But Jesus called them friends . . .

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” - Matthew 11:19 (ESV)

It's instructive to me the people that Jesus counted as friends. They were a motley crew. Most of the religious people didn't want to be associated with them. They were from the bad parts of town and had major problems. But Jesus called them friends. Read more

The work of the Spirit is greater and more regular then we realize

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. - Romans 8:9 –10 (ESV)

Most Christians don't really know what to do with the Holy Spirit. We believe that the supernatural exists, but most of the time we sequester this supernatural to the spectacular (or spooky) either in the pursuit or denial of it. The work of the Spirit is greater and more regular then we realize. Read more

The new connection and power that every Christian possesses

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:1 –2 (ESV)

In chapter 7 of Romans, we are exposed to the personal and universal struggle of every Christian with sin. While the war is over and Christ has defeated Satan, sin, and death, there is still a battle that rages in every Christian. And while the chapter ends with a triumphant note, we may want to hear more of that song.

Enter Romans 8 . In this chapter, Paul will go on to tell us about the new connection and power that every Christian possesses. And how the third person of the Triune God is involved with you, personally. Read more