Scripture: Romans 5:2-6
We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory. But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.
Thought for the Day: Paul describes the love of God being poured into us through the Holy Spirit. The word we translated as poured (Greek – Ekcheo) is the same word used in Matthew 26 when Jesus speaks of his blood being poured out as a symbol of people’s sins being forgiven. The kind of love Paul speaks of in his letter to the Romans is not some romantic or shallow understanding of love. It is a love that is poured upon us through sacrificial giving, through the relinquishing of self for the sake of others. The word poured could carry very little meaning, even overlooked. But when read in light of the larger Christian story, it brings a depth of beauty and challenge. How has God poured love into your life, and how exactly are you choosing to do the same?
Prayer: Make me a more of receptive vessel, O God who shares with us the gift of love. Empty me of all that is not of love so that I may receive your gift, and in turn, pour it upon others. Amen.
A LOT HAPPENING TODAY
First – Morning Worship
at 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00
Second – Stock Sale
Youth Selling Stock
for their Mission Trip
Third – Special Offering
Consider Giving A Gift
Memo Line: Flood Releif
(Going to NAM)
Fourth – Video & Discussion
The New Jim Crow
In the Centrum at 2pm
Today’s Sermon Based Upon:
1st John 4:16-19
