A FEW THOUGHTS ON TODAYS READING...
When we read Scripture to make it understandable we must make associations. Paul referenced circumcision which doesn't mean much to those of us who are Gentile. But this rite for the Jewish person, was based on a covenant which was unilaterally given to Abraham by God, based on Abraham's profession of trust and faith in God. Infant baptism is viewed the same way, but is vastly different. Those doing it often have little to no faith. It is seen as important though the child has no knowledge, has made no commitment, and those doing it are often doing so because it is the right thing to do. Circumcision is now similar for most secular Jewish people. We read in Galatians 5:1-4, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. People fail to understand there are two options grace and the law, and the choice is theirs which one they will trust, but it can't be both for they negate each other. For those who choose the law, we read in James 2:10, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." If someone’s trust is in infant baptism, confirmation, going to church, etc. then their trust is in their own ability to be righteous. If one's trust is in what was accomplished by Jesus Christ, then we rest in grace.
When we choose a spouse, we only have one choice and we trust that choice. We don't have the option of marrying 5 different women at the same time hoping that we have covered all of our bases and trusting that this variety will guarantee our success (this has nothing to do with divorce or death of a previous spouse and remarrying). Likewise, many like to keep their spirituality rather wide: a little Jesus, perhaps a little wisdom from Buddha, a little secular humanism, a little societal norms,etc. This makes up the bulk of most individual’s trust. By casting that wide net, they feel they have it covered. But this is wrong. Jesus is exclusive. If we add Him in we don't trust Him. He has not offered this option. In John 14:6, we read, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except though Me." Notice Jesus did not say it is Me and infant baptism, or Me and any other ritual, it is simply Me. People don't want to make a choice, but a choice is exactly what must be made. When we accept Jesus as our only option, we do become fanatics. but though the world views this as a negative, Christ simply sees this as trusting in Him. This does not mean we bang it over people's heads, but we must clearly state to others unashamedly that our trust is in Him and Him alone.
THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE
...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~Ephesians 3:17-19

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Repentance, if it is sincere, will be universal. It will extend to every known sin. he who does not repent of everything that is evil, truly repents of nothing.
— Richard Alleine (1610-1681)








"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
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