March 12, 2023 • Brent Buttermore • Romans 8:18–25
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!" Such were the daily affirmations of Stuart Smalley from early 90s SNL sketches. Of course, Stuart struggled to believe these things to be accurate and required regular reminders. Fortunately, the Christian faith doesn't give us empty slogans to help us get by emotionally. Instead, the Bible's solid truths connect us to the power of God's love in the Spirit. This week, instead of affirmations, we'll answer three decisive questions to conclude our Unstoppable series.
“Guaranteed!” Many companies deploy this word. It means the item you’re considering for purchase will last – at least for a while. God also makes us a guarantee, but his is far more trustworthy and longstanding, as we’ll see in the penultimate message of the Unstoppable Series from Romans 8.
Last week we began our Unstoppable series in Romans 8, rejoicing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Leaving the land of death-sin-law, we belong in a new realm, and our new location removes our condemnation! But as glorious as this truth is, it doesn’t stop us from sometimes hanging out in our old neighborhood. What draws us back? And what essential truths help us say no to old ways?
