“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2

 Christmas is over once again! We enjoy receiving Christmas cards, but it sure is a big job to address and send them out! Then when you think you have sent them all, you receive some from old friends you forgot to send one too!

I like the story about the lady who waited until the last minute to send her cards. She hurried to the store and bought the first cards that attracted her eye. She noticed the beautiful cover all trimmed in gold and the festive picture.   She thought, “That’s perfect!” So she signed them, all 50 of them, “With all my love.”

On New Year’s Day, she had time to sit down and actually read the message inside. It said in a little rhyme, “This Christmas card just came to say, a little gift is on the way!” What a surprise! We smile at her mistake, but aren’t we sometimes like that lady? We have a gift from God, His Word. It comes to us, written by many writers and inspired by the hand of God. It’s usually wrapped in beautiful leather binding with gold lettering, but we don’t always take time to read what’s inside! In reading God’s Word, we learn what He wants from us, how to live a life pleasing to Him and find peace with God.

When we read God’s Book, we always find something new, a fresh thought or truth that we never saw before! It’s always a cause for wonder and praise! In Romans 5:1-2, we find we’re justified through faith, have peace with God and rejoice in the hope of God’s glory, all packed in 2 verses! That’s a lot to think about! Our sins are all taken care of through the blood of Jesus! We have peace with God because of his sacrifice on Calvary. It’s objective because it is outside of you. It isn’t something you have done or could do. Jesus made peace by the blood of His cross.   Peace is an elusive thing! Washington, DC is full of statues having to do with peace. We build one after every war! Our peace, as believers, is secure in Christ.

We have the peace of God and the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our Peace! Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are children of the King, co-heirs with Christ, our standing with Him is permanent and secure.

Then, friends, we can “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God!” The word rejoice is the thought of “great jubilation!” This is our ultimate destiny, our future when we share in God’s glory. Jesus prayed, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world,” John 17:24. Check out Revelation 5 for a glimpse at God’s Throne Room and see our future!

With the New Year, we often make resolutions. This year resolve to open that gift of God’s Word and read it daily. It will be a constant reminder of His love for you and will give you cause for wonder and amazement!!

Taken from Pastor Terry’s sermons