This is why we must cling to the truths of Romans 5-8. In our union with Christ, God no longer determines our relationship with Him based on our sin, our fickle love for Him, or how we feel in the morning. God relates to us solely on our union with Christ.
Romans 6 is a breath-taking look at how the power and penalty of sin do not dominate our lives anymore. It is a text about true freedom. Freedom to live as God intended and the joy that living in that freedom brings us. It’s a chapter about how sanctification (being more like Jesus) happens in our lives. It’s a chapter that shows us the reality and power of Christ’s work for us and how that reality works itself out in our everyday lives.
I have really enjoyed this sermon series. In hearing from many of you, it seems this series has been needed and encouraging. My prayer is that it’s a good launching point for 2021. We are children of God…adopted by God’s grace; representing Jesus in this world; empowered to overcome sin and the grave; and we love Jesus more than our lives.
This past week, I had more extra-local phone calls that normal, but I thought one call would be one that you’d enjoy hearing about. About once/month, I get to talk with Luis Castellanos, pastor at Taproot Church in Burien, WA. Most of you know Luis, but for those that don’t: Luis faithfully served at CLF for about 5 years as our administrator and youth pastor. He…
It is so good to be back home in my home church. The Philippines trip was a good one and in the very near future, I will send out a report about that trip. But it’s always good to be home. I missed my family, dearly. And I missed you. There is nothing like worshipping Jesus with the church I love the most on earth. Now,…
My daughter, Abi, who’s one of our most direct, honest communicators, said to me last night…”Dad, I have to admit, I can never tell a difference between your inside voice and your outside voice.” My voice isn’t in “mid-season form” yet, as one of my coaches recently told me and luckily the Lord kept me from sounding like I had gone back to…
Jesus’ famous words ring in my head, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29, ESV). How can a yoke bring rest? A yoke implies woak…hard work. And yet, these words from Jesus declare something that we all long for…rest for our souls.…
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THE FELLOWSHIP.