How to Overcome the Power of Sin

Notes: How to Overcome the Power of Sin

Greg Laurie

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans

Romans 7

Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-overcome-the-power-of-sin

2 Corinthians 7:1-16 NKJV

[1] Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. [2] Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. [3] I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. [4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. [5] For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. [6] Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, [7] and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. [8] For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. [9] Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. [11] For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. [12] Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. [13] Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. [14] For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. [15] And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. [16] Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

1. If you want to win the battle of sin, you must admit your faults.

Conversion has made our hearts a battlefield.

After you have you have been a Christian for a while and you still do things you shouldn’t, it’s called carnality.

2. To be carnal is to be in an arrested state of spiritual development.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2 NKJV

[1] And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. [2] I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

[12] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

A carnal Christian is one who has never grown up.

3. You don’t have to be carnal if you don’t want to be.

Romans 7:8 NKJV

[8] But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV

[1] Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 2:15-16 NKJV

[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world.

All sins fall into these categories:

Flesh

Eyes

Pride

Genesis 3:6 NKJV

[6] So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

4. Realize the problem is you, not your circumstances

Romans 7:14 NKJV

[14] For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

“I have more trouble with myself than any other man!” - DL Moody

Jesus did not eliminate but, rather, elaborated the commands in the sermon on the mount.

The commandments show me I need God.

Romans 3:19 NKJV

[19] Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

The old nature knows no law, the new nature needs no law.

5. Our only hope, in the struggle with sin, is Jesus!

6. We need to cry out to God for help.

Romans 7:24 NKJV

[24] O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Admit we are under its power.

Romans 6:6 NKJV

[6] knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

We can live in the victory Jesus has purchased for you.

Call your sin what it is and attack it!

Whom the son sets free is free indeed.

Romans 8:1 NKJV

[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Chapter 8 starts with “no condemnation” and ends with “no separation.”

How are we to live a life from the power and control of sin?

Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

[6] So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.

Don't Let the Old Man In

Notes: Don't Let the Old Man In

Greg Laurie

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans

Romans 6

Music: Harvest Worship Band

Clint Eastwood said “I don’t let the old man in.” That’s how he keeps going, he’s still making movies at the age of 88.

As we get older, we do old people things.

The Bible compares our old nature to the old man.

Romans 6:6-11 NKJV

[6] knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. [7] For he who has died has been freed from sin. [8] Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, [9] knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. [10] For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. [11] Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The first five chapters of Romans says we are all sinners and need a savior. From chapters 6 on, Paul speaks of our sanctification.

Romans 6:4 NKJV

[4] Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1. The Christian no longer has to be under the power of sin.

Romans 6:7 NKJV

[7] For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Oscar Wilde said he could resist anything other than temptation.

The Bible says Jesus can interrupt the cycle of sin in any life or family.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

One of the devils greatest strategies is to control you and make you feel like he’s not.

1 John 3:8 NKJV

[8] He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

How can a person who is dead to sin still live in it?

2. You are no longer a slave, so stop acting like it.

Romans 6:6 NKJV

[6] knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

MLK Jr stood up for millions of people. MLK Jr took a stand!

Rosa Parks took a stand! She had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and she wrote a book that said it was her faith that gave her the strength to take a stand.

You don’t have to be under the power of the devil anymore!

Don’t tear your child down, we are to bring our child up to the Lord.

3. Start living like you are free if you feel it or not.

Romans 6:7 NKJV

[7] For he who has died has been freed from sin.

4. You need to yield yourself to God.

Your body is a gift from God, you need to dedicate your body to Him.

Your body is a temple.

Romans 12:1 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

5. Where you turn your head, your body will follow.

You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

We need to screen thoughts before we let them in.

Romans 8:31-34 NKJV

[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Romans 8:38-39 NKJV

[38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from God, that is the privilege of being a child of God.

Realize you are not a slave to sin. Feed your new nature.

