9 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7781f1bc394533b44a6712f7f8530fee.jpeg 70414ba4fc6a019e8fdcfac026141da4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6310ae40a053c1da741a2a73b43aae05.mp4 ba04a19cc8fcecaee13f761eb232941d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Divine Alignment: John 17:3 Part of owning an automobile is doing regular required maintenance. Getting regular frontend alignments can prevent unnecessary wear on your tires, as well as provide a safer and smoother ride down the highways. Hitting a pothole in the road can instantly put your frontend out of alignment. Sounds kinda like life, doesn't it? Alignment: arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions; a position of agreement or alliance. Isaiah 40:3 declares: "Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!'" For us as Christians, alignment means readjusting ourselves. Getting back on track. Removing the hindrances that block God's power. When we are in “Misalignment” we drift and get off-track (“wandering generality”) We all experience seasons when our lives fall out of divine alignment. Our thoughts become stagnant, our faith weakens, and our spiritual momentum slows. Ron Carpenter puts it this way: "You are never truly stuck in life—only in thought. When your mindset stagnates, so does your momentum. God's Word is the cleansing agent for 'stinking thinking,' realigning your internal world to reflect His truth. As your mind is renewed, your path will begin to move again, aligned with your thoughts and faith." This misalignment manifests in our attitudes and actions. (double-minded) Tony Robbins reminds us: "All beliefs carry with them consequences." Our beliefs—created by what we hear, read, watch, and meditate on—have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. The Solution is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ Our key verse today, John 17:3, reveals the solution: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." In this prayer, Jesus defines eternal life not just as living forever, but as a relationship of knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. This knowledge is described as an intimate, experiential understanding that transforms one's life. Romans 5:17 affirms this truth: "Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!" Romans 6:9 tells us: "Since Jesus has been raised from the dead to die no more, his resurrection life has vanquished death and its power over Him is finished." As Spurgeon beautifully expressed: "Our gracious Lord has many 'agains' in His dealings with us. He gave us pardon, and He sees us again and repeats the absolving word as fresh sins cause us grief. He has revealed to us our acceptance before God, and when our faith in that blessing grows a little dim, He comes to us again and again and says, 'Peace be unto you,' and our hearts are glad." Tony Robbins: “All beliefs carry with them consequences” Our beliefs – which are created by what we hear, read, watch and meditate on, have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. If I keep believing what I am believing – if my thoughts and actions continue down this same path – where will it lead me? Where will I end up? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent. To get back on the “straight and narrow.” A Life in Divine Alignment Imagine what your life would look like in perfect divine alignment—where your attitudes and actions reflect the truth of who God is and who you are in Christ. Luke 3:4-5 paints this picture: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" When we're in alignment, our focus shifts from self-preservation to contribution. We naturally uplift others and "encourage one another" as Scripture instructs. This doesn't mean burning ourselves out—Godly wisdom knows when to "sharpen the saw" and rest. A life in divine alignment is characterized by: • Truth that turns to power to overcome • A heart that remains teachable • A life that experiences the goodness of God in the land of the living • A new wineskin ready to receive fresh revelation • An upgraded belief system based on God's Word Today, don’t just embrace these TRUTHS intellectually – bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE You’ve no doubt heard of the placebo effect a beneficial effect produced by a placebo drug or treatment, which cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in that treatment. …but have you heard of The “nocebo effect?” The nocebo effect is a phenomenon where a person experiences negative symptoms or worsening of their condition due to their negative beliefs or expectations We may find ourselves embracing this 'nocebo effect'—where negative beliefs produce negative outcomes in our lives. Just as the placebo effect shows how positive belief can create positive outcomes, the nocebo effect demonstrates how negative expectations can manifest harmful results. Everyone has a form of faith – but if you believe wrong, you are no doubt living in fear – which is a counter-productive form of faith if your thoughts aren't aligned with God’s Word, your mind will resist what your spirit knows. an unrenewed mind will fight against the Word of God Our faith should be an expectation based on God’s Word “Good Things” When we choose to get back into Divine Alignment – Divine Purpose – we stop accepting numbness and mediocrity. We say “no” to living small and say “Yes” to the continuous growth and expansion God had planned for us in advance. We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn. All