I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Dressed by the Spirit
One of the first tasks we teach children is to dress themselves. Learning how to fasten buttons and tie shoes is a life skill they'll need daily. We teach children how to put on their clothes and what items are appropriate to wear. Will it be hot or cold? Will they be going somewhere formal or jumping in rain puddles?
The Holy Spirit teaches us, as children of God, how to dress ourselves. If we are to face spiritual enemies and battles, we will need the armor of God. And just as we needed training on how to tie the laces on our physical shoes, we need to learn about spiritual shoes and belts, too.
It is the truth of Jesus that 'holds everything together,' as a belt does. He is the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except by Jesus … and everyone who comes to Jesus finds the Father (John 14:6-7). There are no shortcuts.
A breastplate protects the wearer’s vulnerable organs. Paul likens the righteousness (or right standing) that comes from having Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross to a breastplate. If Satan tries to land a fatal blow by accusing us of sin, Jesus’ righteousness protects us from condemnation every time (1 Peter 3:18).
Lastly, just as the right shoes can help us to run further and faster without getting injured, the right spiritual shoes will help us go the distance as we prepare to speak of the good news—or gospel—of peace between sinful people and a holy God. This gospel of peace bridges gaps between people who were formerly enemies: that’s good news we can always be ready to share.
Justified by Faith
Paul, the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, covers the details of what is known as “the Gospel message”—a message that was handed down to them. It's packed with deep theological truths that are meant to shape the way Christians live.
One of the central components to the Gospel is that salvation comes through faith alone. That means we are saved by the power of God through believing and trusting in Jesus. Every Christian comes to God through faith—not through good deeds or by trying to earn salvation.
Paul says that we have peace with God by our faith in Jesus. Prior to that, we were considered ungodly and unrighteous—because we would live our lives in our own power, doing our own things. This led to separation from God.
However, by faith in Jesus, we are justified before Him. This means that through Jesus’ own right-living, we are made right before Him. Even though we still make mistakes, we can stand innocent before God because of Jesus.
It’s ...
