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The Bible Study – Our readings for Saturday, Feb. 10 are Job 6:14 - 30 & John 3:22 – 4:6. Job’s friends believe God’s favour is purchased with perfect behaviour. At times we can also fall into this error. Fortunately, we have God’s Word to guide us. The Apostle Paul explained, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . . .” (Romans 3:23) All people stand condemned before the Almighty. That’s why, out of love, God the Father sent His only Son Jesus into this world to pay for our sins on the cross. Job speaks of the pain and seeming hopelessness of his situation. He fully realizes human limitations, but at this point isn’t focusing on God for salvation. He’s disappointed that his friends don’t offer relief. This can occur in our lives when we turn to worldly wisdom, or the advice of others that runs counter to the Word of God. It’s only in God, through Christ, that we have the ultimate solution to a fallen world –forgiveness, salvation and the paradise of Heaven. In our New Testament reading, John the Baptist makes clear: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27) The Apostle John explains, “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him . . . . ” (John 3:34-36) The Samaritan woman in John, Chapter 4 has gone to the local well during the heat of the day, about noon. Normally people would avoid this time, choosing to go early. She’s known as a woman with a spotted history, and so she avoids contact with others. Christ doesn’t avoid her, and we will read and study this woman’s encounter with God in human flesh tomorrow. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/sermons/bible-verses-showing-justification-by-faith-alone