Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Dying with Christ, Rising to Life 

Bible Reading:  Romans 6:1-8  
 
Key verse:    For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin  might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6)   

DEVOTION

This passage from Romans 6 conveys a central theme in Christianity: grace and sanctification.  In the verses just before this, Paul teaches that grace is a gift, freely offered to all who believe in  Jesus Christ for salvation. But then he anticipates a question many, including us, might ask:  “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1)  
This moment confronts us with a deeper truth, salvation isn’t just about being forgiven, it’s about  being transformed. If we have truly placed our faith in Jesus, then our old, sinful self has been  crucified and buried with Him. Our pride, addictions, idolatry, and shame; everything that once  kept us from God, was nailed to the cross. Spiritually, our former identity dies with Jesus.  
And once that old self is buried, we can be born again, just as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3.  It is then that the Holy Spirit begins the work of sanctification, shaping us everyday to become  more like Christ. We receive a new identity, and begin a journey of spiritual growth and renewal.  While we may make mistakes along the way, it is there that God’s grace leads us back to the path  of salvation.  
This leads us away from sin and death and toward life and salvation. No longer walking toward  the grave, we now walk in step with the Spirit, toward eternal life.  
  

PRAYER

Dear God,  
Thank you for sending your son to die for our sins. Thank you for reassuring us that we are no  longer ruled by or defined by the sins and failures of the past but rather by your Grace. Help us  to leave our old self behind and allow the Holy Spirit to shape and transform us into who you  have called us to be. Help us to no longer be slaves to sin but to be free in a life called by you.  
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen.  
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers  nor height or depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jason David  
Columbus, Ohio (affiliated to St. Thomas MTC, IN)

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more