Well, we will have our work cut out for us this week! On first reading of these texts, there does not appear to be much “grace,” unmerited favor, nor hope for us! There is a heaping hand full of DEMANDS. (Maybe less so in Paul but read on!). And little room for excuses. The Israelites over hundreds of years experienced this and so has the church for over 2000 years. Yet….maybe…..surely….there is a way forward in 2017 and until the Lord draws all things to a close with a New Heaven and a New Earth.

I suspect if we sing Trust and Obey we will come close to finding a way. Or Amazing Grace! Or Love, Mercy, and Grace! I will leave it to our music directors to find more “demanding hymns.” They are there. I think…..

We will look at a Wesleyan perspective as best we can. That was always first Justification By Faith (not works) but without any neglect of Sanctification. Wesley called for holiness but always a social holiness.

We will also look at those fellow soul mates who set out to “live biblically” and either found a satisfying way of life or became insufferable judges and legalists! And you know how Paul felt about legalism!!

I’m getting ahead of myself! My suggestion: pray about these scriptures and step out in faith! We can do this. Together!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Barry