This Sunday at RiverValley

Seldom, if ever, does a loving parent or adult tell a child, “Do not lift a hand to help. I’ll do it all for you.” As their dad after dinner, I expect all my children to do their part to clear the table, to put away leftovers, and to place their dirty dishes in the dishwasher. I also, as their dad, expect them to be happy about doing the work of clearing the dinner table.

However, as their father I never expected any of them to contribute “work” or “help out” in their birth. Only mom and dad could achieve that work of conception and birth; they simply were born wonderfully into our family. In the same way, we are born spiritually into God’s family as God’s children.

Just like Abraham, all of God’s children have nothing to boast about in their justification from God. We must cease all our striving to be justified and instead put all effort to growing up into a mature son or daughter of our heavenly Dad, bringing honor to his family.

For January 15, 2012, we are in Romans 4:1-12 talking about being right before God based NOT in works or traditions.

See you at church!