Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge 110 . . . anything goes

Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ where all of our challenges are based on scripture. Today's hostess is Lovely Linda who has selected this verse from Mark 10:27 "And Jesus looking upon them saith, "With men it is impossible but not with God: for with God all things are possible." Her challenge this week is anything goes! So you are free to use your imagination.

Prior to this verse Linda has selected, the chapter in Matthew begins with the story of the rich young ruler. If you're not familiar with this story, you can read it starting with the beginning of Mark chapter ten. Basically he walks away a bit crushed and the disciples become slightly alarmed, because the young ruler assures Jesus that he has followed all of the commandments 'since his youth' and believes that this promises him eternal assurance. Yet Jesus tells the disciples that it is difficult for a rich man, indeed everyone, to enter the kingdom heaven.

"Who then can be saved?" the disciples question one another. That is when Jesus responds with his statement that with God all things are possible.

What Jesus is referring to with that statement is salvation. Relating back to Ephesians 2:8-9 "Fo it is by grace you have been saved by faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works so that no man may boast." The rich young ruler was works oriented, he has kept all the commandments his entire adult life, doesn't that make him a shoo-in for heaven? The answer is no. No man is perfect, only God the Father. Our best efforts, striving to live a perfect life bring us as close to God as the top of your house is to the constellation Orion. We cannot do it alone. In addition to addressing the ruler's love of money, that is the point Jesus was making. What is impossible for man is possible with God. God alone provides us with the means for salvation, through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ.

This passage helps me feel great relief. I grew up in an environment where nothing I did ever quite measured up, where nothing was quite good enough. Knowing that God has made a way for me when I can do nothing to make that way myself fills me with a calm gratitude for that incredible gift. I know that all the design team sisters hope and pray that you have made the decision to accept that gift as well.

We look forward to seeing your creations this week in the gallery. Hope you have a chance to play along!

Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs, Layers of Color (sentiment)
Ink: SU Close to Cocoa, black
Paper: DP, random blue, green
Other: rhinestones, oval nestability, twinkling H20s, silver gel pen, SU seam binding ribbon