A Welcoming Church

Good day to everyone!

As we look forward to the weekend, we can anticipate a full weekend of activities. Tomorrow, we have an opportunity to practice our hospitality. As has been announced for about a week now, tomorrow we'll be hosting a "16 de septiembre" celebration for our church and community. Many people in our surrounding area are quite fond of this celebration and hopefully will attend. We, as the host church, will be prepared to welcome those who come to this event. By the way, "16 de septiembre" celebrates the Mexican Independence Day that was triggered by the 1810 "grito".

Interestingly enough, today's passage is from Romans 8:1-11 which in the first two verses says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2). The written law could provide an atoning sacrifice whereby God's forgiveness was declared, but the written law could not set us free from the law of sin and death - only through Christ Jesus. Through Jesus' sacrificial death we are able to be reconciled to God and to receive and enjoy new life through the Spirit. Paul went on to say, " For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering" (Romans 8:3). Our "independence" from sin is granted through faith in Jesus. Our "independence" from our sinful nature is possible because of God's love through Christ. We don't have to live life with sin as our master. Christ is with us to set us free from the law of sin and death - all we need to do is reach out to Him. Enjoying freedom from the law of sin and death is indeed a reason for a "grito"...

Prayer: Lord, as we reflect on Your word and on your provision through Christ, help us to celebrate the new life we have in You. Now that we can be free from the law of sin and death, move us to be closer to You each day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.