Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

1 Corinthians 11:27 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." Every observance of the Lord’s Supper publicly proclaims Christ’s sacrificial death. It is a communal testimony to His atoning work on the cross, not merely a private memorial. The Supper also anticipates Christ’s return, reminding the church of the tension between the “already” (Christ has died and risen) and the “not yet” (He will come in glory). These privileges—Christ’s finished work and our participation in the ceremony—must not be treated lightly or frivolously. No one is truly worthy of these gifts, yet we can easily feel unworthy. The verse warns against profaning this sacred act. Treating the Lord’s Supper as common or trivial—through division, gluttony, or indifference—shows disregard for Christ’s sacrifice, symbolized by His body and blood. “Guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” is deliberately strong lan...

1 Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come." Every observance of the Lord’s Supper publicly proclaims Christ’s sacrificial death. The Greek word katangellō (“proclaim”) conveys an active, authoritative announcement—like preaching—making it a communal testimony to His atoning work, not merely a private memorial. The Supper also looks forward to Christ’s return, reminding the church of the tension between the “already” (Christ has died and risen) and the “not yet” (He will come in glory). The phrase “as often as” calls for regular practice, not a one-time event. It reaffirms the cross’s centrality and the hope of resurrection and return. In the Lord’s Supper, believers encounter God’s presence through sight, smell, taste, touch, and remembrance. Jesus transformed the Passover meal into the new-covenant ritual, pointing directly to His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. This fulfills Jeremi...

1 Corinthians 11:25 "After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." In the Lord’s Supper, we beautifully encounter God’s presence through sight, smell, taste, touch, and experience. Paul’s teaching here derives not from human tradition but from direct divine revelation from Christ Himself—carrying full apostolic and divine authority. Paul recounts Jesus taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and declaring, “This is my body, which is broken for you.” In this act, the Passover meal became the new-covenant ritual, pointing directly to His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. The cup represents the new covenant established by Jesus through His sacrificial death. The focus is not the physical container or even the wine itself, but what the wine symbolizes: Christ’s blood shed on the cross. This fulfills Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God promises a n...

1 Corinthians 11:24 "And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me." The Holy Bible reveals God’s presence through the Lord’s Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul emphasizes that his teaching is not human tradition but divine revelation from Christ Himself—giving it full apostolic and divine authority, even though Paul was not at the Last Supper. Paul describes the moment just hours before the crucifixion, highlighting Jesus’ love and deliberate foresight in establishing this memorial amid impending suffering. Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and declared, “This is My body, which is broken for you.” In this act, the Passover meal became the new-covenant ritual, pointing directly to His sacrificial death. Through Communion, believers are called to remember and proclaim His death until He returns. Jesus gave thanks first, setting a tone of gratitude and worship. The bread symbolizes Hi...

1 Corinthians 11:23 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:" This week we continue exploring God’s presence with us. Yesterday we looked at John 3:16–17, the famous gospel summary with its “But wait, there’s more!” follow-up. Today we turn to 1 Corinthians 11. Notice Paul’s careful wording: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you.” The teaching on the Lord’s Supper is not mere human tradition—it comes by direct divine revelation. Though Paul was not present at the Last Supper, he insists Christ revealed this truth to him personally, giving the ordinance full apostolic and divine authority. (Let that sink in.) Paul deliberately notes the solemn setting: “the night He was betrayed,” just hours before the crucifixion. This timing highlights Jesus’ love and deliberate foresight in establishing a memorial of His sacrifice amid impending suffering. The reference...

John 3:16&17 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. Last week we studied Psalm 23 verse by verse. Written by King David, it draws on his own experiences as a shepherd to portray God as a loving guide who provides, protects, and comforts. It moves from peaceful provision (green pastures, still waters) through God's presence in danger (the valley of the shadow of death) to Him as a generous host. It closes with the confident promise that goodness and mercy will pursue us all our days, culminating in eternal dwelling with God. These themes—trust, divine care, and spiritual security—explain the psalm's timeless appeal to us. Today we continue exploring God's presence with us, turning to one of Scripture's most famous passages: John 3:16. Most Christians kn...

Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." This verse offers blessed assurance. King David declares that life with God brings security, blessing, and eternity. While "the house of the LORD" originally referred to the Temple, it here signifies eternal fellowship with God—permanent belonging in His presence, foreshadowing heaven (John 14:2–3). "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me": The Hebrew verb (radaph) means to pursue or chase. God's loyal love (hesed) and kindness actively pursue the believer throughout life, even amid hardship, reflecting unwavering divine faithfulness. "All the days of my life": God's care endures without fail, from start to finish of earthly existence. Psalm 23, written by King David, portrays God as a loving shepherd who provides, guides, and protects. It moves from peaceful provision (green pastures, still waters) throug...

Psalm 23:5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm 23, penned by King David, beautifully portrays God as a loving shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people. The psalm progresses from peaceful provision (green pastures, still waters) to God's presence in suffering (the valley of the shadow of death), then to God as a generous host who honors the believer. It concludes with assurance of God's goodness and mercy for life and eternity. Central themes—trust, divine care, and spiritual security—explain why these verses remain so beloved. Today's verse shifts from shepherd to royal host: "You prepare a table before me": Despite danger and opposition, God provides abundant provision and safety. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a host was bound to protect guests—even from enemies nearby. "In the presence of mine enemies": God's blessing is so complet...

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." This verse calls us to trust God amid our deepest fears and dangers. The "valley of the shadow of death" represents life's darkest moments—suffering, loss, or the threat of death—but not always literal dying. It includes any season of intense fear or uncertainty. We all face these valleys. Yet King David declares, "I will fear no evil," because God is with him. The shift from speaking about God to speaking to Him ("thou art with me") makes the assurance deeply personal. The shepherd's rod (for protection) and staff (for guidance) symbolize God's strength, care, and constant presence, bringing comfort even in peril. The promise is not escape from danger, but confident passage through it with the Good Shepherd by our side. Green pastures and still waters are blessings, but we need H...

Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." God’s presence is constant—He promises never to abandon us. In Psalm 23, David beautifully portrays God as the Shepherd and His people as sheep. The psalm opens with a deeply personal relationship: God as a caring, guiding, and protective Provider. “Green pastures” symbolize places of abundance and spiritual nourishment through God’s Word. “Still waters” represent gentle, safe streams that bring peace and renewal. “He restores my soul”: God revives and renews us when we are weary, broken, or wandering—much like a shepherd rescuing a lost or exhausted sheep. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness”: God actively guides believers into moral, upright living—not merely for our benefit, but “for his name’s sake,” to uphold His own character, honor, and faithfulness. These “paths of righteousness” are the established ways of truth and holiness revealed in God’s Word, ensurin...

Psalm 23:2 "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters." We’re studying God’s presence with us. He promises never to abandon His people. Because God is with us, we need not fear—His righteous right hand sustains us through every trial. Psalm 23, written by David, is a cherished passage that portrays God as Shepherd and His people as sheep. Through this metaphor, it beautifully expresses trust in God’s provision, guidance, and protection—from earthly care to eternal hope. It has comforted believers in sorrow and is often read at funerals. The opening verse establishes a deeply personal relationship: “The LORD is my shepherd” presents God as a caring, guiding, protective provider. Sheep lie down only when they feel safe and satisfied. Today’s verse pictures a soul at rest, its needs fully met by God—a scene of trust, contentment, and divine guidance. Green pastures: places of abundance and satisfaction, symbolizing spiritual nourishment th...

Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." We’re studying God’s presence with us. Yesterday, Isaiah 41:10 reminded us of His compassion for the weak and His power to uphold them—pointing to the strength we find in Christ, who fulfills God’s promise to never abandon His people. Today, we cling to this truth: because God is with us, we need not fear—His righteous right hand sustains us through every trial. We now turn to Psalm 23, a cherished passage written by David. Using the metaphor of God as shepherd and His people as sheep, it beautifully expresses trust in God’s provision, guidance, and protection. From earthly care to eternal hope, it has comforted believers in sorrow and is often read at funerals. The opening verse establishes a deeply personal relationship: “The LORD is my shepherd” portrays God as a caring, guiding, protective provider, much like a shepherd tends his flock. “I shall not want” means “I lack nothing truly needed.” It’s not a promise of ric...

