen daily.

Hence God reveals –

• Righteousness to those who live by faith in Christ
• Wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth
• Invisible attributes, power and divine nature revealed by His creation of the world, and therefore there is no excuse about God’s existence

Lastly, Paul points out a long list of sinful practices.

• Futile Thinking
• Fools who think they are wise
• Idols
• Evil lusts which leads to unnatural practices
• Exchange God’s truths for lies

 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.  They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,  foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.  Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32

In Romans 1:28-32, Paul reveals the long list of sins that we all may practice from time to time. Unfortunately, the attitude exists where people encourage this bad behavior.

If we are honest, we are bad people who sin and fail God. Conversely, the righteousness of God is revealed and given to us when we see and accept Christ as Savior. Thus we are forgiven and by Christ’s blood. Then, we have the righteousness of God to allow us to go heaven one day. Even though, we may fail, we recognize our redemption thru Christ’s death and resurrection.

Thus consider what is there we could not live without in our life. Of course, we all need air, food and sleep to live. Additionally what do we deem as vital to our being. Practically speaking, I love exercise. When I am spinning or lifting weights, I gain energy and feel better.

When we consider Romans 1:17, my faith in Christ is the most vital attribute I need to live. When we put our faith in Christ, we are right with Him and able to have a relationship with Him. Often, I go to Christ when I am stressed or troubled. His Word relieves my anguish and worries. Also our faith allows us to trust Christ to forgive us of our many sins. So, we are declared righteous.

Let’s live by faith and be thankful for our righteousness in Christ.

Is There A Fun Way to Study?

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Continually Grounded

From Donna Paul is writing to Timothy and he’s sensing he will die soon.  He has endured beatings, stonings, false accusations and imprisonments. On his mind was the future of spreading the gospel and we see the urgency in his …

Mercy or Death?

From Margo Exodus 32-33 Hearing God’s commands to Israel and after seeing the power and holiness of God on display, they pledged full obedience (Ex 24:7).  But they broke God’s law in a big way.   Ex. 24:12 – 18  God …

Risen for New Lives

It seems hopeful that our new post pandemic normal may happen in 2021. Vaccinations are slowly happening for the those who qualify. In our church, some dear friends have passed away, and we will miss seeing them whenever we should return to physical worship together. We lost significant time together. When we return to seeing everyone, it will be bittersweet. We can be comforted those who passed from this world are in the presence of the Savior.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. John 20:1

Mary Magdalene is the “Mary” who was healed by Jesus when she had demons. It is confusing in the New Testament with all the different Mary’s. She followed Jesus after she was healed. She was alarmed the stone was rolled away, and the body of Jesus was missing. She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. Where is Jesus? Where did they put him? The burial linens were lying there. The cloth around Jesus’ head was rolled up separated from the linen. The disciples left and returned to where they were staying.

Mary Magdalen remained at the tomb crying and seeking to know where Jesus was.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. John: 20:11-12

The angels asked why Mary was crying. She explained Jesus was missing, and where did they take him. Then Jesus appeared, and she thought he was the gardener. Mary repeated her distress to the “gardener”. Jesus asked why she was crying and to look at Him! He called her name, and she opened her eyes and called him “Rabboni”. He cautioned her not to hold Him, since He did not yet ascend to God the Father. He told her to tell the disciples He will ascend to the Father. Mary Magdalene excitedly told the disciples she saw Jesus the Lord.

In John 20:19-23, on the first evening of the week with locked doors, Jesus appeared to the disciples and said “Peace be with you!”. They saw Him showed his pierced hands and side. They rejoiced when they saw Him. He repeated “Peace be with you” and told them to receive the Holy Spirit. He encouraged them forgive other’s sins, and their sins will be forgiven.

In John 20:24-30, “doubting Thomas” the disciple missed see Jesus. He proclaimed he would not believe the other disciples saw Jesus unless he personally touched the pierced hands and side. A week later when the disciples gathered including Thomas with locked doors, Jesus came and proclaimed “Peace be with you!”. He asked Thomas to touch His hands and side and to stop doubting and believe.

Jesus performed signs before the disciples that were not recorded. We are encouraged by our believing in the Jesus the Messiah as the Son of God, there is life in His name!

In our society, there is a concern of unequal treatment of women. In Jesus’ time, women were even more restricted in freedom and culture. But Mary Magdalene wanted to seek and find Jesus. She did not leave the tomb, and wanted to figure out where was Jesus. The disciples left. She remained. As a result, a woman was the first to see Jesus resurrected. Mary Magdalene was privileged to see Jesus first.

