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Love One Another: The Remix

There is an eternal fighting between people, which tends to pull our eyes, ears, and minds toward the conflict. We see fighting in politics constantly, leading to deep divisions between our leaders, and fights create wedges between people over meaningless things like movies and sports teams. Unfortunately, division sparks within the church over non-essential dogma. However, in every Gospel, Jesus commands us to explicitly “Love One Another.” Paul reminds us that we must heed Christ’s call to turn from destroying each other to building one another up in His command. The Church needs to be transformed by loving one another, leading to a revival in our communities, towns, and country.

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 13:8–14.

“What must I do to be saved?” Just as many people approached Jesus, they also approached Peter and Paul, asking this question. How would you answer if asked? Does our answer align with the way Jesus and Paul both responded? For many years before and after Jesus came, groups have developed rules for finding salvation, each emphasizing something to create a clear delineation between the good and the evil, the saved and the lost. Our insecurity about the salvation offered by Jesus Christ on the cross makes us prone to believe we aren’t doing enough and ripe for those who would take advantage of us. Thus, Jesus was the harshest critic of the religious leaders who preyed on the poor, adding to the scriptures about how they had to fulfill God’s commandments. Pharisees developed walls around faith, but Christ painted a clear picture because others obscured the way to salvation. Therefore, we must strive not to add obligations to others for coming before Christ. Jesus broke down all barriers and invited us to follow the commandments that encapsulated them: “Love God” and “Love One Another.”

“Why were we given commandments?” As the people of Israel sought to cope with life outside of Egypt, God brought them the guardrails to help keep them in a relationship with God. The commandments established the conditions for God’s blessing of His people. This system of rules and ordinances established Israel’s covenantal relationship and, ultimately, all humanity would have with God. When we examine different families, we see a variety of rules and ways of life that ultimately distinguish the way things work in that family from how things work in our families. When I was younger and went to have dinner at a friend’s house, I always paid attention to what my friend was doing to ensure I carried out the ritual correctly. When to sit down, where to sit down, and when it was okay to begin eating—everything was necessary, as I did not want to offend and wanted to be invited back. To this day, when I find myself in a new setting, whether a friend’s home, a new job, or a church, I look around a lot to ensure I follow the protocols correctly. This method also applies to different corporations and churches. How we operate or carry out specific tasks or ceremonies will differ from place to place, but the same intention is behind the actions. Paul points out that we have been given numerous commandments, but they all convey the same message: “Love One Another.”

How we live in public will proclaim what we put our faith in. How well do we show love for each other? The world is watching us to make sure we live up to the message of Jesus because if we don’t, then they will reject us as hypocrites and liars. Paul leads us to Jesus’ message because we must live it out. The importance of this message is highlighted by the fact that there is no point where we have loved “enough” because we should always see ourselves in debt for loving. If we want to try and outdo each other in anything, let it be in loving others. We do nothing out of selfish ambition or for our well-being, but we shower others with love because that is how we best demonstrate that God loved the world. This way of living is the work of light, which brings light and salvation to the world. We must stop worrying and burdening the world with unnecessary standards that we cannot live up to. Share Paul’s message: We should do everything to lift others up. Darkness penetrates through selfishness. When our actions benefit ourselves at the cost of others, darkness consumes and closes our eyes to the work God has planned for us. Anytime we find pleasure at someone else’s expense, this is darkness. The world will judge us by whether we live in light or darkness. Therefore, instead of arguing about whether our children should read Harry Potter or watch the latest Disney movie, we should strive to show people that we love them; only by doing this do we proclaim Christ’s saving grace and live in the light.

The fighting that inevitably breaks out between people of different belief groups must not lead us toward divisiveness and darkness. Still, instead, we are called to be examples of the light. So many people are in the throws of argumentation, and we quickly rise in judgment toward those with differing opinions from ours. The media strives to elevate the outrage toward the other, and we as Christians must be slow to speak our judgment and strive to call for peace. When we hold back judgment and exchange it with being at peace with others, sharing God’s love, and NEVER tire of sharing God’s love, we proclaim the Gospel to all people and live out the call of Christ echoed by Paul in this passage. Through his continuation of sharing the message of Christ in Romans, Paul instructs Christians about letting go of self and striving NEVER to stop loving our community and neighbors, whether they agree with us or not.

