Greetings, dear readers! I’m thrilled to be writing to you again after my recent sojourn—a fishing trip characterized by a tumultuous weather pattern that mirrored our own here, rather than a sun-soaked vacation in Cabo. My time away was not only an opportunity for rest and recreation, but also a period for deep reflection and connection.
One aspect of our communal life that I missed tremendously during my time away was our collective worship. There’s something incredibly profound about it—an experience that resonates deep within your soul, especially when you’ve been away from it for a while. The stirring rendition of our last hymn, “He’s worthy of it all,” continues to resonate within me, reminding us that He is indeed deserving of all our love, praise, and devotion.
As I navigated the highs and lows of my trip, I found myself drawn to the profound teachings in the book of Romans. The timeless wisdom and spiritual guidance encapsulated within it provided a comforting anchor throughout my journey.
One particularly striking aspect is Paul’s exhortation in Romans 8 about “Life in the Spirit,” which is a clarion call to all believers to live a life led by the Spirit rather than one dictated by the flesh. The tension between the two is palpable, but Romans 8:5-6 offers a clear distinction: those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit, leading to life and peace, while those focused on the flesh are led down a path of spiritual death.
This critical takeaway from Romans is a vital reminder for all of us. As we traverse our individual spiritual journeys, we must strive to live in the Spirit, focusing our minds on spiritual matters, for therein lies true life and peace.
Romans 8:15-17 further elucidates our spiritual journey. It assures us that we have not received a spirit of bondage that draws us back into fear. Instead, we have been given the Spirit of adoption as children of God. We are now heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, a powerful affirmation of our spiritual identity. This divine inheritance, however, is not without its trials; we are called to share in Christ’s sufferings so we may also share in His glory.
Let’s continue to embrace these teachings and live our lives led by the Spirit, recognizing our divine lineage and claiming our rightful inheritance in Him. Remember, our journey may be riddled with struggles, but we’re not alone. As co-heirs with Christ, we share in His path to glory.
As we move forward, let’s allow these insights from Romans to guide us and shape our spiritual journey. They serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our divine kinship and our call to live a life worthy of our spiritual inheritance.
I hope these reflections provide you with renewed perspective and strength as we navigate life’s challenges together. May we always strive to live a life worthy of our calling, and may God’s grace and peace be with you always.
Watch the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/hFZi2gBxT_w