Unionville Alliance Church Pastor Daniel Mills

In Romans 8, Paul draws a powerful contrast between two mindsets: one controlled by the flesh and one led by the Spirit. A Spirit-filled mindset transforms how we live and think. It's a life infused with love, where we let God's love fill and consume us, enabling us to share that love with others. This mindset also leads us to holiness, guiding us toward a life of peace and purpose rather than one of chaos and emptiness.

Moreover, it encourages obedience to God, helping us resist the pull of our sinful nature. Finally, a Spirit-filled life is grounded in faith, essential for pleasing God and walking with Him. By embracing a Spirit-filled mindset, we can experience the fullness of life and the profound peace that God offers. Join us as we explore these life-changing truths and learn how to walk in the Spirit every day.

Living in the Spirit encapsulates the essence of Romans 8, which is a profound exposition on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The chapter begins with the assurance that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, setting the tone for a discourse on the freedom and victory found in Him. It highlights the contrast between living according to the flesh, which leads to death, and living according to the Spirit, which brings life and peace.

Paul emphasizes the indwelling presence of the Spirit in believers, affirming their identity as children of God and heirs with Christ. The chapter underscores the Spirit's role in enabling believers to overcome sin, interceding for them in their weakness and conforming them to the image of Christ. It speaks of the hope and future glory that believers possess, despite present sufferings, and declares the unshakable love of God that ensures their security and victory. Ultimately, Romans 8 paints a vivid picture of the Christian life empowered, guided, and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Why is our middle name “Missionary”? What does it truly mean to be a “Missionary” movement or denomination? Why do we do what we do both in Canada and overseas and why do we continue to choose to go to the “hard and dark” places and people groups? What sets us apart from the other denominations and mission agencies? Today we will look at what are the genuine marks of a missional church and what does it mean for us, The Alliance Canada, to continue to obey God and live-out our missionary mandate.

When we experience Jesus for the first time, it is radical, overwhelming, and pure love. The direction of our life changes, but it doesn’t mean that all our habits and practices totally change. Some actions and attitudes change right away, but our character being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ takes years and even decades of formation. This can be a discouraging and daunting task, but it can also be a lifestyle that brings joy, peace, and love in its fullness as we yield to the transforming work of the Spirit through the lifestyle of Jesus. Whether we’ve been walking with Jesus for one month, one year, or one decade, spiritual formation is a long road that requires discipline, perseverance, and humility. We are all being formed by the stories we are taught, the relationships we have, the habits we build, and the culture around us. Are you willing and ready to be formed by Jesus?

Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. If we desire to be apprentices and disciples of Jesus, we need to follow in Jesus' footsteps and make disciples as Jesus did. We do not do this through our own power or strength, but with dependence and reliance on the Holy Spirit who is already working in hearts.

God, as a forgiving Father, exemplifies boundless compassion and unconditional love, offering forgiveness regardless of our transgressions. His divine mercy assures us that redemption is always possible, instilling hope and guiding us toward spiritual renewal. As fathers and mothers, we should emulate this divine example by embracing forgiveness in our lives.

By forgiving our children and others, we create a nurturing environment that fosters growth, trust, and open communication. Practicing forgiveness teaches humility and empathy, strengthening familial bonds and guiding our children in developing these crucial virtues. Living with forgiveness reflects God's love and grace, enriching our families and communities.