The fifth message in a new adventure in the eighth chapter of the book of Romans. Super8: Supernatural Living for Natural People.

Christianity is meant to take shape in a relentless joy that rises above our present circumstances. The future glory gives perspective to our present sufferings, and we know based on Romans 8:28-30 that:

  1. God makes the bad things in our lives turn out for our good (v. 28);
  2. The good things cannot ever be lost (v. 29); and
  3. The best is yet to come (v. 30).

To the degree that we embrace these truths, our joy will be full (John 16:33). Because of these truths we should not be shocked or disappointed when bad things (difficult circumstances, brutal challenges) come our way. We put our hopes in God who promises us something more permanent than better circumstances. He promises a better life, with joy unending, forevermore.

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Message title: The Secret to a Happy Life: The Bad, the Good & the Glory
Week 5 of Super8: Supernatural Living for Natural People, a series on Romans 8
Scriptures: Romans 8:26-30
Preacher: Jeff Patterson
Date: 9/15/13

Listen or download:

Scripture: Romans 8:26-30

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saintsaccording to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work togetherfor good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

New City Catechism:

Q3: How many persons are there in God?
A: There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Commentary on this question:

NCC Q3: How many persons are there in God? from The Gospel Coalition