“We are the Lord’s slaves after having become the Lord’s freemen. He delivers us from the slavery of sin, and then he introduces us to his service. And lo, we find it so blessed that we insist on our ears being bored, and our being made his slaves forever. Now obedience is the slavery of love.” – R. M. Edgar
Love without fear would subvert his authority. Fear without love would make us gloomy and discouraged. Love and fear together make the walking, serving and keeping of God’s commandments a joy.
Judaism has no over-arching statement of faith, catechism or official creed. This passage from Deuteronomy, however, may be the closest thing it has of that variety. We might think of this as the core of a biblical system of belief.
Deuteronomy 6.4-9.pdf
We sometimes think of cities as dangerous places. (I don’t think that’s nearly as true as some claim.) Still, the City of Refuge in ancient Israel was a notable place of safety. God has provided a refuge for us today in Christ.
Central Reflections 