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A Life of Constant Sacrifice

Throughout history, the call to live sacrificially has resonated deeply, compelling many to give freely of themselves for the greater good. Leaders of all kinds—military commanders, civil rights advocates, and devoted mothers—have embraced this noble burden, shaping the course of our world through their selfless acts. Consider the poignant example of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, who sacrificed her time with her son so that he might live. This act of profound love and courage ultimately led to the salvation of an entire nation. Yet, the epitome of sacrificial living is found in the life of Jesus, whose ultimate act of selflessness redefined love and redemption. Inspired by Christ’s example, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to lead lives marked by sacrifice, urging us to follow in the footsteps of the one who gave all for humanity. 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 12:1–2.

In Romans chapter 12, Paul transitions from theological exposition to practical instructions on living and worship. He begins by urging believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship. This foundational idea of living sacrificially sets the stage for glorifying God and uplifting others. Historically, the system of sin and sacrifice aimed to make the people of Israel holy and dedicated to God. Now, through Christ’s example and teachings, we are called to be living sacrifices ourselves. This sacrificial life makes us holy and set apart for God, embodying the transformation and dedication that Paul emphasizes in his guidance for Christian living.

A life of sacrifice profoundly transforms us, making us vessels for God’s glory. This transformation pushes out all selfish desires, replacing them with a deep commitment to glorify God and uplift our brothers and sisters. As our minds and bodies shift from selfishness to selflessness, we become attuned to the needs around us. When our community suffers, our focus instinctively moves beyond our own concerns, compelling us to bring God’s peace and healing to the broken and hurting areas. This selfless orientation not only changes our actions but also redefines our very identity as instruments of God’s love and compassion in the world.

Understanding that sacrifice leads to the transformation of self, we must continuously examine our lives to root out selfishness and strive for constant sacrifice for God’s glory. Through this ongoing testing, we attune our hearts to hear what God desires for our lives, recognizing that God delights in our sacrifices made for the blessing of others. Embracing a life of sacrifice is the path to becoming Christ-like, embodying the love and selflessness that Jesus exemplified. This journey of sacrifice enables us to fulfill Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more,” as we grow in holiness and align our lives with His divine will.

Paul’s exhortation in Romans chapter 12 to live as living sacrifices is not merely a call to action but a transformative journey that redefines our very being. By embracing a life of sacrifice, we align ourselves with Christ’s example, shedding selfish desires and cultivating a selflessness that glorifies God and serves others. This ongoing commitment to self-examination and sacrificial living tunes our hearts to God’s desires, ensuring that our actions reflect His will. As we embody this sacrificial love, we not only fulfill Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more,” but also become conduits of His peace and compassion in a hurting world. Through this profound transformation, we become true instruments of God’s glory, dedicated to uplifting our brothers and sisters and advancing His kingdom on earth.

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Grafted For Beauty

Grafting, a technique used extensively in ancient Rome and often referenced by Paul, has long been employed by both amateurs and professionals to cultivate plants that are not only healthy and vibrant but also creatively tailored for propagation. This method significantly prolongs the life of aging plants by integrating them with newer ones, thereby rejuvenating them and enhancing their vitality. Additionally, grafting boosts fruit production, even in plants that previously had limited output. It introduces diversity into plant life, engendering new varieties that offer unique flavors, improved yields, and increased resistance to diseases and pests. By drawing on this agricultural practice, Paul effectively illustrated how the Gospel integrates the Gentiles into the Kingdom of God, a theme that Jesus frequently highlighted through agricultural metaphors and similes, portraying it as a dynamic and life-giving process.

11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root[c] of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Romans 11:11-24 (ESV)

Sin is depicted as a pervasive disease that had severely infected the tree, leading to the unfortunate necessity of discarding some branches. This metaphor reflects how the Israelite nation had misused God’s Law for personal gain at the expense of others, as noted by Paul. Recognizing the dangerous and tempting nature of sin, from which no one is immune, it becomes crucial for us to continually seek God’s deliverance from evil. The pruning of diseased branches by God is a process that applies not just to the Jewish branches, but to all believers; any of us can be pruned if we let sin take root in our lives as it did with the Jewish leaders. It is by grace alone that we are grafted into the divine fold, underscoring the necessity to both proclaim and embody this message of grace, and to earnestly seek God’s healing from the sin that begins to infect our hearts.

