August 6: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   August 6, 2025

Abiding in Christ: Remaining connected to Jesus brings fruitfulness and joy.

Wednesday Verse

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I stay more connected to Christ in my everyday activities? In what practical ways can I follow the Spirit’s leading daily to experience fruitfulness and joy in my relationship with Jesus?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Recently, in a report from a major news organization, an on-the-scene reporter witnessed how a photo of a child with a severe disability was portrayed as a victim of starvation when the truth was very different. The cropped picture was used to support an agenda that seemed to justify its misuse. It is easy to recognize that this is deceptive, but I wonder how often most of us do a similar kind of thing – seeing only what we want to and justifying our conclusions, whether they fit the truth or not.

In our reading this week, we get to see the contrast between a self-centered perspective and one that humbly acknowledges the truth. The two criminals being executed with Jesus are front row witnesses to all that has happened to Jesus and how He has responded. Whether they knew of Him before, we don’t know, but they now see Him up front and personal. Rather than lash out at His accusers and executioners, Jesus offers forgiveness as He suffers. Instead of self-pity, He handles the pain and indignity with courage and conviction as the crowd mocks him. Both criminals see and hear. One joins in with the crowd. The other sees with a different lens – humility and honesty. “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Luke 23:40b-42 (NLT) This man knew he was guilty and was getting what the law demanded. What he saw in Jesus was a person who was not deserving of the punishment He was getting. We don’t know if this criminal had heard about Jesus before or whether, during the time he was being crucified, he and Jesus had talked. All we know is that he honestly owned his fate and humbly reached out to Jesus. This is all it takes to receive the new life Jesus offers. Salvation is not something we can earn or barter for. This man had only a short time to live – not time to get baptized, tithe, or serve others. He had nothing but a humble request based on what he saw, regardless of what the crowd was chanting. Tuning out the noise allowed him to see the truth.

Responding to the dying man’s request, Jesus simply promises him, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”   Luke 23:43 (NLT) Amazing.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org