beliefs have consequences Luke 3:4,5: “Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!” Action Steps Toward Realignment Today, I'm calling you to take specific steps toward divine alignment: 1. Don't just embrace these truths intellectually—bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE. Allow God to plow up your heart for the seed of the Living Word. Commit to the lifelong journey of faith—this is not some "quick fix"—this is YOUR LIFE! Move from an "old testament" mindset into your NEW Testament reality. The Ongoing Journey of Alignment Brothers and Sisters, it's time for your attitude (your heart) and your actions to come into Divine Alignment. This alignment positions you to experience what Jesus defined as eternal life—knowing and experiencing God and His Son. Jesus prayed to the Father: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." All beliefs carry with them consequences. Maybe it's time for your beliefs to get an upgrade? As we close today, I challenge you: Are you still "teachable?" Is your heart a New Wineskin that can accept what God would say to you now – in 2025? Sometimes we have to release the old to embrace the new things God wants to reveal to us. Gal 5:9: Don't you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart, it can permeate your entire belief system? Have you been discouraged by past attempts at realigning your life that seemingly end in failure? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent… …To get back on the “straight and narrow.” Jesus: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” The process of getting out of alignment could be very gradual. One small error in judgement – one bad choice. ( ) Holy Spirit can reveal to us that moment where we started to get off course. ( ) Repent from that moment. What started as a small step off-course gradually takes us far away – we drift until we are shocked to find ourt how far away we are. …but it all started with an initial step away from the path. Here is our hope: 2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Romans 8:7-9: In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to his direction, because it cannot! For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. Let's pray together for divine alignment in every area of our lives: Lord, I ask You to help me surrender my thoughts to Your truth. Teach me how to renew my mind daily through Your Word so that my spirit and soul can walk in unity. I don’t want to waste my anointing on recovery—I want to walk boldly in purpose. z In Jesus' name, amen. Heb 13:21: May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource ALIGNMENT 校准 Description An account of the resource John 17:3: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." 约翰福音 17:3: 这永生就是，认识你——独一的真神，并且认识你所差来的耶稣基督。(page 1752) Isaiah 40:3: Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’ 以赛亚书 40:3: 听啊，有人高喊：“在旷野预备耶和华的道， 在沙漠修直我们上帝的路。(1175) Romans 5:17: Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah! 罗马书 5:17: 如果因一人的过犯，死亡就借着那人做了王，那么接受上帝洪恩又得到祂所赐之义的人，岂不更要借着耶稣基督一人在生命中做王吗？ (page 1828) Luke 3:4,5: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" 路加福音 3:4,5: 这正应验了以赛亚先知书上的话：“在旷野有人大声呼喊，“‘预备主的道，修直祂的路。一切山谷将被填满，大山小丘将被削平，弯曲的道路要被修直，崎岖的路径要被铺平。'" (page 1660) Matt 7:14: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” 马太福音 7:14: 但通向永生的门小，路窄，找到的人也少 (p 1568) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/03/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5c94cc80d963f84c975a66475292cc5c.jpg 3b782b9775a49423b0dc392499837ce0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e50201d796b5ffdb50898dca4d39674e.mp4 5278e34b8e29db4fc7abd6a41ffcc26c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Spiritual Compass Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Our Spiritual Alignment Like a compass that guides a hiker through wilderness, God's Word provides direction for our spiritual journey. When we lose alignment, we experience consequences in body, mind, and spirit. Our Guiding Verse "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Two Things We Can Control In a world spinning out of control, we can still control our thoughts and our words. These are the compass points that keep us aligned with God's purposes. Using Your Spiritual Compass Daily <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Realign regularly 2. Drive on (looking forward, not repeating cycles) 3. Watch your words 4. Guard your thoughts 5. Expect good things</li> </ol> Scripture References Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." (NIV) Romans 6:11 "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (NIV) Proverbs 4:25-26 "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." (NIV/NLT)       Discussion Questions <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">In what areas of your life do you feel most out of alignment with God's purposes?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What old patterns or labels are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How can you better align your words and thoughts with God's truth this week?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What specific scripture can serve as your compass point when you feel lost or disoriented?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How might your life change if you consistently applied the five daily practices mentioned in the sermon?