Following the theme of spiritual vigilance and connection, it’s critical to understand that our strength originates not from the branches but from the root of the tree—our Lord and Savior. This foundational belief underscores the necessity of relying solely on the roots for nourishment, as they alone have the capacity to sustain and strengthen us. Although the flowers and fruit on the branches may appear appealing and seem to offer sustenance, they provide at most a transient refreshment like a drop of dew. Instead, we must consistently seek to draw our nourishment from the roots, which offer a more profound and enduring source of strength.

Continuing with this growth, when we anchor ourselves in the power of the Almighty, our lives naturally begin to bear flowers and fruit. These blessings are not merely for our enjoyment but serve a greater purpose: attracting others who seek nourishment. As others come to us, we have the unique opportunity to lead them to God, demonstrating how, through grace, we were grafted into the tree. This process is not a testament to our own qualities but a vivid illustration of divine grace that accepts and transforms the “wild” into an integral part of the kingdom. Thus, our journey from being outsiders to becoming nourishing presences within the community highlights the transformative power of connecting deeply with the roots of our faith.

It’s evident that the tree no longer resembles its original form, having been enriched with a variety of “wild” branches. This new diversity is precisely what God’s grace intended, showcasing His power to bring beauty and vitality to a world otherwise marred by sin. The tree, though vastly different from its original appearance, blooms profusely, its flowers and fruits serving as vivid demonstrations of God’s ability to redeem and beautify. Pruning is a critical aspect of maintaining this divine tree, a process that often involves painful cuts to remove sin, which cannot coexist near the healthy, sustaining roots. In this sacrificial act, reminiscent of Jesus’ own suffering, pruning is not merely a survival tactic for the tree but a renewal process that allows it to thrive. Although our “wild” nature might initially set us apart from other branches, when we draw from God’s strength, we too can produce delightful and appealing fruits, different yet enriching.

Moreover, God’s grace enables these previously pruned and wild branches to not only reintegrate but also to innovate within the tree. The new fruit we bear, infused with divine influence, fills the hearts, minds, and souls of those around us with wonder and admiration. This ongoing cycle of grafting, pruning, and flourishing under God’s careful watch creates a dynamic, ever-evolving tapestry that captures the essence of spiritual growth and community enrichment.

God revitalizes His Kingdom by pruning away dead and infected branches, replacing them with new, “wild” branches that infuse the tree with fresh vitality and beauty. This transformative process is a model that the Church must embrace; we cannot cling to past forms of being the church but must instead be open to letting go of the old and welcoming the new life that God introduces. This transition can be uncomfortable, especially when it involves pruning elements that once inspired or empowered us. However, God reminds us that our true strength stems not from these branches but from our roots in Christ Jesus.

The divine plan for the Church extends far beyond our understanding, and resisting this evolution could mean missing out on our intended role within God’s magnificent design. We are each unique, endowed with distinct gifts and potential to bear fruit, and God grafts us into His tree specifically to showcase the splendor of His creativity through the grace of Jesus. Thus, embracing the changes God enacts in the Church is not only about personal growth but also about contributing to the broader display of divine beauty and innovation within the community.

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Breaking Barriers

Most job interviews begin with the interviewer asking you to tell them about yourself. With such an open-ended question, our minds immediately move toward the right words to present ourselves in the best light. The task in such a setting immediately implies competition with everyone else, and as such, we need to elevate ourselves above others, highlighting that our differences make us superior. This attitude often spills out beyond the specific setting of a job interview, and we start looking at how each of us may claim some superior point of view or characteristic and begin to build up barriers between each other. Since the time of Christ, this attitude has infiltrated the Church, and walls have been built to exclude people because they don’t pass our “job interview,” the church inherits this posture of exclusion instead of the mind of Christ that calls us to invite the masses. Paul reminds us that the Church is not a place for barriers, but it is a place where distinctions melt away.

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 10:5–13.

Early on, as the Hebrew people began adapting to the law, they realized that God had called them to holiness. The law instructed the people of God to refrain from looking like, eating sacred foods, and assimilating with their neighbors to become a beacon for the goodness of God in the Near East. They would learn to become fully reliant on God by setting themselves apart from the surrounding nations. However, instead of relying on God to help keep them holy, they became reliant fully upon the law. They used it as a bludgeoning device to maintain the religious status quo. The gift became contorted into a weapon that used distinctions to become barriers instead of reasons to praise God. The Pharisees then took the law to further extents and created walls to surround the law, which became an impenetrable barrier for anyone to come close to worship, even Jesus. We must ensure that our worship rules don’t keep Jesus out in its attempt to remain different.