The best way not to go backwards is to go forward. That is a decision we have to make everyday.

Jesus Revolution: The Holy Spirit in Revival

Notes: Jesus Revolution: The Holy Spirit in Revival

Greg Laurie

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Acts 2

Music: Harvest Worship Band, Phil Wickham

During the Jesus Revolution

1. There was a sense of anticipation and expectancy in the services.

2. The word of God was always taught in every service

3. Contemporary worship was born. People participated in the worship.

4. You would invite friends to go to church with you.

5. There was a belief that Jesus could come back at any time.

Psalm 85:6 NLT

[6] Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?

Habakkuk 3:2 NLT

[2] I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.

Lord do it again! We need another spiritual awakening!

6. The Jesus Revolution was a work of the Holy Spirit

The day of Pentecost changed the disciples.

Acts 1:8 NLT

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 2:15-17 NLT

[15] These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. [16] No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: [17] 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

The promise of the Holy Spirit is available to all of us.

Ephesians 5:2 NLT

[2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Acts 2:37-38 NLT

[37] Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" [38] Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

All Roads Lead to Romans

Notes: All Roads Lead to Romans

Jeff Lasseigne

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Series: Relentless Grace: Paul’s Letter to the Romans - Valor

Romans 1–5

Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/all-roads-lead-to-romans-oc

Romans is the most detailed teaching of theological truth in the scriptures.

Paul’s name is only mentioned once in this entire letter!

Romans was written in 57 or 58 a.d.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 NKJV

[17] The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. - Helen Keller

Behind every successful ministry there is an army of faithful servants.

There’s no end to what God can do with men and women who care only for the glory of God!

Romans 1:7 NKJV

[7] To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:15 NKJV

[15] So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Outline of Romans:

Chapters 1 to 8 the plan of salvation

Chapters 9 - 11 the people of salvation

Chapters 12 - 16 the practice of salvation

Living for the Lord's Return

Notes: Living for the Lord's Return

Jeff Lasseigne

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/living-for-the-lord-s-return

“Life can only be understood by looking backwards, but it must be lived looking forward.”

Isaiah 9:6 NLT

[6] For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Only the first part of that prophecy has been fulfilled, when he comes back is when the government will be upon His shoulders.

The climax of human history will be the 2nd coming of Christ.

1 in every 23 verses speak of the second coming.

Matthew 24:44 NLT

[44] You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

5 Ways in Which the 2nd Coming Will Affect Us.

1. The return of Jesus should be a motive for Holy Living.

Luke 12:47-48 NLT

[47] "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. [48] But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Why hasn’t He come back yet? God is never in a hurry and is always on time.

2 Peter 3:8 NLT

[8] But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.

2 Peter 3:9 NLT

[9] The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

We measure time by minutes, God measures time by mercy.

The world is falling apart, but God’s plan is coming together.

2 Peter 3:1-10 NKJV

[1] Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), [2] that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, [3] knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, [4] and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." [5] For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, [6] by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. [7] But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

2 Peter 3:13 NKJV

[13] Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2. The return of Jesus is a motive for us to share our faith.

3. The return of Jesus is a motive for going to church. 

We determine the priorities of our life and those priorities determine our life.

Hebrews 10:25 NKJV

[25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

When you stay home from church without cause, you miss out on the blessing of fellowship.

The Bible commands us to be here in fellowship.

The church is the bride of Christ.

4. The return of Jesus is a motive to lay up your treasures in Heaven.

The joy of giving honors the Lord.

The only reason we should give is because we are genuinely grateful for all the Lord has done.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV

[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

God loves a cheerful giver.

If you are not tithing then you should work to make things right.

5. The return of Jesus puts all of our trials and sufferings into perspective.

Your suffering is temporary, God’s grace and love is eternal.

Home for Christmas

Notes: Home for Christmas

Pastor Greg Laurie

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Ephesians 3

Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/home-for-christmas

What do you think of when you think of home? Do you think of your family?

