Stonybank Community Church with Pastor James Carroll

We entered this chapter with no condemnation, we passed through our glorification and now end with no separation; what more could we ask?  Our salvation is a love story, which began when God set His affection on us, pursued us and will not now forsake us.  Many things will compete for your attention but be assured of this one thing, God will never leave us or forsake us.

Pauls asks five questions in this section for which there is only one clear response.  Each question establishes another promise of God regarding our glorious salvation.  In fact, every excuse to reject God's offer of salvation is always based upon a what and not the Who.

It was a pleasure to have Jeff and Jayne Reason with us to share their vision for church planting and Christian camp ministry they have been leading for the past 38 years.

The simple truth is that in our own strength and by our own best effort not only can we not save ourselves but it would never have occured to us in the first place.  Given every opportunity we would still be on the run since the time Adam and Eve first hid themselves. "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God" -Romans 3:11.

R.A.Torrey called this verse "a soft pillow for a tired heart."  This verse is the common knowledge of the Christian experience. Don't live among the ignorance of the unbeliever.  The faith nurtured in this promise settles the circumstances of life by faith in the goodness of God.

What makes our present suffering bearable is the comforting contrast of our heavenly home. Even all of creation has an "earnest expectation" of our Lord's return. And the Holy Spirit makes the emotional connection from the groaning of our heart to the throne room of God where Jesus Himself is making intercession for us.

There are no participation trophies in Heaven.  Suffering is not only likely but it is necessary.  Every future glory requires present suffering.

Paul instructs us in the winning ways of a Spirit-filled Christian, which is the primary evidence that we are the sons of God; that we are no longer held captive by sin in our flesh; we are born again as a child of God; adopted by our Heavenly Father.  This pattern of doctrine first, followed by duty is not only Paul’s pattern but is unique to Christianity – every other religion and even some so-called “Christian” denominations, teach duty first and then come to their doctrine of salvation by way of their works.

The competing contrast of the flesh and the Spirit is not just another way of looking at things but a completely different mindset. So much so that they are mutually exclusive.

Plan to join us for this free concert (love offering will received).