Righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment

 Acts 24:25 says:

"As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, 'Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.'" (ESV)

This verse provides a concise summary of Paul's gospel message to a Roman governor. These three themes appear repeatedly throughout his letters.

1. Righteousness
Paul consistently teaches that true righteousness comes from God through faith in Christ and results in a transformed life.

Supporting passages:

• Romans 1:16-17, "The righteous shall live by faith."
• Romans 3:21-26, God's righteousness revealed through Jesus Christ.
• Romans 5:1, "Since we have been justified by faith..."
• Romans 6:13, Present yourselves as instruments of righteousness.
• Romans 10:3-4, Christ is the end of the law for righteousness.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21, We become the righteousness of God in Christ.
• Philippians 3:8-9, A righteousness that comes through faith, not the Law.
• Titus 3:5-7, Saved not because of righteous works but by God's mercy.

Key idea:
Paul never separates being declared righteous before God from growing in righteous living.

2. Self-control
Self-control is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work and essential for holy living.

Supporting passages:

• Romans 6:11-14, Do not let sin reign in your body.
• Romans 8:12-14, Live by the Spirit, not the flesh.
• 1 Corinthians 6:12, "I will not be mastered by anything."
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul disciplines his body like an athlete.
• Galatians 5:22-23, Self-control is fruit of the Spirit.
• Ephesians 4:22-24, Put off the old self and put on the new.
• Colossians 3:5-17, Put to death earthly passions and clothe yourselves with Christ.
• Titus 2:11-14, Grace trains us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.

Key idea:
Self-control is not mere willpower. It is the Spirit empowering believers to submit every area of life to Christ.

3. The Coming Judgment
Paul consistently reminds believers and unbelievers that everyone will stand before Christ.

Supporting passages:

• Romans 2:5-11, God will judge each person according to truth.
• Romans 14:10-12, We will all stand before God's judgment seat.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, Everyone must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Christ returns in judgment and glory.
• 2 Timothy 4:1, Christ will judge the living and the dead.

Key idea:
Future judgment gives urgency to repentance, faith, and holy living.

The Gospel Pattern in Paul's Ministry

Acts 24:25 reflects Paul's consistent approach:

1. God's righteousness reveals our need.
2. Self-control exposes our inability to overcome sin apart from Christ.
3. Coming judgment reveals our accountability before God.
4. Christ provides forgiveness, righteousness, and new life through faith.

This same progression appears throughout Romans:

• Romans 1 to 3: Humanity's guilt before a righteous God.
• Romans 3 to 5: Justification by faith.
• Romans 6 to 8: Sanctification through the Spirit.
• Romans 12 to 15: Practical righteous living.
• Romans 14: Accountability before God's judgment.

Related themes throughout Paul's letters

• Repentance: Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.
• Faith in Christ: Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16.
• New creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17.
• Holiness: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
• Living worthy of the gospel: Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27.
• Hope of Christ's return: Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Acts 24:25 is therefore not an isolated sermon outline. It is a concise summary of Paul's theology: God calls people to receive His righteousness through Christ, live Spirit-empowered lives marked by self-control, and prepare for the day when everyone will give an account before the righteous Judge.

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Conflict resolution God's way (Matt 18:15, Col 3:12-14)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. Matt 18:15

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Col 3:12-14

The Matthew 18:15 passage is the structural backbone for almost the entire framework it's worth anchoring the whole discussion there. The Colossians 3:12–14 cluster covers the posture (humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love) all in one tight unit, making it very useful for teaching the character required before any of the steps can work. 

Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world, but God uses it to reveal and develop spiritual maturity

• James 1:2–4 — trials produce steadfastness and maturity
• Romans 5:3–5 — suffering produces character and hope
• Proverbs 27:17 — iron sharpens iron; conflict as sanctifying friction

Pray for solutions that honor God and all involved

• Philippians 4:6–7 — present everything to God in prayer; the peace of God guards hearts
• James 1:5 — ask God for wisdom when you lack it
• 1 Timothy 2:1–2 — pray for all people; God desires peaceful, godly lives

Assume everyone has right motives

• 1 Corinthians 13:7 — love believes the best, hopes the best
• Philippians 2:3 — count others more significant than yourself
• Romans 15:7 — accept one another as Christ accepted you

Address issues quickly, graciously, humbly, and face-to-face

• Matthew 18:15 — go directly to the person, alone, first
• Ephesians 4:26–27 — do not let the sun go down on your anger
• Galatians 6:1 — restore gently, watching yourself
• Proverbs 15:1 — a soft answer turns away wrath

Include only those involved

• Matthew 18:15–17 — the full escalation process begins with just the two parties
• Proverbs 11:13 — a gossip betrays confidence; a trustworthy person keeps a matter private
• Proverbs 17:9 — whoever covers an offense promotes love; repeating it separates friends

Strive to protect unity

• Ephesians 4:3 — make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
• Colossians 3:13–14 — bear with one another; love binds everything in perfect harmony
• John 17:20–23 — Jesus' own prayer for the unity of his people
• Psalm 133:1 — how good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity

The scope of Christ's grace enables us to forgive freely

• Colossians 3:13 — forgive as the Lord forgave you
• Ephesians 4:32 — be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you
• Matthew 18:21–35 — the parable of the unmerciful servant; our forgiveness flows from being forgiven an unpayable debt
• Luke 7:47 — the one forgiven much loves much
• 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — God reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

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Connecting to the Divine Light: God’s Action and Human Response

Thinking about Darkness in the human condition. Jesus Christ is the Light who entered our darkness to save us, and we truly receive that light only when we stop living for ourselves and begin living in alignment with Him as Lord, Savior, and Logos.

The message of the gospel is that people do not move from darkness to light by self-improvement alone. Connection to the divine light requires God’s saving action in Christ and a personal response of faith, surrender, and alignment to Him.

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1) God’s Action: Christ entered our darkness and bore our judgment

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Light of God who entered a world of darkness, yet was rejected by the very people He came to save. Instead of abandoning humanity, He willingly took upon Himself the judgment that sin deserves. On the cross, He experienced abandonment and suffering so that sinners could be brought back into the love and life of God.

This means salvation begins not with human effort, but with God’s initiative, mercy, and sacrifice.

Key Bible references:

• John 1:9–11 – The true Light came into the world, but the world did not receive Him.
• Isaiah 53:3–6 – He was rejected, pierced, and bore our iniquities.
• Mark 15:33–34 – Jesus enters the darkness of forsakenness on the cross.
• Matthew 27:45–46 – Darkness covers the land as Christ bears judgment.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Christ was made to be sin for us so we might become righteous in Him.
• Galatians 3:13 – Christ became a curse for us.
• 1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins in His body on the tree.
• Romans 5:8 – God showed His love in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
• Colossians 1:13–14 – Through Him we are rescued from the domain of darkness.
• 1 John 4:9–10 – God’s love is revealed in sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice.

Core idea:

Jesus did not simply come to teach about light. He came to absorb the consequences of our darkness so that we could be reconciled to God.

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2) Human Response: We must align our lives with Christ as the Logos

The second part of connecting to the divine light is human response. If Jesus is the Logos—the divine reason, truth, wisdom, and ordering principle behind all creation—then He cannot be treated as a mere idea, moral teacher, or spiritual option. He must become the center and meaning of life.

To receive the light is to trust Christ, follow Him, and reorder one’s life around Him. This means repentance, faith, obedience, and surrender. We do not simply admire the Light. We come into it and live by it.

Key Bible references:

• John 1:1–5 – Jesus is the eternal Word (Logos), through whom all things were made.
• John 8:12 – Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness.
• John 3:19–21 – Coming to the light requires honesty, repentance, and openness to God.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
• Colossians 1:15–17 – All things were created through Him and for Him.
• Acts 17:28 – In Him we live and move and have our being.
• Romans 12:1–2 – True response involves surrender and transformation of mind.
• Galatians 2:20 – The believer’s life is now centered in Christ.
• Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ.”
• Luke 9:23–24 – Following Christ means self-denial and daily surrender.
• Matthew 7:24–25 – A life built on Christ stands firm.
• 1 John 1:5–7 – Walking with God means walking in the light.