The differences we have can lead us to places that are filled with beauty and understanding of the great diversity that God creates with. However, when we would rather spend all our time in the pools of sameness, for the sake of maintaining our purity, it becomes wholly something other than what the Almighty had planned for us in the world. The barriers highlight otherness as a negative, while Jesus went to the grave and was resurrected to knock down the barriers so that our otherness might blend into the full tapestry of God’s people. Thus we need to confess our brokenness and through it we access the power of God to bring renewal in our lives and in our communities, tearing down the walls that separate us, leading us to relationship and Gospel sharing. When we join together through communion, our differences do mean separateness, but rather through God’s power of reconciling, we are brought closer to God, and as we grow closer to God we grow closer to one another. Thus the Church needs to be called closer to God, and through that motion we are closer to one another, and break through any division.

With this nearness we have with God, we find that the barriers are evaporated, and there are no longer distinctions between one group and another, but rather we are all created and saved through the power of God. Just as Christ was resurrected, all of humanity is granted access to the Gospel, no longer is the message of God’s reconciliation only for a select few, but the entire world is given a key. All previous exclusions are eliminated, and because of Christ’s saving act the world is given access to Shalom. Now because we have access, we are called to share this message of peace with everyone, so that all know that Jesus did the work of reconciliation for them. This becomes imperative that we share this with everyone as followers of Christ. Instead of highlighting the gates and barriers to the law, which far too many churches exemplify, we are called to knock down the walls keeping the world away from the Gospel, and offer the peace that surpasses all understanding to everyone in our communities. We must do this because Christ loves us without distinction.

When we give our lives to Christ, we humbly learn to love people without distinction as Jesus demonstrated. Although there are forces in this world seeking to create bigger barriers and walls, the Christian must be different and holy, breaking down those barriers and those walls inviting everyone to the Gospel. No matter our backgrounds or identities, our identity in Christ implores each of us to work toward understanding that all of us are created in God’s image, and although we sinned and fell short of the ideal standard, Jesus redeemed us on the cross. Therefore, as members of Christ’s Church we must share the Gospel without concern for the person on the other side, and sharing the Gospel means that we humbly come alongside people, in the same way Jesus humbly came to the world and died for our sins. 

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Stop Straining

Among some of the most challenging adventures and races I have ever competed in would have to be the Mammoth Trailfest 50K. Right in the middle of this race is the grueling Dragon’s Back Ascent up Mammoth Mountain, where you spend about two horizontal miles climbing over 2000 feet vertically. The climb required equal amounts of physical push with mental fortitude to keep moving forward. This adventure is a metaphor for many things in life because the journey up the mountain requires hard work and perseverance. At some point in life, dedication and an industrious attitude become necessary to find ourselves in the dream job or complete the degree. However, there are also times when our lives are plagued with the loss of a loved one, or we are plagued by illness and disease, and the work takes on a different nature but remains something we strive to push through.

Far too often, however, we set aside following the example of Christ during these moments to push through, to say I will come back after I have achieved the goal. Paul sets out in the passage below from Romans 9, the understanding that God alone has the ability to bless. Although we may find success in other avenues, without following God in our hearts and deeds, those successes ring hollow. Sometimes, we will work hard and strain after fortune, and it simply will not work out for us, and we want to throw our hands in the air and claim it isn’t fair. Many times, it may not be fair, but God strives to walk with us on the journey, whether good or bad, and we cannot simply cast aside that relationship to pursue something of our selfish and carnal desires. God’s justice and blessing are ultimately of divine providence, and God calls us to listen closely and follow even closer.

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 9:14–18.

Despite our struggles, the Gospel and the Bible are meant to draw us nearer to God in relationship and never to be used as a weapon to attack our opponents. The Word of God serves as the trekking poles to help propel us over our obstacles instead of the dynamite to knock the mountain down. For the same God that made us and sent Jesus to die for us also created those opposing us and desires for their lives to be transformed by the Gospel. If we were to presume that God was on our side just because things went our way, we may surmise that the Bible was full of magic spells and we could force God to our will, but Paul urgently reminds us that God’s will override any human effort. Therefore, we must humbly devote ourselves to God no matter what and cannot use scripture to prop ourselves up. The scriptures are a tool for life; the Gospel leads to hope and not despair.

