The Anchor Church

Have you ever read Romans 8?

I find it a fantastic encouragement. The opening verse gives us that sense of belonging and comfort as we are reminded that condemnation has been laid aside for those washed with Christ‘s blood.  Having said that, we still experience those times when things could be just that little bit better.  Then we are reminded of an amazing promise that God gives us:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

If we say God is sovereign, we must reckon that all things happen with His knowledge. The circumstances we are facing at present may not have been caused by God, but He also has not prevented them either. He alone knows the reason and we may want to know why, but in the confusion we need to trust in God‘s love. How can we be sure?

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God‘s sovereignty should be our great source of peace, joy and comfort. We all need to know that God is always with and for us.

Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us”

Every painting tells a story. If you stand in front of a painting long enough, it’s hard not to be drawn into the emotion of what the painter is trying to convey. Without words the painter conveys a story to the masses; a story that can touch people in a variety of ways. Christians likewise tell a story, not only in words but by the expression of their faith in tangible ways.

When someone such as Paul asks the church (at Corinth) to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11:1), he is expressing that his life is built on the teaching and example of Christ. After his remarks, Paul would have known that the Corinthian church would line up what he said with what he did. Once validated, his actions would provide the impetus for change in the church.

In order for our lives to carry the same impact, we must first look at godly examples and be a godly example to others. Far too often today our examples come from external sources, perhaps someone who can kick,  catch or hit a ball better than most. The media place “stars” on a higher plain, exulting them as the social and spiritual leaders of the day.  That is of course until a few fall, then the whole basket is rotten. So as Christians, in whatever we do, the words of Matthew 5:16 must ring true; ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see  our good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Mat 5:16).

When we see believers acting out their faith in all circumstances, it should inspire and encourage us. The Holy Spirit living so miraculously in us, ministers to our needs as He guides us in our thirst for spiritual refreshment. As brothers and sisters in the Lord, we owe it to each other to be that earthly inspiration in unity to present Christ faithful.

Titus 2:7-8, “in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”