Love is Always the Answer to What the Law Demands

Love is Always the Answer to What the Law Demands

…Love is the fulfillment of the law

Romans 13:10

 

Devotional Message:

 

Romans 13:9-10 beautifully sums up the relationship between love and the law. Paul explains that love is the key to fulfilling God’s commandments. Think about it: you can’t gossip about someone you truly love. You wouldn’t steal from someone you love, harm them, or betray their trust. When love is our guiding principle, our actions naturally align with the law.

 

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These words echo the heart of God’s commandments. Love seeks the highest good of others; it causes no harm, no deception, and no injustice. Through love, we live out the purpose of the law.

 

This is only possible because of Christ. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that as believers, our old selves have been crucified with Christ. The life we now live is not by our strength but through faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. His love is our example, and His Spirit within us enables us to love others as He has loved us.

 

In a world full of division, chaos, and brokenness, love stands as the most powerful testimony of Christ’s presence in believers. Today, ask yourself: How can I let Christ’s love flow through me? What steps can I take to fulfill the law through love?

 

Love is Always the Answer to What the Law Demands. It is through love that Christians fulfill the law. Love is the believers greatest witness.

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Bible Reading

‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ‘

Galatians 2:20

 

‘For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’

Romans 13:9-10

 

‘For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ‘

Galatians 5:14

 

Replacement Theology: A Mockery of God’s Faithfulness

Replacement Theology: A Mockery of God’s Faithfulness

‘Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, “Have you not considered what these people have spoken, saying, ‘The two families which the Lord has chosen, He has also cast them off’? Thus they have despised My people, as if they should no more be a nation before them.’

Jeremiah 33:23-24

 

Introduction: In Jeremiah 33:23-24, we read about those who mock and despise God’s people, questioning His faithfulness to Israel. Some interpretations suggest that “these people” may refer to despairing Jews within Judah who doubted God’s promises during their time of suffering, while others see “these people” as Israel’s enemies. Regardless, the core issue is the same: doubt in God’s faithfulness to His chosen people. This mirrors a prevalent belief today within much of Christendom: Replacement Theology. This belief—that God has forsaken Israel and transferred His promises to the Church—not only distorts Scripture but also mocks God’s sovereignty and character.

 

The Unchanging Promises of God Scripture is clear that God’s covenant with Israel is eternal and irrevocable. In Jeremiah 33:25-26, God affirms:

 

“Thus says the Lord: ‘If My covenant is not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth, then I will cast away the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, so that I will not take any of his descendants to be rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will cause their captives to return, and will have mercy on them.’”

 

God ties His faithfulness to Israel to the very order of creation, underscoring the impossibility of breaking His promises.

 

Paul echoes this truth in Romans 11:1-2:

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.”

 

Yet, Replacement Theology persists, claiming that the Church has taken Israel’s place in God’s plan. This view directly contradicts God’s Word and diminishes His faithfulness.

 

The Flawed Assumptions of Replacement Theology Replacement Theology rests on a few critical errors:

  1. Denial of God’s Covenant: By claiming that Israel has been abandoned, this theology disregards the unconditional nature of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

 

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” (Genesis 12:1-3)

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:7-8)

 

  1. Making God a Liar: If God were to forsake Israel, He would contradict His own declarations of faithfulness. Malachi 3:6 reminds us: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
  2. Misinterpretation of Scripture: Replacement Theology often misapplies prophetic passages, interpreting promises to Israel as fulfilled in the Church while ignoring clear distinctions between the two.
  3. Fostering Pride and Antisemitism: Historically, this man-generated theory has fueled antisemitism, as it portrays the Jewish people as cursed or forsaken by God. This is a tragic distortion of the gospel’s message of love and reconciliation.
  4. The Mystery Revealed to Paul: A critical passage that underscores God’s ongoing plan for Israel is Romans 11:25:

 

“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

 

