Watch or Listen here
 MP3 Audio
 Fast Broadband Video

Romans 8:9-11

Amazing

My parents were divorced when I was in primary school and it left me guttered, angry and lonely. My response was to turn to darkness and self destruction, in my thinking, hard rock music, violent horror movies and learning to become effective with anger, impatience, unkindness and maliciousness.

the Rev is like worthless taxi

So when I read the Gospel of John for the first time I was blown away by Jesus Christ. I always thought of God as being for middle class people not street kids like me. He spoke to people who were immoral, he forgave them, he came to save them. Wow. And then I read these words…

“and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23.

Amazing. God would make me his home, actually live inside my body if I trusted in Him. I realised I’d been living my way and I said as much to Jesus, asking him to be in charge of my life. I wanted Jesus to be my Lord and to live his way. I said this to God while travelling home on a bus. Immediately I was flooded with Christ, all my arguments in favour of being an atheist were exposed as being excuses to rebel, to be angry and to hate God for what happened in my life.

A completely different person walked off that bus, even remembering to thank the driver. Since then Jesus has been working in my life, to undo the damage, the dark habits, the hurt and the loneliness of my life. He has blessed me with a loving wife, four great kids and a wonderful church family.

Jesus is reversing the death I sowed in my heart and life so that more and more there is real life, joy, peace, light and truth. Amazing.  the Rev

Romans 8:9-13 Live the Gospel = Walk in the Spirit

Bible Reading: John 14:15-31 and Romans 8:9-13

Exercises

• Discuss how Rm 8:9-10 might help you when you are afraid or stressed.

• Explore the ‘life’ which is given ‘your mortal bodies,’ be specific v11

• Explore practically your freedom and call to ‘put to death the deeds of the body’ v12.

• Share how this passage has encouraged you.

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for sending your Spirit to dwell in me despite the corruption which is still in my heart and life. Forgive me for so often forgetting that you are with me, for giving in to my fears, frustrations and temptations. Continue your work within me so that I become like Jesus in my thoughts, words and actions. Move me to fight against my carnal habits, replacing them with humility, self sacrifice and adoration for you. Amen