Romans 4:16-25; 5:1-11
Abraham received God’s promise by faith. In this way, he was brought into a “right standing” relationship with God. Now through Jesus Christ, the same can be true for us today. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and was raised to life to make us right with God. We find peace with God and joy in this life by receiving this promised gift of Jesus by faith. When we choose to believe that God is able to do whatever He promises, our spirit is responding to the lead of the Holy Spirit. Our hope in Jesus will not lead to disappointment. When we run into challenges and frustrations it can help us grow in the strength of our character (and our “confident hope of salvation” including Heaven). God showed love to us by sending Jesus when we were at our worst. Jesus showed us love by laying down His life for us, to bring us into a personal relationship with God.