Moving Forward on Level Ground
This is what Scripture says: “The first man, Adam, became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. The people on earth are like the man who was made from the dust of the earth. The people in heaven are like the man who came from heaven. As we have worn the likeness of the man who was made from the dust of the earth, we will also wear the likeness of the man who came from heaven. I’m telling you a mystery. Not all of us will die, but we will all be changed. So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation ⌞of your faith⌟. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless.
1 Corinthians 15:45, 48-49, 51
For the promise of the Holy Spirit and his gifts are available for all. It is level at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.
This is what the Almighty Lord says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes ⌞in him⌟ will not worry. I will make justice a measuring line and righteousness a plumb line. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and floodwaters will wash away your hiding place. God will guide him in judgment, and his God will teach him…(Yes) Grain is ground into flour, but the grinding eventually stops. It will be threshed. The wheels of his cart will roll over it, but his horses won’t crush it. All of this has come from the Lord of Armies. His counsel is wonderful, and his wisdom is great.
Isaiah 28:16-17, 26, 28-29 GW
Yes!
Teach me to do your will, because you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalms 143:10 GW
How wonderful! He does not discriminate between people groups.
God, who knows everyone’s thoughts, showed that he approved of people who aren’t Jewish by giving them the Holy Spirit as he gave the Holy Spirit to us. God doesn’t discriminate between Jewish and non-Jewish people. He has cleansed non-Jewish people through faith as he has cleansed us Jews. So why are you testing God? You’re putting a burden on the disciples, a burden neither our ancestors nor we can carry. We certainly believe that the Lord Jesus saves us the same way that he saves them—through his kindness.” Simon has explained how God first showed his concern by taking from non-Jewish people those who would honor his name. ‘Afterwards, I will return. I will set up David’s fallen tent again. I will restore its ruined places again. I will set it up again so that the survivors and all the people who aren’t Jewish over whom my name is spoken, may search for the Lord, declares the Lord.
Acts 15:8-11,
Thankyou Lord for new life as a new creation!
Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. and you’ve become a new person. This new person is continually renewed in knowledge to be like its Creator. Where this happens, there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, uncivilized person, slave, or free person. Instead, Christ is everything and in everything. As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful. Let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about ⌞God’s⌟ kindness. Sing to God in your hearts. Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:1, 10-17 GW