From an early age, we are taught that success results from pushing and straining to get yourself to the top of the heap. From the perspective of competition, there can only be one winner, and you must vanquish your opponents. These people are mere obstacles in our path that we must overcome. However, this type of success is the most fleeting since it is often short-lived without constant straining to stay on top. However, God implores us to unclench our fists and look to the life of Jesus, as He did not reach the mountaintop by putting others down, but rather, He turned this pattern upside down because we have all been lifted up, through Jesus allowing himself to get knocked down. God did this to help us value our relationship with God over victories, and by aligning ourselves with God, we also value sharing the Gospel over dominating others.

Apologetics often ends with an intellectual defense of the Gospel against the world’s philosophies. Followers of Christ take up the mantle of apologetics to defend God against the world. Still, as we hear Paul in Romans, God doesn’t need us to come to the aid of the Creator in this manner when God would rather we show off the transformed life within our hearts so that the world may know God through the behavior and actions of Christians. The Sword of the Spirit penetrates the hardness of hearts, bringing life out of darkness. The Holy Spirit ultimately accomplishes the work of transformation, and we are merely invited to share God’s hope and love with our community. Rather than spending the bulk of our time convincing people they are wrong, God calls us to devote our lives to living Gospel lives and loving one another.

Mountains teach God’s people to make themselves vulnerable to the movement of God. While climbing the mountain will undoubtedly exhaust us, the mountain will guide us into beautiful scenery and places where God wants to lead us to experience God’s joy from a fresh and new perspective. To achieve these experiences, we will encounter difficulties, and amid those difficulties, we will not have guaranteed success, so we have to strive after God and not strain to succeed. In our actions, we seek to bring God’s glory. As we remember that God made the mountain and the person climbing, we learn to thank God for the mountain and lean into God’s understanding to strive after the Lord’s purpose for our lives.

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The Conquering Spirit

The word conquer evokes images of heroes made from the history book, characters larger than life that we could barely estimate whether they were real or pieces of pure fiction. Many of our world’s greatest legends have been turned into images fit for the stage or big screen. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon Bonapart have all had stories told about the worlds they subdued to their will. These are the typical characters that our imaginations conjure up when we consider the word conquer. We imagine great empires seen throughout history. Whether it be the British Empire that spanned the globe, or the Roman Empire that sought to bring peace to the world through subduing it with the overwhelming size of its military might.

Within the Empire of Rome we find the people of Jerusalem clamoring for a savior to bring upon a conquering spirit, and lead the people against the might of Rome. As they laid their cloaks and palm branches on the ground they ushered Jesus into the city as a conquering hero. Jesus did come to conquer, but it was something much bigger than Rome, but the people were not ready for it. They expected their version of Alexander and Julius, but they got the Son of God instead. Thus as we look at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit enables us to conquer sin and death because of Jesus’ humility and strength to overcome.

37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

In this text, Paul leads toward an understanding that because of God’s great love for us, we are imbued with the Holy Spirit that conquered sin and death, and continues to conquer evil all around us. It was in accord with the Holy Spirit that Jesus entered Jerusalem to provide a perfect example for us to conquer in a manner that brings glory to God. Jesus leads by example, by the fact that even though the people ushered Him into the city with chants and cheers, Jesus remains humble at His core. We too are called toward humility, and instead of relying on our understanding, we must listen to what God wants from us and block out the cheers from the mobs and crowds leading in a myriad of directions. The Spirit works to inspire us toward working for the glory of God and setting aside any personal gain or glory. When we connect to the Holy Spirit, we can conquer hardship, find salvation, and have an unbreakable connection to God. 

With this connection, the Holy Spirit protects us from harm while empowering us to overcome and conquer the forces of death and destruction. Through the Spirit, we are protected from the seemingly unbearable attacks of the enemy. Through our connection with the Spirit, we are given the Word of God for protection and encouragement. Even when we cannot come up with the words to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. As Jesus knows, we cannot avoid trials of many sorts in the world, but the Spirit fills us and guides us to overcome these trials. Just like standing in the ocean, we cannot avoid the waves crashing down on us; we cannot avoid trials, but the Spirit sustains us in our needs. Further, the Spirit then takes the strength built in our character during these trials. It allows us to conquer and rededicate ourselves to a brand new understanding of what it means to be victorious and embrace the blessings that arrive despite our circumstances. The Spirit ultimately conquers our hearts.

