Walking In Spirit 11.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Romans, please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into ypour browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208-10&version=9

Today we will read about the law of life in the Spirit; current suffering versus future glory; Isreal's failure due to unbelief; and mercy for the Jew and Gentile. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that if we want to walk in the Spirit we need to take the right steps to do it.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and the Lord of our lives we are in a sense dead to our flesh and alive in the spirit. All the wordly desires that we once have slowly become a thing of the past. This happens because once we call on Jesus we recieve the spiritual nature of God through the Holy Spirit indwelling in us which gives us the desire to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. Paul explains, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-5). Like Paul, we no longer have to be ruled by our fleshly nature and are saved from condemnation.

When the believer accepts his own powerlessness and submits to the Holy Spirit, then will the likeness of Christ become a reality. "If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (8:31b-37).

True acceptance of Jesus results in a change of heart and lifestyle. This change should manifest in itself as we become eager to learn more, get involved in a local church, and sharing the Gospel with others. Sadly, some people join a church, attend worship services, give generously, and assume that their good works are sufficient for entrance into heaven. However, God is more concerned first with what we are, then with what we do for Him. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth..........For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."(10:2-4,11-13).

Do not worry about whether or not you are doing the right things for God. Live in faith knowing that the care of your spiritual life is in the hands of the Holy Spirit, but He must have your cooperation. You can not live for the world and for God, you must take the steps needed to learn and listen for what God is telling you. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (10:17). Thus, with the loving presence of Christ in you, the living likeness of Christ will be seen through you.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
As Your children we need to regularly examine our hearts to see if there are things, pursuits, or attitudes that are drawing us away from Your heart and thrusting us once again into the mindset of the world. Our heart’s examinations are not intended to condemn us, but to refresh our spirit and remind us of our godly heritage. Father, since You know our hearts more than we do ourselves, reveal to us that which helps and that which hinders our Christian walk. As we walk in obedience to You we’re grateful for the peace and rest we receive in knowing that You do not condemn us, but deliver mercy to help us in our time of need. You do not stand over us in judgment, but You walk alongside us assuring us of Your unwavering love and unending mercy that will see us through on this side of the journey. In jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day and weekend!
God bless,
Christina

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