Many twist the gospel of Good News by laying bondage principles on the
shoulders of their members. "You can't be saved if you wear a ring!" "You can't be saved if you wear pants!" Where did these "rules" come
from?
Truly there is no salvation by works. "It is for freedom
that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, NIV2).
It was never about us, but about Him (Our loving God) whose main
attribute is perfect, everlasting, genuine love, and we are urged to be
imitators of the Most High. This is confirmed by Jesus Himself: "A new
command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must
love one another." (John 13:34, NIV2)
It was also confirmed on
the sermon of the mount. Love goes way beyond the written code! How slow
are we to absorb this crucial part of Christianity!
Some early
reformers, although not perfect, understood the principle of divine
love. Take, for example, the city of Geneva in Switzerland. In the 16th
century it was renowned all over Europe as being a city of refuge for
persecuted believers who found asylum here. John Bale was one of these,
and he wrote the following about this amazing 16th century city of
refuge:
"Geneva seemeth to me to be the wonderful miracle of the
whole world: so many from all countries come thither, as it were a
sanctuary, not to gather riches but to live in poverty. Is it not
wonderful that Spaniards, Italians, Scots, Englishmen, Frenchmen,
Germans, disagreeing in manners, speech and apparel, sheep and wolves,
bulls and bears, being coupled with the only yoke of Christ, should live
so lovingly and friendly, and that monks, laymen and nuns, disagreeing
both in life and sect, should dwell together, like a spiritual and
Christian congregation."
After finding such love among
Christians in Geneva, many refugees left Switzerland to return to their
birth countries, with the sole purpose of bringing the Good News they
experienced to those of their homelands. And this, even though they had
experienced persecution in their home countries!
Love can't be
tamed, and it certainly can't be hidden. We either are filled with the
love of Christ Himself, or we are not. It's our decision whether we want
to experience God fully in our lives, or not.
Love is truly the
source of any inner revival.
Rob Chaffart
A City of Refuge. Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (3:31)
Today's Bible Verse:
"Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we
uphold the law." (Romans 3:31)
A City of Refuge. Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (3:31)
Announcement:
Do you have questions about the Bible? Come and visit the archives of answers to "Bible Questions of the Week". The answer you seek will probably be among the many answers received, and if not, you can submit us your Bible questions.
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.