The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Part FourSample

Family Devotional:

Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome sometime in the late AD50’s. As a church planted by believers from Pentecost, believers were in the throes of realigning their lives with the worldview of Christ. Paul wrote the Roman epistle to precede a visit – a visit that would serve, in part, to help them grasp deeper aspects of theology. Interestingly, Paul begins the letter by addressing sin, death, and the human condition. If read through the right lens, Romans 1 allows believers to see the bigger picture of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Humans are deserving of death, and Paul provides a picture of such an outcome of life. Believers, however, find their hope in Jesus’ triumph over death and the new reality of an eternity with the Father.

Daily Demonstration:

On this sixth day of the week leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus was sent to trial, Judas killed himself, Jesus carried his own cross up the hill of Golgotha, Christ died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn, the Passover lambs were slain, and Jesus was placed in a tomb (see Matthew 27:32:56). This day, also known as “Good Friday,” seems not to bear its name well. It feels much more “bad” than it does “good” as Jesus was crucified on this day. This, however, was much more than just a death – this was the atoning sacrifice of the savior of the world. Christ, himself, was the perfect Passover lamb. Though our hearts are heavy today, our hearts can also rest assured in the hope that has come to God’s people through Jesus’ sacrifice – eternity with him in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Romans 1 helps us to see the other side of a life with Jesus – a life marred by heartache, loss, and sinful desire with no eternal impact. Perhaps today is best spent at the foot of the cross with those you love during tonight’s meal. Partake in the Lord’s Supper, remember the actions of the Lord, and spend time in reflection with those you love.

Additional Resources:

• Celebration Church, Online Resources, The Table: A Passover Dinner Guide
• Joshua McNall, The Mosaic of Atonement, (Amazon)

Sabbath-Specific Resources:
• BibleProject, Weekly Podcast, 7th Day Rest Series
• Celebration Church, Prayer and Resource Guide for Practicing Sabbath, (Website: www.celebration.org/resources)