Hello ,

 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”  Galatians 2:20-21

I HATE black  olives! (Stay with me, here)

I absolutely detest these little black orbs. I don't like the way that they taste, I don't enjoy the way they squeak on my teeth, and I get a gag reflex for everything that they might be mixed in with. 

It's not an "I don't care for those" kind of situation. 

I think they're disgusting!

Black olives are NOT attractive to me!

Now, I know a good number of people who adore black olives. I've known little kids who mount them on their fingers, and will eat them in just about anything. 

I don't live there, and it would take someone changing and rearranging my taste buds (from the inside out), in order for me to love what I currently hate.

I LOVE penuche fudge!

It's creamy, delicious, and (with crunchy walnuts stirred in), it's my favorite kind of fudge to enjoy. 

In order for me to HATE penuche fudge, it would take someone changing and rearranging my taste buds to detest what I currently enjoy about it.

Fact is, you and I are in a quandary with sin, if we don't give ourselves over to Christ, and allow ourselves to be crucified with Him. 

Flailing around, trying hard, failing, and hanging our heads in shame is about all we're capable of if we're not changed from the inside out by a divine source outside of ourselves. 

Righteousness doesn't come from merely being "law-abiders." It comes from a relationship with One Who can change us from the inside-out, and cause "law-abiding" to be a joy to our hearts.

If you've been trying to achieve eternity by doing all the work yourself remember, without Jesus involved it's not going to happen. 

He is the "doorway" to forever!

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word