Romans 8 calls believers to take sin seriously, not by living in fear, but by remembering who they are in Christ. This message explores the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, the call to “put to death” sin by the Spirit’s power, and the incredible reality that through Jesus we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters. Rather than being defined by shame or slavery, Christians are invited to live from a new identity as children and…
The Gospel is more than a being door opened to a new relationship. It is a relationship with Christ the creator. The Gospel is God transforming us. Paul wrote, maybe, the most encouraging words of what the Gospel is. Romans 8 tells us our verdict (no condemnation), how we should respond (in thought and action), an how we are empowered (with Christ spirit in us). We are not condemned, we are in union with Christ! So, set our mind on…
Most of us know the story of Gideon (Judges 6:1-16). He found himself in a oppressed society because the future generation did not make an intentional effort to hand pass of their most important inheritance, faith in God (Judges 2:8-12). We need to understand, this is not an automatic hand-off. God warned Israel of the blessing of following Him, and the curse that comes upon us when we put idols before our creator (Deut 6:4-7). God sees and interacts with…
Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 shows that worship is not about a place, but about putting all worth in God – in spirit and truth. Humanity is drawn to worship but we often misdirect it, while all along, God is calling us back to Himself. Worship involves the whole person and is shaped by what is true about God. Different styles and expressions of worship have always existed, but our focus should be on sincerity rather…