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If you grew up in church, you have heard these words before. Some churches refer to Baptism and Communion as sacraments, we prefer to call them ordinances. Does it matter? Is there really a difference? Webster’s Dictionary defines sacraments as “rites ordained by Jesus and regarded as a means of grace.” The same Dictionary defines an ordinance as “a prescribed practice.” I trust you can see the difference.

It may seem hard to believe right now but there has been a victory of eternal and monumental significance. It’s hard to imagine with all we see right now. We see war in Ukraine. We see war in Israel. We see wars in other nations that have been going on for years. We struggle in our own lives with depression, addictions, conflicts and sorrow. When will it end? Will I ever live in peace? Will there ever be peace in the world? Will there be an end to the conflict, tension and unrest? Yes.

“My Utmost for His Highest” is a daily devotional by Oswald Chambers. I don’t use it every year but I have used it many years and have found it helpful. In light of our text for Sunday, I’m reminded of something Chambers said in essence, “It would be a sick saint that would seek suffering.” We’ll all suffer to some degree because we live in a world with a wobble but there’s no need to go looking for suffering.

When Americans think about the good life, many think of what they are allowed to experience. They think of opportunities, fun, concerts, vacations, hobbies, friends, parties…(or solitude for the introverts.) What we think about less often is the good life; as in being good. What if the good life is a moral life, a righteous life or a holy life? And, what if a good life actually results in a good life?

“I get even…” You’ve probably heard that before, maybe you’ve said it. It’s often said with a tone of rightness, as if getting even is more virtuous than getting mad. Retaliation is as natural for a fallen human as eating a cookie. Our old nature is prone to it. But what about the new nature? Should retaliation be natural for the believer? Some might think it is evil to do nothing in response to evil.