Experiencing true rest: adoption, identity, and the overflowing stream of the Spirit

<p>Have you ever wondered about God's love for you? Before time even began, Jesus chose to adopt us into His family. It is a comforting truth to rest in, knowing that before we even existed, He looked forward to delighting in us. Moreover, this profound love extends beyond our actions and abilities – there is nothing we can do to deserve His approval.</p> <p>The builders of Notre Dame Cathedral recognized the significance of Scripture, incorporating its symbolism into their architectural marvel. Discover how access to Scripture reveals God's identity, His actions, and our own identity and purpose. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to become a servant and died on a cross.</p> <p>By recognizing God as the center of the universe, we find rest and shift the focus away from ourselves. Christ's ascension to heaven opened the door for all of us in Him to be filled with the living water of the Spirit. This abundant and infinite supply of water is available to each and every one of us who has placed our faith and trust in Him alone.</p> <p>Once we receive the Holy Spirit, rest is modeled after Christ with childlike faith and a lifetime of faithfulness. Imagine the stunning sculptures adorning the hidden side of the stones that held up the ceilings of Notre Dame. Carved as an offering of worship to God, those sculptures remained unseen by human eyes but were known to God alone. Let us consider how we can present our lives as works of art in worship to God.</p> <p>Adoption plays a significant role in understanding our identity in Christ. With three witnesses – the angelic realm, the world of humans, and our own hearts – we are marvelously adopted into God's family. In this new kingdom where Jesus reigns, we gain a new authority and embrace a new inheritance as sons and daughters of God.</p> <p>Drawing from Paul's teachings in Romans, we explore the profound concept of adoption in contrast to Roman cultural practices. We invite you to ponder the transformative power of God's rest and satisfaction, as exemplified in the