Dear Mosaic Family,

I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits. I recently heard a brilliant definition of maturity: "Maturity is a process where we become so convinced of something that is already true that we begin to act like it." This perfectly encapsulates our journey of faith. We are all in the process of discovering what is and always has been true. As we mature in our faith, we reach the point where what we're learning begins to change how we live. My prayer for each of us is that we continue to grow in this way, allowing these truths to transform our lives.

Last week, we concluded out time together by reflecting on Paul's exhortation for believers to "reckon" themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is a reality that many of us have yet to fully grasp, but it is central to our Christian walk. Paul's exhortation reminds us that our starting point is our identification with Jesus—being baptized into His life, which means inclusion in His death, burial, and resurrection. In Him, we experience a profound transformation: co-crucified, buried with Him, and raised to walk in newness of life. As Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." It is my hope that we all continue to mature in understanding and living out these truths.

This Sunday, we will explore the second half of Romans 6, where we will discover that in addition to "reckoning," believers are also called to "present" themselves to God. First, we know the truth, then we reckon it as true for us, and then we present ourselves to God, leading to obedience. Many Christians struggle with obedience because they attempt it without first knowing, reckoning, and presenting. This often results in defeat, disappointment, and despair. However, if we rightly preach the Gospel and include these crucial truths in our teaching, we will see more people filled with hope and resiliency. Your homework for Sunday is to re-read Romans 6 in its entirety. Highlight the word "sin" each time it is used and underline each time it is used as a noun. I will explain the significance of this exercise when we gather. Let's show up on time, ready to worship and dive into what the Scripture has to say to us this weekend.

Your friend and brother,

John