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“Rejoice in the Lord… it’s a safeguard for you!” Philippians 3:1

This is the prolog to a reminder NOT to focus on the good things I do as some type of assurance that I’m worth saving! Paul said, “You want to talk about ‘earning’ or ‘deserving’ salvation? I’ve got you all beat!

Circumcised on the eighth day (exactly as the law required!)

A Jew; (I even did a DNA check and know for certain that I am of the tribe of Benjamin!)

A Hebrew of Hebrews

In regard to the law- I’m like a Pharisee

You want to talk about zeal? I even persecuted those who were against us

You want to talk legalistic righteousness? I’m faultless

BUT… I now consider all those ‘accomplishments’ a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus.” No one apparently “deserved” salvation more than Paul; and no one apparently “rejoiced” more than Paul when he realized that all that stuff that was to his credit was like garbage compared to, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from trying to keep the law, but that which is through faith in Jesus.”

His righteousness came not from his efforts but as a gift from God that by faith he accepted. And with that assurance of God’s righteousness in him, he rejoiced, even though it sometimes looked and felt like defeat. He knew, though currently in prison for his belief, that his salvation was sure. And in this he “rejoiced” because no matter what happened, he had the “safeguard” of GOD’S salvation as his anchor point.

Have a great day knowing where your safeguard comes from,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: Shared by my cousin, I just found it so profound that I had to share it with you:

Kate Bowler, a professor at Duke University who has been a fellow student with our oldest daughter at Yale University, gave a talk at Loma Linda University on Saturday. She is the author of a book entitled, "Everything Happens for a Reason. And Other Lies I Have Loved," written after the author was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the young age of thirty-five.

In her lecture, Bowler debunked three myths. They are (1) the myth of causality, that is, the quest to nail down the specific cause so as to have complete control of the problem (as the author would put it: 'what did I do wrong to get colon cancer at age thirty-five'); (2) the myth of positivity, that is, you can beat anything through positive thinking (meaning that if you don't beat it, it is your fault for not being positive enough); (3) the myth of invincibility, that is, you will win; you can always win if you are positive enough. All of these myths are elements in the prosperity gospel that energizes the religious America like a fever.”

PS Come encourage kids to read and follow Jesus by making a book mark they can use to read and even one for yourself. Up on fourth floor in the HD division this entire week there will be supplies to make bookmarks for children and for friends!!