Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

For a discussion on what it means to "Put on Christ"  check out "the Christian Life."                                     Scripture: Romans 13:11–14 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (NRSV) Observation Paul was most likely speaking to those who were spiritually asleep. There comes a moment when one must wake up — and get up! The New Testament church lived with constant expectation of Jesus’ return. Each day that passes...

It's pretty easy to love these grands! Scripture: Rom. 13:8   Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Observation Verse 8 may connect back to the previous section on paying taxes—reminding us not to leave any tax debts unpaid. But it may also reflect the wisdom that first-century Christians were better off without financial obligations weighing them down. By living debt-free, they were free to follow Christ fully. There is great freedom in loving others. Because Christ has lavished His love upon us, we owe love and grace to one another. In doing so, we fulfill the law of the Old Testament. The commandments listed here guide our...