Roman Holiday - Romans 6:22

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)

When my wife Evelyn and I were in Rome this summer, we looked forward to seeing the wonders of that great city. Every corner and every street had something amazing about it, so we were often mesmerized by the history, architecture, and art of Rome. Like every other tourist, the one place that we had to visit was the Coliseum. It was magnificent and more than we had ever expected it to be. We had often seen it in photos or TV shows, but to be walking around this great wonder of the world was unbelievable. Even today, when we think about that visit, we quickly re-experience both the awe and joy we felt.

As we walked around the Coliseum and climbed the ancient stairways, we also felt a connection to the many Christians who were publicly martyred in the stadium. We couldn’t imagine what they went through and how much humiliation, pain, and horror they endured, but we were truly thankful for their great faith which persevered beyond the unjust persecution. They were courageous people and we will be eternally grateful for their true faith.

As I read this mornings passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans, I wondered how many of those persecuted had been among the first Christians to read his letter. His words must have meant a great deal to them, so much so that they were willing to lay down their lives for the God who enslaved them and the Christ who saved them. They understood that death was not the end, but for all of them who died in the Coliseum, it was the beginning of a new day, a new world, a new eternity with God and Jesus.

On the ground level of the Coliseum, just beneath the point where the Roman emperor doomed the early Christians to death, there is a large cross which can be seen from any point in the ancient building. It’s a beautiful testimony to the truth of Christ and a sacred memorial to those who lost their lives in the ‘eternal city’ of Rome but won for their souls the eternal Kingdom of God.

Point to ponder

Who passed on the Christian faith to me? To whom will I pass it on?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are truly thankful for the sacrifices of Your followers whose personal commitment meant that Christianity would endure and survive. We are the beneficiaries of such wonderful disciples and devoted people. May we follow in their footsteps by passing on Your truth, way, and life to the next generations in our midst. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome. 😊

Today’s image is a photo of the Memorial Cross in the Coliseum that John took from the other side of the vast Roman stadium. If you would like to view a larger version, click here: Cross.

Short devotion: Enjoy Life - Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

            Yesterday, I participated in a wonderful funeral service. That may sound weird, but it turned out to be a joyous celebration of a life lived well. The person concerned was a very gentle, humble, and kind man, who touched the hearts and lives of practically everyone that he knew. His family shared some beautiful memories and there was a lot of laughter, mixed together with our tears. It was a blessing to be there and a cheerful event filled with faith, hope, and love.

            In the afternoon at the graveside, I improvised on some of the words from the Church of Scotland’s Book of Order. I told the mourners “We are not meant for the darkness of despair or death, but are created to enjoy God’s light and love.” It was a touching moment and I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit with us. I think we all realized that the wages of sin may indeed bring about our deaths, but the everlasting life which Christ has won for each one of us, is the greatest gift we shall ever know.

            From time to time, we all contemplate our mortality and the impact that death makes in our lives. However, the beautiful gift of faith grants us an assurance that death is not the end; it’s just the inevitable transition to a new and eternal beginning. We may lose loved ones to death and feel an emptiness in our lives, but Christ promises us that we can be with Him and all our loved ones in God’s Kingdom through the faith that we embrace and share.

Questions for personal reflection

How has death affected my life? How can Christ’s love restore my faith and hope?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You experienced dying and conquered death so that we may be given the opportunity of everlasting life. Help us to live our lives in that hope, so that we may enjoy the light and love of God, both in this life and the one that is yet to come. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Planet Maker.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Maker.

Short devotion: Paper Cup Font - Romans 6:5

Romans 6:5    If we have been united with Christ like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.

            I was once asked to perform a baptism by an elderly couple in a hospital room. Both of them were in their seventies and the husband couldn't remember if he had ever been baptized. He was dying of cancer and only had weeks to live. They were both anxious about this, so I did the baptism in the room within minutes of being asked.

            It was a beautiful experience. I remember using a paper cup as a font and the patient’s bed tray as an altar. I had a pocket New Testament with me from which I read scripture pertaining to Christ’s baptism. I asked the elderly man if he believed in Jesus and if he wanted to be baptized. He simply said, “Yes, I do.” All three of us then joined hands and I said a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bless and sanctify the water, as well as each one of us. I poured a little of the water over the husband’s hair and thumbed a cross on his forehead. To this date, it was one of the most sacred sacraments that I have ever completed. Smiles and tears were shared like Communion bread and wine. We all embraced each other and our hugs became the passing of Christ’s Peace.

            A couple of weeks later, we laid the old man to rest in his grave. His elderly wife was at peace throughout the ceremony. I like to think that she knew her husband’s soul was safe in the arms of Jesus. The baptism had united him to Christ’s death and resurrection.

            Paul reminds us that our baptisms eternally connect us to Christ. We die to sin and live for Christ in baptism. We go from a mortal life to an eternal existence; we pass through the waters of woe to the River of Life. Our baptism is our crossing of the Jordan, from humanity to divinity, from a dusty planet to the Kingdom of God. It’s a beautiful blessing and one which everyone in the world should get to experience.

Questions for personal reflection

What does baptism mean to me? How has it shaped my life and faith?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the wonderful gift of baptism which not only brings us into the community of faith, but also unites us eternally with You. Remind us of this special blessing and help us to positively share it with other people, so that they may be drawn closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing of Christ’s baptism. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6924951609_4fc7a8a94e_b.jpg