The Forever Connection
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
What a great promise that Scripture gives us in Romans 8:38-39! Nothing can separate us from his love. It’s a gift, plain and simple … if we accept it. A gift is not a gift if it is not accepted. A gift does not bring us joy unless it is unwrapped and revealed. The question is, how do I unwrap the Gospel to experience the love that God has so that I can defy the “powers of hell?” That is a tall task.
Death is frightening, demons are scary, my future health concerns me, hell saddens me, ballistic missiles frighten me, and severe weather troubles me. So, what is the gift? The gift is knowing that nothing can separate me from the love of God. Without Christ, nothing much would make any sense. Death would be final. Satan would reign over everything, war would make me bitter, my 401k would not be enough, my marriage would be turbulent, and my grandparenting skills would be indifferent. In other words, Christ in me is my only hope. It is the gift that brings joy to all that I do.
However, the gift that keeps giving only works if the receiver keeps receiving. I must unwrap the gift every day. Satan doesn’t stop working. Why should I stop unwrapping his gift to me? The Bible is a gift. It requires that I learn daily what God's true character is and how to apply it. Prayer is a gift. It restores my link with God the Father. My marriage is a gift. Every day, I learn the power of love and forgiveness. The church is a gift. I learn to get along with other Christ followers even when we don’t see eye to eye. My neighborhood is a gift, even when we differ politically.
The more I am convinced about God’s love, the more comfortable I am saying nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from his love; not world affairs, bad weather, irritated neighbors, wayward relatives, lost investments, or failing health.
“What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all – here in the love of Christ I stand.” In Christ Alone - Keith/Kristyn Getty
What a great promise that Scripture gives us in Romans 8:38-39! Nothing can separate us from his love. It’s a gift, plain and simple … if we accept it. A gift is not a gift if it is not accepted. A gift does not bring us joy unless it is unwrapped and revealed. The question is, how do I unwrap the Gospel to experience the love that God has so that I can defy the “powers of hell?” That is a tall task.
Death is frightening, demons are scary, my future health concerns me, hell saddens me, ballistic missiles frighten me, and severe weather troubles me. So, what is the gift? The gift is knowing that nothing can separate me from the love of God. Without Christ, nothing much would make any sense. Death would be final. Satan would reign over everything, war would make me bitter, my 401k would not be enough, my marriage would be turbulent, and my grandparenting skills would be indifferent. In other words, Christ in me is my only hope. It is the gift that brings joy to all that I do.
However, the gift that keeps giving only works if the receiver keeps receiving. I must unwrap the gift every day. Satan doesn’t stop working. Why should I stop unwrapping his gift to me? The Bible is a gift. It requires that I learn daily what God's true character is and how to apply it. Prayer is a gift. It restores my link with God the Father. My marriage is a gift. Every day, I learn the power of love and forgiveness. The church is a gift. I learn to get along with other Christ followers even when we don’t see eye to eye. My neighborhood is a gift, even when we differ politically.
The more I am convinced about God’s love, the more comfortable I am saying nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from his love; not world affairs, bad weather, irritated neighbors, wayward relatives, lost investments, or failing health.
“What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all – here in the love of Christ I stand.” In Christ Alone - Keith/Kristyn Getty
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Standing Firm in the Face of Spiritual Warfare: Insights from Ephesians 6My Words from God’s WordBubble Wrapped LifeTough Questions, Difficult AnswersThe Book of Acts: A Continuing Story of Jesus' MinistryThe Rebirth PortalA Simple Faith; A Complicated LifeHope Rekindled: The Kingdom's Spiritual Power and Global Reach
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Living StonesLeadership in the Kingdom: Following Jesus Through His Chosen OnesPersistent PrayerThe Great Repair: How God is Mending Our Broken WorldDarkness-Light, Evil-Good, Sin-ForgivenessTrading Up: Finding True Satisfaction in ChristWealth and the Kingdom of GodThe Reluctant Prophet: Lessons from Jonah's Journey
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