159 Ultimate Test of Faith

Romans 8:18-39, TBC Book Two, Chapter 159
Like believers in every age, Christians in Rome would have their faith tested. Paul wanted to prepare them for the ultimate temptation: “If God loves me, why is this happening?” 

One of the most powerful symbols given to the Church by the Lord Jesus himself is the chalice—the cup of his sufferings. When two of the Lord’s disciples asked Jesus for a favor that reflected selfish ambitions, Jesus pointed out that they were asking the wrong question. Then he told them what they should have been asking: “Can you drink the cup that I drink of?” Paul explains to the Romans how suffering plays out in God’s plan and how we as believers in Christ should respond to it.

If we are children of God, that makes us heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ, and part of that inheritance calls for us to share in Christ’s sufferings. So do not think it strange if you experience a taste of suffering. But here is the good news—the sufferings we may have to endure in this life cannot begin to compare with what God has in store for us later, our future hope of glory.

All of creation itself eagerly awaits that event, when we receive new life, our immortal bodies. For creation also suffers under the judgment of mankind’s disobedience, and it longs for that day when it will be released from the bondage of death and decay, renewed in glory. To this day, creation groans like a woman struggling with labor pains. . . .

Similarly, as we face difficulties in this life, the Spirit helps us with our struggles. At times we don’t even know how to pray our way through, and that’s when the Spirit himself intercedes for us, praying on our behalf, with groans for which there are no words. God the Father, who searches our hearts, knows what the Spirit is communicating, which is in keeping with God’s will, as the Spirit intercedes for all the saints.

God will use everything. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 159, for the rest of the story.)
​​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: It all gets down to this: “Can you drink the cup?”
     A promise to cling to: “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Crucified With Christ  Phillips, Craig, and Dean     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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