Tagged: Bible Study

A CONDEMNED BUILDING

“There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus.” –Romans 8:1 We often feel condemned or about to be condemned. In these moments, we feel as if people are judging us, because they are. We are afraid of not being accepted and even rejected. We know that people’s love for us is conditional, and sooner or later we won’t meet their conditions. We have the haunting fear we will be condemned not only in this life but for all eternity. The Good News is: “There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm...

THE ONLY HOPE

“Who can free me?” –Romans 7:24 Our human nature is fallen, wounded, and weakened because of the sin of our first parents, that is, original sin. Our desires, intentions, and feelings lack power (Rm 7:18). “What happens is that I do, not the good I will to do, but the evil I do not intend” (Rm 7:19). Our wills also are incapacitated. We do what is against our wills (Rm 7:20). “This means that even though I want to do what is right, a law that leads to wrongdoing is always ready at hand” (Rm 7:21). Moreover, our bodies are...

SLOW MOTION

“How I wish the blaze were ignited!” –Luke 12:49 Jesus came to light a fire on the earth (Lk 12:49). He was in anguish until He had completed His Father’s plan (Lk 12:50). Jesus loved us so much He wanted everyone to be saved as soon as possible. Considering Jesus’ intensity, He must be upset by our lethargy. He’s been waiting for almost two thousand years for us to get ready for His second and final coming. We have slowed down God’s plan of salvation by our sins and apathy. We must repent, intercede, and evangelize so all will hear...

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

“When much has been given a man, much will be required of him.” –Luke 12:48 Many of you reading this book have accepted Jesus as Lord of your lives and have been filled with the Holy Spirit. You are children of God. Many of you know, love, and live God’s Word. Many also celebrate Mass and receive Holy Communion daily, or as often as possible. You are greatly blessed (Mt 13:16). God became a man to die for you. You share in His Resurrection. The Trinity lives within you. You are a member of Christ’s Body. Because of your faith,...

I HOPE SO

Grace reigns “by way of justice leading to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” –Romans 5:21 Christians have more reason to be hopeful than any people who have ever lived. We are no longer afraid of death (Ps 23:4, RSV-CE), for Jesus has risen and death has lost its sting (1 Cor 15:55). “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54). Jesus has won the irreversible and final victory. He is seated on His throne, and He is merely waiting for His enemies to be placed beneath His feet (Heb 10:12-13). Therefore, we who are disciples of Jesus...