Recorded Media

"The Journey that Leads to Life, Death, and Resurrection" (Part 1)
Galatians 5:16–17


Geologists tell us that the Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years. The river cut so deep that its strata reveal 40 percent of the earth’s history. Even now, the relentless water flow continues to imperceptibly erode the canyon floor, deepening and widening it. Whether we realize it or not, there are seen and unseen forces working on you and me too. Our thinking, values, and character are shaped by a myriad of influences. Some of these forces are obvious, such as our family of origin, nationality, or education. Our life experiences, both painful and joy-filled, also significantly influence who we are. If all that sounds disconcerting, here is some good news: if you are a follower of Jesus, there is a supernatural force at work in your life, shaping you in healthy, exciting ways.

The power of God is at work in you to form you into the image of Jesus. Those verses tell us that God works to shape us, but that we are not passive in the process. We are not like the rock of the Grand Canyon that lies motionless while it is carved into a new shape by the river. Rather, we are engaged in a cooperative effort between God and ourselves. God works in us, and we work out our salvation. He acts, and we respond with the strength God provides. When it comes to becoming like Christ, without God, we cannot, and without us, God will not. My prayer for you over this sermon series is from 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace and Peace,
Stephen