Through transforming our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we understand that God truly conquers the world through the love of the Almighty God. Once God’s love penetrates our hearts, nothing can pull us beyond the grasp of God’s embrace. It doesn’t mean we won’t get pulled from time to time to distance ourselves because we will constantly be tempted with power and riches, and calamities will rise, attempting to break our will. Still, the Holy Spirit is present to help us respond to it all by conquering them through the love of God found inside us. Even Jesus relied on the Spirit as He approached the crucifixion and asked for the cup to pass; therefore, when negative thoughts and actions tempt us, we can call on the Holy Spirit to help us out of the darkness and guide us toward the light.

The world is hungry for a conquering savior, which is nothing new, as shown in the Palm Sunday narrative. People always seek a strong voice to guide and lead them out of any perceived trouble or inconvenience. The people offer themselves to chant and adorn themselves just as the first-century Jerusalemites waved their palm branches and hailed Jesus as their conquering hero. Similarly, people have welcomed famous despots into power because they spoke the right words. However, people are finicky; whenever the actions or words stray from the original intent, the devotion can turn into darkness in the blink of an eye. On Sunday, they hailed Jesus as their leader, and on Friday, they called for His crucifixion. However, even when darkness seeks to squelch the hope we have in Jesus, the Spirit rises and conquers the darkness and brings light through the love of our neighbor. The Spirit reminds us that loud and bombastic speech might be popular, but we must set it aside and show humility in demonstrating God’s perfect love. The Spirit leads us to follow Jesus’ example by leading with humility and showing compassion to everyone; we show that our hearts have been transformed from dark into light. Through the conquering Spirit found in us, as we ask God into our hearts, we can truly change the world to reflect more of God’s perfect kingdom.

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The Empowering Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the primary empowering force in our lives, enabling us to achieve remarkable feats and guide our paths. Despite its significance, churches often overlook or misinterpret its role. However, theologian John Calvin, despite his reservations regarding musical instruments in Presbyterian traditions, underscored the importance of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. He recognized its pivotal role in empowering and guiding believers to accomplish extraordinary deeds. Yet, our inherent weakness frequently distorts our understanding of divine laws, leading to their misuse. While the law is a divine gift intended to draw us nearer to God, our frailties often hinder its righteous application. Through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and the guidance of divine law, we are called to navigate our journey toward spiritual fulfillment and growth.

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. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 

Romans 8:1-11 (ESV)

In our churches today, there’s a tendency to rely heavily on programs and books as guiding lights, often overshadowing our faith in the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying solely on written resources, we must focus on devoting ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We should seek guidance directly from God as we immerse ourselves in scripture study. By doing so, we align ourselves with the freedom from the law of sin and death that comes through Christ. Following the Spirit brings forth life and peace, a truth underscored by Jesus’ sacrificial death and Resurrection, which shattered the chains of death. While the law initially was a guiding principle, our human nature often led us astray. However, God invites us to embrace a new path where His Spirit leads us toward genuine fulfillment and purpose.

Jesus, in taking on the fleshly body, undertook the monumental task of destroying sin’s grip on humanity. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we are granted the ability to live in alignment with the Spirit, thereby breaking the chains of sin that once bound us. We must introspectively examine our actions, discerning whether they foster unity and peace or sow seeds of division and chaos. By consciously striving to empower others and walking in the paths of peace and unity, we amplify the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Embracing this divine power enables us to extend peace and hope to a world torn by division as we humbly relinquish our pride and yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming beacons of unity and agents of positive change.

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of empowerment, enabling us to transcend barriers and cultivate unity, love, hope, and peace in a world fractured by division. This transformative power was exemplified in the life of St. Patrick, who was imbued with the strength of the Holy Spirit, extended forgiveness, and shared the gospel with his captors, birthing a profound faith tradition. Similarly, the Holy Spirit empowers us to become instruments of peace, love, and hope within our communities. By aligning ourselves with its guidance, we are equipped to spread the gospel’s message, fostering unity and healing amidst societal discord. As vessels of the Holy Spirit’s divine grace, we are called to participate actively in restoring harmony and disseminating God’s love, thereby fulfilling our purpose of bringing peace and hope to a world in need.

