JULY 2020 LESSONS IN LIVING
WEEK ONE
Many insist on the church of their choice as if that idea is found in the Bible. But it is not. The Scriptures teach that the church is the body of Christ and that there is but one: “He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all…There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6). Therefore, what the inspired apostles described does not give us a choice of churches and more than we are offered a choice of gods.
WEEK TWO
Some people refuse to change from their present lives. However, Jesus came into this world to cause people to change. He did not come to save people in their sins, He came to save people FROM their sins and there is an eternity of difference between the two concepts. Jesus said: “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). His lesson for all of us is that unless we are willing to turn from out sins, we cannot be saved!
WEEK THREE
If we are truly seeking the Lord, we cannot be lukewarm to our spiritual condition. The New Testament speaks of an occasion when Jesus rebuked a Pharisee who criticized a sinful woman. He showed that the woman loved Him more than Simon because she was aware of her sins and needed to be forgiven. “Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:36-50). We are only truly pursuing God when we face the horror of sin without forgiveness. (Romans 6:23)
WEEK FOUR
The Bible says that Christ, as our Hight Priest, can sympathize with out weaknesses. What a grandiose thought to realize that our Lord feels our infirmities. Peter said: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). All of this is because of His abounding love – which caused Him to die for us. The question is: How much love do we have for Him? (cf. Romans 12:1-2)