Knowing The Word

Weekday devotionals by The Rev. Reagan Cocke

Devotionals

Daily Devotionals

Romans 8:5-8, The Work of the Spirit

Tom Wright, Senior Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall University of Oxford According to Tom Wright, "the first four verses of Romans 8 launch Paul’s exposition of the work of the Spirit. They form a platform for the rest of the chapter, and in particular for the rest of verses 5-11. Verses 1-4 have as their main theme the claim that “there is no condemnation for the Messiah’s people” because “the law’s proper verdict, giving life, is now fulfilled in them.” This life is the activ

4 hours ago2 min read

Romans 8:3-4, What God has Done for Us

3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, Those who are Jews by birth come to realize that belonging to the one whom the resurrection has identified as Israel’s Messiah means both the fulfillment of their aspirations as loyal Jews and the radical redrawing of their identity as the people of God. When someone comes to be “in the Messiah,” by baptism

3 days ago3 min read

Romans 8:2, The Law of the Spirit

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Why is that the case? How has that been accomplished? God has done what the law couldn’t do. He has done two things, the first being the basis for the second: 1) the death of his Son and 2) the work of the Spirit. The problem with the law or Torah was the people to whom it was given were hard-hearted. See Ezekiel 36:26-27: 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spiri

4 days ago2 min read

Romans 8:1, No Condemnation

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The word “Christ” is not just a proper name. It means “the anointed one,” the Messiah who sums up Israel’s vocation and destiny in himself. Jesus accomplishes what the covenant with Israel has all along intended to achieve. We have our story of salvation upside down. God’s purpose for Israel always was the focal point, and the intended means, of God’s purpose for the whole world. God’s plan to put

5 days ago2 min read

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About Rev. Reagan

Reagan Winter Cocke was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He received a B. A. and a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania where he also met his wife Stephanie.

After a decade practicing architecture, Reagan answered the call to ordained ministry, attending Wycliffe Hall at the University of Oxford where he studied theology, graduating with distinction. He served as an assistant rector at Church of the Advent in Brownsville, TX, before coming to St. John the Divine in Houston, TX, where he has served for nearly two decades.

At St. John the Divine, Reagan has overseen ministries ranging from Adult Education to Prayer Ministry to the Contemporary Service. He currently oversees Youth, Children's, and Family Ministries. He leads several Bible studies and has written a number of devotionals for the congregation.

In his spare time, Reagan enjoys playing pickleball, painting, traveling, cooking, and entertaining alongside Stephanie. They have two children: Catherine, who lives in Austin, and Winston, who lives with them in Houston.

About

Knowing the Word

weekday devotionals by The Rev. Reagan Cocke