You Have The Power #269

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."   Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

The Bible is filled with admonitions to love one another. Through the love you give to others you are bearing their burdens. To love someone, as Jesus loved us, is the fulfillment of the law. Although it is impossible to keep the law of Moses, the Scripture clearly teaches we are to allow the Holy Spirit to live his life through us which is the fulfillment of the law through love.

Romans 13:7-10
 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul writes in Galatians about freedom. There is no suggestion in Galatians that freedom means ‘freedom to do what you want’ or ‘freedom to indulge in any kind of behavior’ or ‘freedom from rules.’ Freedom is the freedom to come to God by faith, unhindered by the knowledge that we are unable to conform to the Law. It is the freedom to accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross by faith and in so doing receive His mercy.

Paul never declares that believers are now allowed to do the things that the Law said were sin. On the contrary, he expects exemplary behavior from believers, and often defines that behavior in terms of the moral requirements of the Law.

The Bible does not grant license to act as one pleases without accountability. Christ’s death did not legitimize sinful behavior, rather, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, He gave believers the power to live righteous before God by faith.

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in Lebanon, MO

I arrived in MO on Friday in time to go fishing one day on Table Rock Lake. Notice there are no pictures of ANY FISH. You can just use your imagination to figure out why. On Saturday I had the opportunity to visit with my Dad, brother Steve, Nicole and Donald. It was good to see them all. My Dad was doing exceptionally well. Good to see him feeling well. He just kept telling me he couldn't believe he was 88 years old. 

The revival began on Sunday at the Second Baptist Church of Lebanon. Pastor Roger Marshall and his wife, Dee Ann welcomed me into their home. The worship services on Sunday morning and evening were really special. So good to see all the folks at SBC again. This is my third time being in revival with them. They are a gracious church. 

I was surprised on Sunday when I walked into the auditorium and saw my friends, Allen and Lynda Noble sitting on the third row. We spent the day together talking of old times. I was their pastor in Lincoln, NE 40 years ago. Picture is me with Allen and Lynda Noble and Roger and Dee Ann Marshall. 

Sandy, Mandy and Justin will join me on Thursday. I pick them up at the Springfield airport and then on to Sammy's home. He is Sandy's brother. On Saturday we attend the wedding of our nephew, Casey and his fiancé Shannon. They will be married in Bentonville, AR. Pictures next week. Then back to Tempe on Sunday. 

Sandy continues to teach her class at FBC Tempe on Tuesday mornings. My schedule is still almost full. We are both enjoying sharing God's Word with everyone. 

 My schedule follows:

October 13th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

October 20th Camping Grace Community Church at Roosevelt Lake, AZ 

November 3rd First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM 

November 17th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

November 24th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 1st First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 15th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 22nd First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 29th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

January 5th 2014 First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

May God bless your life this week with a deepening relationship with Him.  ~ DGW