Session 84: Romans 8

8:1 We stay “in Christ Jesus” through listening to and  following the  Holy Spirit vs the world’s views (flesh), as Paul mentions “spirit”  11 times in 10 verses.  Also, we abide in Him through frequent reception of Eucharist (see John 6:56!) which gives us grace to continue the journey with Christ.

8:18 Being in Heaven is worth more than whatever we suffer here.  (This earth is not our home!)

8:28 God can use all things that happen to us for the good (growth) of the Kingdom(even, from our perspective, bad things!)
And , if we’re “called according to God’s purpose”, the good of the Kingdom should be the goal.  8:28 doesn’t mean that everything will work out for us (in human terms) on THIS earth.  (Don’t comfort a mourner with 8:28!

8:35-39 Yes, nothing else “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” ....we agree!  This does not mean the Protestant  “once saved, always saved” idea.  God will always love us, but WE can CHOOSE to separate OURSELVES from God! We must persevere! (Mt.24:13)