“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
This verse reminds us that motherhood is Kingdom work.
We aren’t just raising kids—we’re preparing co-heirs for glory. But they, like us, will suffer. We must help them understand that following Christ includes pain—but also includes purpose and eternal inheritance.
The Spirit equips us to model perseverance and prepare our children to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Family Talk:
What does it mean to be an heir of God?
Why does God allow suffering, and how can we face it with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of being Your heirs. Holy Spirit, help us walk faithfully through suffering, knowing glory is coming. Amen.
“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
Being an heir sounds amazing—until you read the second half of the verse.
Yes, you are a co-heir with Christ. Yes, glory awaits. But between now and then comes suffering. Jesus didn’t avoid the cross, and neither do we. But we don’t walk alone.
The Spirit doesn’t erase pain; He walks us through it, and keeps our eyes fixed on the promise of future glory.
Challenge: What hard thing are you walking through right now? What might it mean to suffer with Christ in it?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, strengthen me to follow Jesus no matter the cost. Keep me looking to the glory ahead. Amen.
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)
Doubt can whisper loud, but the Holy Spirit speaks louder.
When insecurity creeps in or when the enemy accuses, the Spirit doesn’t stay silent. He assures our hearts—not by emotion, but by testimony—that we are God’s children. This is not just intellectual knowledge, but deeply personal confirmation.
He reminds us that we are not orphans, not forgotten, not lost—but fully known, fully loved, and fully His.
Reflection: What voices are louder than the Spirit’s testimony in your heart today?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, silence doubt and remind me that I belong to the Father. I rest in the truth that I am Yours. Amen.
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)
As mothers, we carry burdens and question our adequacy. But the Spirit of God whispers truth over us—You are God’s child—and over our children, too.
His testimony steadies our homes. It replaces striving with security. When we walk in that assurance, we create a home where our children can also learn to hear and trust the Spirit’s voice.
Family Talk:
Have you ever felt unsure about being God’s child?
What does it feel like when you know deep down that you belong to Him?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, keep reminding us of who we are in Christ. Let this home be filled with the sound of Your assurance. Amen.
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)
Do you ever feel unsure about things? The Holy Spirit helps with that!
He lives inside of you and reminds your heart that you belong to God. Even if you feel afraid or make a mistake, He gently tells you: “You are still God’s child.”
Try This: When you feel worried, say, “God, thank You that I am Yours.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for reminding me that I’m part of God’s family. I love being Your child! Amen.
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” — Jude 1:3, NASB1995
Before the Falling Away — There Was the Pure Seed
Before philosophy invaded theology, before the Church merged with state power, and before councils replaced the guidance of the Holy Spirit—there was the faith once delivered.
That faith was not abstract. It was embodied in a people. It was:
Christ-centered
Spirit-led
Lived out in holiness, simplicity, and love
Rooted in the commands of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles
The Apostolic Church (AD 33–100)
The Church born in Acts was not institutional—it was relational, transformational, and missional. Here’s what marked them:
1. Obedience to Christ’s Teachings
They didn’t just believe in Jesus—they obeyed Him. They lived out Matthew 5–7 daily, turning the other cheek, praying for enemies, sharing everything they had.
2. Led by the Holy Spirit
They waited for the Spirit in Jerusalem. They were filled with power to preach, heal, and love boldly. They discerned by the Spirit, not by creeds or councils.
3. Persecuted, Yet Joyful
The Church thrived underground and under fire—not because of strength in numbers, but because of devotion to Christ.
4. Separate from the World
They rejected the politics, systems, and values of Rome. They called themselves not of this world (John 17:16) and lived like pilgrims awaiting a better Kingdom.
5. Unified in Love and Truth
They met in homes, broke bread, and had all things in common (Acts 2:42–47). Their unity was not organized by bishops—it was birthed by the Spirit.
Their War Was Spiritual, Not Political
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh…” — 2 Corinthians 10:3
The early Church did not fight to gain influence. They did not seek state protection. They laid down their lives and overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).
Writings from the Early Church (Pre-AD 100)
Clement of Rome emphasized love and holiness, quoting Scripture continually.
Ignatius of Antioch wrote of martyrdom and urged unity through Christ, not control.
The Didache (“The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”) outlined a simple, practical life of obedience and Spirit-filled worship.
None of these promoted systems, power, or philosophical speculation. They echoed the Gospels and Acts.
Why This Matters
To understand the falling away, we must understand what was first handed down. The further we get from that foundation, the closer we are to apostasy.
Application for Today
Ask yourself:
Am I rooted in Jesus’ teachings or church culture?
Am I led by the Spirit or popular Christian trends?
Am I part of a body of believers marked by love, holiness, and obedience?
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15 (NASB 1995
We were not saved to live in fear, but to live in freedom. The Holy Spirit didn’t come into our lives to bind us with anxiety—but to secure us in love.
You are not merely forgiven—you are adopted. Not just a servant in the house, but a beloved daughter who can cry out “Abba! Father!” with confidence and nearness.
The Spirit confirms this truth every day as He testifies that you belong to God.
Reflection: Are you living like a fearful slave or a beloved daughter?
Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for adopting me. Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of who I am in You. Amen.
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15 (NASB 1995
When we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children—not just His friends, but His family!
The Holy Spirit helps us call God “Abba,” which means “Daddy” or “Father.” That’s how close He wants us to be!
Try This: Say out loud: “God is my Father, and I am His child!”
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for loving me like a perfect Father. Help me always remember that I belong to You! Amen.
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15 (NASB 1995
You don’t belong to fear anymore. You belong to the Father.
This is more than just a new title—it’s a new reality. You are adopted by God Himself. You have full access, full love, and full inheritance. And the Holy Spirit keeps that truth alive in you.
When you feel worthless, anxious, or lost—He reminds you: You are God’s child.
Challenge: What would change in your thinking or choices if you really believed you were adopted by God?
Prayer: Abba, let this truth shape my identity. Holy Spirit, drown out the lies with the voice of Your love. Amen.
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