Pursuing the Way of Life Like a potter molding clay, the Lord is sovereign over all nations (Jeremiah 18:1-11). Nothing can hide from God’s omnipresent and eternal being. He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18) and calls his people to turn their hearts toward him and delight in the way of life that he has revealed (Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Psalm 1). Like Paul, we should be advocates for the life and freedom of others (Philemon 1:1-1:21). Even when it is difficult, we are to follow Jesus Christ above all else (Luke 14:25-33).
A Humble Heart God is the source of life (Jeremiah 2:4-13). He brings his people out of bondage and promises to satisfy them with good things (Psalm 81:1, 10-16). The righteous respond to God’s grace by living generously, with humility and a steady heart. They demonstrate repose in the face of evil and have nothing to fear (Proverbs 25:6-7 and Psalm 112). Christian love is marked by hospitality, sexual fidelity, and generosity (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16). Jesus teaches his disciples to emulate his humility by giving special honor to those who are weak and poor (Luke 14:1, 7-14).
Consuming Fire and Steadfast Love God often chooses the weak to proclaim his word (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He satisfies those who call out to him, acknowledges his faithfulness, and delight in his ways (Psalm 71:1-6 and Isaiah 58:9b-14). God is merciful and kind, slow to anger and steadfast in love (Psalm 103:1-8). His love and holiness inspire awe. His kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:18-29). Through Jesus God has demonstrated his desire to break chains of bondage and heal our infirmities (Luke 13:10-17).
Fire of Judgment “The fire of judgment and the water of baptism were symbols of Jesus’ compelling call to ministry; they still are. What one enflames, the other can quench. Jesus forecasts a time of division when households will be divided. Within the household of faith, baptism is the sacrament that binds us together; whatever our differences, we are still one. As the body of Christ, obey what Christ teaches and be reconciled one to another.”
Forward in Faith Learn to do good and seek justice (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20). God calls the whole earth into account, so continue to seek God’s ways (Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23) and live in faith (Genesis 15:1-6). Those who seek God hope in him and wait for his salvation (Psalm 33:12-22). Like Abraham, we should trust God for the things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16), and look forward to when Jesus will return (Lk. 12:32-40).
Seeking Wisdom Over Treasure and Pleasure “The pleasures and acquisitions we have on earth are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14: 2:18-23); wisdom and understanding are without price (Psalm 49:1-11). With this in mind, we put away our old natures and put on the new (Colossians 1:1-11), knowing that our time here is also fleeting and our worldly treasures empty of true meaning (Luke 12:13-21).”
Remaining Rooted in Our Faithful God God is faithful to his people in spite of their failure to follow him faithfully (Hosea 1:2-10). He restores their fortunes (Psalm 85) and is gracious to both the righteous and unrighteous (Genesis 18:20-32). God’s people should give thanks for his steadfast love (Psalm 138) and are called to stay rooted in Jesus since they have been buried with Him in baptism (Colossians 2:6-19). Jesus calls his followers to pray continually to God the Father. Out of his love, he will provide for those who call upon him for provision (Lk. 11:1-13).
Cry out to God to rescue the weak and deliver justice on behalf of the needy (Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82). God’s word is near to all who will recognize and follow his ways (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). He brings forgiveness and life to the humble who trust him and learn his ways (Psalm 25:1-9). We should strive to lead a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:1-14). Those who are walking in the path of life will show mercy to strangers and sacrifice comfort for those who are in need (Luke 10:25-37).
Healed to Rejoice and Bear Witness The Word of God can cleanse and heal (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophets remind us that God promises to comfort us as a mother comforts her child (Is 66:10-14). He will turn our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30) and we will rejoice and sing his praises (Psalm 66:1-8). We boast in the cross of Jesus Christ, who makes new life possible (Galatians 6:1-16). The disciples of Jesus are sent to reveal the kingdom of God to those who will receive it (Luke 10:1-11,16-20).
Following Jesus and Cultivating Virtue “Just as Elisha was obedient and learned from Elijah (1 Kings 19: 15-16, 19-21), so we choose to follow God and bless him for his counsel (Psalm 16), even when times are dark (Psalm 77). We seek to live and walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:1,13-25) and putting Christ above all else (Luke 9:51-62).”
