Today is tax day - even though for many an extension has been granted - and hopefully you all got your 2020 tax return done. I remember many years ago when I had only 1 or 2 incomes, no real additional assets or accounts, and no dependents other than myself, doing my own tax return was a piece of cake. I preferred to rely on my own ability and math skills to accomplish this difficult task and justify myself and my taxes in the eyes of the IRS. I didn't need anyone's help. As the years went on, as dependents were added, and as assets were obtained, I slowly had to come to the realization that my efforts were not enough to satisfy the requirements of the law. It became necessary for us to accept the help of one who could get it done for us. Of course, there is no grace with our tax guy; he works because we pay him! When it comes to our eternal justification before God, too many are still trying to accomplish it by their own abilities - we call this works-based righteousness, and it demands 100% perfection. Since none of us can achieve that, we were doomed without someone stepping up and bringing justification to us freely. That's what we call the grace of God, and this week at Friendship, we'll be exploring what the Book of Romans has to say about it. Here's a hint: it's only possible through Jesus Christ!