October 7, 2025
Hello, Beloved.
If we're honest, everyone has asked the quiet question: "Am I really secure? Will God still love me if I fail again?" Our common ground: the longing for lasting security and unshakable love. And what we know to be true is that the enemy works hard to unsettle us. He leverages fear, shame, and doubt in our hearts, whispering that we're not enough, that we've gone too far, that God may change His mind about us. But the gospel speaks a louder word: because the Spirit has sealed us in Christ forever, we can live secure in His love, whole in heart and mind, and strong in victory. The seal of the Spirit silences the voice of uncertainty once and for all.
In Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV), Paul writes, "When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." That word "deposit" is so powerful. It means that God has already placed a portion of heaven within us, in the person of the Holy Spirit Himself, as a down payment on our eternal future. We don't have to wonder if we'll make it. We can eliminate a life of striving and performance because the Spirit within us is heaven's first installment. He’s proof that our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). The presence of the Spirit shapes our hearts, renews our minds, and reminds us that eternal glory with the Trinity is our future.
But this seal is more than a feeling of assurance; it carries God's authority and authenticity. In ancient times, a king's seal marked what was genuine and protected what belonged to him. When God sealed us with His Spirit, He stamped us as His own. No accusation from the enemy can undo it. No failure can revoke it. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we belong to God (Romans 8:16). We are protected, preserved, and marked as authentic, a true son or daughter of the King.
The Spirit is not only a seal and a deposit but also a guarantee, a vision of what's coming. Paul reminds us, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4). The Spirit within us points forward to that day when what is hidden will be revealed, when our redemption will be complete, and when glory will swallow every trace of sin.
So take heart, beloved. The seal of the Spirit is not fragile or seasonal. It is eternal. The same God who began a good work in us will complete it. The Spirit is our deposit of heaven's promise, our seal of belonging and authority, and our guarantee that we will reign with Christ in His everlasting kingdom.
May the Lord Jesus and His peace be upon you!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Loving Jesus Wholeheartedly - Entire service or teaching only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
October 5: $21,285.09
October 12:
October 19:
October 26:
Greater Things YTD 2025: $56,039.69
Current Mortgage Balance: $396,579.48
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Stay hopeful and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon. Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com