A Living, Breathing Gospel Track

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."--Romans 8:22-23

I love going door to door with our son Jonathan, and telling folks about Jesus. He has become the perfect living breathing gospel track right there in my arms. Jonathan is such a people person. When he gets fussy we grab the car keys and go make some visits.

Adoption is the perfect ice breaker to lead into a gospel presentation. We love to spring board from Romans 8. It is one of the most cherished passages for adopting families. And worthy of repeating. Verse 15 says, "He has given us the Spirit of Adoption (or sonship)," and verse 23 says, "...we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." These two verses mean that God has adopted us into His family to be His children. What a display of amazing grace. Praise the Lord!

Here in North Alabama, there are churches everywhere. And thousands of people who say they "know God" are "spiritual" and some even pray. But our communities do not show the fruit or lifestyle of the Children of God. Therefore, when we go door to door, we want to be clear when we share the Gospel. When you tell others about Jesus, include that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the reconciler. Then ask the person "Who are you in God's eyes? An object of wrath or a child of blessing."

Here's how to find out. Verses 5-8 list characteristics of Christians and non-christians, and verse 14 (an uncommon question in gospel tracks today) goes straight to the heart: "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Who controls you?

I pray the Lord will prepare your heart to use the one in your arms to tell others about our Heavenly Father who has adopted His children.

Jennifer Daniel
North Alabama Case Worker