"To Live Is Christ: Philippians" by Trip Lee

You can find more at www.13Letters.com or www.reachlife.org

Benevolence and Malevolence

"Benevolence is the hearfelt desire to be obliging and to do good to others. It is of two kinds. Christian, or perfect, benevolence always remains the same, no matter whether it encounters gratitude or ingratitude. The imperfect human, or earthly benevolence continues only so long as it meets with appreciation, but ceases when it encounters ingratitude or any other evil. In Matthew 5:48 we read: You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' and in Luke 6:35: 'But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil..' Malevolence, on the contrary, is the perverse, hateful tendency to hurt or harm others. In his total depravity man does injury even to those who are grateful and good, and not merely to the evil. That truly is bestial malevolence. With regard to Christian benevolence it is written in Galatians 5:22: The fruit of the Spirit is...gentleness, goodness." - Martin Luther, "Commentary on Romans," pg. 50.

Maliciousness and Goodness

"'Being filled with...maliciousness' (Romans 1:29). Maliciousness is the perverse tendency in man to do evil despite the good which he has received; indeed he abuses even the good things which God gives him in the service of evil. Conversely, goodness is the right disposition in man to do good even when his effort is hindered or checked by some wrong done to him; goodness even makes evil serve that which is good. A person is not good in the Christian sense of the term who does only good so long as he fares well and no resistance is offered to him in any way. Of being good in this Christian sesnse, those who are good only in a worldly sense are not capable, as we read in Matthew 7:18; 'A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.'" - Martin Luther, "Commentary on Romans," pg. 49.

Unrighteousness and Iniquity

"In Scripture...there is a difference between unrighteousness and iniquity. Unrighteousness - (lack of conformity with what is right) - is the sin of unbelief, or the lack of the righteousness which flows from faith, just as, for example, he is righteous who believes; and he is unrighteous who does not believe (cf Romans 1:17; Mark 16:16). He who does not believe is disobedient; and he who is disobedient is unrighteous. Iniquity - (violation of what is right) - is the sin of self-righteousness which men choose for themselves in their own foolish zeal for piety. We might also say: Iniquity consists in this, that man neglects the duty which he is bound to do, and that he does that which, (contrary to the divine Word), seems good in his sight. The right conduct, however, shows itself in this, that man puts aside what seems good to him, (but is contrary to the divine Word), and does what he should do." - Martin Luther, "Commentary on Romans," pg. 49.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." - Romans 1:18, God's view towards man

"Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. " - Isaiah 1:4, God's view towards His people

"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness," - Romans 4:5, God's gift to all

Justification by faith alone means that righteousness is obtained for us by Jesus' death and resurrection. It's not acquired not by us. Since there is no righteousness in us (Romans 3), we must go outside ourselves to find a righteousness that will be acceptable to God. Thanks be to God for His free gift of grace, an overabundant supply of righteousness for the unrighteous and the people laden with iniquity.

Surprise!!! It's Baby Prielozny!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:13

This is the first sonogram of our baby, thanks to our friend from church, Christ Bathurst. He said everything looks great and healthy! He showed us a little flickering light and told us that it was the baby's heart. It was amazing - brought about a whole new perspective for us. We're so excited!

The Prosperity Gospel Exported to Africa

The Prosperity Gospel from The Global Conversation on Vimeo.