Having spent seven weeks searching the Scripture and seeking to understand the foundations of our faith, we turn now to applying what we've learned to the practice of our faith. Reverse the order and we have a righteousness by works rather than by faith. So, this doctrine rightly sits in the eighth spot of our top ten.

What difference should God's Word make to our lives? Are our lives a living testimony to the power and hope of God in Jesus Christ? Has the Word and the Spirit of the Lord changed our perception of worship, of human sanctity, of sacrificial service? Does the Scripture determine how we handle our finances, where we find our hope, how we witness? Applied Truth ought to change our lives.

Is Jesus our Lord and Master, or do we prefer to just call Him "savior"? What has He saved us from if not from wretched lives of self and sin. What has He saved us to if not to Himself, to living with Christ, to Christian living?

Today we'll be scanning a slew of Scriptures to begin laying the ground work for Christian living. But please note, this is a lifelong process and He who began a good work in you will bring it to pass! "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling... knowing it is the Lord who is at work in you." -Ph2.12

May the Light of the glory of Jesus shine through our hands and feet, minds and mouths, repentance and righteousness.

Today's passage:

30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.9 Honor the Lord with your wealthand with the firstfruits of all your produce;24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Romans 8.30, 1 John 3.16-18, Romans 13.8, Ephesians 4.28, John 17.3, Proverbs 3.9, Hebrews 10.24-25 (esv)