In this edition of Faith for Living with Dr. Michael A. Milton, we continue our journey through Romans Chapter Eight by exploring the doctrine of adoption. This profound truth offers comfort and assurance far beyond academic study. This is the first part of our teaching on what it means to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. For those who may feel adrift, like “cosmic orphans” in a vast, impersonal world, the message of Romans 8 speaks directly to the heart: you are deeply loved and irrevocably claimed by the Father of all. This teaching reminds us that our identity is not found in fleeting circumstances but in the unshakable reality of God’s fatherly love—a love that gives us true faith for living.
Some years ago, I composed and recorded a song about this passage of Scripture and the doctrine it teaches. It is a folk song and, therefore, unsuitable for congregational singing. But I do pray it might be a source of meditation as you consider the truths of Romans and the Doctrine of Adoption. It is called A Promise is Stronger than Blood.
We offer these resources for those unable to attend church on the Lord’s Day. It is always preferable to be under the preaching and sacraments administered by a local Christian community led by an ordained [set apart according to the orders of the Church] shepherd of the Church (because he has presumably been prepared in both scripture [2 Timothy 2:1-2] and Christian tradition [1 Corinthians 11:2] by other shepherds who have gone before and who recognize the gifts of the Spirit in him and is accountable to elected representatives of a respective assembly of believers). Yet not all can be there regularly, if at all. Thus, for those who cannot attend and who might follow our humble efforts, we share these resources so that you may honor Christ in your heart and with the words of your mouth. To God be the glory.
The Daily Office and Sunday Prayers
You may use this daily for prayer and worship with scripture. For those unable to attend a house of worship on the Lord’s Day, consider the Family Prayer Service from the Book of Common Prayer.1
The Daily Office (daily rule of life of prayer and scripture, following the life of our Lord Jesus Christ): the link is here.
There is a weekly public prayer called the Col’-lect. This prayer, which follows the Christian Year (based on the life of our Lord), also includes scriptures, which form the weekly readings for the Lord’s Day.
Alternatively, you can listen to and join in with the prayers of others online. Here are two examples of this ministry, in this case, the vicar (pastor) of Saint Mark’s Anglican, Peterborough (England): Morning and Evening Prayer. Note: As the minister prays for the English regent, others may use this time to pray for authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Scriptures for Today
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Psalms: Psalm 119:1-16
Epistle: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34
Hymns for Today:
I practice devotions using the Book of Common Prayer. Why? It is, in my experience, one of the most radically biblical methods for both private and public devotion in church history. For those who seek to shape their lives according to the life of Christ through Scripture, few systems offer a more structured and spiritually enriching approach. This has been true for countless believers, both past and present. Many service books from other traditions—Presbyterian, Methodist, and beyond—are also rooted in this ancient practice of worship and devotion. Indeed, the Book of Common Prayer, first published in 1549 under the guidance of Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556), became the foundational prayer guide for English-speaking Christians. Cranmer's work incorporated elements from the Western liturgical tradition, which was informed by interactions with Reformation leaders such as John Calvin (1509–1564) and others on the European continent. This liturgical tradition itself reaches back through the church fathers, who sought to shape worship life just after the time of the last apostle, John. Devotions can be aligned with either the day of the week or the broader church calendar (across the years of following the Lord, I have chosen to follow the Church Calendar, as it is ordered around the life of Christ and the unfolding of redemption history; this is not an admonition but a testimony from my life). If you're interested in learning more about using the Book of Common Prayer in daily devotions, I recommend this insightful lesson by Matthew Everhard:
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