Why Two Natures? (LD 6; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Paul explains the transformative power of the gospel and the ministry of reconciliation given to believers. He begins by stating that we no longer view anyone from a worldly perspective, including Christ. If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new has come.

Paul emphasizes that all of this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. This means that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people's sins against them. Instead, He entrusted believers with the message of reconciliation.

Paul concludes by identifying believers as ambassadors for Christ, appealing to others on God's behalf to be reconciled to Him. He underscores the gospel's essence: God made Christ, who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God.

Christ is taking on our sin so that we might receive His righteousness, showcasing the depth of God's grace and the transformative power of the gospel.

Worship Elements: Baptized in Christ (Romans 6)

The apostle Paul exhorts us to walk in the Spirit as people who have moved from death to life in Christ.  He also exhorts us to walk in light of our baptism moving us from death to life in Christ.  Is Paul teaching that as one receives baptism that one necessarily receives the Holy Spirit?  Why would Paul use such strong language regarding baptism? 

History’s Reminder (Jude 1:5-7)

Jude warns the people of God that the Lord is serious about judgment.  This is not a very happy topic, and so why does Jude mention this?  Is Jesus really one who would judge his own people?  Did Jesus judge people in the Old Testament?

No Insight without New Birth (John 3:1-15 (LD 20; COD Head 3/4 Article 11)

The interaction between Christ and Nicodemus communicates that there is a problem.  It is a problem with the human condition and not a problem with the Lord.  We can understand on one level the complexity of redemption, but on the other level we fail to see how complex it is.  Nicodemus is shocked by the proposal of a new birth because Nicodemus hears that he needs to be part of another family or another genealogy.  Christ is telling him that this is partly true, but it is not a genealogy tied to a family in this world.  So, what genealogy matters?  What genealogy do we want to have?  How do we attain this genealogy and the necessary birth?