Conformed to His Image

We had a walking theme this week, so Barry Chant began his sermon with many verses of Scripture references on that theme. For those who asked for a copy, this is the 3 minute version of that session. We then looked at Romans 8:28-30 and what it means for us to be Conformed to the Image of Jesus.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Religion v Relationship

There is a big difference between living in religion and a relationship with Christ. By the standards of the law we are deserving of death. Religion says we don’t measure up and its true, because we have sinned and gone against God’s commandments. Throughout the book of Galatians though, Paul tells us, in Christ we are justified by faith and not by works. As Christians we have been washed by the blood of Jesus and can now live in right relationship with a holy God. So, what is your response? If we have been clothed with Christ, we don’t always know what the future holds but only who holds it, we can step out in faith and walk into the promises He has for us. Unlike the Israelites who knew God, they still choose to stay in their ‘religion’, not trusting God and looking to their circumstances instead of what God had called them to. There is no freedom is religion but complete freedom in a relationship with Jesus. What is God calling you to today?  - Ben Peters

Verse For The Week

Galatians 2:16 (NIV)

16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.