</li> </ol> Key Takeaways <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Your words and thoughts are your spiritual compass — they determine your direction and destination (Psalm 19:14)</li> <li>You cannot enter a new season with yesterday's mindset — transformation requires releasing old patterns (2 Corinthians 5:17)</li> <li>Being 'in Christ' means the old is already gone, even when you still feel familiar — walk in who God says you are (Romans 6:11)</li> <li>Alignment requires regular maintenance — realign your thoughts and words with God's truth daily (Romans 12:2)</li> <li>Expect God's goodness as you walk in alignment — He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)</li> </ul>   The Spiritual Compass: Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Traveling with my mother in the pre-GPS days taught me an important lesson. We decided, "Just keep going in the same direction and somewhere the road will open up again." That's what alignment is all about—staying on track and continuing to move in the right direction. Isn't that how a compass works? It points us in the right direction even when there is no outward indication that we are moving forward properly. A hiker might use a compass while in the wilderness to ensure they're following the correct path, even when there is no visible trail. In our spiritual journey, we need a reliable spiritual compass to guide us through life's wilderness. Our key verse today gives us clear guidelines on how we can keep on track with God. Psalm 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." In a world spinning out of control, we may somehow find ourselves disoriented, unsure of which direction to take. Many of us have grown up in church, hearing Scripture our whole lives. But familiarity can breed complacency. If we're not careful, we filter what we hear based on our previous understanding. That could be good—but it could also be dangerous to our spiritual growth. We find ourselves emotionally attached to outdated versions of ourselves, wearing labels God never gave us, and defending patterns that destroy our potential. We say, "That's just who I am," but at that point, we're not following our spiritual compass—we're following a comfortable pattern, a routine, our old programming. We get stuck in cycles of: - Insecurity – Judgmental attitudes - Procrastination - Spiritual laziness - Negative thought patterns - Harmful speech habits Our Bible talks about how we are to walk in a way pleasing to God: - Psalm 15:2: "The one who walks with integrity, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart..." Ephesians 4:1: "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." But how do we maintain this alignment when life constantly tries to pull us off course? We need a compass “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my defender.” When we lose our spiritual alignment, we experience consequences in all three parts of our lives: - Body - Mind - Spirit We become incomplete, fragmented, unable to experience the fullness God intends for us. As Myles Munroe wisely observed: "You can't enter your next season wearing yesterday's mindset. People pray for God to elevate them while still holding on to the insecurities, habits, and fears that define who they used to be. They want resurrection without crucifixion. They want promotion without preparation." When our compass is pointed in the wrong direction, we: - Remain trapped in old patterns - Miss divine opportunities - Speak words that tear down rather than build up - Fill our minds with thoughts that limit rather than liberate - Fail to reflect true Kingdom living God won’t pour fresh oil into an old vessel. Something has to break. Something has to be released. Our key verse reveals that in a world out of control, there are two things we can control: our thoughts and our words. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." This is our spiritual compass—aligning both our speech and our thoughts with God's truth. When properly calibrated, this compass works in all three parts of our lives: body, mind, and spirit, making us "complete in Him." Romans 6:11 provides a powerful recalibration point: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes our identity in Christ, highlighting a shift from a life dominated by sin to one alive in God's grace. When we're making critical life decisions, when we're being tempted to make less-than-wise choices, our compass should always redirect our thoughts with this truth: "alive to God in Christ Jesus." Meditate on that truth. Declare that truth. When we follow this spiritual compass, our lives begin to reflect true Kingdom living. This is being "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2). God is always calling us out of darkness, out of the ritual, habitual patterns that are holding us down in life. Your compass should always redirect you with Divine Thoughts that are full of faith, hope, and expectancy. "When you lose your path, you get an opportunity to discover a world you have never known—and better worlds are often found this way!" 2 Cor 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." It doesn't say the old will go when you feel ready. It doesn't say the new will come when it's convenient. It boldly affirms that the moment you are in Christ, the old is over—the old habits, the old mindset, the old pain, the old narrative. That means God sees you as new, even if you still feel familiar. And the journey of growth is choosing to walk in who God says you are, even when it's uncomfortable. How do we practically implement this spiritual compass in our daily lives? 1. **Realign regularly**: Sometimes we get off-track. We need realignment. Acts 20:24 reminds us: "None of these things move me." Set your face like a stone with no compromise. 