Core idea:

Jesus is not merely someone to believe in intellectually. He is the One by whom life itself makes sense. To reject Him is to remain disordered; to receive Him is to be rightly aligned with reality.

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Big theological takeaway

Connecting to divine light is not achieved by human wisdom or religious striving alone.

It happens through:

• God’s grace: Christ enters our darkness, bears our sin, and opens the way back to God. 
• Works the Holy Spirit does in the believers life
  
• Our response: we trust Him, follow Him, and make Him the defining center of our lives.
• resurrection and the Kingdom of Heaven
  

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Strong concluding Bible synthesis

These verses tie both themes together beautifully:

• John 1:12 – Those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God.
• John 12:46 – Whoever believes in Him will not remain in darkness.
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – God shines the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ.
• Ephesians 5:8 – “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” 

God brings us into the light through the sacrifice of Christ, and we remain in that light by surrendering our lives fully to Him.

King of Kings, prepares our heart to receive the good news about the Kingdom

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God’s Standard for the Foreigner Has Always Been Love

The other day I was walking through the skyway and saw a person sitting on the ground with a sign, "anything helps." Occasionally, I try to intervene and offer a ride to teen challenge but this day I was busy with my work. This day, I felt myself have a critical attitude toward this person and felt my heart judging him for the life choices that brought him to this desperate point. The Lord reminded me about foreigners' and natives from the perspective of Holiness and Love.

God’s heart toward the foreigner was never exclusion first. It was love, dignity, justice, and covenant responsibility. In the Old Testament, Israel was commanded to treat the stranger not as an outsider to be exploited, but as a neighbor to be loved: “You shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). Why? Because Israel knew what it meant to live as strangers in Egypt (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:18–19).

This fits the larger moral center of Scripture. Jesus said the whole law is summed up in two commands: love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). That second command comes directly from Leviticus 19:18, showing that God’s ethic has always been relational, not merely ritual.

Leviticus 19 is the ethical backbone.
It calls God’s people to holiness expressed through everyday love, fairness, mercy, and justice (Leviticus 19:2, 9–18, 33–34). The New Testament does not discard that vision. It deepens and fulfills it in Christ.

The New Testament fulfillment:

• Holiness becomes Christlike character (Ephesians 4:24; 1 Peter 1:15–16)
• Love becomes the governing law (Romans 13:8–10; Galatians 5:14)
• Foreigners become fellow citizens in God’s household (Ephesians 2:19; Ephesians 2:14–16)
• Justice and compassion become visible signs of the kingdom (Matthew 25:35–40; James 2:1–9)

The biblical pattern is consistent:

• Honor dignity because every person bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9)
• Extend compassion because God loves and defends the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18–19; Zechariah 7:9–10)
• Uphold justice because God requires one standard for all (Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:15–16)
• Model Christ’s welcome because Jesus reconciles divided people into one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14–16; Romans 15:7)
• Live as exiles because believers themselves are sojourners in this world (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13)
• Witness to God’s heart because hospitality and mercy visibly proclaim the gospel (Hebrews 13:2; Luke 10:25–37)

Bottom line:
Leviticus 19 is the blueprint. Jesus is the fulfillment.
God’s people are called to reflect His heart by loving the outsider, practicing justice, and showing mercy. Love for the foreigner is not a side issue. It is part of what covenant faithfulness looks like (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23).

Lord Jesus,
Make my life a visible sign of Your kingdom.

Teach me to see people the way You see them.
Keep me from passing by need, ignoring suffering, or showing favoritism.
Give me a heart that welcomes the stranger, serves the weak, honors the poor, and moves toward those who are hurting (Matthew 25:35–40).

Guard me from partiality, pride, and comfort-driven obedience.
Do not let me value people by appearance, status, influence, or what they can do for me.
Instead, form in me the mercy and humility that reflect Your heart (James 2:1–9).

