Grounded in the Faith | Message 7: Know Where You Stand

Centered on Romans 6:1–10, Pastor Richard Jackson reminded us of a foundational truth of the Christian life: before we can truly live for Christ, we must first understand who we are in Him.

Paul addresses a dangerous misunderstanding that had begun to spread among believers in Rome. If God’s grace is greater than our sin, does that mean sin no longer matters? Paul’s answer is immediate and clear: “By no means!”

Instead, he points believers back to their identity in Christ.

Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer defined by our old selves. Romans 6 teaches that believers have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism becomes a powerful picture of this reality — going under the water symbolizes dying to the old life, while rising again represents walking in a new life through Christ.

Romans 6:4 — We too may live a new life

One of the central themes of the message was the spiritual battle every believer faces. Pastor Richard explained that while our sinful nature still exists, those who trust in Christ are also given a new spiritual nature through the Holy Spirit. The Christian life becomes a daily decision about which nature we are feeding.

When we spend time in prayer, worship, Scripture, fellowship, and serving others, we strengthen our spiritual lives. But when we continually feed sinful habits and destructive patterns, they begin to dominate our hearts again.

The message also carried a strong reminder that believers are not meant to live defeated lives. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to every follower of Christ today.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you

Pastor Richard challenged the church to stop living spiritually powerless when God has already provided everything needed to walk in freedom, victory, and transformation.

The service concluded with an invitation for believers to take baptism seriously — not as something that saves us, but as a public declaration of the new life we have received in Jesus Christ.

As we continue this Romans series, we are being reminded week after week that the Gospel is not only about forgiveness — it is about transformation.

Because of Christ, we are not who we once were.

We are new creations.

See previous message: Grounded In The Faith | Message 6b: Reinterpreting Our Suffering