Reading through Romans
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.
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A reading from Romans: Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
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Reflection: Romans 8:28 (John Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World)
God’s Spirit in God’s children (8:1–39)
The Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit, that is to say, a life which is animated, sustained, directed and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit true Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, indeed impossible.
(vs 28–39) The steadfastness of God’s love
Our Christian hope is solidly grounded on the unwavering love of God…. The eternal security of God’s people, on account of the eternal unchangeability of God’s purpose, …is itself due to the eternal steadfastness of God’s love.
(vs 28) Five unshakeable convictions
- First, we know that God works, or is at work, in our lives…. He is ceaselessly, energetically and purposefully active on their behalf.
- Secondly, God is at work for the good of his people. Being himself wholly good, his works are all expressions of his goodness and are calculated to advance his people’s good.
- Thirdly, God works for our good in all things…. All that is negative in this life [has] a positive purpose in the execution of God’s eternal plan. Nothing is beyond the overruling, overriding scope of his providence.
- Fourthly, God works in all things for the good of those who love him. This is a necessary limitation…. If the ‘good’ which is God’s objective is our completed salvation, then its beneficiaries are his people who are described as those who love him.
- Fifthly, those who love God are also described as those who have been called according to his purpose…. So God has a saving purpose, and is working in accordance with it. Life is not the random mess which it may sometimes appear.
We do not always understand what God is doing, let alone welcome it. Nor are we told that he is at work for our comfort. But we know that in all things he is working towards our supreme good.
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Canticle
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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