Reasons to Celebrate By Michael Youssef Jan 27, 2015 Today, we continue looking at the eternal guarantees that come with salvation in Jesus Christ. We have purpose in our suffering. The suffering we experience for living a righteous life here has a purpose 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; (Rom 5:3-4) Our sufferings are refining us to rule and reign with Christ. Righteous suffering has eternal purpose. We have His overwhelming love. 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while 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. (Rom 5:5-10) Paul explains that Gods love for us is not dependent on how loveable we are, but rather is in line with His perfect character and divine love. When we were utterly helpless and dead in our sins, God loved us. We were completely unworthy of His love, yet God loves us. When we were powerless to escape from sin and death, God, in His sovereignty, loved us and reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ. It is a love that should overwhelm us for eternity. Finally, we have overwhelming joy as we rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Rom 5:11) Every time you are tempted to allow something to get you down, remember your eternal guarantees. You have been reconciled to God. You have peace with God. You have Gods favor. Your life is filled with His hope. Your suffering has purpose. You are passionately loved by the God of the universe. If that does not cause you to be overwhelmed by joy, check your pulse! for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (Rom 15:13) Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that there is purpose in my suffering. Thank You for Your overwhelming love. Thank You for the joy that comes in knowing You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:32:23 +0000
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