Lord, let justice mark my choices,
let compassion shape my actions,
and let love govern my response to others.

Make me faithful in small acts of kindness and bold in moments that require courage.
Let my words, my generosity, and my presence reveal that Your kingdom is real.

May I not only speak of Your love,
but embody it.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

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Limitless Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22)

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! - Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus teaches that forgiveness has no cap. Peter wanted a rule. Jesus wanted a heart. Forgive without keeping score.

Why it matters

• True forgiveness reflects God’s character (Matthew 18:35).

• God forgave us at infinite cost, so we forgive freely (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

• Unforgiveness traps us emotionally. It becomes a prison.

• A forgiven heart releases grudges and restores peace (Romans 5:1).

What Jesus meant

• “Seventy times seven” is not a math problem. It is a mindset.

• Forgiveness is an attitude before it is an action.

• When your heart is surrendered, you can forgive the eighth time as easily as the first.

• Nothing justifies clinging to an unforgiving spirit.

Broader Biblical reinforcement

• God forgives lavishly and repeatedly (Psalm 103:8–12).

• Love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

• We are called to restore gently, not retaliate (Galatians 6:1).

• Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).

• Bear with each other and forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

• If we do not forgive others, we block our own freedom (Matthew 6:14–15).

Spirit of the teaching
Forgiveness restores wholeness. It repairs relationships. It mirrors the grace God pours into us. A heart ready to forgive is a heart aligned with the Kingdom.

Reflection prompt
Who needs forgiveness from you today? What freedom would it create in your soul if you released the record of wrongs?

Closing quote
“He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” —George Herbert

This was a repost from here: Jesus prescribes limitless readiness to forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:21-22), 

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Jesus message announces God's love and generous grace for everyone (Matt 5-13, Romans 10-12)

Getting ready for SALT Words Matter word of the Month "Gospel (euangelion)", big idea Jesus message announces God's love and generous grace for everyone! This gospel announcement changes the world and changes everyone's life. My brother and I often talk about Christian institutions we take for granted. Dates and time (in the year of our Lord), public Schools and hospitals. Benevolent government and charitable organizations. "Red Cross", Serpent on a pole is symbolic of John 3, Good Will/Easter Seal, Salvation Army, Samaritans Purse and the list goes on and on. 

SALT, Praise and Encouragement Thomas Saunders had us read Psalm 119:105-112, God's word, promises, laws, decrees and our response. 

Still pondering God sees us and rewards good deeds received with prayer, forgiveness, and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18) and the job description of Peacemaker, being a Child of God - representing him as he's ordained. The big insight from my conversation with my brother this past Sunday was the link from God's blesses those who are merciful, for they will "BE SHOWN" mercy.

This brought us to Romans 12:1-2, but this morning I'm seeing Romans 12 is tied to Sermon on the Mount. I'll explore this tomorrow (as this morning a water line broke and cut into my normal quiet time). Thank God for water and sewer that normally works so well. Grateful for the reminder of years of blessing and years of struggle when I lived without a shower at 1212 Yale Street.  

"In view of God's mercy" NIV = "because of all he has done for you" NLT

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I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered (Psalm 34:4)

We've been having a morning meeting from 7:55-8:05 am called SALT Praise and Encouragement. The idea came from Hanna, and Karo after we met with Christian business leaders at Target (led by Jorge). We've consistently had 20+ people join and share a word. Yesterday Joel shared Ecclesiastes 2:9-11, 

So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me. Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

• Genesis 3:6, where the fruit was "pleasing to the eye."
• Jesus said, Deny Yourself: Jesus is calling for a complete surrender of self-interest and a willingness to put aside personal desires and ambitions. 
• "Take up your cross and follow me" is a call from Jesus, found in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23, urging individuals to embrace the challenges and sacrifices of discipleship, even if it means enduring hardship for the sake of following him. 

