Tag: romans

Alive in Christ – Romans 8:9-11

In today’s society, identity has become increasingly defined by feelings and appearances rather than by objective truth. This confusion is not limited to gender or race but has also affected how people understand Christianity. Many assume that if someone looks, talks, and behaves like a Christian, then they must be one. This superficial approach resembles the so-called “duck test”—if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. However, Christianity is not a matter of behavior or outward appearance. It is about life—eternal life that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The true mark of a Christian is not church attendance or moral conduct but whether they have the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit. As John 3:16 emphasizes, eternal life is given to those who believe, not those who merely act the part.

Romans 8 powerfully distinguishes between those who are truly alive in Christ and those who are still spiritually dead. The apostle Paul outlines four contrasts in this passage: being in the flesh versus being in the Spirit, having the Spirit versus not having Him, being dead versus being alive, and belonging to Christ versus not belonging to Him. These contrasts reveal a binary reality: one is either saved or unsaved. There is no in-between. Christianity is not a sliding scale of righteousness or performance; it is a condition of being—either indwelt by the Spirit of God and alive or outside of Him and dead. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the defining evidence of true salvation.

To be “in the Spirit” is far more than a metaphorical statement. It represents an intimate, spiritual union with God. Jesus described this kind of unity in His relationship with the Father, saying, “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.” This mutual indwelling reflects the deep, mysterious relationship within the Trinity, and Jesus prayed that believers would share in that same union. Being a Christian means more than following teachings; it means being united with the Triune God. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been brought into this divine relationship. We are not merely followers or servants—we are God’s children, adopted and made new through His Spirit.

This union is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul makes it clear: if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him. This truth dispels common misconceptions that equate emotional religious experiences or speaking in tongues with the presence of the Spirit. Instead, the Spirit’s indwelling marks a change in ownership and identity. We no longer belong to ourselves or to sin but to God. Our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are liberated from the law of sin and death. Belonging to God means living under His love, protection, and lordship.

Although our physical bodies are still subject to decay and death due to sin, our spirits have been made alive through the righteousness of Christ. Romans 8:11 assures us that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will also give life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit. This resurrection is both spiritual and physical. The new life we have in Christ begins in the spirit, unseen but real. While we may not fully grasp or feel this transformation now, Scripture promises that we will one day see its fullness. Our current struggles and limited understanding do not negate the life we have; rather, they remind us that the best is yet to come.

This new life is accessed and sustained by faith, specifically, faith in Jesus Christ. Many people have faith in various things, but it is not faith itself that saves; it is the object of that faith that matters. Only faith in Christ, the Son of God, has the power to justify and give life. It is not the intensity or size of our faith that brings salvation, but the fact that it is rooted in the right person. Through faith, we are justified, reconciled to God, and indwelt by the Spirit. This grace transforms us from spiritual death to abundant life in Christ, a life that is rich not because of external blessings but because of our union with God.

The Christian life is deeply fulfilling because it is lived in relationship with the Triune God. This life does not depend on wealth, comfort, or worldly success but on knowing and being known by God. Scriptures such as Psalm 84, Ephesians 1, and John 15 highlight the joy, peace, and blessing that come from belonging to God. Our purpose as Christians is to glorify Him, and this purpose infuses even our pain and weakness with meaning. We are called to bear fruit, to grow, and to reflect God’s character in our daily lives. The presence of spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and more—is the evidence of our inner transformation. A life that shows no growth is not truly alive. As Paul says in Galatians, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”

To be alive in Christ means to live with purpose. Our aim is the glory of God in all that we do, whether in hardship or in joy. The life God gives us is not to be hoarded or lived for ourselves. It is to be used in love and service toward God and toward others. The Spirit gives each believer gifts not for personal gain but for the benefit of the body of Christ. Love is the first and defining fruit of the Spirit, and through it we fulfill our calling. As Christians, we are invited to abide daily in Christ, to drink deeply from His grace, and to walk in obedience. This is both our duty and our highest privilege: to live as those who are truly alive, empowered by the Spirit, and committed to the glory of God.

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Back to Basics: Evangelism – Romans 10:14-16

Every Christian is called to evangelize, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples. Evangelism is not just for church leaders but for every believer, as part of God’s sovereign plan. The local church exists within its community to reach those who may come to faith. As ambassadors of Christ, evangelism should be a central priority in a believer’s life, rather than an optional practice.

Proclaiming the gospel is a privilege and an act of love toward both God and others. Since the gospel has eternal significance, sharing it glorifies God and demonstrates obedience to His will. Loving our neighbors includes telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ, as this has the most lasting impact on their lives. Evangelism is the greatest expression of love because it offers people the hope of salvation.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of evangelism by posing rhetorical questions that highlight the dire consequences of its absence. The spread of the gospel through evangelists and missionaries has left an undeniable impact across the world. Paul’s message suggests that evangelism is not a part-time endeavor but an integral aspect of a Christian’s daily life. Believers are continually called to share God’s love with those around them.

