Ark Channel

The law of the Holy Spirit of LIfe! – Ark Channel 12/08/2021 Thu Romans 8a

…but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (v.6)

All by the Spirit, we live a victorious life:
1. Following the law of life while submitting to God’s will (8:1-9)
2. Relying on the Holy Spirit to move and guide (8:10-17)
3. Thirsting for the fruits of the spirit, firmly believing in God’s promises (8:18-39

Romans 8:1-17

* Recently I have been listening to the conference talks and wrote down some of my thoughts. Doctors merely delay the date of death of a person. We who follow Jesus are always people who will die, who are preaching the Gospel to those who have not believed yet, who also will die. Martin Luther mentioned that he paid attention to two days: today and “that day”. Every day he reminded himself that judgment on “that day” should influence how we live our lives today. Do not wait until electrical blackouts to remember to pay your electrical bills. Similarly, let us prepare early for the Lord’s return so that we will not be too late! ~ Bro. Kwong/光弟兄

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Testifying The Kingdom Of God! Ark Channel 11/08/2021 Wed Romans 7

…in order that we might bear fruit for God. (v4)

* Sanctification in 3 Stages:
1. Before salvation “cannot resist sin”- live in the flesh.
2. After salvation “can refuse to sin” – desire God’s law but the law of sin in the body fights and at times taken captive by sin.
3. “Unable to sin” – with God’s Spirit transforming and fully in charge!

Romans 7:1-25

* After 26 sessions, the HK Bible Conference completed yesterday. Book of Joshua reminds us to serve God in the family as a whole. Book of James reveals the prayers of the truly faithful. In the final session, we looked at “Eternal Election – The Tale of Two Cities in the End Days” from the Book of Revelation. God’s servants: Leung Kwok Kuen/梁國權, Alex McCoy and Timothy Wu/吳獻章 have completed their mission and returned home. Please pray for their ministry, family and health.

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But You Are Under Grace! Ark Channel 10/08/2021 Tue Romans 6

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, (v8)

Symphony of Grace!
1. By God’s grace we are united to Christ, to become instruments of righteousness (6:1-14)
2, By God’s grace we have become slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification (6:15-23)
* Pray the Holy Spirit help me to have a repentant heart, walk in the path of righteousness and bear fruits of righteousness all my days.

Romans 6:1-23

* My mother-in-law (part 2): After she believed in the Lord, she liked to socialise, connecting with people in the park, in church, having confidence which is from the Lord. Peacefully she lived her days in joy and passed away at an old age in God’s mercy and grace. We are proud of her and give glory to God! ~ Wing Shing/永誠(HK)

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God’s Compassion! Mercy Free! Ark Channel 09/08/2021 Mon Romans 5

…knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance. (v3)

Feature Of The Spiritual Journey – 5 Aspects of Justification (5:1-11):

* Peace with God, introduction into grace, celebrate always, saved from wrath of God, celebrate in God! Trials and weaknesses are unavoidable but with a restored relationship with God, we have no worries!

Romans 5:1-21

* HK Bible Conference: This year’s speaker McCoy recalled the story of his father-in-law, a doctor who loved the Lord. For 10 years he practiced in HK, caring for patients and people. After returning to Australia, he held an important position in a hospital but he wanted to return to HK to serve but the Lord did not open the way. Instead the Lord led him to Tanzania to establish the medical work there with outstanding results. He said that the best time of his life was the 10 years living in HK serving the sick. Praise the Lord!

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Against All Hope, Believe in Hope! – Sunday Hope 08/08/2021 Romans 4

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! (v.24)

A vision of real faith (v.17):
1. Trust God to fulfil what He has promised
2. Trust God who calls into being things that were not
* Pray for granting me such faith through my life!

