Much has been said about the mind. How we think impacts our actions. More importantly, who is in control of our mind impacts the way we think. Paul addresses the mind and the controller of the mind. The controller is extremely vital to our eternal destiny.

What does it mean to be "in Christ?" Are there benefits which come to us if we are "in Christ?" The Apostle Paul switches gears in Romans 8 from doctrine to practice. It is in chapter 8 we begin seeing more and more about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. The Holy Spirit's authority in our lives goes hand-in-hand with us being "in Christ."

Have you ever tried to do something and no matter how you tried, you failed? Perhaps you've tried to live the Christian life and it seemed like the things you wanted to do, you didn't, and the things you didn't want to do you did. Is that normal? Is the Christian life just a series of one defeat after another? What if there is a better way? Are you trying to live the Christian life, pleasing God, in your own strength? You can't do that!

John 17

This is Pentecost Sunday! But what is Pentecost and why is it important? We will throw a little birthday party for the Church and look at what Pentecost is, how God fulfilled His promise, what the Holy Spirit does, the proof of Pentecost and the radical change in the life of Jesus' disciples after they receive the Holy Spirit. So, join us for the celebration. Happy Birthday Church!

In our daily lives, we often "put out the old" and "bring in the new." It's a basic practice of life. It's interesting that God does the same thing. In the Old Testament, He established His law as the way for the people to understand what He wanted for them. His law had many details, and could not be satisfactorily kept. It was simply an illustration of what was coming in Jesus. Jesus provided a "new way" for us to be in relationship with God. Now, Paul is pushing that we must be "out with the old" in order to come "in with the new." And the new way of life is spectacular! We can please God.

Everyone wants to be their own boss. But the reality is, everyone will serve someone. None of us are our own master. Paul makes that very clear in this passage, as he speaks to the Roman church and us about slavery and freedom. Our eternal destination and ultimate happiness depends on who our master is. "Paul, what kind of slave should I be?" I think he would answer, "Be a free slave." Who are you serving?

Death is probably one of the least favorite topics to be discussed. Yet, when it comes to our relationship with God, the Scripture has quite a bit of "death" language. In this portion of Scripture, Paul very clearly makes statements about us being dead or crucified. But, he also talks about life. He says we can live a "new life." Could it be that in order to be a follower of Jesus Christ, forgiven of all our sins, that God wants us both dead and alive?

God in His grace has given us the ability to make choices. What we may fail to recognize, at least in the moment, is that our choices impact more than just us. The truth is, one choice on my part has the likelihood of having an effect on many people. There is power in a choice. The Apostle Paul shows his readers how one choice by one man negatively impacted the whole world. And then he goes on to explain how the choice of one Man has the power to reverse the choice of the first man.

Does love have anything to do with our relationship with God? Paul clearly believed so and shared his belief with the Roman believers. His letter reveals things like, when God loves, who He loves, how He loves and the benefits of God's love. The simple truth is this: You and I have a choice to make when it comes to God's love. And the choice has eternal consequences.