However, many Christians hesitate to evangelize for various reasons. Some leave it to pastors and church leaders, assuming that only those in ministry are responsible for spreading the gospel. Others feel inadequate, believing they lack the necessary skills or gifts. Yet, evangelism is not about talent but obedience. The Holy Spirit equips all believers to share their faith, and prayerful practice strengthens their ability to evangelize effectively.

New believers may feel unqualified due to limited biblical knowledge. However, evangelism is more about one’s relationship with Christ than intellectual mastery. Spiritual growth deepens passion for God and fuels the desire to share the gospel. Without a strong relationship with the Lord, evangelistic efforts may feel forced or lack conviction. Ray Comfort, who is known for his evangelism outreach ministry, candidly admitted his reluctance toward evangelism, yet he recognizes it as a biblical obligation.

Sharing the gospel is a divine mission given exclusively to Christians. Just as God chose Israel to represent Him among the nations, He has now entrusted believers with spreading His message. Jesus sends His followers into the world with this singular purpose: to proclaim the gospel. Evangelism is not just an act of obedience but a fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Paul also references the Old Testament, where God describes the feet of those who bring the gospel as beautiful. This imagery conveys that the message of salvation is the most valuable gift for those in need. Just as Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful, evangelism provides people with what they truly need—spiritual restoration through Christ (Acts 3:2, 6-8).

Despite the command to evangelize, it is often met with resistance. The world opposes Christ, and believers may face rejection or persecution. Many prioritize physical needs over spiritual ones, failing to recognize their need for salvation. However, the Christian’s role is to faithfully share the message and leave the results to God. Evangelism must be accompanied by prayer, as the Holy Spirit works through those who depend on Him. Ultimately, the goal being discipleship—helping new believers grow in their faith through God’s Word, worship, prayer, and evangelism.

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Back to Basics: Prayer – Romans 12:12

The series focuses on returning to the foundational principles of the Christian life, emphasizing prayer as a central pillar. Building on last week’s discussion of God’s Word, this week highlights how prayer empowers believers to live faithfully. In light of tragedies like the recent fires in Los Angeles, prayer is presented as a vital response to hardship. Through prayer, Christians find hope, strength, and an opportunity to witness God’s work in their lives and the world.

Romans 12:12 serves as a guide to understanding the Christian life, emphasizing ongoing rejoicing in hope, perseverance in affliction, and devotion to prayer. The Apostle Paul’s teachings remind believers that these pursuits are continual and essential. Hope, rooted in salvation and Jesus’ resurrection, provides assurance of a heavenly inheritance. Persevering through trials requires a focus on eternal goals rather than earthly comforts, encouraging believers to trust in God’s plan.

Prayer acts as the connecting thread between hope and affliction, serving as the source of strength for both. It empowers believers to rejoice in hope and endure difficulties. Prayer is described as the “power behind” all aspects of the Christian life, offering the ability to navigate any situation with faith. It is a transformative practice, as essential to spiritual growth as seasoning is to food, bringing life and sustenance to faith.

Contrary to common misconceptions, prayer is not limited to spiritual leaders or the so-called “elite.” It is an essential practice for all believers. Prayer and faith are inseparable, as noted by John Calvin, who called prayer the chief exercise of faith. Biblical examples like Jesus and Elijah demonstrate that prayer is a universal calling, inviting all Christians to approach God with fervor and consistency.

At its core, prayer is about communion with God, a deeper and more personal connection than mere fellowship. Through prayer, believers enter God’s presence and experience His grace and strength. Hebrews 4:16 portrays prayer as a means of approaching the throne of grace, a space where Christians find support and intimacy with their heavenly Father, who holds the universe yet listens to their petitions.

Devotion to prayer requires consistency and humility, recognizing that God is the source of all strength. Christians are encouraged to pray in all circumstances, as exemplified by Stephen, Nehemiah, and Paul, who prayed during moments of crisis. Prayer is not constrained by time or place but is a constant posture of reliance on God. True devotion involves submission to God’s will, ensuring that prayers are heard and answered in His perfect timing.

The lack of prayer among Christians is attributed to ignorance, laziness, self-reliance, and spiritual stagnation. Without a proper understanding of God’s nature and power, prayer is undervalued. Laziness in prayer weakens faith, while self-confidence leads to misplaced reliance on personal abilities. Regeneration through the Holy Spirit is necessary to ignite a passion for prayer, aligning believers with Christ’s example of devotion.

In conclusion, prayer is indispensable to a vibrant Christian life. As Luke 18:1 and other scriptures emphasize, believers are called to pray continually, trusting in God rather than earthly solutions. Prayerlessness is described as a form of unbelief, while consistent prayer deepens faith and produces spiritual fruit. By cultivating a life of prayer, Christians align themselves with God’s will, finding strength, peace, and the ability to impact the world for His glory.

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