Sunday, Dec 15

Scripture: Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Message: When we see the term righteousness it reminds us of the life story of a young boy named Ben. Ben was born into a family where the mother and the father were constantly arguing which sometimes led to abuse. The marriage ended in divorce. The mother then worked to provide for Ben and herself, and that led to a contemptuous situation for Ben.

When Ben reached his teen years, he joined a gang and eventually was arrested, charged with robbery, and sentenced to jail. One day, an individual from a local church who was a member of the Prison Ministry visited Ben and introduced him to the teachings of God and Jesus. Through those visits Ben came to understand that salvation through Christ was available for everyone, including Ben. Ben became a righteous person and started living his life by faith.

When released from jail, Ben got a good job, married a wonderful wife, and now they are raising a son who is being brought up in a home that loves the Lord. Knowing Ben and the transformative joy he and his family have received, reminds us of the joy we can all receive, especially during the Advent season as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please allow the joy of righteousness to envelop each one of us as we live by faith during this Advent season and beyond. Amen.

Marv & Nancy Kuyper

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