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." We are studying how God is with us. Last week, we explored Jesus's teaching on confronting sin—emphasizing repentance and restoration—followed by Peter's question about forgiveness limits. Jesus responded with a hyperbolic number (seventy times seven) to show forgiveness should be boundless, not calculated. Today, we turn to Isaiah 41:10, a verse highlighting God’s compassion for the weak and His power to transform them into instruments of victory. It points forward to the strength believers find in Christ, who fulfills God’s promise to never abandon His people. Spoken to Israel during the exile—when fear and uncertainty overwhelmed them—God reassures His vulnerable people of His enduring faithfulness. "Do not fear": Repeated frequently throughout Scripture, this c...

Matthew 18:22 "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." After Jesus's teaching on confronting sin with a focus on repentance and restoration, Peter asked about the limits of forgiveness. He suggested seven times as generous number. Jesus replied with a hyperbolic number to show forgiveness should not be limited or calculated. It mirrors God's boundless mercy toward us and should shape our relationships. The exact figure—whether 77 or 490—matters less than the principle of unlimited forgiveness. This is followed by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35), which stresses that those forgiven much by God must forgive others from their heart. Praise the Lord! Amen.

Matthew 18:21 "Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" This week, we’ve explored Jesus’ instructions on confronting sin, with an emphasis on repentance and restoration. Jesus promises His presence not based on numbers, but on faithful purpose, unity, and obedience to God’s will—not our own. He assures His presence when the community faithfully practices discipline and reconciliation. When decisions align with God’s Word, heaven upholds them. Today’s verse introduces Peter’s question about forgiveness limits. Peter assumes forgiveness should have a cap and suggests seven times, viewing this as quite generous. Cultural Context: Jewish teaching at the time typically limited forgiveness to three offenses (drawing from passages like Amos 1–2). By proposing seven, Peter believed he was exceeding the standard. In Jewish thought, seven often symbolized completeness, so Peter likely meant “a full measure” o...

Matthew 18:19&20 "19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." These verses conclude Jesus’ instructions on confronting sin (vv. 15–18). The focus is not private prayer or worship attendance, but corporate spiritual responsibility in addressing sin, repentance, and restoration. Jesus promises His presence not based on numbers, but on faithful purpose, unity, and obedience to God’s will—not our own. “If two of you agree” (v. 19) This refers to believers (often church leaders or witnesses) aligning in God’s truth, especially regarding sin, repentance, and restoration. The agreement is not mere shared desire, but unity under Christ’s authority. “Gathered in My name” (v. 20) This means assembling under Jesus’ authority—not just invoking His name. The “two or three...

Matthew 18:18  "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." In Matthew 18, Jesus outlines steps for addressing conflict and sin in relationships, always with the goal of restoration rather than punishment: 1) Private confrontation 2) One or two witnesses 3) Church involvement If the first two steps fail, the matter goes before the whole church for communal discernment and appeal through collective spiritual authority. The aim remains repentance and healing. If the person still refuses to listen, exclude them from fellowship while acknowledging their unrepentant state. The church should maintain love and hope for restoration, never hostility. But, there will need to be compassionate distance between the church and the offender. This upholds holiness in the community while reflecting God’s heart for both justice and redemption. “Bind and loose” is a Jewish legal term meanin...

Matthew 18:17 "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Gathering in Jesus’s Name Jesus promises His presence when believers gather in His name (Matt. 18:20). In Matthew 18, He outlines steps for handling conflict and sin in relationships, always aiming for restoration, not punishment. 1) Private confrontation — Address the person directly and alone. This preserves dignity, shows humility, and avoids public shame. 2) One or two witnesses — If they refuse to listen, bring one or two others as impartial mediators and witnesses (v. 16). Their role is to promote truth, accountability, and reconciliation. 3) Church involvement — If that fails, bring the matter before the whole church for communal discernment and appeal through collective spiritual authority. The goal remains repentance and healing. Compassionate Distance If the person still refuses to listen, treat t...