Our current lives have a lot of doubts about our pandemic life. There are doubts about wearing a mask, the vaccines, our politicians, and just about everything. Thomas doubted his fellow disciples saw Jesus after his crucifixion. He had to experience touching Jesus’ pierced hands and side. He ate his words when Jesus appeared and told him to go ahead touch those spots. How ashamed was Thomas?

The resurrection is the basis of the Christian faith. It allows man not to suffer death because of sin. Christ took all man’s sin upon himself and died for man. So now man can experience freedom from sin and a new life. If one does not accept the resurrection as truth, then our faith is in vain. The resurrection is proof that Christ died for our sins, and is alive!

There are many uncertainties in current life. Many experience doubts about life, and how this pandemic will change our future.

In the beginning of John 20, Mary faced the dilemma – Where is Jesus? How do we find Jesus?

• Acknowledge a woman was honored to see Christ first! Woman are important!
• Seek to find Jesus in life
• Knowledge and faith overcomes doubt

Lastly, there is life in Jesus’ name. It can be an abundant life beyond our imagination if we will allow Christ to live in us!

The 3 points above spell “ASK”. Can we seek and ASK Jesus into our life? The result will be a new and exciting life in Christ.

Resist the Irresistible

Anything Chocolate is hard to say “No” to!

What food or object or activity do you find hard to resist? I love chocolate especially dark chocolate. I do not go crazy with eating oodles of chocolate per day. I just need one piece to satisfy my longings. It is rare that I will say no to chocolate. But I am careful to moderate my intake.

How can we handle the temptations in life? What attraction do we have that is hard for us to say “no” to? Our society dictates to do what feels good. But is this a good rule to follow?

How did temptation happen? Let’s look back at the first temptation.

In Genesis 2:4-7 – God created Man whom He called Adam. God formed Adam in His own image as per Genesis 1:27 meaning personal, moral and spiritual qualities like God. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to care for the plants and trees. After God formed animals and birds, He bought them to Adam to name.

God knew the animals and birds would not be the best companion for Adam. He created Eve to be a suitable helper in Genesis 2:20-22. She was created from his rib. Eve would be always by Adam’s side to help him in their life journey together. They would compliment each other in their marriage to help each other to be their best.

Eve was the first person who faced temptation when the standing serpent approached her about eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.

Click on the link below to see the animation which reminds us about the first sin.

The First Sin

So in Genesis 3:1-4, Eve knew she was forbidden to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Satan caused her to question God’s authority and command. The fruit looked good to her. Often we are attracted to what is forbidden. Eve, maybe, was curious what it would be like to know good and evil. She only knew good at this time. She chooses to follow after the temptation and learns the consequences of knowing good and evil. Eve called Adam to also disobey and eat the fruit. They wanted their independence from God.

The consequences of their sin was great. The easy life in the garden was over. Adam and Eve had to leave their comfortable home and move out. Adam would have to toil the land to make a living and grow food. Eve would suffer pain in child birth. One day, they would experience death.

Why is temptation so hard to resist? Man wants independence. Man wants pleasure and fun! It comes down to “ME”.

What can we do to resist?

• Seek to know God’s purpose(s) for you
• Seek to keep God’s Word for protection
• Seek to obey to please God and avoid a tougher life due to sin’s consequences

In Genesis 3:15 – God foretells how Christ will crush the head of the serpent representing Satan and get the ultimate Victory. Man failed! God still shows us His Mercy to forgive and provide away to escape Sin’s punishment of death by accepting the blood of Christ to cover our sin.

Can we resist? Resistance is not futile.

When Will We See Each Other Again?

There is hope when we reach the other side

From Margo

There is hope on the horizon.  Do you see that businesses are opening?  There looks like an end to sheltering-in-place.  My first stop will be the hairdresser.  My hair is long enough to make a ponytail, but it won’t style the way I like.  What will you do or where will you go first?

In Romans 7, Paul described the weakness of the flesh yielding to sin.  Paul responded in Romans 8 that Christians have help through the sacrifice of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We struggle with sin, but we have hope of victory over sin.

Romans 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Jesus took our punishment for sin when He shed His blood and died on the cross.  Believers stand righteous before God.  We also experience freedom from the power of sin through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. We can live according to the Spirit and not according to our own desires and sinful passions.  We will still struggle with the sin nature until we receive our glorified bodies.  Though we struggle, we are free from sin’s control through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 8:5  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit helps believers by renewing our minds.  We set our minds on what pleases Jesus, like reading our Bible to find out more about God and His truths to live by.  We want to have a lifestyle that pleases God and that leads to life and peace.

Romans 8:13  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

When we asked Jesus in our heart, the Holy Spirit also came to dwell in us.  When we sin, we diminish the power or control the Holy Spirit has on our life.  The Holy Spirit enables us to live righteously.  We are no longer obligated to sin, but can through the strength of the Holy Spirit put to death the desire of the flesh.  We should live in such a way that others can see that we are Christians.

