The Lord uses all things to shape us into His likeness. 

Guest speaker: Austin King

When we seek after Christ, He calls us to higher ways of interacting with others and informs all manners of all relationships.

Christ calls us to the new life we've already been given when we placed our trust in Him. He calls us put on His characteristics, and enables us to do so. 

What does it mean to be one of God's people and how does that bear out in our lives?  This passage helps to give some answers to those big questions. 

Discipleship is going back to the gospel over and over and over again.

Whether you are hearing for the first time or the one-thousandth time, Jesus, loves you. He is the Son and the image of the invisible God and He desires a relationship with you.

The Father has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved son. This act of transfer is definite; it happens permanently, and it is in this assurance that we can rest, knowing that we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

God redeems His people, we trust in that truth through Christ. Sometimes we might just be in the middle of our stories, awaiting the promised redemption. Hold fast, for He is for you, He is with you, and He loves you.

The Lord, whether in this lifetime or the next, will bring justice for His people. We hope in Christ, who paid the debt we owed, until we are fully redeemed and together with Him in heaven.  

When we remember and re-remember God's faithfulness and goodness to us, our hearts are glad,  our spirits rejoice and we offer praises and blessings back to Him.