2. **Drive on**: Sometimes the best you can do is just "drive on." But "Drive On" does NOT mean repeating the cycle again. It means looking forward. As Proverbs 4:25-26 instructs: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." 3. **Watch your words**: Your words are seeds. (the sower sows the word) Ask yourself: "How should I be speaking about myself? What words am I planting in my own heart and the hearts of others?" 4. **Guard your thoughts**: What should we be letting dominate our thought life? Fill your mind with God's promises. ReFire – ReWire (put LIFE in) (Today’s Verse) Psalm 19:14 says: "So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes." 5. **Expect Good Things**: (this is a great example of refiring – rewiring) If you are using your spiritual compass properly, you are always looking for and confessing the Good Things of God over your life and your family. Psalm 84:11 assures us: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." The version of you that's called to impact nations, to lead in your generation, to glorify God boldly, cannot be built on the blueprint of fear, shame, or self-doubt. Eventually, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I've stayed here long enough." Long enough in insecurity. Long enough in procrastination. Long enough in spiritual laziness. long enough in cycles that drain my joy. Not because you feel ready, but because God has already made you new. Use the compass—use the tools God gave you to navigate out of the old and into the new: - Your thoughts - Your words Jesus said, "The person who has will have more, and they will have an abundance." When we align our thoughts and words with God's truth, we position ourselves to receive His abundance. The Posture of Faith So today, I challenge you to reset your spiritual compass. Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in God's sight. Follow His direction, even when the path isn't clear. Follow Jesus’ two commands Keep moving forward in faith, knowing that He is your strength and your redeemer. " Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COMPASS 罗盘 Description An account of the resource Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 诗篇 19:14: 耶和华——我的磐石、我的救赎主啊，愿你喜悦我口中的言语、心中的意念 (page 897) Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 罗马书 12:2: 你们不可追随世界的潮流，要随着思想的不断更新而改变，这样就能明辨上帝的旨意，知道什么是良善、纯全、蒙祂悦纳的。 (page1839) 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here. 哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，看啊，一切都更新了。(page 1875) Romans 6:11: In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 罗马书 6:11: 这样，你们应当看自己是向罪死了，但向上帝则看自己是活在基督耶稣里 (page 1829) Proverbs 4:25-26: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path. 箴言 4:25,26: 眼睛要正视前方，双目要向前直看。要铺平脚下的路，使所行之道稳妥。 (page 1038) Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 诗篇 84:11: 因为耶和华上帝是太阳，是盾牌；祂赐下恩惠和尊荣，不留下任何好处不赐给行为正直的人 (page 968) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/10/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ace29eaeb39e6bcc7bb2ca13b6f4200f.jpg b7a52e59436067f28552e863dd02de19 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/911ee2a6ec22db61e015c8ddd4433180.mp4 e5974413479b85111793ed6b9fa60811 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound <h1>Peace with God: The Ultimate Gift Romans 5:1-2</h1> I was almost "done"...          almost. I did my part. I waited impatiently at the red light for my turn to cross the intersection onto a very busy midday Veterans parkway. The light turned green and I pressed the accelerator. Fortunately, I didn't floor it.  A big white truck decided to run their red light at over 60 miles an hour. Had I gone just a few feet further, nothing would have been the same for me.  I give God all the praise and I thank Him for His promised angels guarding me... but it sure got me to thinking about "stuff" - about what truly matters in this life. Ed Mylett asks a profound question: "What If This Was the Last Time?"  "Have you ever stopped to think, What if this was the last time I got to do this? Not the first time. The last time. That thought has been hitting me hard lately—and I believe it's one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make to live a deeper, richer life."  Too often, we rush through our days on autopilot—scrolling, working, hustling—without realizing we're living what will one day be our "good old days." We treat moments with our kids, our friends, and our loved ones like they'll happen forever... until one day, they don't.  The Stoic principle "Memento mori," which translates to "remember you will die," reminds us of our mortality to encourage a more meaningful and purposeful life. As Seneca said, "Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day... The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."  But there's a deeper problem beyond our mortality. We were separated from God because of our sinful nature. The fall of man took us out of the garden and into this dysfunctional world. We all need Peace with God - we want to have a real, living relationship with our Creator, but we first must recognize our own desperate need for a savior. We can't fix this on our own. When we live without peace with God, we might still somehow be driven—but are we driven by the right things? If not, it's just OCD—obsessive behavior without purpose.  Even if people don't recognize it because their mind is cluttered by the cares of this world, Peace with God is what we all want. What we all need most.  1 Cori 1:18 tells us: "The message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved."   