There is a possibility that churches will open.  Will you come to Sunday School?  Will you come for church service?  Are you afraid of catching the virus or uncertain of the cleanliness of the church?  When does the desire to worship together overcome the uncertainty of the situation?  I actually like online service.  I can watch the service any time after 9:30 am or I can watch both the 9:30am English service and the 11:15 am Youth service.  I can knit or walk around my house while service is on.  I can even wear my PJ’s all day long.  After 2 ½ months of staying home, it has become a habit to do church at home.  What I described was convenience, not true worship of God.  At church, we can focus on hearing God’s Word, hearing the songs of praise, and fellowshipping.  We concentrate on Who is important. Does staying home or going to church become a struggle with the sin nature? Will the Holy Spirit prompt you to go to church?  I hope to see you at church when the church doors are opened.

Question to Ponder – Please answer with a comment in our blog.

What would you do or where would you like to go when SIP is over?

Overcoming Pandemic Frustrations with Smiles

A Smiling Bighorn Sheep from the Living Desert in Palm Desert, California.

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;  but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?  Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:21-25

Did you hear about the goats running around San Jose? There were 200 goats loosed on the streets in this Bay Area city. See the link with the video of the goats who broke a fence and escaped to enjoy their freedom.

ABC7 video of the Loose Goats

Do we feel like these goats and want to break out to find freedom? They were gathered by a hillside for their annual job to eat the dead grass to prevent wildfires. They escaped and ran out to the residential area. They ate the garden plants and dirtied the neighborhood. They went wild in their freedom.

Why are we feeling this pandemic frustration?

Are we feeling a little on edge after being home during this Shelter in Place period? Are we frustrated we are not able to practice our normal routines? Maybe you are taking your instrument lesson via Zoom with your teacher. Or your participation in your school’s team sports is canceled.

Our feelings of annoyance, disappointment and anger are the result of repeated scenarios which we feel we cannot control the negative outcome.

In Romans 7, Paul was frustrated with himself. He repeatedly sinned, when he did not want to. As a human being, we have a natural inclination to do the wrong thing. No one had to teach us to sin. It comes naturally to each of us.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Paul was conflicted with doing things he knew were wrong. He recognized his selfish inclinations to do the wrong thing to satisfy himself first.

What do we do that causes frustration because we are repeating bad behavior? I tend to be too loud when I am excited or upset. I know I do not need to be so loud. The loud volume is a reflection of my impatience. I want to be quieter, but it is not easy to change. The verse below illustrates how we all can feel about this inner conflict.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18

How many times did we do or say something that we regretted? Or we have a good idea to help or encourage someone, but we forget to do it. Do we identify with Paul that we cannot carry out our good intentions?

What is making us frustrated now? Are they legitimate frustrations? Or are they selfish frustrations since we cannot have our normal freedoms?

We all can identify with the running goats in San Jose! When they were freed, they caused havoc. If we were to do our normal activities, we could get infected and unknowingly infect others. Thus, we could cause havoc, because we are not being careful.

In the beginning of Romans 7, it tells us we are released from the Law. We can serve in a new way, since we are freed from the restrictions of the Law with Christ as our Savior. In verse 7, the Law identifies what is sin. Since we are freed from the Law, we can serve the Lord in a new way with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lastly what is the solution for our selfish frustrations? It is seen in the Romans 7:25. Jesus Christ can provide us the victory over our frustrations. He paid the price for our sin with His sacrifice on the Cross. He can deliver us by changing us, so we can have victory over the sins we think we cannot stop doing.

Do we have a habitual sin we would like to stop? Is there something we can do to reverse the habitual sin and instead do something to make someone smile instead of frown? For example, when I try to practice patience with a softer tone, it does make those around me smile instead frown.

Is our pandemic frustration is causing us to be in a bad mood? Can we try to make someone else smile by calling someone up to talk? Can we send a nice email to someone? How about connecting with someone and ask them to attend our Livestream church service?

There is a Bay Area farm renting goats, llamas or other animals to attend Zoom meetings. The service is Goat 2 Meeting.

Link to SF Gate article about booking an animal for a Zoom Meeting

It would be pretty amusing to attend your class meeting with your fellow students and teacher and introduce your guest llama.

This is pretty original for this farm to offer this service in an attempt to obtain a little revenue to fix their financial problems.

Is there a way we can seek a fix from God for our Pandemic frustrations? Can we turn a problem into a solution to make other people smile like the visiting llama attending a Zoom meeting?

Question to Ponder?

What is the funny incident that happened in San Jose?

Why are we frustrated about during this Shelter in Place Period?