"… you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ…"
—Romans 7:4

When we placed our faith in Jesus, we were baptized into His crucifixion, which means far more than just forgiveness of sins. In this section of Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall examines two additional features of our crucifixion: being dead to the law and crucified to the world. These truths unveil the depth of the freedom we have in Christ and call us into a life of Spirit-led dependence.

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?"
—Romans 6:3

When we placed our faith in Jesus, an extraordinary transaction occurred—we were crucified with Him. David Kuykendall’s Living in the Garden of Grace unpacks the profound reality of what it means to be baptized into the crucifixion of Jesus. In this section, Kuykendall introduces two key aspects of the believer’s crucifixion: the death of the “old man” and the believer’s death to sin.

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…”
—1 Corinthians 12:12-13a

When we think about baptism, the image of water often comes to mind—a symbol of faith and obedience. But David Kuykendall, in his book Living in the Garden of Grace, highlights a deeper reality: the spiritual baptism into Jesus. This baptism, performed by the Holy Spirit, unites us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

In an ever-changing world, one truth stands unshakable: God is faithful. This attribute, as A.W. Tozer explains in Chapter 15 of The Knowledge of the Holy, is more than a comforting concept—it is the foundation of our hope and the anchor for our souls. Understanding the faithfulness of God is not only theologically enriching but also deeply practical for our daily walk with Him.

At its core, Janis Joplin’s Piece of My Heart is a raw expression of love given without reciprocation, of pouring oneself out and being left empty. The song captures the pain of giving "another little piece" of oneself, hoping it will bring fulfillment, yet finding that the giving only deepens the sense of loss. For someone who is operating from the natural man—seeking fulfillment through relationships, accomplishments, or approval—this resonates deeply. It mirrors the relentless striving of the flesh, always giving, always yearning, and never quite finding rest.

Have you ever met someone deeply knowledgeable about the Bible but seemingly disconnected from a personal relationship with God? It’s a paradox that can leave us puzzled. How can someone analyze Scripture, teach it, and even argue its truths, yet miss the relational essence of faith? This raises an important question: Is it possible to know a lot about God without truly knowing Him?

Rock music has always been a powerful medium for expressing raw emotion, and few artists have done this as effectively as the late Ronnie James Dio. Known not only for his soaring vocals and legendary status in heavy metal but also for his humble and kind-hearted nature, Dio was a man who captivated fans with more than just his music. For many, including myself during a time of personal depression, his humility and authenticity stood out in an industry often associated with ego and excess. This quality made his music not only entertaining but deeply relatable.

There’s a common thread in many conversations with skeptics: the desire for proof of God’s existence. On the surface, it seems reasonable. After all, if God is real, shouldn’t He provide irrefutable evidence? But as I reflect on this from a Christ-centered, grace-oriented perspective, I realize that this desire for proof often reveals a deeper longing—a longing for certainty, meaning, and perhaps even control.

The late physicist Richard Feynman, known for his brilliance and curiosity, once articulated a perspective on uncertainty that resonates deeply with many:
"I can live with doubt and uncertainty and not knowing... I don't have to know an answer, I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in the mysterious universe without having any purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell, it doesn't frighten me."

For Feynman, the mystery of the universe and the absence of clear purpose were not sources of fear, but invitations to curiosity and exploration. While this perspective reflects an honest engagement with the limits of human understanding, it also highlights the stark difference between the worldview of the natural man and the hope-filled assurance offered through faith in Jesus Christ.

Life’s trials test us in ways we could never anticipate. Yet, as believers, we are called to live out our faith amid hardship, trusting God daily to sustain us. This final study in our series brings everything together with practical guidance on how to actively live out faith, even when the storms of life rage around us.

Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, especially when pain and suffering cloud our vision. But Scripture invites us to view our trials through a lens that stretches far beyond the here and now—an eternal perspective rooted in the promises of heaven and glory. This eternal outlook transforms our struggles, offering hope and purpose even in the darkest seasons.

Suffering is one of the deepest mysteries of life. While we naturally seek to avoid it, the Bible reveals that God can use our pain to display His glory and draw others closer to Himself. In this session, we will explore how suffering, far from being meaningless, becomes a powerful platform for God’s purposes.

Peace is a precious gift that feels elusive in a world filled with stress and uncertainty. Yet, Scripture speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace rooted not in our circumstances but in God’s presence. In this session, we’ll explore how believers can experience true peace even in the midst of trials and hardships.

One of the hardest lessons for any believer is reconciling our desires with God’s sovereign plan, especially when His will differs from our own. Disappointment and loss are part of living in a fallen world, yet they often leave us questioning: Why did God allow this? How do we move forward when life doesn’t go the way we hoped?

In times of uncertainty, one of the greatest challenges for believers is trusting in God’s promises. We hold tightly to verses that speak of His provision and faithfulness, yet circumstances can leave us wondering: Is God truly meeting my needs? To answer this, we must first understand the scope and nature of His promises. Are they meant to secure our temporal comfort, or do they point us toward eternal hope?

Life is filled with moments that challenge our faith, unsettle our hearts, and leave us grappling with hard questions. What does it mean to trust God when our prayers seem unanswered? How do we reconcile God’s promises with the reality of suffering? And what if His definition of "meeting our needs" is vastly different from our own?

In a world that often feels fractured and divided, the call for humility and interdependence is not just a moral ideal—it’s a necessity. No nation, business, or individual can thrive in isolation. Yet as Christians, we recognize a deeper truth: lasting change begins with transformed hearts. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, the values we hold dear can neither be understood nor fully embraced by those who are still walking in the natural man.

“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” — Acts 5:32

In today’s devotional reflection by A.B. Simpson, we are reminded of a powerful truth: the fullness of the Holy Spirit isn’t given merely for our personal spiritual experience. Instead, it’s entrusted to us for a greater purpose—carrying out Christ’s mission to a lost and broken world.

"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

Oswald Chambers challenges us with a profound truth: conversion is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of turning to God as children, day by day, situation by situation. While our initial salvation marks a glorious beginning, the journey of walking with Christ involves ongoing surrender, transformation, and renewal.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

What an extraordinary invitation this verse gives us! The Creator of the universe—the sovereign, holy Judge of all—welcomes us to approach His throne boldly, not with fear or hesitation but with confidence and trust. This is possible only because He is also the "God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10), and through Jesus Christ, He has made a way for us to commune with Him freely.