“Grace Alone!” – Romans 3:23-24
By God’s grace, faith is given. By faith, life is given. Through Scripture, we have the truth that Christ was and is. Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31b-32.
The truth of the Scriptures led Luther to understanding that righteousness is not something we earn but rather what God gives us. As Paul wrote, “all… are justified by His (God’s) grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24.
Luther’s faith struggle to live the life that he believed God demanded left him hopeless. Becoming righteous was not in his capacity and drove him to a breaking point. As he read Scripture he came to understand that, although he was correct that God expected him to be righteous, he missed that God and God only gives that righteousness. Yes, God does demand that we need to be holy but holiness cannot be earned but rather it is what Christ has won for us and by grace alone we are saved.
Question of the week: What was Luther studying to be before he decided to become a monk?
Answer: Luther was studying to become a lawyer prior to his decision to enter the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, Germany.
LifeCenter Update – 200 Fletcher Ave.
Landscaping of the building site is progressing, with the top soil re-spread and the ground now ready for seeding. Framing and other inspections are completed and insulation has been installed this past week by our work team. Flooring materials have been selected by our color team. We are now able to “lock up” the building in the evening with windows and temporary doors installed. Siding is on the way and one of the next projects. Our new address is 200 Fletcher Avenue.
Prayer Request From Missionaries Tim and Beth Heiney
Tim and Beth are missionaries in Guinea presently in the states on
leave. They report that Christians in various missions in Guinea have called for a day of prayer for the countries in West Africa that have been affected by Ebola and ask us to join them.
“As an international community here in Guinea we are setting aside Monday, October 27th to unite together as the international body of Christ to fast and pray for Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
We believe that God honors the united prayers of His people. We want to see things change here and God glorified as a result. In the name of Jesus, we are praying that this virus will be halted in its tracks. Pray that the truth about this illness will spread in these places, pray for the quick and honest dispersal of aid, and pray for able personnel to help with this crisis. Pray that many people will come to know Jesus as a result of God’s hand.”
We’re asking you all to join us this coming Monday in concerted prayer for Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