Jesus had no home at all.

John 14:1-2 AMP

[1] "Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

1. Jesus left His home in Heaven so you could have a home in Heaven.

2. Jesus left His home in Heaven to make a home in your heart.

Colossians 1:27 NLT

[27] For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

John 14:23 NLT

[23] Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

John 1:12 NLT

[12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT

[17] Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. [18] And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. [19] May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Jesus wants to own you home, own your heart. He wants to be at home in your heart.

Jesus will change things in your heart, let Him settle down in your house.

2. A healthy and happy family spend time together.

Malachi 3:16 NLT

[16] Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

3. A healthy family prays together.

Matthew 18:19 NLT

[19] "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

In a study it was found 1% of couples that pray together get a divorce.

If we love each other, we should tell each other the truth. Sometimes that hurts, but restoration sometimes requires pain.

It is impossible to love Jesus and not the church.

How can we love God whom we cant see, if we don’t love His people whom we can see.

3. Jesus left His home in Heaven so you can be at home in His church.

Is Jesus living in your life?

Dóro

Notes: Dóro
Pastor Tim Harding
December 4
Harvest OC
Romans 5

Romans 5:1-17 NLT
[1] Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. [2] Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. [3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. [9] And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. [10] For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. [11] So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. [12] When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. [13] Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. [14] Still, everyone died-from the time of Adam to the time of Moses-even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. [15] But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. [16] And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. [17] For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

1. One Man Band

Blessings of our Justification 1 to 11

Basis for our justification 12 to 21

Romans 4:25 NLT
[25] He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Dóro is gift.

The word one is in this chapter 11 times.

Darkness entered us through one man.

Jesus is the one man band.

2. What’s your Dóro

We all have the gift of Jesus.

GIFT
Goal
Intended purpose 
Fervent
Timing

3. There is so much more

Have that faith to be available to God.

How to Have Peace with God

Notes: How to Have Peace with God
Greg Laurie
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans
Romans 5
Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-have-peace-with-god

Why did Jesus come to Earth.
1. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem to save us from our sin.

How can reach a sinner if you don’t spend some time with them.

2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to bring life in all of its fullness.

Christmas is at best. A promise of things to come.

3. Jesus was born in Bethlehem so we could become God’s friends and have peace.

Romans 5:1-11 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

[6] For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. [10] For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. [11] And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

God is a true friend that will be there when you need Him.

True friends have communication.

1. We have friendship with God because Jesus made it possible.

Romans 5:1 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2. This friendship with God brings us personal peace.

Romans 5:1 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have peace through very difficult circumstances.

Philippians 4:7 NLT
[7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

We have to have peace with God before we can have peace through God.

Romans 5:10 NLT
[10] For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

Stop fighting with God, stop running from God.

Luke 2:14 NLT
[14] "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

Romans 5:5 NLT
[5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Instead of praying for more love, how about you do more loving things.

Do the loving thing, don’t wait on the emotion.

1. You have peace with God.
2. You are free and have open access to his presence 
3. You have the hope of glory.

3. A true friend is always there for you.
Romans 5:3 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

You have an all access pass to God.

4. True friends stick together through thick and thin.

Romans 5:3-4 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

I can’t control what happens around me, but I can control how I react.

Luke 22:42 NLT
[42] "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Job had hardships but he still praised the Lord.

Everything you go through in life is preparing you for something else.

God is preparing you for something that is yet to come.

Romans 5:3-4 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Character means, “testedness.”

In a spiritual battle, the goal is to win, not to lose.

Hope grows in the garden of adversity.

This hope is no fantasy, God will never let us down.

We are sinners.
Romans 5:8 NLT
[8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

We were God’s enemies.

We were utterly helpless.

1. God has justified us.
2. God has given free admission into His presence at all times.
3. God has taken care of my past.