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It All Leads To Peace  

The moment you give your life to God doesn’t change the fact that the world is full of problems. While surrendering to the Almighty may yield peace and purpose, it’s not protection from life’s inevitable hardship. The artist turns problems and struggles into a product that engages the viewer or consumer and brings light out of darkness; our challenges further refine our faith and character. Mountains may still rise in our paths, but following God as our guide, we navigate the trails with strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of our capacity for growth. The friction doesn’t disappear but becomes an opportunity for transformation, reminding us that we are not alone even amid struggles, and the journey of faith brings us tremendous value and, ultimately, peace. Paul pontificates on the result of suffering on our faith and the peace available through the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)

Peace begins as we start walking in faith. Stepping out in faith isn’t a promise of an effortless journey but a passageway leading to a profound peace, as Paul explains in Romans 5. It delves deeper, echoing the Hebrew concept of “shalom,” a wholeness encompassing every aspect of being. Faith works to root out the sin that creates fissures in our relationship with God as peace heals and brings us back to whole. With each step, we find ourselves inching closer to the transformative peace that transcends circumstance and settles deep within the core of our being. This peace, however, transcends the mere absence of conflict as conflict becomes an agent, leading us to grow deeper in faith and more fully into peace.

Faith’s path may appear riddled with impediments; these hazards are not necessarily reasons to give up but roots of growth. At the beginning of any task, if we attempt to brute force our way to completion, we will get frustrated when encountering a speed bump. However, when we hit those crises, they teach us and grow within us a patience that acts as a superpower divinely endowed. Each tribulation endured grows our patience, forging a character of faithfulness and perseverance. This power transforms into hope, a confident expectation for the future with a foundation on God’s unwavering love. Planted firmly in faith, even though troubles may strain our determination, they open doors to stronger faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preparing the saints of God for the journey ahead.

Patience empowers our journey with God, not just as a passive virtue but as a powerful preparation. Each moment we endure each challenge we navigate with grace prepares us for the Holy Spirit’s magnificent work. Patience opens us to the superpowers of faith, hope, and love, not as fleeting wishes but as concrete tools to navigate God’s purpose for our lives. Patience allows us to discern the whispers of His guidance amidst the world’s noise, preparing us to step confidently into His action when the time comes. It’s not just the waiting that matters, but the transformation that occurs within the waiting, making us vessels ready to receive the blessings and fulfill the purpose He has designed for us. Therefore, we patiently embrace the landmines and allow the struggle to become a propellant, leading us into God’s extraordinary work.

Through God’s work to build our lives with peace through patient endurance, we acquire a greater understanding of God’s desire that we continue the work of peace in the world.  The Cross and the Holy Spirit empower the Church to be a beacon of hope. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, God’s love poured onto the world, offering forgiveness, redemption, and peace. God then gifted the Holy Spirit within you, giving you a superpower to share God’s love with others. This love speaks loudest through quiet acts of kindness, the gentle words that radiate God’s presence, smiles offered, and helping hands extended. Compassion becomes a testament to the hope found in Christ. The Holy Spirit guides and strengthens you, reminding you that God’s love is the ultimate source of your strength and purpose. As we shine our light on the world, we must ensure that the peace given is shared, and through that, the Holy Spirit will manifest hope for the world through our actions and words. 

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FROM FAITH + FOR FAITH

Throughout our lives, we always seek ways to find belonging. As we strive for something that brings a change to our lives, many things and groups promise to give us that sense of belonging and purpose. With belonging, we strive for something that empowers us to become more than what we are or better versions of ourselves. Companies, organizations, hobbies, or even political affiliations tap into our desires to prompt us to leave behind our former selves and unite with them to be a part of something. However, faith empowers us not only to be a part of something or become a better human but also to connect with the Almighty and strive to better ourselves and our community. In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul underscores the transformative power of faith and emphasizes the significance of community.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

Paul opens his thesis statement with a proclamation of confidence found in the Gospel. With the power of God, the Gospel provides a transforming power that leads to a birthing of faith in one’s soul. When encountered with sincerity, faith creates a striving for righteous living, where the intrapersonal wrestling with becoming a person who strives to be the best person they can be creates a desire for sanctification. Through a community of faith, this begins to create a fertile ground for faith to be nourished and grown. With growth, opportunities arise to spread that faith through stories and sharing.

