The early church regularly came together to pray. That’s what the church does. What will you do with that fact? May we be a church committed to praying together.
A new command…
What is the most practical thing you can do if you want to become a more loving person? Keep praying for a heart like Jesus’ heart!
Tension: Present sufferings & future glory
Friends, know this, what God starts, he finishes. He isn’t giving up on you, he who began a good work in you will see it through to completion on the day of Christ. And on that day, we will be changed for we will be like him. For he who promised is faithful, he will surely do it.
A magnificent promise
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8:28)
Can you rest in this wonderful promise? If you can say that you love Jesus, there is great peace to found, even right in the middle of our suffering.
The groanings and the glory
Those who have been called by God, who’ve been put in a right relationship with him (‘justified’ by faith) are promised a glorious future he has prepared for us and it is as certain as if it had already taken place.
Abba, Father!
When, as Christians, we go through times of deep despair, depression, loneliness, pain or suffering, we instinctively just cry out ‘Father’. This cry is itself a sign that we are sons of the living God. In our times of great need, the Spirit ministers to us and enables us to cry out ‘Abba, Father’.
When we do, this is the hallmark of a believer. This is the cry of the child of God.
Free at last
True freedom is not what we may think; it’s not found in doing what we want to do. True freedom is better than we think because the Spirit of God enables new life and eternal hope, he enables great change in our life and, though at times we fail, he walks with us.
An anchor and a rudder
People often think their main problem is unhappiness. God knows our deepest problem isn’t unhappiness but unrighteousness and powerlessness. So, in his kindness, he provides us with a Saviour and his Spirit. He provides us with exactly what we need. And this leads to our eternal happiness, and more importantly, the glory of God: ‘… the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us.’ (Romans 8:4)
How good our God is.
Keep on keeping on
God himself has called us to the ultimate goal; eternal fellowship with him in glory. This means he’s determined that we shall reach our destination. If God calls us to this race, and he does, you can be sure that he will provide all the grace we need to run, and we will finish.
For or against?
Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth and the life. This is an exclusive claim. But it forces us to ask ourselves today, are we for Jesus or against him? Do we love him, or deep down, do we resent his claim over our lives? The Christmas story divides us. On which side do you land? It’s a matter of eternal life or death.