In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (ESV). Paul understands the incredible reality of being 'made new' in Christ. Before Christ, he was dead in sin, but now he is truly alive in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The promise of his future heavenly reward caused him to live his earthly life with urgency. Paul's letter is an encouragement to live courageously and joyfully in the midst of opposition, knowing our final destination is not in this world but in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The discipline of fasting is the topic in today's text, but Christ's message is that which matters most to him: a pure heart. Fasting...
As we continue in Psalm 5 we discover the next 3 ingredients in this recipe for rejoicing. In part 1, we examined David's example...
Jesus showered his love, compassion and mercy on the very people that the world overlooked. He plainly tells us in Matthew 5:7 'Blessed are...