Study Desk

So, since we don't live by the Code, does that mean we can do whatever we want? It don't work that way, cowboy.

So, let's see how you're following along. You have died with Christ and so you are no longer under the Code.

So, does all of this mean the Code is sinful? Of course not! It was the Code that showed me my sins. If the Code had not said, "Don't jack with another man's Jenny," I wouldn't have known this was a sin.

If we had it already, we wouldn't be waiting for it so calmly and patiently.

So, what can we say about all of this good news? If God rides with us, who do we need to fear?

So, what does all this mean? Even though the outsiders were not following God's code, he still brought them in and made them right with him. It wasn't by following a code. It was by faith.

So, do you think God has somehow double-crossed his own people? That's foolishness! I'm an Israelite, an ancestor of Abraham and part of the Benjamite Crew.

So, here's the deal amigos, most folks ain't come to God for the life they've been prowling the brush for. There have been a few, but those are the ones he has chosen. The rest of their hearts have become hardened.

So, has God totally given up on them? Again, no! Sure, they've been trying it their own way, but all that got them was God inviting the outsiders to his table. It wasn't that he shunned his people, it was so they might become jealous of the favor he granted the outsiders and come back to Him.

If God would give so much to outsiders, think about how much he would give his own people.

They turned their backs on God's grace so he turned toward y'all outsiders. But how much better would it be if God's own people would come back to Him? It would be like bringing the dead back to life.

But some of these branches have been broken off. You outsiders have been grafted in like an apple branch grafted on a pear tree. So, now you get all the benefits that have been long reserved for only Israel.

Some might be saying, "Well, those branches were broken off so we could squeeze in."

Has anyone given so much that God owes them something back?

Never pay someone back for something evil they did. Be the bigger man so others will see the honor with which you live.

"Instead, if your enemy is hungry, give them your freshest biscuit. If they're thirsty, give them the rest of your water. In doing so, you will shame them with God's love and pour coals over their heads."

Let go of your pride and do your job, not just to keep your butt out of trouble, but also so you can lay your head down at night with a clear conscience.

Love doesn't wrong others and so it fulfills all God asked us to do.

We live to honor God. We die to honor God. So, it doesn't matter whether we are living or dying, to it all for the Lord.

So why do you keep quarreling with others who ride for God? What gives you the right to look down your nose at them? We will all stand in front of the Boss one day to be judged.