The Holy Spirit calls us to be God’s people, to show God’s glory, and to witness to God’s love, mercy, and justice. The Spirit calls us through the Word and through our baptisms. In our baptisms, we die to sin and rise again into new life. In our baptisms, the Spirit gives us a new identity as children of God.  As such, we are sent out to proclaim the Good News and to live as new creations in discipleship to Jesus.

Yong explains that we are both guests and hosts in a world of other guests and hosts, and are to show God’s hospitality to all. He further explains that God’s mission is not to advance the church but, rather, to usher in God’s reign.* The church, like Israel, exists to give witness to God’s activity in the world. In a world of violence and injustice, we are called to embody God’s peace and justice.  In a world where hatred exists, we are called to embody God’s love– to embody God’s presence in this world.

We are called to live as God’s children, giving honor and glory to the family name, exemplifying the family values of love, peace, justice and mercy to all. We are given new identities as children of God, and the power, guidance, and support to live as new creations through the Holy Spirit. We are then sent back into the world to work alongside others in the mission and family business of bringing about God’s reign, participating in God’s will. What is God’s will and purpose? According to Professor Malcolm at Luther Seminary, God’s will is nothing more than for us to know God’s love because once we know God’s love, we will embody God’s reign.

Read Romans 8:12-39, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Annie

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A12-39&version=NRSV

* Amos Yong, “The Spirit of Hospitality,” Missiology: An International Review, Vol. XXXV, no. 1 (January 2007).