Today's Passage - Romans 4:13-16

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Romans 4:13-16   "It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.  For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.  Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring - not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all." The gospel that justifies us by faith allows us to be able to stand before God, and even more preciously if allowed us into the promised of God and become an "heir" of God.  "Heir" doesn't only mean children, but also children who will receive inheritance.  Everything that father owns will be given to His offspring; not only can we claim to be righteous because of our faith, we can also become offspring of God by faith.  In other word, in Christ we can receive all inheritance from God today, which is indeed a precious promise.   First of all, in Christ we can claim to be children of God.  Just like how parents will also keep their children in mind, Father God will also always keep our needs in mind.  This truth is comforting indeed.   Next, in Christ we also have brothers and sisters.  In this big spiritual family, not only do we have a Father God, we are also the best brothers and sisters to each other.  When we are feeling weak, we can support each other.  We have are in need, we can supplement each other.  The brothers and sisters are truly the best gifts on earth that God has given to us.    Third, in Christ we will enjoy abundance.  This abundance is not wealth on the earth, but abundance of the soul.  When your soul is poor, you feel that you are nothing and have accomplished nothing.  When you come for Jesus, however, the Bible says that He is our grapevine, his wisdom will become our wisdom, his strength will become our strength, his mercy will become our mercy, and in Him we will become abundant.   Fourth, in Christ we can overcome the world and adopt the world.  The world is embodied by devil Satan, and he tries every possible way to deceive people.  We thank God because everyone who is born from God has already overcome the world and all the authorities of the enemy.   All these promises need to be received by faith; not only believing that God exists, but believing that God will give faith to everyone who seek Him.  Many believers are staying at the stage where they believe God exists, but never really understand the abundance they can have in Jesus Christ.  We need to learn to proclaim that - no matter how unclear the circumstance is - in Christ we already have abundance and victory in life.  God's grace will again and again come upon us because of our faith.                             Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, please build up our faith to understand that for us Christians everyday is a day of faith.  Let us withdraw from your wisdom, strength and grace so that we are not only justified, but we can also be victorious.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!