April 27 | Romans 6:1-11

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DAILY READING

Romans 6:1-11

Find additional "Dying to Live" study materials designed for small groups or individual use here.

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REFLECTION

Death to Sin!

By Elaine Pierce

I counted the words "death" or "died" 11 times in these 11 verses. The apostle Paul certainly got my attention! What is the main point he is trying to make? He wants the church in Rome to know without a doubt that they should no longer be "slaves to sin." In fact, he encourages the church - and us - that when we are baptized into Christ Jesus, we can "count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (v. 11)."

I would love to say that I am 'dead to sin,' but it is a daily struggle for me to live a life that is honoring to God. Yes, I claim the promise of eternal life. Just last week, we all sang joyful Easter hymns and we responded "He is Risen Indeed!" when our pastor said "He is Risen!" I know with certainty where I will spend eternity. And yet.....the struggle to be dead to sin continues. And it won't end until Jesus comes again, or until our own natural death as Paul says in verse 4:

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

II want to claim that promise to live a new life. A life alive to God in Christ Jesus. I will fall short, but one day I will meet Him face to face, and, thanks to Jesus' death and resurrection, he will say "welcome, good and faithful servant." Death will finally be conquered. Sin will be no more.

How can we make this new life in Christ Jesus a reality? There are no magic formulas that I have found. Daily Bible study. Prayer. Worship. Small group accountability. Rinse and Repeat. There will be dry times, there will be joyous times. But have no doubt: Jesus paid the price. You are forgiven.

Charles Wesley wrote hundreds and hundreds of hymns. He wrote "And Can it Be That I Should Gain," in 1738 to celebrate his conversion. The chorus is worth repeating:

Amazing love! How can it be? That thou my God should die for me.

It's amazing, and it's true. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Spend time in prayer, thanking God for giving us new life. You might find meditating on the words to "And Can it Be That I should Gain" helpful. Click here to play.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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April 26 | Acts 9: 1-19

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DAILY READING

ACTS 9: 1-19

Find additional "Dying to Live" study materials designed for small groups or individual use here.

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The Least Likely Transformation

By Michael Guastella

In this passage of Acts, we witness one of the most dramatic conversions in Scripture: Saul’s transformation from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ. This passage reveals the power of God’s grace to redirect even the hardest of hearts.

Saul, "breathing out murderous threats" (v. 1), was determined to eradicate the early church. Armed with authority from the high priest, he set out for Damascus to arrest believers. Yet, God had other plans. On the road, a blinding light from heaven enveloped Saul, and he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). This was Jesus Himself, revealing that to persecute His followers was to persecute Him. Struck blind and humbled, Saul was led to Damascus, where he fasted and prayed for three days (v. 9).

God’s intervention didn’t stop there. He called Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to visit Saul. Despite Ananias’ fear—knowing Saul’s reputation—God assured him, “This man is my chosen instrument” (v. 15). Ananias obeyed, laying hands on Saul, restoring his sight, and baptizing him. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul’s life was forever changed (v. 17-18).

This passage challenges us to reflect on God’s sovereignty and grace. Saul’s story shows that no one is beyond God’s reach. The same God who halted Saul’s mission of destruction can transform the most unlikely hearts today. Are there people in your life you’ve written off as “too far gone”, maybe even including yourself? This text reminds us to trust God’s power to redeem.

Ananias’ role also speaks volumes. His obedience, despite fear, was crucial to Saul’s journey. God often calls us to step out in faith, even when the task seems daunting. Like Ananias, we may be the vessel God uses to bring healing or hope to someone else. Are we willing to trust and obey?

Finally, Saul’s immediate response—proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues (v. 20)—shows the fruit of true conversion. When God transforms us, our lives bear witness to His power. Let’s ask ourselves: How is my life reflecting Christ’s transformative work?

This passage is a powerful reminder that God's grace can reach even the most hardened hearts. Saul, the persecutor, became Paul, the apostle. His dramatic conversion emphasizes the boundless mercy and transformative power of God. It also highlights the importance of obedience, even when it seems risky or counterintuitive, as seen in Ananias's willingness to minister to his former enemy.