Thinking about praise and encouragement  brought me to 1 sam 21:10-15;Psalm 34 where David responds to pressure with fear and lies instead of faith (acts crazy, Achish/Gath/Goliath's hometown), then later writes Psalm 34 where David praise God for deliverance, promises, and eternal salvation/resurrection. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears... Trust In God (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton) | Elevation Worship

• Waiting on the Lord with trust, hope, expectation (Isaiah 40:31)
• Example of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 15:1-13)
• David experiences God through righteous friends, deliverance from evil Saul (1 Samuel 21-24)

Praising God for ministry and the opportunity to encourage one another, all the more as we see the day approaching. Praising God for Gloria, Rob, and Ron. May we continue to pray with and for one another everyday.

Getting a new perspective Genesis 1-3 compared with Revelation 20-22

Gloria: morning prayer: 

  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of  Your majesty--and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.

Psalm 145:3-5 NIV

  Jesus is in the business of passing along good things such as: outpouring of mercy, visions of hope, a acts of great love. They are life-giving. As we follow Him, we get to do the same, sharing joy and words of encouragement and reminding others that Jesus is at work in our life. Love you  

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The mind trained by Faith, the ascended life (James 3:13-18)

Listening to The Mind Trained by Faith - Bill Johnson

The mind is worth renewing (Romans 12:1-3), the un-renewed mind is hostile toward God (Romans 8:7). Your mind is independent, your free will/choice is protected so that God can illustrate bringing heaven to earth (Matthew 6:10). To hear what the Father is saying, do what you see him doing, as Jesus did (John 3:11-13; 5:19; 8:18, 26-29) and said we will do (John 14:12-14). The yielded imagination, becomes the sanctified imagination. A sanctified imagination is positioned for visions and dreams (Joel 2:28), postured to hear from God (Psalms 27:8). The renewed mind is the target of the Lord, every day of our lives (Romans 12-15). We can see clearly, God before us like a pillar of fire (God precedes all who follow his way). Faith comes from the heart (Romans 10:10), not the mind. But the renewed mind creates a context for faith, like the banks of a river create a context for the river flowing (Proverbs 21:1). The centurion understood the ways of God and Jesus called it faith (Matthew 8:5-13). Faith will demonstrate itself in kingdom understanding. Faith comes from surrender not striving. Faith is the product of yielding to the Spirit of God, the Word of God and the experiences he lead us into, to think and see differently. Be faith we understand (Heb 11:3). 

• The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind [of/set to/governed by] the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8
• In view of God's mercy, give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
• Jesus was radiant when he was transfigured before them (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2–3, Luke 9:28–36), his clothes like lightening. 
• ...Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Enemies of the renewed mind, disengage us from God, disguised as virtuous ideas but they don't result in peace and righteousness. 

James 3:13-18 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (bait of Satan is offense). For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

Jesus’s heavenly authority: John 3:11-13; 5:19; 8:18, 26-29

• Jesus came from heaven, tells us, he sees what the Father is doing, "Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.", Jesus is one witness, his Father who sent him is the other. 
• So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”

Joel 2:28 fulfilled 

• Luke 1:67 Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
• John 7:39 He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
• Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
• Hebrews 1:1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
• Numbers 11:17  And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.

Jesus transfigured with Moses, Elijah witnessed by Peter, James and John (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2–3, Luke 9:28–36)

The renewed mind is brilliant, seeing God and able to prove the will of God: Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. We prove the will of God, heaven on earth. We see God's purposes, the greater reality (eternal), and impact the temporal (here and now). 

Illustration, a painting is found and it's signed "Van Gogh" - so you take it an expert to see if it's really from him, he's studied the life of artist, subject mater, style, brush strokes, medium/oils, colors, every bit of his personality in his painting. Carbon test on the canvas, after weeks - it's determined this is an authentic Van Gogh. A piece of art that may have been worth 100 dollars in now worth 100 million. The point is after thorough examination, it's proved (Romans 12:1-3 "Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.").  

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Biblical perspective on Active Listening (Luke 6:27-49, 8:8,18)

Active Listening helps us understand and demonstrate compassion towards obstinate people. Active listening helps us see clearly and truly help people. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. Obeying Jesus in relationships puts us on firm ground and leads to greater understanding.

Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” - Luke 8:8

“So pay attention to HOW you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” Luke 8:18

Luke 6:27-49

• But to you who are willing to listen (or who are listening NIV), I say, love your enemies!...You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (or Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. NIV) Luke 6:27,36
• Don't judge, give and receive...then you will see well enough (then you will see clearly NIV) to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Luke 6:37,42
• ...What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45
• ...comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it...stands firm - Luke 6:47-48

Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”  - Luke 9:35

“Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.”  - Luke 9:44

Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. - Luke 10:39

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Acknowledge God for three days and you'll experience mercy (Hosea 6, Acts 9:9)

 Hosea 6

Key Verses:

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us.He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time (After two days he will revive us; on the third day NIV) he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him.(Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him NIV) He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” - Hosea 6:1-3 NLT

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

I love how God intervenes in my quiet time with his word. I was sick yesterday with a bad sore throat that was going into my ears. I thought it was strep but the test was negative. I slept most of the day and feeling better today. Today I'm leading the prayer course - adoration at SALT. On Saturday I have Alpha at TC, "Does God heal today?"

6:1-3) Call to repentance, healing, revival, restoration, his presence, acknowledging (accept, admit existence or truth) the LORD

 - he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help (Lamentations 3:11), God assails me (Job 1:9), like a lion tear to pieces (Hosea 5:14)

 - Three Days, recurring theme in the Bible for changing your heart

4-5) God see Ephraim, Judah love like the morning mist, dew that disappears. Cuts with prophets, killed with words, judgment like the sun

6) God desires mercy, not sacrifice, acknowledgment of God

 - 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1:11, Matthew 9:13, Matthew 12:7, Mark 12:33

 - Jesus preached repentance as did the early church (Doctrine of Repentance)

7-10) Like Adam, broken covenant, humans are unfaithful, evildoers, liers, murders, wicked schemes, prostitution, defiled

11) Also for you, Judah a harvest is appointed "whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people.

 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ (Romans 5:12-21)

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Mercy and justice both come from God, so they are not competitors

Reading BeMature, he talks about Mercy and Justice. "Where God finds repentance and faith, He is able to show mercy; where He finds rebellion and unbelief; He must administer justice. It's the heart of the sinner that determines the treatment he gets. See Matthew 18:21-35"

This reminded me of Judging people in love, according to the faith and I was struck by how often the "day of Judgement" is talked about by Jesus and in the Bible. So I was reminded that Peter reminds us God is able to His fulfill his promises, patiently (2 Peter 3).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for praying for us (John 17), your prayers were clearly powerful and effective. Lord, clean me from the inside that my life shines and living water flows out to nourish those around me. Let your love, heal me, and bring new fruitfulness. Prune away what is not fruitful. So on that day when we are face to face, you will know me - unmistakably part of your body. Thank you Lord for giving me spiritual food. Let my work honor your name today. Amen.

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Not ready to help a person in need

Luke 12:40
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."

I've been too busy or too judgemental in helping people in need.

Luke 12:45
But suppose that servant says in his heart, 'My master will be a long time in coming,' and he begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk.

Luke 21:33-35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life— and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

1 Thessalonians 5:2
For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:4
But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.

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Live Well, Live Wisely James 3:13-18 (MSG)

James 3:13-18
13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Prayer: God, let this be our life verse, Give us your Holy Spirit that we have ears that hear, eyes that see and a heart that understands. Today, let me be holy yours, give me an opportunity to make peace from the pieces resulting in new community, healing and praise. Let everyone I encounter see your love coming from within me. Forgive me Lord, bring me into your light - bring to mind what I need to repent from. Heal my mind and heart in Jesus Name.