Without this peace, we remain distant from GOD, "living in the shadows of evil thoughts and actions," as Colossians describes. We remain separated from our Creator, unable to experience the relationship we were designed for. But God...  As the familiar verse says, "God so loved the world..."  Romans 5:1-2 declares: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."  TPT: "Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us."  Spurgeon so eloquently put it: "My entire theology can be condensed into four words: 'Jesus died for me.'"  This is the Message of the Cross. As 1 Cor 1:23 states: "We preach Christ crucified." God sent a savior because we needed to be saved. When we receive this gift of salvation through faith, look at what happens: Col 1:18-19, 21-22: "For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! Even though you were once distant from him, living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored."   The Amplified Bible expands (our KEY verses) Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God and the joy of reconciliation with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we also have access by faith into this remarkable state of grace in which we firmly and safely and securely stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of experiencing and enjoying the glory of our great God—the manifestation of His excellence and power."  This Peace with God brings us: Justification and righteousness - Reconciliation with our Creator Access to God's presence - Security in His grace The love of God poured into our hearts - Confidence to approach God   I had a deep conversation with a good friend last week about whether it is proper for us to ask God to bless us.  I hadn’t realized this can be a real concern. This conversation was my initial inspiration for this message today.  Our salvation is our biggest gift - our biggest blessing from GOD. So as the scripture says, how will He not also give us all things?  Matthew 7:11 reminds us: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  We assume people know things that just haven't always been properly taught to them. It is crucial we understand the truth that makes us free. Free to receive the Father's love and care.  We can be confident of His love for us because of Jesus.   The Wesleyan Tradition emphasizes:  Justification by Faith: Wesley believed that justification, the act of being declared righteous in God's sight, is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Peace with God: A key consequence of justification is that believers experience peace with God. This peace is a result of being reconciled to God through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Access to God: Justification also grants believers access to God. This means they can approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing they are accepted and loved by Him. Love of God Shed Abroad: Wesley also highlights that the love of God is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 5:5), indicating a personal experience of God's love accompanying justification.  Aligning our thoughts and words is only possible as we properly renew our minds to Truth - truth that is found in God's Word about who we are in Christ. The New Testament emphasizes that God's love is the driving force behind the plan of salvation, which includes our justification. justification refers to God's act of declaring a sinner righteous and acceptable in His sight, based on the merits of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and through faith in Him. Justification, as understood through faith in Jesus Christ, reveals the depth of God's love for humanity.  Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: "For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving."   ALL that GOD wants for you - all that He has for you - is yours (“yes” and “amen”)   if you can receive it by faith today.  Jesus stands at the door of your heart, and He is ready to come in to your heart today.  Romans 5:5: "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Today’s KEY Verse: Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  > What would I want to share with the people God has given me to share with,  if I only had one last chance? < This message of Peace with God - because it's what matters most. Today, if you hear His voice, don't harden your heart. Receive His peace, His love, His salvation. It's the gift that truly matters in light of eternity. Jesus says, “Come” Jesus says, “All who are thirsty, come and drink”   John 7:37,38:  Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds— “All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Peace with God 与神相和 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 羅馬書 5:1,2: 由于我们的信仰，我们得到了上帝的认可，通过我们的主耶稣基督，我们与上帝和平相处。通过我们的信仰，基督把我们带进了我们现在享有的上帝的恩典祝福里。我们非常欣喜，因为我们有希望分享上帝的荣耀。(page 1827) Col 1:19,20: For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! 歌罗西书 1:19,20: 因为上帝乐意让一切的丰盛住在祂里面，又借着祂在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，使天地万物借着祂与上帝和好。 (page1909) Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. 歌罗西书 1:21,22: 你们从前与上帝隔绝，行事邪恶，心思意念与祂为敌；但现在上帝借着基督肉身的死使你们与祂和好了，让你们在祂面前成为圣洁无瑕、无可指责的人。(page 1909) Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. 以弗所书 2:8,9: 你们得救是靠恩典，凭信心。这不是出于你们自己，而是上帝的礼物；也不是由于你们的行为，以免有人自夸。(page 1895) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/17/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles