YOU ARE A LIVING LETTER FROM JESUS - by Russ Fochler

…written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God! 
(2 Cor 3:2-3 AMP)


Last Saturday, we explored what this could mean.  Karena Lout shared about the profound impact Pastor Tim Lout (Todd’s dad) had upon her life as an eighteen year old.  She experienced God’s love, kindness, warmth and life through Tim.  Jesus became real to Karena.   And Susan Fochler shared about two siblings she knew in high school who seemed to shine with life,  kindness, and joy.  And while they didn’t preach the “Gospel” to Susan with words, Susan was drawn to the life of Jesus in them.  Indeed, Susan wasn’t looking for words.  Susan was starving for the authentic kindness and spiritual life evident in their lives.

We then broke into groups of 2 or 3 to share about someone who was a living letter from Jesus in our life.  I asked the people sharing afterwards to consider what felt different about this person.  Was it joy or kindness, peace, or something else?  Joy, kindness, and peace all were mentioned.  How does one become “a living letter from Jesus?

The apostle Paul put it this way: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of rules about food and drink, but is in the realm of the Holy Spirit, filled with righteousness, peace, and joy.” Romans 14:17 (TPT)

If we embrace the realm of Holy Spirit to lead and empower our life, we are filled with righteousness (including kindness), peace, and joy.

And the prophet Malachi put it this way: “He has told you, human one, what is good (tov) and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice (mishpat), embrace faithful love (ahaha hesed), and walk humbly with your God.”  (CEB) Common English Bible.  Walking this out is impossible without an ongoing transformation of our heart - from a deep, warm relationship with Jesus, Holy Spirit, Abba living inside us.

The fruit of this is so beautiful and life-changing.

Warmly, Russ

If you'd like to enjoy last Saturday's service, click here.

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