Peace With God

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:1In Romans 4, as Paul reminded us of the story of Abraham, he emphasized Abraham’s faith. Yet even Abraham (who was considered a God-fearing and good man) was praiseworthy – not because he was good – but because he believed God. As any person who reads Genesis knows, Abraham made a number of mistakes and committed sins. The thing that made Abraham different was the fact that he put his trust and hope in God. The Bible says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”The same is true for us today. If we hope in our own power or our own goodness or strength, we will be disappointed. That's because, within ourselves, we do not have enough goodness to give us hope for the future. But when we put our faith in God which we have been given through the Holy Spirit, then we have hope.What is that hope? That we have been given peace with God. What is amazing to think is the fact that this peace with God is not just something we desire; it is something that God desires to have with us! That’s why God sent Jesus, and it’s why He wants us to know that we have a place in His family. And the result is that not only do we have peace with God, but we also have peace in this world no matter what our circumstances.As we enter into worship together this Sunday for the beginning of Holy Week on this Palm Sunday, may we know the incredible love of God and the sure found hope that we have been given through the Holy Spirit.Grace & Peace,Pastor Aaron