The Law & The Gospel

“The law requires works of human achievement; the gospel requires faith in Christ’s achievement. The law makes demands and bids us obey; the gospel brings promises and bids us believe.”

(HT: Of First Importance)

Little children, love one another!

I can't remember where I heard this story about John the Apostle but I've been looking for it for a long time and was so happy that I found it!

"There is a church tradition, which says, that when John was evidently an old man in Ephesus, he had to be carried to the church in the arms of his disciples. At these meetings, he was accustomed to say no more than, "Little children, love one another!" After a time, the disciples wearied at always hearing the same words, asked, "Master, why do you always say this?" "It is the Lord's command," was his reply. "And if this alone be done, it is enough!""

I just think it's such a sweet picture. This great man of faith, the apostle whom Jesus loved, frail and old being carried out by his disciples to speak 5 little words. "Little children, love one another!" Truly, "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6b, NIV) May God help me by His grace to love more.

(Source: http://www.biblepath.com/john1.html)

Two Things

My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things;
That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.
~John Newton

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my Own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death -- to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from no on to live for him.

What a beautiful truth! I want to read it over and over again! May I always put all my hope in Jesus Christ.

(Heidelberg Catechism)