Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

A Spirit-filled church loves lost people. Christians need Jesus, but non-Christians really need Jesus. Imagine you didn’t know Jesus, didn’t know how to pray and didn’t know God’s Word. Your whole life was just you. You had to fix your own problems, heal your own hurts, and lift your burdens. You had to answer your questions and chart your next steps. It would be terribly difficult, wouldn’t it?

Paul says, “From Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ” (v. 19). The apostle ministered for over a decade in one area, and then God moved him to another. Paul doesn’t go in and take over an existing church; no, he starts new churches.

Trinity Church was planted in Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the fastest-growing cities and counties in the United States. There is a tremendous opportunity for many people who have never heard about Jesus to hear about Him. The reason why people are moving to this area is that they want freedom. But the truth is, there’s no freedom apart from Jesus Christ. Freedom isn’t somewhere out in the world. Freedom starts on the inside—in the spirit. If people are moving from around the nation to be near us to find freedom, we need to tell them about Jesus so they can experience true freedom.

There is a God. He is good. He loves you. He is willing to forgive you. If you are broken, He wants to heal you. If you have a burden, He wants to lift it. If you have a question, He wants to answer it. His name is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit wants to anoint your life so you can live in the power, joy, and peace that only the Kingdom of God provides.

Ask the Holy Spirit, “Where have You been working in my life? What have You taught me? What are You doing? Where are You taking me?” Ask Him to reveal specific things in your personal life that will encourage you. Then ask the Holy Spirit what He has for you to do. Ask Him to lead and anoint you for the future He has planned for you.

Today’s Reflection

How has the freedom you’ve found in Jesus changed your life?