Romans 4:1-25

* Message summary (Chinese version) of Rev. Timothy San-Jarn Wu/吳獻章
Session 1, Revival Message, HK Bible Conference 2021
From Miserable to Blessed (從囚衣到彩衣)(真信心堅定持久)

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They Know Not the Way of Peace! – Ark Channel 07/08/2021 Sat Romans 3

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! (v.24)

There is none righteous! (3:9-20)
1. Romans 3:13-14 is vividly modern in its description — Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
2. We all are sinners saved by grace, justified and blessed because of the precious blood of Jesus. Think before we speak, when we are about to lash out nasty words at people!

Romans 3

* Alex McCoy preaches on the Book of James. Read here the message summary (Chinese version) of Session 1, Preaching Hour, Hong Kong Bible Conference 2021: Real Faith Perseveres(真信心堅定持久))

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Your Light Guides, Great Is Your Faithfulness! – Ark Channel 06/08/2021 Fri Romans 2

God will repay each person according to what they have done. (v.6)

Judging others will accumulate God’s wrath!
1. In Heaven, only God can judge humans, and He will judge.
2. On Earth, judgmental words and accusatory fingers are unreliable.

Romans 2

* A guide to the Book of Joshua – Mr. KK Leung/梁國權先生 speaks (HK Bible Conference)

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Appointed the Son of God in power! – Ark Channel 05/08/2021 Thu Romans 1

…and set apart for the gospel of God (v.1)

All that the Son of God is and does the Gospel!
1. We are, by nature, unrighteous.
2. But the righteous will live by faith!
* To those who believe, God’s power will shine in our lives!

Romans 1

* HK Bible Conference – Dr. Timothy Wu/吳獻章 spoke on 2 August. Here is a summary.
After our lives are activated we cannot leave the presence of God. The more confusing life is, the more we need to reach spiritual heights, to see the Throne of God — only those who encounter God will have that spiritual height! The more lonely the journey the more we need spiritual partners, to enter into the promised land we need to continually push forward. There has to be the next generation to take over – great masters do not care how many they have surpassed, but how many they enable to surpass themselves. It is more important for the Lord to have dominion over your end than your start. It is easier to climb up the mountain of life than it is to descend. We need God – ourselves, our families all have to be in His hands!

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Friends

1. My Beloved -Paul said ‘my beloved’ three times and used ‘my kinsmen’ twice, filling his letters with enthusiasm. (v3-12)

2. Labor in the Lord – In his salutation, Paul used ‘labor’ three times  (work till exhausted) to describe his fellow-workers. This is what marks a servant of God. (v6-12)

Scripture of the Day (NT):Romans 16

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* What to do when overwhelmed with negative energy at work!  <text in Chinese>

http://www3.upwill.org/news/daily-news/7433-negative

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* That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity… (Psalms 94:13)

Psalms 94-97: ‘Peace’ can mean rest, quietness, security. These describe the inner peace even when faced with adversities on the outside.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Power in the Word of God

1. Perseverance – Patience can mean the strong survival ability of plants under adverse environment. Comfort is the consolation during sad times, the encouragement during the time when one is depressed. (v4)

2. Hope – Hope prevents us from looking at the current situation as the final outcome. This does not come from man’s optimism but rather from God’s words. (v4)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 15

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* Out of Portland Street <video in Chinese>

As the son of a preacher, he went astray and was viewed as a hopeless criminal in the underworld…

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* Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place In all generations. (Psalms 90:1)

Psalms 90-93: For a moment in time and space, the man, the creation can establish a relationship with the everlasting infinite creator and treat Him as the answer to life.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Church Life

1. Don’t judge your brothers on 2 things: (a) to his own lord (b) for whom Christ died.  (v4, 15)

2. To establish the church life we have to positively go after: righteousness (to God), peace (to men) and joy in the Holy Spirit (to self). (v17)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 14

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* Exactly a year ago today I was diagnosed with cancer. A year flies by. Let’s be mutually encouraged by this song – Sam Kong

Korean song – Until the Lord Returns

Till the Lord returns do I walk this path in serving Him

Narrow the road, small the gate, I bear the weight of my cross

At the end of this road of ministry, the light of the Lord shines glory on me

My Lord of glory is there to receive me with open arms!

