I gave in
I did it, I bought Stott.
Me being me, I cottoned on to the idea a shade late, as we’re now 8 weeks into the 10 week study, but at least i’ll have it for the next time I fancy an intellectual work out.
Taking a quick moment to reflect, so far Romans has been amazing. Certain things have really stood out such as the lavishness of God’s grace, just how new we are as “new creations” in Christ, and the extent to which the Spirit now dwelling within us intercedes for us.
I think in summary i’ve found the studies to have brought a much fuller meaning to Jesus’ statement of being the “Way the Truth and the Life”, particularly the “Life” part.
As you’d expect, the studies have raised some tough questions. Predestination got a good bit of air time as we grappled with God’s sovereign choice. I could go off on a rant here but i’ll save it for now :P.
What I will say is praise God because he’s God. Praise him for being a just, holy God who loves me and who has shown me outrageous mercy and grace through his gift of salvation. Were God not far above us in every respect he wouldn’t be God, and boasting elements unfathomable reason and logic must surely be a part of that…
Was so thankful to discover the doxology at the end of chapter 11.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Regardless of any questions one might have, it doesn’t leave you much to complain about… :)
A Psalm
Don’t hide your face from me O God for my heart is distressed;
I hold on tightly Lord, for I cannot discern your leading.My blindness overwhelms me, I cry out in the darkness;
Seeds of doubt are sown in my mind, I feel isolated from your council.I am attacked from every side, unable to distinguish friend from foe.
If I cannot see my enemy, how can I withstand the onslaught.Yet I will trust in You, and in the promises laid before me.
Though I stumble I will not fall, for you are faithful, and are sovereign over your creation.Your love for me will never change, you desire for me is to prosper.
So I will wait on You, for You will speak.
Love & Fear
Yesterday I had an interview with Derek leaf and Mitch regarding joining the navs staff. Something Derek said was quite interesting. Picking up on my fear he referred to the following.
1 John 4:16b-18:
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
He also emphasized that the converse was true, there being no love in fear…
Just something to bear in mind.