A key to faith is a constant source of nourishment and growth potential. We allow faith to stagnate and fade outside of regular practice and an environment that provides sustenance. Therefore, the community of faith must strive to expand by sharing with others the hope and peace within the Gospel framework. While it may be compelling to state that all we need to do is share our stories, we must also help people overcome the darkness in our world by actively giving hope through meeting needs and working for justice that gives peace to the people in our community. Without hope and peace, we cannot affect change in the world because righteous living is not birthed in a vacuum but rather is encouraged to thrive when the community of faith fights against the darkness of sin that ravages our communities.

When offering hope and peace through faith, we offer a power that sustains our community with the understanding that we have a new identity as a follower of Christ. Looking at Paul’s life, this new identity sent him in a new direction that sparked a new movement within the church. Previous identifying principles would follow him but not haunt him. As he used his background to connect and identify with people, Paul did not lose sight of the fact that those identifications all move to the background once we follow Christ. Similarly, our faith should not erase all other identifications, but those identifications should not be anything that divides once our faith unites us. This new identity builds our faith as we share and prompts us to grow closer to God collectively and, in turn, produce more faith in our community and ourselves. Therefore, faith lived out prompts a gift of more faith intended to be shared.

Faith sparks each person’s transformation and acts as the fan that spreads the faith to the world. Through faith, our lives change, and our hearts, minds, and souls lead us to become people who live righteously and share with our community the hope and peace that bring lasting change to our world. We know our world has been affected by sin that has led to darkness and division, but faith strives to remind each of us that we have been created by a God who loves us and wants to build in us a faith that leads to sanctification and holiness, which in turn births more faith.

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The End Is Near?

The key prop of the stereotypical street preacher is a sign that reads, “REPENT! THE END IS NEAR!” While this type of thinking sits in the back of our minds, as we, as sinful people, need repentance, however, do we know how we feel about the second part of that sign? These thoughts cause each of us to confront our eschatological thoughts and the reality in front of us. Far too many within Christian circles look around at “clues” around us pointing to the imminent return of Christ. This, however, is not a new phenomenon, as since the time of Christ, people have been looking for a sign. We need to heed the words of Jesus that we don’t know, and a generation should not need a sign to do what is right. Paul writes to the church in Corinth; while he does state that time is short, he instructs the church that there is no time to place our faith in structures but only on the power of Christ in them.

29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (ESV)

Paul instructs us to hold the perspective of the world’s impermanence, and we as individuals should live as if everything around us is passing away. The insignificance of worldly pursuits is highlighted, prompting a shift in focus away from our worldly pursuits and claims and towards the eternal and the spiritual. In contrast to the tumultuous events in the external world, the scriptures provide solace, reminding believers that such external occurrences are temporary and not as significant as they may seem.

Living a life centered on God and nurturing a deep relationship with Him is emphasized by Paul as the cornerstone of a meaningful existence. Too many things with our world demand that we give them attention and will fool us into believing they are worthy of our time, money, and attention. In a world filled with transient experiences and fleeting moments, the enduring connection with God stands out as the most crucial aspect of our journey. The guidance for such a life is sought through the scriptures, where the teachings reveal profound insights into the nature of our relationship with God. Probing the Word becomes a source of wisdom and a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life.

Within the nature of a life devoted to God and studying the mysteries through the Word and prayer, we find ourselves changing the priorities within our lives, and we change what our minds’ focus. However, even when we don’t consume ourselves with the things of the temporary world, it does not give the Christ follower a license to ignore the plight of the people of this world. Rather, as a Christian, we must understand that through the scriptures the instruction is to find the worries and hurts of the world and work to help the world to be reconciled to God, and bring healing to the world.

This pursuit must extend to all our relationships, cautioning against relying solely on earthly connections. Instead of putting faith in human institutions or leaders, our emphasis must prioritize God as the head of the church and recognizing His ever-evolving work in the world. The warning against misinterpreting biblical passages without acknowledging God’s centrality reinforces the idea that genuine faith is anchored in a direct relationship with God. Ultimately, the call is to bring peace and hope to a world filled with chaos, choosing God’s love as the guiding force in our lives and turning to Him in times of despair rather than surrendering to hopelessness.