The Apostle Paul instructs in Romans 8 that we are no longer in debt to the flesh; instead, we are debtors to God, to live in gratitude and love for one another. Elder Chris proclaims that we must not allow sin to have dominion over our lives, but should instead walk in newness of life. He encourages us to avoid sin and separation, committing every day to living a life that honors the Lord.

In Isaiah 52, the Lord addresses the future captivity of Judah about 100 years before it occurs. While God does not alter His judgment, He shows great mercy by assuring His people that they will be redeemed—a promise that is just as certain as the coming judgment. We see beautiful types in this chapter that point to our redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ. While we may not see the reality of our redemption yet, we can rest assured it is finished.

Elder James turns to Ecclesiastes 9, where we read that no one knows when death will come. Although our carnal nature is drawn to the things of this world, this world is not our home. When we pass away, we receive an inheritance in Heaven. Elder James examines the Scriptures to give us a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.

Those who possess only the nature of the flesh are completely governed by it. Likewise, the Spirit within God’s children is wholly led by the Spirit of God. The Apostle Paul writes that we are no longer completely governed by the flesh. Having been set at liberty, we are now able to seek after God through the Spirit given to us when we were born again. Elder Chris further explains that the very same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead will also raise our mortal bodies in immortality, so that we shall die no more.

After fishing all night without catching anything, Jesus told the disciples to cast the net on the other side of the boat. When they did what He asked, they were unable to draw in the net because of the great multitude of fish. Peter then drew near to Jesus, and Jesus asked him three times, “Lovest thou me?” Though the Lord already knew Peter’s heart, Peter answered each time, “Yea, Lord.” Jesus responded by telling Peter to “feed my sheep,” and finally said, “Follow me.” The words “Follow me” are found many times throughout the New Testament. Brother Paul explains that although Satan seeks to draw us away through the distractions and cares of this world, he reminds us of the most important and comforting thing in our lives—to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.