Welcome
Welcome to my blog...yes...I've finally succumbed to the internet age. Although I've previously thought about blogging as a writer's worst enemy, I've decided that it's time for me to get with it. So, let me start out today by quoting Martin Luther (of course!) and start with a promise that I'll be posting as frequently as possible and look forward to hearing from you, too.
Let's begin today with Martin Luther's Disputation to the Heidelberg Catechism, Thesis 1:
"The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance humans on their way to righteousness, but rather hinders them." That's something for us all to think about as we go through our day. The law doesn't advance me on my way to righteousness. Only Jesus Christ makes me righteous today. Yes, there is a place for the law but my obedience or disobedience to it doesn't change my standing with God at all today. Now...may I live in obedience today because I've been given this great gift.
I'll be back soon with audio and video pod casts and who knows what else!
That's a great thought Elyse. It brings us to what Paul wrote to the Philippians ...not having my own righteousness, which [is] from the law, but that which [is] through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; Phl.3:9. It also brings to mind one of my favorite hymns
"Trust and Obey" John H. Sammis
1.When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2.Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
What more can we say? but.. there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Thanks for the thought provoking blog I look forward to reading more! Be Blessed
Reply to this
Hey, Vickie, Glad that you're making it to Swans...Looking forward to hearing more from you. E
Reply to this
While I love this song and must have sung it every week growing up in church, it seems to say that we must trust and obey in order to be happy in Jesus. Isn't the point of the gospel that because I am happy in Jesus I do trust and obey?
I know that true Christians, being formed into the image of Christ must trust and obey, in the sense that Christ trusted and obeyed and as His image is formed in us we will imitate Him...but I do not take it to be an obedience or a trust that comes from my will.
Perhaps that is not at all what the song means, but just the way it is most often used...to lay guilt on the church so they will trust more and obey more so they can earn happiness in Jesus.
Just some thoughts. I too look forward to the discussion that might come out of this blog. Now I just have to force myself to purchase and read the book. Is that trusting and obeying?
Reply to this
Welcome, welcome, Anita. So glad you'll be blogging with us!
Reply to this
I'm not sure how I feel about being called a "swan". But I am excited about this new book. I don't want to get sentimental but thank you Elyse for leading us to the cross and our Saviour
Reply to this
Welcome to you, dearest love of my life. Let's not be sentimental since that's a problem with modern language and the slippage of truth...although you can send me sentimental cards anytime.
Reply to this
I just finished the book this morning and I've been so challanged and blessed. I know can see how for years I have been focused on my glory instead of his glory. I pray that I will become more inlove with the cross than with myself.
Reply to this