Acts 9:1-19 invites us to consider our own encounters with God. Perhaps not as dramatic as Saul's, but in the quiet moments of conviction, the gentle nudges of the Spirit, or even in the midst of our own struggles. Are we open to the possibility of unexpected encounters that might challenge our assumptions and redirect our paths? Are we willing to extend grace and welcome to those who might seem the least deserving? May we be open to the transformative power of God's love, just as Saul was on that dusty road to Damascus. May we, like Saul, embrace God’s call and boldly share His love.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace that transforms. Thank you for never giving up on us. Help us trust Your power to change hearts and obey Your call, even when it’s hard. Use us to reflect Your love. Amen.

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About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus since. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.

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APRIL 25 | ACTS 7:54-8:3

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SCRIPTURE

Acts 7:54-60

Acts 8:1-3

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REFLECTION

FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: SACRIFICE ABOVE SELF

By Terry Starr

55 "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Full.... full of the Holy Spirit.  What does it mean to be full of the Holy Spirit?  Filled up to the brim.  No room left.  When your tummy is full, you cannot take another bite.  When your glass is full, you cannot pour any more into it.  A full tank of gas means your car can go a far distance.  Full of the Holy Spirit....filled to the place where there is no place left for self.... or doubt.... or fear.  Stephen who was full of the Holy Spirit was able to stand with Christ, even to his own death.  To be a martyr, it seems one must deny self, deny doubt and deny fear.  To stand with Christ to victory in death.

What does it mean to be a martyr?  What does it mean to truly sacrifice all for Christ?   It is outside of our realm of comprehension!

Can we understand or comprehend the sacrifice of Stephen and other disciples of Christ who gave up EVERYTHING to follow Jesus?  Stephen gave up everything to follow Christ.  He was willing to die for Christ.  The most critical sacrifice is putting aside one's life.  Are you willing to give up your time?  Your comfort level?  Your possessions?  These are all small sacrifices compared to giving up one's life for Christ.

INCREDIBLE BLESSINGS!!  That is the overwhelming thought that goes through my mind.  We live in comfortable homes, drive nice cars, eat whatever food we feel like eating, are able to buy mostly whatever we want.  We live lives of comfort.  WE ARE TRULY AND FULLY BLESSED!

What does God require of us?  To follow Him at all costs?  To sacrifice some of our comforts and desires to help others?  To serve Him first?  To step outside our comfort zone to share about who Christ is and how only He can save?  The old adage that your calendar and checkbook show where you put your priorities.  When we look at ours, do we see a priority of Christ in our lives?

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

God is asking us to step out in faith to serve our neighbors in need and share HIS love and the hope of Jesus with others.  If we trust completely in Him, we will follow His calling.  And, as Stephen, we will look up to heaven and see the glory of God.  What an incredible joy and thanksgiving that we will have each day when we serve and follow Him. 

Sacrifice, putting aside self, is asking for God's will in every step, every day.  What an amazing blessing to experience His unconditional love, His faithfulness, and His daily blessings because we are following His call.  Does sacrifice feel comfortable?  Is it easy?  NO, NOT AT ALL AND NOT EVER.  But trusting God and following Jesus every day will give us the most joyful and rewarding experiences of our lives.  Dear Father, fill us with your Holy Spirt, your love and mercy so that we have no room for doubt, fear or self.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

We ask that you fill us with a deep desire to know you and follow Christ.  Reveal yourself anew each day so that we may be filled with your Holy Spirt, leaving little room for doubt or fear.  Help us to develop a deep faith and trust in you so that we are comfortable with sacrifices that we do in Your name.  Thank you for Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who suffered and died for us so that we may have eternal peace with you for eternity.   

It is in your name you pray!  Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TERRY STARR

I am a longtime member of UALC, along with my husband Alan. We raised our four children here and have seven grandchildren. At God's calling, I started a non-profit named Divine Dignity, which gives free hygiene to our neighbors in need while sharing God's love. I retired as an administrator from the UA Schools after 25 years.

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