This mystery, revealed uniquely to Paul, highlights two key truths:

  1. The Temporary Blinding of Israel: Israel’s rejection of their Messiah was neither unexpected nor permanent. God, in His sovereignty, preordained all of it, in His foreknowledge He knew what Israel would do. Even so He does not abandon His chosen people, but instead does something so mind boggling that only Scripture can describe it, ‘For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.’ Romans 11:25 What does God do? He committed all of Israel to disobedience, temporarily blinding them because their unbelief, so that He could open up the timeline and pour out His grace on all (both Jew and Gentile) apart from Israel, the law, works, and temple worship (Romans 11:32). Romans chapter 11 makes it so clear that there was no Gentile salvation until Paul who is the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). From Abraham up until the apostle Paul there was no provision for Gentile salvation apart from becoming a proselyte to Judaism. Romans chapter 11 clearly explains what God had already pre-planned, culminating in verse 32 & 33; ‘For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!’ Romans 11:32-33.
  2. The Church Age: This period, referred to the apostle Paul as the dispensation of grace of God  (Ephesians 3:1,2), is a distinct break in the Old Testament timeline. God’s dealings with the Gentiles apart from Israel, the law, and temple worship were previously hidden but are now (40 AD) revealed only through Paul’s writings.

 

Temporary means temporary. The blindness will last only “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,” signaling the completion of the Church, the Body of Christ. After this, God will resume His prophetic program with Israel.

 

Israel and the Church: Distinct but Unified in God’s Plan The Bible reveals that Israel and the Church are distinct yet interconnected in God’s redemptive plan. Israel remains God’s chosen nation (Romans 11:28-29), through whom the Messiah came. Meanwhile, the Church, composed of Jews and Gentiles united by faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection, partakes (not given) in the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel (Romans 11:17-18).

‘And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.’

 

God’s faithfulness to Israel is a testimony of His faithfulness to all His promises. If He were to abandon Israel, how could we trust Him to keep His promises to the Church? Thankfully, God’s character is unchanging, and His Word is true.

 

The Tragic Consequences of Replacement Theology

  1. Distortion of God’s Word: Replacement Theology leads to the misinterpretation of large portions of Scripture, especially prophetic passages.
  2. There is NO Scriptural Support for Replacement Theology: This theory was a fantasy made up by early Church fathers, fueled by a hatred for the Jewish people (the Christ-killers) and a lack of faith in God’s Word. They just could not take God at His word; that He would fulfill His promises.
  3. Undermining God’s Sovereignty: By denying Israel’s future restoration, this belief questions God’s ability to fulfill His Word.
  4. Fueling Antisemitism: Historically, Replacement Theology has justified persecution of the Jewish people, directly contradicting God’s warning in Romans 11:16-22.

 

‘For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is holy, so are the branches (the Jewish people). And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker (not given ) of (what was promised and given to Israel) the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you (Gentiles) do not support the root, but the root (which is Israel that) supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand (or partake and are saved Galatians 5:1) by faith (alone). Here’s the warning that 98% of Christendom ignores. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.’

 

Warning to grace age believers is clear! Do not be “high minded” filled with pride toward the Jewish people because they are the root and Church must be grateful that God has allowed us to be partakers of what He promised Israel. As believers, we must reject Replacement Theology and affirm the truth of God’s unchanging promises. The restoration of Israel—both spiritually and physically—is a cornerstone of all biblical prophecy (Ezekiel 37, Zechariah 12:10, Romans 11:26). By standing with Israel, we align ourselves with God’s redemptive plan and exercise our faith by believing that He will fulfill what He promised.

 

Conclusion The attitude of “these people” in Jeremiah’s time, whether it was despairing Jews within Judah or Israel’s enemies mocking God’s faithfulness, is no different from the anti-Christ-spirit behind Replacement Theology today. Today, there is an open hatred for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Both deny the truth of God’s Word and seek to undermine His character. But God remains faithful. His covenant with Israel is as secure as the rising and setting of the sun. Let us stand firm in proclaiming this truth, defending God’s faithfulness, and awaiting the fulfillment of His glorious promises to both the body of Christ and the nation of Israel.