(chorus)

Till the Lord returns do I run this path of following Him

Grand His glory, reaching far across all lands. Let’s stand tall to praise Him

O my Lord that my heart desires, He is the savior of all.

O my Lord that my heart desires, He is the king of great glory.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Song of Day Light

1. Don’t fall asleep – Keep awake in spirit. This is determination and desire for the day of salvation for all men. (v11)

2. Depth of night – Alone late into the night is the warfare of life, cast away works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (v12)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 13

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* When at lost, men seek divination hoping to find an answer. Only God can deliver man from darkness and perplexity because He is the true light. In August, the Church in HK will hold 10 gospel meetings (First 5 will be on 18/8 at San Po Kong,  Kwun Tong, Causeway Bay, Shatin, Tuen Mun at 11am.  The remaining 4 will be on 26/8 at Tsim Sha Tsui, Shau ​​Kei Wan, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O at 11am. The last one wil be on 1/9 at Tsuen Wan at 7:30pm.) Enquiries: 2365106. Please pray for the church and all the lost souls.

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* Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, And mine acquaintance into darkness. (Psalms 88:18)

Psalms 88-89: This psalm ends in ‘darkness’. In the dark and without God’s response, the psalmist ends his prayer. Did God hear him?

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Living Sacrifice

1. A Bodily Sacrifice — Sacrifice in the Old Testament was substitutive in nature; sacrifice in the New Testament is of our own bodies, using our beings to obey God’s will. (v1)

2. A Proper Sacrifice — This sacrifice’s uniqueness is in its “livingness” – using our actions to demonstrate our submission to God is true and proper worship. (v1)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 12

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* Grace too Beautiful  〈Worship Song, Cantonese〉

The grace of our Lord is sufficient for us!

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* Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God…(Psalm 86:2)

Psalm 84-87: David established two types of relationships with God during his life: the covenant relationship of faithfulness, and loyalty to his master.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Graft

1. Wild olive – Wild olive (gentiles) are grafted all because of grace but we need to uphold ourselves and not abuse God’s kindness. (v22)

2. Good olive – Branch of the good olive (Jews) is temporarily broken off. There is still a chance it will be grafted because God has the power; the door of grace is still open. (v23)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 11

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* Footsteps of Saints -

James CHU/朱永毅 of New York did not experience pain after his 10 hour operation. No blood transfusion was required. Recovery underway.

This year’s HK Bible Conference yielded a rich harvest with hundreds of youth coming before the altar, on their knees, in tears, committing to be full time servants of God. The three speakers, D.A.CARSON has returned to Chicago, Elder LI Jian/李健 has safely arrived Taiwan but Dr.WU Xianzhang/吳獻章 fell ill after the conference but still needed to fly to Europe for speaking engagements…Please pray for these four servants of God.

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* Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that sittest above the cherubim, shine forth. (Psalms 80:1)

Psalms 80-83: To God’s children, He is the glorious majestic mighty one, and also the loving and caring shepherd.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Another Type of People

1. Faith — Faith is the only road to God, but this road is open to everybody. God does not show favoritism. (v12)

2. Obedience — God gives grace freely, but man can choose to accept it or reject it; Israel rebelled, thus grace was turned over to another group who willingly obeyed. (v20)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 10

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* Age Old Mysteries (3) – Mystery of the Seven Churches     Part 3   〈Video, Cantonese〉

The prophecies and teachings for the churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea.

