Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

The BIG question is . . .

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What do the following verses teach about our holy standing before God?

  • Romans 5:19: we are made righteous by the obedience of Christ.
  • Hebrews 10:10: we are made holy by the offering of the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Peter 3:18: our Lord Jesus Christ died for sins in order to bring us to God.

What do the following verses teach about holy living?

  • Ephesians 4:1, 30: walk in the manner consistent with our calling, holy; do not grieve the Holy Spirit through inconsistency, which is disobedience.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7: God did not call us to be impure, but holy.
  • Titus 2:11-12: salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness, worldly lusts and teaches us to live sensibly, righteously and godly.

Why is holiness not optional for the Christian?

  • Psalm 66:18: Holding on to the sin from which He saved us shows how serious we are about our walk in holiness--God will not hear us when we pray!
  • Romans 8:13-14: Die if you want to live. Be led by the Spirit of God, as a child of God does.
  • 2 Timothy 2:21: to be useful to our Master, we must be clean.
  • 1 John 1:6: God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Here's the big question for your discussion: if God "just forgives," can He demand holiness of the unrepentant, one who will not turn from their sin?

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