romans 8

We don’t groan alone, God is strengthening us to make room for deep grief in great hope.

Pastor Ron emphasized the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in one's spiritual journey. He encouraged the congregation to appreciate God's constant presence and blessings, emphasizing the significance of each day as an opportunity for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Todays sermon highlighted the power of keeping one's mind focused on spiritual matters, drawing from Romans 8 and Philippians 2. The pastor pointed out how distractions, both negative and positive, can lead one away from their spiritual goals. By maintaining a Christ-like mindset, believers can stay on the path of righteousness despite temptations and challenges.

A key theme was the battle between the flesh and the spirit, with a focus on overcoming the flesh by nurturing one's spiritual side. The pastor used the analogy of learning to walk, suggesting that just as children learn to walk by observing others, Christians grow spiritually by surrounding themselves with spiritually-minded people.

Todays service concluded with a call to salvation and a reminder that surrendering to Christ is the first step towards a spiritually aligned life. The pastor encouraged the congregation to continuously seek God's presence and guidance, ensuring their thoughts and actions align with their spiritual aspirations.

Scripture References (KJV):

• Romans 8:5-9: Discusses the contrast between living according to the flesh and according to the spirit.
• Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."
• Philippians 4:8: Advises believers to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
• Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil."
• Proverbs 23:7: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
• Psalm 121: Referenced as an encouragement to look to God for help.

This recording includes communion and the opportunity for our congregation to make a covenant together as we go into a new year.

7th January 2023
Leader Rev Barry Osborne
Theme Covenant Service
1 Samuel 7:2b-13a, Romans 8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 offers a life-altering perspective on our past mistakes and sins. 

In the complex tapestry of human existence, guilt and self-condemnation often weave their way into our lives. Yet, in Christ, these threads are cut away. This verse resonates as a powerful declaration that through Jesus, we are liberated from the burdens of our past transgressions.

This truth reminds us that our identity is no longer shackled by our missteps. Instead, it's defined by the profound grace of Christ. God doesn't see us through the lens of our faults, but rather through the lens of the sacrificial love of His Son. It's a reminder that we're not defined by our failures, but by His redemption.

Today, let's embrace this freedom. Let's walk confidently, knowing that in Christ, we are unconditionally loved and eternally redeemed. The chains of guilt and condemnation have been shattered, and we are free to live in the light of His grace.

Reflect on this: when we accept Christ, we enter into a new identity—a reality where condemnation holds no power. Our past no longer defines us. Instead, our identity is anchored in the forgiveness and renewal offered by our Savior.

As we conclude, let's carry this truth with us. Let's remind ourselves that our past does not dictate our future. Instead, our future is shaped by the unfathomable love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find freedom, hope, and the strength to live as a new creation.

Thank you for joining me "Freedom in Christ." If today's episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a reminder of the transformative power of Christ's grace. As we journey forward, let's remember that through Him, we are free.

Until next time, may your heart embrace the freedom found in Christ, and may His grace light your path to a new and purposeful life.

“My dignity as Abba’s child is my most coherent sense of self.” -Brennan Manning

This chapter is regarded as one of the crown jewel chapters in the Bible, and there are three main things that I believe the Holy Spirit would highlight for us in this treasure chapter…

↠There is now there no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (v. 1)

↠It doesn’t say there is less condemnation, but there is no condemnation. Your standing before God has not just improved but it has been totally transformed!

↠No future guilt/charge (vs. 33-34)

↠But not everyone can say “there is no condemnation.” (John 3:36, 5:24)

↠There is also no separation from His love (vs. 35-39)

↠Another great part of the Good News- forgiven, free, and His love never stops

↠John 10:27- “neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

↠We need a revelation of this type of love! 

↠Be “rooted and grounded in His love” (Ephesians 3)- see the picture of establishment in His love here- rooted as a tree in it- then understanding the depths of it

↠“To separate”- to place space between/Eden Story/clothing/He desires nothing between us- that is the depths of His love. Are you mesmerized by HIs longing for no separation?

