Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

The Lord is gracious and merciful slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8 NRSV).

hold on to God

When we develop the discipline of living close to God there are certain attributes that we become aware of immediately. Unlike other faiths, our God is a merciful God.

He does not require us to sacrifice our children or loved ones to appease him; indeed it is he who takes the bold step and makes the sacrifice on our behalf. So while we were yet sinners, that is we were still doing the wrong things and living for ourselves, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). It is these acts that demonstrate the mercies of God. He is willing to die for us so that we should live for him! The fact that the Lord is gracious to all dictates that all humanity can have access to the mercies of God.

Compare this with Buddhism. To achieve Nirvana, or the end of suffering, Buddhist followers must follow the Noble Eightfold Path as set forth by Buddha over 2,500 years ago. The eight steps of the path form the fourth truth of the Four Noble Truths, which are among the most fundamental of Buddhist teachings. A follower of Buddha must follow the eight steps to achieve release for the cycle of perpetual rebirth.

For followers of Jesus we are encouraged to develop our faith in God so that his steadfast love can keep us while we are alive and when we eventually leave this earthly tent we shall be with him in glory!

We only have to put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, believe his words, walk in the Spirit and live life to the full!

Because the Lord is gracious and merciful, let us do what he has called us to do. That is to live justly, love mercy and walk humbly before our God today.

Read Psalm 145:8 and Romans 5