God’s Hope for Your Heart from Romans 14
GOD’S KINGDOM IS YOUR COMMUNITY
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:17-19)
Have you ever felt alone in your walk with Christ? Have you ever felt isolated, like it was just you and Jesus and nobody else understood?
God wants more for you than that!
The Christian life isn’t supposed to be about rituals, but relationships. It’s not supposed to be about performing moral duties, but about experiencing the presence of God in the life and community of fellow believers.
It’s easy to get so focused on the do’s and don’ts of our faith that we miss the delight of being filled by the Holy Spirit. Yet, that filling will bring you not only the ability to serve Jesus effectively, but also the joy that comes when you do God’s work, God’s way.
The Bible is not a tax code; it’s a ticket to a life of peace filled with the joy of Jesus and covered with the righteousness of Christ. Not only that, but as you walk in His Word, the result is an overflow of community with other believers.
That peace Jesus offers? It’s not just for you to feel in your own heart, but for you to share with fellow travelers.
That joy Paul talks about? It’s not just for you to keep to yourself, but to experience with others.
That righteousness that leads to right living? It’s not just for you to get a merit badge for good behavior, but to make something beautiful with other believers.
Don’t let the enemy isolate you in your walk with Christ. Let the Holy Spirit connect you with others, and as you do, you’ll find the hope that comes from this truth: God’s Kingdom is your community.
-Pastor Phillip
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