Newsletter 

Thus far, we have learned how God is merciful toward sinners. We were enemies of God and under his judgment. Out of his great mercy, God demonstrated his love by sending his one and only Son Jesus as our Saviour. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from  eternal condemnation. We have become God’s beloved children who inherit his glorious kingdom. With the hope of future glory, we live in this world. How? Paul began his practical teaching by urging us in 12:1-2 to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God, with minds renewed by the Holy Spirit. Then he spent the rest of chapter 12 instructing us how to live out our faith in the church. Now, in chapter 13, he turns to how we live out our faith in the world. We Christians have a dual citizenship: We are citizens of our Father’s heavenly kingdom (Php 3:20), and of the nation where we live. Though our true citizenship is in heaven, we cannot ignore the reality of living in this world. We encounter governing authorities and neighbours. Paul teaches us how to interact with them. His point is not that we would somehow survive until Jesus comes again. It is to become the agents of change who bring about the transformation of the world. As we are transformed, we transform the world. In  doing so, our real battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces of darkness (Eph 6:12). We cannot win this battle with mere human effort or means. We need to put on the armour of light. And we need to follow God’s rules of engagement as we live in the world. Let’s learn how to do so.

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Anglican Parish of Maddington
BSB: 706-001
Acc No: 30003128