Romans 8:37
Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
There are seven very bad temporal things mentioned in verse 35 that can and do happen to believers, and in verse 36 Paul points out that believers are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. However, in this verse Paul states that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us. Imagine being slaughtered like sheep and being the victors. In all the pitfalls mentioned in verse 35 we are the conquerors because of Him who loves us. Grace for meeting whatever calamity happens to us will be provided, and eternal life is a present possession of those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, even persecution that brings the sword and death will just be a magnificent door to the glorious presence of Jesus Christ who suffered much worse on our behalf.
Just as Jazzy is safe in human arms from all the calamities that homeless small animals face, Christians are safe in the arms of Jesus Christ from any threat to their spiritual security. Praise God that the love that brought us our amazing redemption from the penalty and power of sin will carry us all the way home. This makes us conquerors no matter what temporal persecution may come our way. Let us pray that we will remain faithful to King Jesus when Caesar demands that we renounce the gospel or refrain from publicly practicing gospel commands such as the great commandment.
Just as Jazzy is safe in human arms from all the calamities that homeless small animals face, Christians are safe in the arms of Jesus Christ from any threat to their spiritual security. Praise God that the love that brought us our amazing redemption from the penalty and power of sin will carry us all the way home. This makes us conquerors no matter what temporal persecution may come our way. Let us pray that we will remain faithful to King Jesus when Caesar demands that we renounce the gospel or refrain from publicly practicing gospel commands such as the great commandment.
17 comments:
I wonder if it may be easier to die for our faith, then to live daily with the confidence and sacrificial love needed to be salt and light for the kingdom.
But no matter, not death, nor life can seperate us from the love of God in Christ.
Just thinking out loud.
Very nice post. Thanks.
For me, it would be easier to die than to live daily in sacrificial love being the salt and light of the world for Jesus. To die daily is the bigger struggle, unfortunetly...
unfortunately**
Wayne,
It is amazing to think that Christ was willing to lay down his life for his enemies. For me, it is even more amazing that he was willing to include us in his victory over death allowing us to be united with him as co-conquerors! As unworthy as I am to receive eternal life, I am far less worthy to be called a conqueror! Great post!
Dave
Jazzy,
Nice post. I like the highlight on the fact that "even if" we go through these things, we conquer. The modern Evangelical myth is that being more than a conqueror means you get to name-and-claim your escape from all those things. But the text is clear that it's as we go through them, our conquest over them is evident.
Good kitty.
p.s. Amen and Amen to your last sentence, btw.
"...even persecution that brings the sword and death will just be a magnificent door to the glorious presence of Jesus..."
Love it!!
Speaking of conquerors, my own cat caught a mouse last night. Way to go, Nala!
Love the way in the picture, you reveal Jazzy but keep the owner's picture hidden (kind of the way you never see adults in Charlie Brown movies.) Nice touch!
Amen Jazz Cat. W
hat comfort we have knowing this. He is always with us, will never forsake us.
Cristina
I'm with swordbearer. Is that your noggin?
Thanks for all the comments.
Gordon, thanks for stopping by. I don't get many mafia visitors. Come again.
Craver, bravo for Nala. Jazzy and Cuffy got a mouse while we were on a little trip and left it in bathroom. I'm glad is was not a long trip.....
wayne
Swordbearer & Jonathan, that is my noggin. Swordbearer gets to see the other side of my head every Sunday. Maybe I will show it here one day.....
Great post!
Reality: Christians will go through tough times. Good point about Christian experiences during various times in the Roman Empire. O, how many suffered under some of those emperors; and some of those persecutions were started by the emperors themselves as they burned portions of Rome (Nero, Decious) and blamed the Christians. The populace believed these liars and responded by persecuting the saints. Was God in control? Yep.
I've been keeping up with these posts, helpful stuff!
I just wanted to comment on this pic - it's the best. You can definitely tell the one with the grin is in charge!
Thanks Mark and Missy. Yes Missy, Jazzy is one cat that has it made. Her sister Cuffy has a sweet retirement package as well.
wayne
Could Jazzy teach a few things to my ornerous calico? Apparently, being rescued from the street (literally) as a small feral kitten wasn't enough. Cuddle time is on her schedule alone, and she equates being picked up to "inhumane treatment". She has no clue how rough her brothers and sisters have it. Her intelligence and entertainment value (when she bids it to be so) are her only redeeming qualities.
Of course, Crystal (my cat) is the perfect example of me. Rescued from a potential life in the dangerous wild and adopted, I continue to let out the claws whenever God wants to show me love in the way that He does.
Jazzy is a sweet looking kitty, and I bet her pictures don't do her justice.
Marcian,
Jazzy is sweet and loving and claimed my heart a long time ago. My wife loves Calicos so I would love to see you publish a photo of Crystal on your blog.
Wayne
Wayne and Jazzy,
I've posted a few pics of Crystal on her perch, doing what she does best: looking cute, and eating her foot...
Enjoy!
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