May the 4th be with You

A message by Dr. Mark Jordan, Pastor

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Romans 6:1-11 (NIV) | What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Mark’s Main Points

• Receive Your Father’s Forgiveness
• Receive Baptism
• Receive Your New Life
• Challenge: Live in Freedom

Reflection Questions

1. What specific sin or habit in your life feels like it still has power over you? How can you remind yourself that, through Christ, you are “dead to sin” and free from its control?
2. Paul says we are “united with Christ” in both His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5). How does knowing you share in Christ’s victory change the way you view your daily struggles or temptations?
3. The sermon described living a “new life” (Romans 6:4). What is one practical step you can take this week to pursue God’s purposes—such as serving others, forgiving someone, or growing in prayer?
4. Romans 6:11 calls us to “count” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. What does it look like for you to actively trust and act on this truth, especially when you don’t feel free from sin’s influence?
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s grace helping you overcome a sinful pattern or live more fully for Him. How can that memory encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit in your current challenges?