 

To Everything There Is a Season – a time to Heal

To Everything There Is a Season – a time to Heal

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven—a time to heal.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3)

 

Life has a way of leading us through unexpected seasons. For me, these past few months have been a time of overwhelming challenges and transformation. An emergency appendectomy turned into a month-long hospital stay, leaving me physically, mentally, and spiritually depleted. Still grieving the loss of my wife of 30 years and my son, this medical crisis felt like an overwhelming storm.

 

Yet, even in the darkest moments, God’s Word became my anchor. His grace proved more than sufficient, sustaining me in ways I can only describe as miraculous. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

This season, however, was about more than physical healing. God, in His unsearchable wisdom and mercy, used this time to address something deeper within my heart—letting go of the life I shared with my wife so I could truly move forward. By clinging to that season of my life, I was unknowingly holding myself back, creating heartache that could never be resolved. Through this trial, God reminded me of the importance of pressing forward with faith and purpose. As Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

 

God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans often stretch beyond what we can comprehend. What seemed like a medical crisis was His way of teaching me to release the past and embrace the life He has for me now. It’s a humbling reminder that His timing is perfect, and His purposes are always good.

 

If you’re facing a difficult season, I want to encourage you: even when God feels distant, He is faithful. Trust in His promises and bring your burdens to Him in prayer. His answer—whether yes, no, or wait—comes with a peace that surpasses all understanding. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and offered encouragement during this time. Your kindness has been a reflection of God’s love, and I am deeply grateful. I’m excited to reconnect and continue sharing the hope, truth, and comfort that only God’s Word can provide.

 

What Scripture has brought you comfort during difficult seasons? I’d love to hear from you. (comment below)

 

Please share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

 

The Creator Who Sustains Us: Finding Strength in Christ

The Creator Who Sustains Us: Finding Strength in Christ

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

 

The opening verse of the Bible introduces us to God’s incredible power as the Creator of all things. But this creation wasn’t just a random act of power—it was an intentional work by the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ‘He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:2-3)’.

 

This “Word” is Jesus Christ, the One who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. Paul reinforces this truth in Colossians 1:16-17: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

 

Jesus Christ is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the entire universe. The One who spoke the world into existence is the same Jesus who loves you, sustains you, and promises you eternal life with Him in glory. What an amazing truth!

 

Take comfort and encouragement today knowing that the same Jesus who holds the stars in place is holding you. He loved you so much that He gave Himself for you on the cross. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

 

No matter what you face, the Creator of the universe is on your side. Rest in His love, rely on His sustaining power, and rejoice in the eternal life He has promised you. Praise God!

 

Be Encouraged: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Be Encouraged: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul encourages believers with three powerful exhortations: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These verses form a simple yet profound guide for daily living as a follower of Christ.

 

Rejoice Always

 

Our joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. No matter what life throws at us, we can rejoice in the knowledge that we are loved, saved, and secure in Christ.

 

Pray Without Ceasing

 

Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s not just for emergencies or special occasions; it should be a constant, ongoing conversation with our Creator. When we pray continually, we keep our hearts aligned with His will, seeking His guidance and strength in everything we do.

 

Give Thanks in Everything

 

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we thank God in all circumstances, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust that He is working all things together for our good. It’s a practice that deepens our faith and fills us with peace.

 

Daily Power-Up:

As you go through your day, remember these three commands: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Let them guide your thoughts and actions, keeping you connected to God’s purpose for your life. No matter what challenges you face, know that in Christ, you have the strength to endure and the assurance of His unwavering love.

 

Reflect on these verses today and let them be a source of encouragement and empowerment as you navigate your daily walk in this ungodly world.