Matthew 18:16 "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." We began a new series, “I Am with You,” focusing this week on “Gathering in Jesus’s Name.” Jesus promises His presence when we gather in His name—not as a mere checklist, but as a relational way of life. In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches how to handle conflict in relationships. First, address the person privately and directly. This preserves dignity, avoids public shame, and reflects humility. The goal is never punishment but restoration—“gaining your brother” through repentance and renewed fellowship. Approach with gentleness and love, not anger or pride, mirroring Christ’s heart for the lost. If private conversation fails, Jesus instructs bringing one or two others—not to confront harshly, but to serve as impartial witnesses and mediate with wisdom and fairness. This principle is rooted in Old Testament law: Deuteronomy 19:...

Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." Last week we explored the Epiphany—unique to Matthew’s Gospel. The Magi’s story highlights Gentiles recognizing Jesus as Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of nations worshiping the Lord. The sharp contrast between their faith and the indifference of Herod, the chief priests, and scribes underscores the ongoing tension between earthly power and divine authority—a theme that endures until Christ’s return. What a powerful lesson! Today we begin a new series: “I Am with You,” with this week’s focus: “Gathering in Jesus’s Name.” Jesus promises His presence when we gather in His name—not as a checklist of tasks, but as a way of life rooted in relationship. We continue in Matthew, where Jesus teaches about handling conflict in relationships. The first step: address the person who has sinned against ...

Matthew 2:12 "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." Like the wise men, let us celebrate Jesus with active, obedient faith—traveling far to worship Him. We don’t want to be like Herod’s chief priests and scribes, who possessed full knowledge of Scripture yet took not one step toward the Messiah. The conflict between earthly power and divine authority continues today. Many still reject the true God, clinging to their own rules and a life apart from our Lord and Savior. While we should share the gospel whenever we can, we must also discern when wisdom calls us to “go another way.”

Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." At last—the Epiphany! The wise men’s long journey to worship the newborn King fulfills prophecy while exposing a sharp contrast: Herod’s chief priests and scribes have full intellectual knowledge of Scripture yet take no step toward the Messiah. The Magi, however, travel far in active, obedient faith to worship Him. This reveals the vast difference between mere head knowledge and living faith. The conflict between earthly power and divine authority did not end with Herod. Today, many still reject the true God, preferring their own rules and life without the Lord and Savior. Don’t follow that path. Be like the wise men. When they saw Jesus, they immediately fell down in worship—an act of deep reverence and prostration typically reserved...

Matthew 2:9&10 "9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. “They departed…” The wise men, having heard Herod, leave Jerusalem and follow the star once more. Their quest to worship the newborn King fulfills prophecy and exposes stark contrasts. Herod’s chief priests and scribes correctly cite Micah 5:2—Bethlehem, though small, will bring forth Israel’s ruler—yet they remain unmoved. They possess intellectual knowledge of Scripture but take no step toward the Messiah. The Magi, by contrast, travel great distances in active faith to worship Him. This highlights the gulf between mere head knowledge and living faith that obeys. These verses also portray the clash between earthly power and divine authority. Herod clings to his throne in paranoia; the wise men seek only to worship the true God. L...

Matthew 2:7&8 "7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also." Epiphany, observed on January 6, celebrates the wise men's visit to the child Jesus. Their arrival fulfilled prophecies like Isaiah 60:3, where nations are drawn to Israel's light. God used the star to announce His Son's birth and invite Gentiles to worship Him. The news of a prophesied king alarmed Herod, whose paranoia and cruelty were infamous—he even killed family members suspected of rivalry. All Jerusalem shared this unease, dreading his violent response. Herod's chief priests and scribes cited Micah 5:2: though Bethlehem was small among Judah's clans, it would produce a ruler to shepherd Israel. This prophecy was familiar and undisputed among the ...

Matthew 2:5&6 "5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." We are studying the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. The Greek word epiphaneia means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In Matthew’s Gospel, the Magi—likely scholars from Persia or Babylon—saw His star, traveled to Jerusalem, and sought the newborn king. It was natural to look for a royal birth in the capital. Their arrival fulfilled prophecies, such as nations being drawn to Israel’s light (Isaiah 60:3). God used the star to announce His Son’s birth and draw Gentiles to worship Him. The news of a prophesied king threatened Herod, whose paranoia and brutality were notorious—he even executed family members he suspected of rivalry. Jerusalem was disturbed, fearing Herod’s violent reaction, possible upheaval, or d...

