Weekly Devotional - July 14th

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who

are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” And not only that, but there was also Rebekah, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Romans 9:6-13

Throughout history, there has been a clear differentiation between the visible and invisible

church. The visible church encompasses those whose membership and participation are apparent, while the invisible church comprises individuals whose true spiritual status is known only to God. This distinction is fundamental in our understanding of the Christian faith. Outward demonstrations of devotion, morality, or religious practices do not determine one's relationship with God.

“. . . a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we

have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works

of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” 

Galatians 2:16