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*…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Psalm 78:4)

Psalm 78-79: Parents! Tell your children the core values of your faith, God’s wondrous deeds, His powers, and His virtues, for this is your responsibility!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Election

1. Sovereignty – God has the absolute sovereignty. It is true in mankind’s history and also true in our life, all is of Him that calleth. (v11)

2. Grace – God has compassion on man. Behind all things and life contains this sweet message “What do you have that you did not receive?” (v16)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 9

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* Father and daughter were trapped in a forest fire when hiking there. The daughter panicked and wanted to run beyond the fire. The father held her back saying, the place where you stand has been burned, fire will not come back to the same spot, you are safe here. Just like 2000 years ago, the Lord was crucified on the cross, resurrected and triumphed over death. We just need to hide in the Lord, He is the safest refuge.

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* And I said, This is my infirmity; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. (Psalms 77:10)

Psalms 75-77: Reality makes one tired and weak. Recall the history of salvation and that uplifts our spirit. God never fails.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Spirit of God (2)

1. Help – Help in the original text is comprised of face+together+pick up, meaning two people face to face together to pick up a heavy burden. (v26)

2. Pray – We are so weak that the Spirit groans for us, a wordless, serious groaning beyond what words can express. (v26)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 8b (v18-39)

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* Christ makes use of shattered things from this world to build His kingdom. The heaven is filled with broken lives from this world. There is not one bruised reed that He has not restored. He changes a life that is bruised by pain and sorrow into an instrument that can play music and praise. He turns the world’s failure into glory in heaven.

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* Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.. (Psalms 73:1)

Psalms 72-74: With a clean heart and total commitment to God, you will experience God’s goodness and know His grace.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Spirit of God (1)

1. Indwelling — Spirit of God lives in man’s heart, not temporarily but permanently even as the owner of the inhabited land. (v9)

2. Leading — The life led by the Spirit of God focuses on eternity. While we live in this world, we walk towards eternity in an unchanging pace. (v14)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 8 (v1-17)

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* Jacqueline LAW’s/羅慧娟 touching testimony on life <video in Chinese>

Faced with poverty, disability and death, how did she manage to live so relaxed and easy going…

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* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

War Between Good And Evil

1. Wretched – Paul’s “misery” is the affliction he has to face whilst serving. This is man’s misery under the oppression of sin. (v24)

2. Hope – Paul’s thankfulness indicates his assurance of hope, Jesus’ salvation, which can deliver man from the binding of the flesh. (v25)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 7

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* Count Your Blessings  <hymn in Chinese>

Count your blessings and sing praises

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* Make haste, O God, to deliver me; Make haste to help me, O Jehovah. (Psalms 70:1)

Psalms 69-71: The situation is urgent, not a moment to lose, “On God, help me…make haste”. This is the simple prayer coming from man’s inner spirit. God will listen.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Life and Death

1. Wage — The “wage” refers to the salary of soldiers that they deserve while serving in the army. The wage, that is price of our daily sin is death. (v23)

2. Gift — The “gift” is an undeserved reward – and the gift that God gives us for free is eternal life. (v23)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 6

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* More than 40,000 brothers, sisters and gospel friends have attended this year’s HK Bible Conference/港九培靈研經會. The speaker, Elder Jian LEE/李健 spoke on the joy of Christ-centered living (Philippians). He mentioned that there was a sister in Taiwan whose husband and father had passed away, and consequently went bankrupt and lost her house. She worked very hard, continuing to serve her loved ones, joyfully attending weekly gatherings, saying that “God is still in her life, that He is alive.” Many years later, Elder Lee hosted her daughter’s wedding, asking the bride, “Do you still remember the hardship of those years?” She replied, “Of course, but I will inherit my mother’s faith!”

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* Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (Psalm 68:19)

Psalm 66-68: God paints bold brushstrokes for His salvation plan, but links it with His delicate whiskers of care for us each day: He is majestic and attentive all the same!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

A New Status

1. Reach for Glory – can be used for entry before the king and also to be accepted into special privilege, what a status. (v2)

2. Reach for Peace – can be construed as a port; in life’s stormy waves one can still enter into the haven of God’s grace. (v2)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 5

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* Age Old Mystery (3) – Mystery of the Seven Churches (Scroll 2) <video in Chinese>

In Revelation, the Church in Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardisin brings to us the warning of sadness and judgment or hope and turning point!