Matthew 2:3&4 "3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born." We are studying the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and commemorates the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus, symbolizing Christ's revelation to the Gentiles. The Greek word epiphaneia means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In Matthew's Gospel, the Magi—likely scholars from Persia or Babylon—saw His star, traveled to Jerusalem, and asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” It was logical to seek the newborn king in the capital. Their arrival fulfilled prophecies: a ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and nations drawn to Israel's light (Isaiah 60:3). God used the star to announce His Son's birth...

Matthew 2:1&2 "1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." We have been studying the wonderful gift of adoption into God’s family. May this truth motivate us to pursue purity, reflecting His holiness. Such righteousness flows from our relationship with Christ: as we abide in Him, His presence cleanses and transforms us. Let this shape our New Year resolutions. 2026 can be a glorious year as we live as heirs and joint-heirs with Christ—sharing His nature, purpose, security, and provision. This week, our study centers on Epiphany, celebrated on January 6 (or transferred to the nearest Sunday in some traditions). It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and commemorates the Magi’s visit to the infant Jesus, symbolizing Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles. I...

1 John 3:3 "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." This verse teaches that the hope of seeing Christ and becoming like Him motivates believers to pursue purity now, reflecting His holiness. This purification flows from our relationship with Christ: as we abide in Him, His presence cleanses and transforms us. Though we cannot attain Christ’s perfect purity in this life, we are called to imitate His holiness, making righteousness the natural outflow of our new nature in Him. This blessed hope powerfully drives moral and spiritual growth. Let this truth shape our New Year resolutions. 2026 can be a glorious year as we live fully as heirs and joint-heirs with Christ—adopted into God’s family, sharing His nature, purpose, security, and provision. Salvation and eternal life are magnificent gifts, but adoption into God’s family is truly extraordinary! Go into this day—and every day—knowing you are a beloved child of God. Amen.

1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." By faith alone—not works—we are God’s children, full heirs and joint-heirs with Christ. This identity is both legal (adopted into His family) and relational (sharing His nature, purpose, security, and provision). Though we are already God’s children, the full glory of our future state remains unrevealed. John acknowledges that “it doth not yet appear what we shall be.” Yet believers have certain hope: when Christ appears, we will be like Him. This transformation is guaranteed because we will see Him as He truly is—face to face, in full glory, without veil or obstruction. The Greek verb opsomai (“we shall see”) conveys not mere sight but deep recognition and apprehension of His essence. This direct encounter will instantly complete our conformity to His image, finishing the gradual sanctifica...

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." Isn’t this astonishing? Through Jesus, we are forgiven and adopted as God’s children—sons and daughters, full heirs, joint-heirs with Christ—by faith alone, not works. This identity is both legal and relational: we are welcomed into God’s family, share His nature, and enjoy His purpose, security, and provision. The world doesn’t recognize us because it doesn’t know God. In biblical times, society was brutal: the strong preyed on the weak, slavery was widespread, racism and turmoil were rampant, and many had little hope. Then the gospel arrived. In small house churches, slaves sat beside the wealthy as equals. When plagues struck, Christians cared for the sick while others fled. People noticed and asked, “Who are these people?” The answer: “They are children of God.”

Galatians 4:7 "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Christmas, Easter, and every day celebrate this: through Jesus, we are forgiven and adopted as God’s children. We resist being called “slave,” yet sin enslaved us—Jews under the Law, Gentiles under conscience. Christ’s death ransomed us. Redemption goes further: by grace, we become God’s sons and daughters, full heirs. Don’t miss this transformation. Paul likens us to a minor heir—under guardians, no better than a slave, though owner of the estate. At the father’s appointed time, the child gains full rights. So with us: once bound by sin and law, Christ redeemed us in the fullness of time. No longer slaves, we are heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ—by faith, not works. This status is both legal and relational: welcomed into God’s family, sharing His nature, purpose, security, and provision. From slavery to sonship—our identity is now rooted in adoption through...