Overcoming addiction: In the name of the LORD I will cut them off (Psalm 118)

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All His goodness to us begins with mercy

 "No other attribute could have helped us had mercy refused. As we are by nature, justice condemns us, holiness frowns upon us, power crushes us, truth confirms the threatening of the law, and wrath fulfills it. It is from the mercy of our God that all our hopes begin." (Spurgeon) https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1pe/1pe_1.cfm

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God's righteousness justifies the humble sinner

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
Luke 18:9 NIV
https://luke.bible/luke-18-9

For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
Romans 10:3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.3.ESV

Luke 18:10-12, good religion for others to hear, rather than personal communion with God (like the other, Luke 18:13-14)

'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

God loves real, genuine, honest prayer.

Self-righteousness won't make me right with God.
- Abide in christ, draw near to God, believe and trust in Him John 15, Hebrews 11, 1 Peter 2
- Trust in Christ
Self-righteousness will taint the way you see other people.
- seeing ourselves in view of God's mercy and our actual life is necessary (Matthew 5:3-15, Romans 12:1-2
- Grace of God keeps people humble. I don't get the credit for my betting heart, breath of life, blood that keeps me alive. Every moment is a gift of God and I'm a steward of the gifts given.

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I shall call upon Him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1-2)

I'm reading 21 days of breakthrough prayer and today's focus is Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear]

My voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs).

Because He has inclined His ear to me,

Therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. AMP

God calls us to "stand in the gap" and intercede for those he's placed in our lives. The promise of God is that when we do this we will not be put to shame, but see God working. It reminds of the opening scene of "It's a Wonderful Life" where people are praying for in the begining and a family intercedes for Goerge Baily.

Goerge comes to himself and experiences God's intervention for the rest of the movie.

God promises we will not be put to shame when we come to him with our burdens and needs.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Not put to shame in the Bible

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Gospel people, not religious people

In John 8, they tried to trap Jesus. Jesus righteously responded with Gospel rather than religion.

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 8:7 ESV

On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Deuteronomy 17:6‭-‬7 ESV

What NOT to do with this passage:
Religious people spend more time pointing out other people's sin rather than repenting from there own.

Responding to people through lens of religion rather than the lens of the Gospel, hurts people.

Rom 3:23, all have sinned, fallen short of the glory of God.

Don't rationalize your sinful decisions
- Conviction of sin is a gift from God
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
John 16:8 ESV

Don't reject that "you are the woman" that needs redemption
- we are guilty, ashamed, naked and guilty

Some when they are confronted with sin, they turn away from Jesus and continue in sin. Scribes and Pharisees.
- God's judgment is to let them go
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
Romans 1:24 ESV
- God's mercy is the gospel, receive forgiveness and restoration. Go and sin no more.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes
Romans 1:16 ESV

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Receiving the gift of eternal life and mercy by faith (Romans 4, Titus 3:3-7)

Eternal Life starts now and lasts forever

Eternal life refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is in contrast to the “death” that is the natural result of sin. The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life (the verb is present tense in the Greek, too what-is-eternal-life).

Receiving the gift of life by faith (Romans 4)

1.  Contrast the ideas of working for a wage (Romans 4:1-8) or privileged upbringing (Romans 4:9-15) and receiving a promised gift through faith (Romans 4:16-25). What truth about faith do you get in reading Romans 4:18-19?

2.  What aspects of the promise in Romans 4:16-17 would you like to learn more about? Consider using the index in the back of your Bible to look up these terms.

3.  Hebrews 11:1-7 introduces faith in the context of God’s faithfulness in history, creation, and future events. Why is it impossible to please God without faith?

God’s mercy gift for you (Titus 3:3-7)

4.  What distinctive roles does the Father, Son, and Spirit play in giving us Eternal Life?

5.  How will you ask God to receive this gift today?

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God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)

AIM: Discover spiritual gifts, motivated by love brings life change
Romans 12:1-8
A) God's mercy seen creates a devoted life in His will
1) See God's mercy, give self fully to God is worship
2) Not pattern world, transformed/renewing mind, able do God's will
Illustration: Cain (Look what I brought God) and Abel (look what you did God)
Cain couldn't see God's mercy and took LIFE into his own hands, killing his brother. God's mercy was then revealed in Cain, God protected Cain (Gen 4) - Lemech didn't get it (70 times 7 REVENGE). Jesus said 70 times 7 Forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).
Many in the church struggle with self-deception:

• Lying to yourself, that you aren't sinning (Romans 14:23; Proverbs 30:20; James 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:3;1 John 1:8-10;2:4)
• Thinking your "Christian" when you don't live a Christian lifestyle (Luke 6:46; James 1:26; 1 John 2:4;1:6; 3:9-10)
• Thinking "I'll get away with it" (Galatians 6:7; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Proverbs 28:13)

Application: Debug your heart, Let the Holy Spirit and God's word expose and judge the intentions of your heart.

 Ephesians 4:23-24 and Colossians 3:10 says, "...let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." and "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator."
Heb 4:12 says, "the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]...penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ephesians 5:10,17 says, "Test and prove what pleases the Lord" and Don't be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is"

Application: Is my sacrifice pleasing to God, where am I focusing on worldly patterns rather than the Godly pattern in his Word?

B) God's gracious gifts used in humble, united service (3-8)
3) Grace given me, not better in self, by faith God distributed to us
4-5) body many parts, function in Christ, belongs to each other
6) different gifts (1 Cor 7:7), according grace given (empowerment): 
 - Same LORD and Spirit, God at work (1 Cor 12:4-6)
 - Gift to equip others, reach unity (Eph 4:11-13, John 14-17)
 - We are stewards of these gifts, purpose is God's glory in Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11)
7-8) Gifts according to grace: Prophesy/faith, serving, teaching, encourage, give/generously, lead/diligently, mercy/cheerfully
Illustration: Lot is an example of not using gift faithfully. (Lord) rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (2 Peter 2:7). Jesus sends us out, says Listen! Don't miss it! You'll be judge, wrong intentions in your heart need to be cast out in the name of Jesus! (Luke 10:12-17). Jesus was reminding the 72 about Lot (Luke 10:1-12) and what happens when people don't come out (Gen 19:14,15). So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. (Gen 19:29) but
Lot used his freedom to be an unaware, incestuous drunk (Gen 19:32-35). Why didn't Lot go back to Abraham for humble help in this matter?
Principle: Two things make a Christian miserable, 1) unrepentant sin and 2) not using your gifts to serve the Church.
Application: Spiritual gifts inventory, what gift haven't you opened yet? Consider serving in an unfamiliar way (test and approve).
Also:lot
Romans 12:3; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:1-6 ; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7b ;1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ;Ephesians 4:11-13 ;1 Peter 4:10-11

C) Love enthusiastically, sacrificially serving and trusting the Lord (9-21)
9-10) Love sincere, hate evil, cling good, devoted/honor one-another in love
11-13) spiritual fervor, serving the Lord: joyful/hope, patient/affliction, faithful/prayer, share/people/need, practice/hospitality
14-15) Bless (no curse)/persecutors, empathy: celebrate/rejoicing, comfort/mourning
16) Live/harmony/each other, not proud/conceited, associate with low positions
17-21) Not evil for evil, careful/right eyes of all, possible depends on you: live/peace not revenge, trust God's plan: overcome evil with good

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Jesus shows how love impacts hope, manifested in relationships (Luke 10:25-37)

Coming to God for hope

Biblical hope is built on faith. Hope is the earnest anticipation that comes with believing something good. Hope is a confident expectation that naturally stems from faith. Hope is a peaceful assurance that something that hasn’t happened yet will indeed happen. Hope must involve something that is yet unseen. Hope is looking to the reality of the future. (difference-faith-hope)

Jesus shows how love impacts hope, manifested in relationships (Luke 10:25-37)

1.  What is the lawyer hoping to receive from Jesus? (Luke 10: 25-28)

2.  What was the lawyer trying to justify or validate within himself by asking, “Who is my neighbor?”  (Luke 10:28)

3.  How did the parable cause the lawyer to see himself? How does the man who was left for dead receive hope?  (Luke 10:30-37)

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