Our attitude and actions as believers should and will look different than the world or those who merely profess to believe in Christ. We rejoice always and in all circumstances, because we know the sure and steady hope that awaits us in Christ. We are constantly praying, not simply to get us out of a situation or for something we want, but to give thanks, praise, and intercession, all according to His will. Our attitude ought to be one of sharing, generosity, and hospitality. To unbelievers, all of these characteristics are arbitrary. To those who merely profess to know Christ, these demands are too much, but for true believers, these are our expectations because he transforms us and is accomplished not as we try harder on our own but as we yield to Jesus Christ, who is our model.  

 

Scripture: Psalm 13, Romans 12:9-13

Although most civilizations throughout history are extinct, the Jews have been held together throughout, and God is not done with them as a people.  As unfaithful as the Jews were in their rejection of the Messiah, his covenant promise remains that all of those whom he calls will be saved. Nobody is beyond his reach, and his promises and plan will not fail.  Just as the Gentiles were very far away 2000 years ago, the Gospel turned the world upside down, and the same will be true for the Jews in that a great multitude of them will be saved at the appointed time. 

 

Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:1-11, Romans 11:25-26

Being born into a Christian family or having been descended from a Jewish community has many benefits, but it does not mean that one is saved.  Paul was the "perfect" Jew in every way, but that did not save him; instead, it was his faith in Jesus Christ alone that transformed his life.  Many people who are merely religious or profess to be believers will reject the faith, compromise the gospel, affirm sin, and eventually leave altogether, demonstrating that they never truly believed in one true gospel in the first place.  But amid widespread rebellion and throughout history, God has always kept his remnant as a witness to the nations, as soldiers in his army, so that he might show his power through them.  We need to guard against remaining only in our Christian huddles and be instruments in the hand of our Redeemer to an unbelieving world.    

 

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-15, 18, Romans 11:1-6