Good morning. Paul now gives what seems like a refutation to what
James said. What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to
the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works (uh-oh), he has
something to boast about, but not before God. What does the scripture say?
Abraham believed God (when He said that Abraham’s descendants would be as
numerous as the stars of the heavens), and it was credited to him as righteousness.
James also mentions this verse. He says that when Abraham offered up his son
Isaac on the altar, that faith was working with his works, and as a result of
the works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says that
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Christian
say they believe, but don’t act like it. Abraham did act like it. He was offering
up his only hope that his descendants would be as the stars of the heavens.
Back to Paul: now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor
(grace), but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in
Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. Father
thank You that we believed, and it was reckoned to us as righteousness. Help us
to show others that they need to do the same.
Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God
Good morning. While Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men. Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. It doesn’t say, but I assume it is still during this time of the Passover. This man came to Jesus by night. Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do the signs that You do unless God is with him. It just said that the people believed in His name because of the signs He was doing; yet it does not say what those signs were. Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. That is why unbelievers cannot tell what is of the kingdom of God and what is not – they’re not born again. Nicodemus doesn’t have a clue. How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he? Unless one is born of water and the Spirit ...
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