Christ's Love is the Most Powerful Force

Romans 8:28-39
quick review from last week (vss. 18-27)--Suffering according to God’s will proves we are spiritual, children of God.
In the following verses, Paul builds on that:
vs. 28-29
—God is actually the one causing/allowing our suffering, and it is for our good—the good of those who love Him and love His purpose for them (the question is, “Do I?!”)
—God foreknew who would love Him and heed His call—these are the ones predestined to become conformed to Christ’s image (again, that is a suffering!)
—“brethren”…now we are in God’s family
vs. 30
God sees every man’s life from beginning to end before they are born.  All are called, but not all listen and answer.  God’s call is, “ I have a gift for you—new life.  Just forsake the worthless one you have now.”  God is justified in offering this life because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.  Those “justified” are the ones who receive this gift by faith.  Now to hold onto it!  At the end of their earthly life, the justified will then be glorified with Christ.
God is doing everything in His power so we will receive, hold onto, and fully experience His gift of life.  All we have to do is love Him.
vss. 31-39  Describe how to love God. It is all about mindset.
vs 31.  Know that no-one can take away my true life
vs 32. God will give us everything we need (nobody else can)
vs 33-34.  Nobody except God can judge the value of our new life.  Jesus is interceding for us that we would hold onto it.
vs 35-39.  Through Christ, we overwhelmingly conquer everything that sets itself up against His love—within or outside ourselves
It can be concluded: Christ’s love is the most powerful force in existence.  Eternal life is certain.
Colossians 3:1-4—Set my mind on it
John 15:9-17…Just abide.  Hold onto Christ’s love no matter what, so that when the Father sees us, He sees Jesus and is pleased.