FreshBread

Good Morning Friends,
Please be praying for your friends and church family tonight. 20 people will be experiencing the Seder at 7:00pm! Looking forward to it.
In Romans 4:10-11 we read
10-11Now think: Was that declaration made before or after he was marked by the covenant rite of circumcision? That’s right, before he was marked. That means that he underwent circumcision as evidence and confirmation of what God had done long before to bring him into this acceptable standing with himself, an act of God he had embraced with his whole life.

Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant. God called his people to circumcise their sons on the 8th day as a sign of them being his Covenant people. When God moved in Abraham’s life and Abraham joined God in what he was doing, God declared he was In right standing (righteous). Paul is telling us that this was not because of anything that Abraham had done, but this was the initial work of God that Abraham responded to.
Friends, you and I would not have woke up this morning if God had not moved. We would not be able to seek God if God would not have moved, we would not have a compassionate bone in our body if God had not moved. But when you realize the movement of God you have an moment of truth….a decision to join in with what he has done. Abraham joined in. God used circumcision as a sign that he and Abraham were partners.
So let me ask you a question? Circumcision does not have that much of a religious meaning for us today (more medical and health) so what is/are the signs that God uses as a sign that he and us are partners? Send me your thoughts to Scott@Freshstartchurch.com.
Have a GREAT day!
Scott

Good Morning Friends:
This past weekend we read our scripture passages from a paraphrase of the scripture called THE MESSAGE written by Eugene Peterson. (It is a great Bible for those of you seeking an easy to read and understand copy of the scripture) In Romans 4:9 we read:
Do you think for a minute that this blessing is only pronounced over those of us who keep our religious ways and are circumcised? Or do you think it possible that the blessing could be given to those who never even heard of our ways, who were never brought up in the disciplines of God? We all agree, don’t we, that it was by embracing what God did for him that Abraham was declared fit before God?

Remember, Paul is talking to Jewish Christ followers who are pretty sure that you must be Jewish to be a Christ follower. They wanted people to jump through the hoops of Jewish tradition along with embracing Christ. Today many “Christians” do the same thing. It is not simply the only way to God’s Kingdom is through Christ, but it is through Christ with the right theology, going to the right church, giving the right amount of money, and saying the right prayer, and if you want to know which way is right, you just ask them.
Paul is saying this is RUBBISH. The way into the Kingdom of God is trusting that God has made the first move and joining God through faith. The church (small c Church) needs a huge wakeup call here because the Jesus that many churches present seems to turn more and more people away, but the attraction to the Jesus of the Gospels seem to grow.
If you have a little time for a great read, pick up a copy of Brain McLaren’s book; A NEW KIND OF CHRISTIANITY. He addresses some of these very issues. Before you buy the book, let me warn you if you need the safety of a closed mind, don’t by the book. If you love to adventure, wrestle, and think, you won’t be able to put it down.
Have a Great day! Talk to you in the AM
Scott

Good Morning Friends!
What a week! This is a great week in the Life of a Christ Follower. Not only are we given the gift of life through the Resurrection of Jesus, but EVERYTHING that Jesus did in this last week was pregnant with meaning. I am so excited about celebrating two Seders this week. We have 40 people coming and should be a powerful time. Also, I hope you can join us at the Oldsmar Spray Park this Friday for a time of personal reflection on Good Friday. We will celebrate around the Lord’s Table at all of these events.
Sunday was another GREAT day as we took a look at Romans 4. This week in Freshbread I want to remind us what Paul encourages us to remember.
FIRST, God makes the first move! In Romans 4:1-3 Paul says:
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Abraham believed GOD. Remember, believe means trusted….it is an action word. In the New Testament belief is not simply a mental assent. Abraham believed God made the first move and joined God in faith. We have the same opportunity today; unfortunately, many people aren’t sure God has moved, but He always makes the first move. Our privilege is to TRUST/believe Him and join in what he is doing. I am praying for you this morning as you stand at that point of decision. Have a GREAT day, and I look forward to seeing you this week.
Scott