July 31, 2024
Daniel Foster
Next Gen Pastor
Romans 6:5-11
5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be[b] in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self[c] was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin[d] might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed[e] from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, 9 because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. 10 For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.[f]
New life in Christ. For each of us, that phrase has a distinct and special meaning. It reminds of a heart that was lost, with no hope, and utterly deceived. And after a quick glimpse back, it highlights a fresh, new identity that has the eternal burden of sin lifted.
Like some of you, my family and I got to spend a little time at the beach this summer. I have always loved the sound of waves crashing on the shore. It is a relaxing and peaceful place. One thing I did not miss was the sand that gets in the car, your suitcase, and well…EVERYWHERE. Although Christ gives us new life in Christ, and we have the power within us to be “dead to sin,’ its residue still has a remnant, much like the sand STILL in our vehicle. So what is the process of living the new life in Christ we strive for and eradicating the sin that can so easily entangle us?
Next Gen Pastor
Romans 6:5-11
5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be[b] in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self[c] was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin[d] might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed[e] from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, 9 because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. 10 For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.[f]
New life in Christ. For each of us, that phrase has a distinct and special meaning. It reminds of a heart that was lost, with no hope, and utterly deceived. And after a quick glimpse back, it highlights a fresh, new identity that has the eternal burden of sin lifted.
Like some of you, my family and I got to spend a little time at the beach this summer. I have always loved the sound of waves crashing on the shore. It is a relaxing and peaceful place. One thing I did not miss was the sand that gets in the car, your suitcase, and well…EVERYWHERE. Although Christ gives us new life in Christ, and we have the power within us to be “dead to sin,’ its residue still has a remnant, much like the sand STILL in our vehicle. So what is the process of living the new life in Christ we strive for and eradicating the sin that can so easily entangle us?