Refuge Audio Podcast

When we look at the Bible like a self-help book, we err in thinking that all we have to do is try harder. But trying harder and attempting to control ourselves doesn’t work—only a reliance on the Holy Spirit that comes naturally though a daily relationship does!

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” But what does it mean to “walk in the Spirit?” It's an important question to ask—and answer. Before we start this walk, we took time on Sunday to get to know the Holy Spirit.

There are two extremes in reaction to God’s grace. On one side there is license, which says, “Since we are saved by grace, we are free to live however we please.” On the other side, there is legalism, which says, “We must please God by living according to the law to sanctify ourselves through our own efforts to be good.” But God has something for us that is completely separate from this entire spectrum.

In Romans 6, the Apostle Paul poses two questions. One question speaks of living in sin continually or habitually. The other question speaks of falling in to sin episodically. And yet, the answer each and every time is remember and asserting our identity in Christ. The Son has truly set you free from sin—you do not have to live continually in sin any longer AND you do not have to fall into sin ever again.

Should we keep sinning so God’s grace can increase? It’s an important question that the Apostle Paul asks in Romans 6. His answer isn’t legalism or license, nor is it an exhortation to love God more. The answer, Paul tells us, is found in remembering who we are in Christ—and then simply be who we already are.

You are not worthless! You are loved by God, who invites you to be transformed from His creation to one of His children.

Join us Sunday at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord. We gather in-person, online, and on the radio at 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).

Adam’s act of disobedience caused a reign of death and sin—a reign that all of mankind has lived through. But Jesus’ act of obedience caused a reign of grace through righteousness to eternal life through Him!