↠Life/Walking in the Spirit (vs. 5-11)

↠What is the secret, the method to walking rightly, what’s the key to constantly living in the understanding of no condemnation, no separation? Walking or living in the Spirit!

↠Christian living is supernatural living by the Spirit! It is to be characteristic of a believer to live by the Spirit. Paul presents two ways to live (Deut. 30:19).

↠These two paths, both have characteristics and consequences– John 10:10

↠Following our sinful nature brings death (corrosion, James 1:15)

↠Second- “be led by the Spirit unto LIFE!” Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

↠Abandon any hope of finding satisfaction in anything apart from Him. Put “those things to death” (Galatians 5:24- Nail them to the Cross!)

↠Living by the Spirit actually proves who we are! (vs. 14)

↠Children, continually being led, progression

↠Our response to that leading- crying “Abba, Father! (v. 15) an intimate form of addressing a Father. He’s not just a King, you’re not just a slave, you’re not just some sinner saved by grace, you are Abba’s child.

↠The foundation of my true self is “I am the one loved by the Father.” The practical side of that—Develop/maintain that awareness of our belovedness by time alone with God. He is calling us, wooing us away into deeper, daily devotion, come away!

↠Part of walking in the Spirit is hearing His voice. Our lives can be radically transformed by learning to hear HIs voice better (John 10:3-5) His sheep HEAR His voice, not should, or could, but HEAR…tune in/frequency (Ps. 46:10)

Today, Heather digs into this common sentiment, "I just want to feel good" or "I just want to feel okay" about my body. She explores how this is a struggle for so many women who are wrestling to feel confident about their bodies. They don't want to look like supermodels, they just want to feel okay to be in the skin they're in.

But what is this desire of having a body that you can feel good in or good about? Could the core of this issue be something you'd never expect? Heather digs into an unusual biblical concept, that is, boasting. Not that we want to tell other people that we are great, but instead, perhaps we want our bodies to tell our story for us. Do we want our bodies to tell everyone who sees us that we know how to take care of our bodies well? That we know the secrets to fitness or weight loss? Or, that we are just really good at making our bodies look their best? It's a concept few of us have spent a lot of time thinking about it.

Heather walks through some fantastic teaching on the topic of boasting taken from Romans 3:27-31 and shows us how we can find a place to boast that is far better than the appearance or weight of our bodies.

Anything you look at and say, "This is where my value is," can become an idol. Listen, be encouraged and exhorted today.

Listen to the Tim Keller sermon that Heather references here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=1000621135323

Ready to jump into body image coaching and the brand new body image online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework? Learn more or sign up here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

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We're looking forward to the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Our epistle reading is Romans 8:26-39, read by Pastor Gerry Southerton.

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

We're looking forward to the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Our reading is Romans 8:12-25, read by Pastor Daniel Hoard.

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

We're looking forward to the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Our epistle reading is Romans 8:1-11, read by Jarret Helmes.

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

There is a great depth to the Holy Spirit, and as we continue in our Romans 8 discussion, we find two more facets of living with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us focus on eternity, but is also our helper here and now.  Listen now!

There is a great depth to the Holy Spirit, and as we continue in our Romans 8 discussion, we find two more facets of living with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us focus on eternity, but is also our helper here and now. Listen now!

This week we’re looking forward to the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Our epistle reading is from Romans, chapter 8, verses 6 through 11, read by Kierce Matson.

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

This podcast episode covers Romans 8:31-39, discussing how Christians can be free from fear and find security in the love of Jesus. The episode covers five arguments that prove there is no separation between believers and God. If you struggle to believe in your own security, this episode is sure to encourage you!

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Series: Romans 8
Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you’d like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:

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Citylight Council Bluffs
Sunday Gatherings at 9:00 & 11:00 AM
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2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Listen as Will Faires preaches a sermon called Living Free through the Holy Spirit from Romans 8.