This episode concludes Romans 7. The last verses of Chapter 7 reiterate the point that, for a believer, once s/he is born again, the old nature is dead and gone while her/his spirit is new, which equals a new nature. The Bible encourages us to renew our mind, to put on Christ and be transformed as we are renewed. Though some groups hold to the idea that believers still have their old nature or something like it, this idea is not supported by multiple scriptures. Paul's life shows he went from Saul, breathing threats and persecuting the church, to Paul, the apostle and one who says he has wronged no man. The program concludes with a look at the new identity of believers and why it is so important to receive and believe this truth.

Dan and Melissa shared how they grew  in their identity in Christ. Melissa shared that she was not living an overcoming life, did not have great peace and more. Once she found truths, she shared them with Dan and then prayed for him to receive and believe what she now knew. He received the truths and many verses from Romans helped him. Both now walk in their new identity and their story will encourage and edify. Ephesians and Romans encourage us to walk in our new identity,  to not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of our mind through the Word of God. 

I attend New Creation Church in Sandy, Utah. A sister at church, Connie, goes into the world herself, often while working. Today I share three of her testimonies and a follow-up from one of my own. Two of Connie's testimonies involve serious matters. One lady had prayed that morning, asking God to send somebody by or she would be done with Him. The second lady had lost her husband the previous day and was feeling very unsure. See how Connie ministered to both ladies, all the while respecting her work as well as answering His call. The scriptures from Romans cover more of how believers have a new nature but can still be troubled by the lingering effects, habits and feelings from the old nature or old man.

A good friend and brother in the Lord, Manny Rodriguez, operates a school of worship. In this Podcast, he and I share scriptures and thoughts about worship. The Podcast is geared toward beginners but will benefit any believer and listener. Psalm 100 includes many of the reasons why worship (and praise) are important to the Christian church. The Bible says that worship also drives away the evil one, who cannot stand the praise given to God. Most Christian churches begin with praise and worship, probably to drive out any evil presence and invite God's presence. As believers learn corporate worship (at church and studies), believers can then practice worshiping and praising God on his/her own.

In Romans 7:13-17 Paul explains the issues of the goodness of the law, the state of believers free from the old nature and the ever-present battle resisting any influence from the old nature and old habits. The law is good in that it shows believers their sinful condition. The law can never save, can never be used to coerce believers  into some standard of less sin/no sin/et al. Being now free, believers must guard against influence of their past habits and practices. The BEST answer is to renew our minds to who we now are, Romans 12:1-2. 

Many Christians do not understand the purpose of the Law. The Law was our tutor to bring us to Christ. Galatians 3:25 says but after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Believers are free from the Law. Any reference to, or use of, the Law to believers must be done carefully and with a focus on information and doctrinal understanding. From all reports, many US churches are preaching/teaching and/or using the Law as something more than a tutor.  

Gary explains that we were in the flesh, but we who are born again are not now in the flesh. We may walk after the flesh sometimes, being carnal or even sinful, but we do not live there (do not need to live there.) We are also dead to the Law; the Law is good but its purpose is to show us a need for a Savior, not a set of standards that govern our lives. Some well-meaning pastors/teachers try to force or focus on the performance of believers pert he law and even God's punishments for breaking the law, but, again, that is not the Law's purpose. God desires that we live and serve Him by the Spirit through faith, not by adhering to a set of do's and don'ts only.  

The program begins with Gary's new website. It can be accessed at "garygriffenhagen.com"  The site includes a blog, links to the Go Into All the World Podcast,  and a link to donate and support this ministry. Gary continues his intro to Romans 7. He mentions he began going into all the world just to evangelize. However, other needs arose and he began being used in healing/laying on of hands, praying for the those with other emotional/spiritual needs and more. He then begins Romans 7. The primary topic in the verses 1-5 is that believers are dead to the old man; the old man or nature is dead and gone and Christians are married to Jesus and their new nature.  

Gary finishes speaking on the fruit of the Spirit and other spiritual traits needed to achieve victory in many of the testimonies. Serving God is not a "walk in the park" and does include being wise, gentle and relying on the Holy Spirit. Some of these testimonies happened over time and/or required Gary and others who to stand. The final major testimony involves the JC Fan Club President, her sisters, an abusive dad and God's deliverance for the youngest sister. Gary had to stand and trust God. He faced losing his job and probable criminal charges for the stance he took, at the request of the sister. Gary then begins the intro to Romans 7.  

Gary has been sharing testimonies from his time as an advisor for the JC Fan Club, the Bible Club at Silverado High School in Victorville, CA. The Lord moved mightily for four years on this high school campus. Students found Christ, were healed and delivered from depression and oppression and the move was so powerful even unbelieving students acknowledged there was power and wonder in Gary's Spanish classroom. Today's testimonies are called "Punk Rock Band, Tennis Captain, The Southern Belle, and the first testimony centered on the 15-year old Club President.