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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
How well we understand the truths of the gospel will ultimately determine how well we live our lives. The sometimes antagonistic approach some people take regarding grace and works is a good case in point. As Paul, the great expositor or grace said, there is an “…obedience that comes from faith.” Romans 1:5; further encouraging us to, “Aim for perfection,… in living out our calling to follow Jesus. (2 Corinthians 13:11 & 2 Peter 1:10,11) Jesus then challenges us to, “Be perfect,…” Matthew 5:48; something we are incapable of doing. (Hebrews 7:11) Yet, even as we admit to our imperfections, we can fulfill the requirements of holiness; through Christ’s sacrifice and our response to his merciful grace. Our desire to be like Jesus will then compel us to overcome our inconsistencies by submitting our wills to Jesus’; becoming pure in thought and heart, if not always in deed. (Matthew 5:8)
Peter exhorts us to, “…not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…” 1 Peter 1:14,15 And goes on to ask and explain, “…what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives…” 2 Peter 3:11 This is done primarily by living out the “law of love” Paul speaks of (Galatians 5:13) when we, “…carry each other’s burdens, and in that way… follow the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Paul further urges us, “…to live a life worthy of the calling you received.” Ephesians 4:1 Reminding us that, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph. 4:22-24That means we may very well need to clean up our act and our mouths, behaving in a way we might not otherwise; in response to our salvation, not in an attempt to gain it. Its not enough to merely profess love for Jesus and those around us, we must authenticate the profession with deeds that express our love in practical ways as well. (See James 2:1-18) As Jesus himself said, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” John 14:21 After all, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…” Hebrews 5:9
Indeed, we are part of, “…a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,…” – with a purpose! “…that you may declare the praises of him how called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (See also 2 Corinthians 5:20) And though admittedly we will never be a mirror image of his ideal, we can at least be a reflection of the attributes of Christ’s character as we petition him to, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…, But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:5-9
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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