Encounter: Find some quiet time to read through Romans chapter 15 three times. On your first time through highlight or underline any words or passages Paul uses to speak of God as our source or being in “union” with God. Use a different version of the Bible each time: The Passion Translation, The New International Version and the New Living Translation.
The Pacific Ocean is good for the soul! Jack and I both agree as we make our way back home. Even as I write this in the Dallas Ft Worth Airport, my memories linger of time spend breathing deeply of God’s good creation.
Vacation allows me an extended time to enjoy one of my favorite spiritual practices of listening to God speak through His creation. Paul tells us in the very beginning of his letter to the church in Rome that we simply can’t miss God, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence. He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. Paul the Apostle, AD 55–57
As I walked the beach one day, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a biblical truth that has transformed how I learn to live and love like Jesus. There laying in the sand in front of me was a large rock and nestled into a crevice carved out especially for it, was a small stone. Immediately I saw this truth come alive, seeing each one who seeks God, continually surrounded with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! (Rom. 15:14 TPT)
Union with Christ may be the most important doctrine you’ve never heard of. Yet this is a truth that has been taught throughout the history of the church. It is being revived in our time through the leading of the spiritual formation movement and is a signpost on our Epic Pathways.
This Sunday we see how we derive all we need in living through the challenges of life as Christ followers. And we have been given a gift to share as Paul reminds us, ’My dear brothers and sisters, I am fully convinced of your genuine spirituality. I know that each of you is stuffed full of God’s goodness, that you are richly supplied with all kinds of revelation-knowledge, and that you are empowered to effectively instruct one another. ‘
The more we are united to God, the more we will become like him. Union with God involves being one with him in mind, heart and will as we journey through life. The State of Our Union affects how we live a commitment to community. Just as God holds us in union with himself, we are then able to hold others.
Now may God, the fountain (source) of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. It's the state of our union. This is the Good News!
In Union with Christ,
Pastor T
Reflect: Do you feel powerful in your faith? In Rom. 15:1 the word for mature can be translated “powerful” Think about what Paul says about our goal to empower others who are less mature with our “powerful” faith. Is there someone God is asking you to bring to spiritual maturity. What would this look like in your week? Taking time for coffee? Prayer on Zoom? Begin to pray about who this might be.
Spiritual Practice:
In the next week, upon wakening and before you lay your head on your pillow, pray the SHEMA found in Deuteronomy 6:4,5. If you have children or grandchildren or have a special child in your life, invite them to learn it with you.
“Hear O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
Gather: Read together Paul’s encouragement and discuss how you have experienced how your “union” with Christ (your growing intimacy with the Trinity) affects your life in “union” (intimacy in community) within the church. How did praying the SHEMA encourage you in understanding your union with your Creator God?
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