Wrath and Repentance

“Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth…Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”  Romans 2:2,4

During the services last weekend the text spoke of God’s wrath and judgment. It is amazing to me that when God’s judgment, wrath and anger are shared alongside God’s kindness, forbearance and patience that people respond with repentant hearts.  How will we respond to those who are repentant and willing to change if we have been hurt by their actions?  Will we respond with forgiveness or will we become those who show contempt for God’s riches and thus find ourselves in need of repentance?  The truth is that only those who have experienced Grace through repentance are able to extend it to others. 

Remember to turn right,

Ray

Prepared for War

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph. 6:13

At lunch the other day I was talking with a friend about life and the difficult things we all go through.  In response he mentioned Israel and the mindset everyone seems to possess about life and the possibility of attack at any moment and how they are prepared for it to happen. I saw this first hand on a trip to Israel a couple of years ago with very young men and women carrying machine guns and the intense security wherever we journeyed. 

Scripture uses the metaphor of warfare to remind us that we also live in a constant state of war and that attacks of the enemy are inevitable.  Instead of being surprised when bad things happen we are to be prepared (Eph 6:10-18) and ready to respond not in fear but by faith in Christ who has already purchased our victory.

Remember to turn right,

Ray