If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36.

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16.

You asked, “Who is this that obscures My counsel without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Job 42:3.

We come to the final chapter of the Book of Romans, Romans 16. In it we find a roll-call of people in the early church that Paul mentions who were loved by him. We even learn the name of the scribe, Tertius, who transcribed this letter for Paul as he dictated it so it could be sent to the church in Rome and by extension all the churches. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. v. 1-16. Imagine how encouraging this part of the letter of Paul was for all the churches. There was great persecution for the followers of Jesus, the Son. And here Paul is reminding them they are not alone and that they are, truly, a community of believers dearly loved and loving. And this reminder…Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Jesus Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. v. 17-19. Wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. That admonition by Paul holds true still today. We know the confusions and twisted thinking that exists today. People being so confused today they no longer even understand the basics of their physical being as Creator God made them. Pray for them that God’s love for them will break down the confusions of the evil one and that we as a society will turn away from darkness having been wearied by all that is confusing and wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother. (The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.) Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. v. 20-27.

As we grow weary in all the confusions of this world twisted by Satan…how can we not turn to Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, who brings refreshing to our spirits through His peace; and then experience that it is in His peace and His love that is our freedom in Christ Jesus. Reading this today from You Are The Beloved by Henri Nouwen…”That is why I am more and more convinced of the importance to live in the Spirit of the Risen Christ. Christ is the God who entered into solidarity with our struggles and became truly a God-with-us. It was this solidarity that led Him to the cross by which He overcame death and evil. Believing in the Risen Lord means believing that in and through Christ the evil one has been overcome and that death no longer is the final word.” He even died a physical death with us. How can we begin to comprehend so great a Love? How can we not trust the One who died for us and rose again? He showed us before His crucifixion by raising Lazarus from the dead that He is Creator God who loves us. He raised Lazarus and He raised Himself. Death cannot hold Creator God. We need not fear leaving this life when He awaits us in the next moment. Are you afraid to meet God? Tell Him! Ask for His help. Our sins are great. His Love is greater. And we need Him! As you turn to Him for help, He will be with you. He already knows your deep need and your fears and all your sins. He knows. And the amazing thing is, when you turn to Him, confessing your sins, what you receive is His Love and His forgiveness already given at great cost. And you can breathe and begin your walk with Him helping you. There is nothing like His Love in this world! It is so far beyond our love that our spirits sing in grateful thanksgiving! And we can walk in newness with Him. Always! Let God be the One to deepen your hope and trust in Him because you are His and dearly loved.