The LAW. Civil, criminal, or spiritual, we love to hate the law.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is Life and Peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to GOD; it does not submit to GOD’S Law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please GOD….. [But] those who are led by the Spirit of GOD are the Children of GOD. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “ABBA, FATHER.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are GOD’S Children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of GOD and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:6‭-‬8‭, ‬14‭-‬17 (http://bible.com/111/rom.8.6-17.NIV)

“If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” In jails and in prisons across the world, the inmates all claim they are innocent (Really. Just ask them!). Christians, and those claiming Christianity, the “religious,” are no different from the worst criminals. We don’t like looking at our (constant) sin – and regardless of what any leader or preacher might say, we are ALL guilty and WILL be held responsible for our sins. Thank You, Jesus, that we have an Advocate Who will defend us when God the Father sits on the Judgement Seat and looks at our lives!

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. CHRIST JESUS Who died—more than that, Who was raised to Life—is at the right Hand of GOD and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the Love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.” Romans 8:34‭-‬35‭, ‬37‭-‬39 (http://bible.com/111/rom.8.34-39.NIV)

Verses 38-39 hold ALL of our hope for our souls. Nothing – NOTHING – can separate us from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing. Paul wrote it so eloquently and completely! If there is nothing else that I have ever said is worth remembering, these verses should capture your heart and your mind. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are safe from the eternity of fire. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal; once saved, always saved. Do you want Jesus to suffer the cross again, every time we tell a “white” lie (a lie is a lie, period…. and I am guilty) or every time we sin? I think anyone would say “NO!”

We are not slaves, to be crushed by the world. Instead, we have received ultimate freedom through His suffering and pain. We are also not immune to the trouble the world (i.e. Satan, the enemy) will dump on us. No, as Paul reminds us, “As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Psalm 44:22) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who Loved {LOVES} us.” Romans 8:36‭-‬37 NIV http://bible.com/111/rom.8.36-37.NIV

The Truth of those words is staggering! “Jesus Loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so.” Still true; Amen.