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* My soul waiteth in silence for God only: From him cometh my salvation. (Psalms 62:1)

Psalms 62-65: “Really, my heart silently awaits God” (another translation).  Words in the prayers have said everything, the rest is in God’s hands.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

- the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. (v.17)

Faith

1. Faith — Abraham believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into beings that were not – He can create and resurrect. (v17)

2. Descendants — The Jewish Rabbis said: As it is written for Abraham, it is written for his descendents. The inheritance of faith goes beyond race. (v17)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 4

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*Making Great Music 〈video, Cantonese〉

Composer Peter PT KAM /金培達: From the first song he wrote, he realized that he was being inspired by God to do so.

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* Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (Psalm 61:1)

Psalm 58-61: This is the spirit of the Psalms – when in danger, we turn to God for help, presenting ourselves just as we are before the Lord.

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Whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness… (v25)

Propitiation

1. Propitiate – Propitiation can be translated as throne of grace. It is God’s seat in the most holy place. This is Jesus’ role in salvation. (v25)

2. Pass over – As set forth in original text it means to openly display. This throne of grace was previously idden in the most holy place but now is revealed to all. (v25)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 3

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* In the first morning session of HK Bible Conference this year, Carson spoke on Nehemiah Chapter 1 -

< Nehemiah’s prayer revealing 7 aspects of God’s nature> -

1) He has sovereign control over everything (allows us to brave adversity)

2) He keeps His covenant (the foundation of our faith and hope; we have no hope other than on the cross)

3) He awaits sinners to repent

4) He punishes and revives man

5) He understands and cares for His people

6) He guards His own name

7) He helps us adapt and respond

(We, whether as member of church or individual need to strengthen our prayers! The key lies in knowing God deeper.)

The HK Bible Conference has started (Aug/1-10). Details in Chinese: http://www.hkbibleconference.org/

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* Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17)

Psalms 54-57: This is how a faithful person would worship under adversity.  Call for God’s intervention to counter the pressure of the world.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Retribution

1. God’s grace – God delayed His judgment is out of kindness (love to the sinners), forbearance (cease-fire to sinners) and long suffering (restrain from revenge). (v4)

2. God’s fairness – God’s nature is in being fair and just. He judges by truth, He renders according to one’s conduct, all men are equal before Him. (v11)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 2

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* Surgery of Bro. James CHU/朱永毅 of New York was a success. It took longer than scheduled. All the infected areas have been removed and steel bone and plastic knee cap inserted. The medical team has developed a recovery plan for him. Bro.Chu feels great peace in him as he knows God controls all. His family has arrived New York to care for him and other aspects are well taken care of.  Many saints from different locations have shown care and enquired.  Saints, do not worry. Turn these concerns into prayer.

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* Why Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalms 51:12)

Psalms 50-53: Only those who have experienced the loss of such joy because of sin will lament like David and say “How good would it be if I had not sinned!”

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Gospel

1. The debt of the gospel — Gospel is to repay the debt, to fulfill the responsibility. The grace that came free from God should be freely shared with others. (v14)

2. The power of God — Paul did not say the gospel brought power, he said gospel was power. Preaching the gospel is to release this power. (v16)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Romans 1

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* Making The Choice  <hymn in Chinese>

Who chose? Who was chosen?

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Suffering now, Glory in future!
1. Christ�s work (Rom 5-7) � 1/save us from Adam�s nature (under God�s wrath) (Rom 5); 2/free us from sin, that we can live to God & be slaves of righteousness (Rom 6) ; 3/ free us from laws, that we may turn to Christ (Rom 7)
2. Spirit�s work (Rom 8 ) � free us from sinful nature, give us the Spirit of life & the glorious hope.