Going Deeper
By Pat Russell
“Peace and Hope” – Romans 5:1-5
Sermon by Pastor Bruce Spear
This is our first week of meeting online to help decrease
our exposure to the corona virus. If you
watched the service on YouTube what was your inner response? How was it for you to not be in community
this week? What did you miss the
most? What did you gain from worshipping
online? As you reflect on these questions,
keep in mind that often when old things disappear in our lives, God is going to
bring something new into that space. You
might want to ask God for an open and discerning heart.
Pastor Bruce pointed out three important truths in the Romans
passage that are available to us because we have been made righteous through
Jesus.
Fill in the blank (answers at the bottom):
1. P______________ with God.
Hint--we say this word every Sunday when we greet each other. When
anxiety intrudes remember our Savior never abandons us.
2. A______________ to the throne of God’s grace where we can
ask for help, like Marlene does. Philippians 4:6 & 7 is her encouragement.
3. C______________ that comes from our hope. The translation uses “boast” for this word,
but Pastor Bruce told us the original meaning of the word is “____________ or
hope in God.” This “word” increases in our character as we go through
affliction, like Paul did.
P________________ A______________
C_______________ = PAC. Perhaps you
would like to use this acronym to remind you of the gifts given you from God
during this difficult time. When you
feel your body tensing up because of worry or your mind repeating a
discouraging thought over and over or you hear news that makes you anxious,
repeat this truth: “In Christ I have PAC.
P____________ A______________ and C______________. Thank you, Jesus.”
How does this work? Romans
5: 4 & 5
“And endurance produces character, and character produces
hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Hallelujah!
Written by Pat Russell in follow-up to the sermon.
If you would like to connect with me about “Going Deeper”
feel free to email me.J
Answers: Peace, Access, Confidence
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