DATE | 12NOON Bible Class | Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III

Main message: Christians are justified in Christ and therefore not condemned — God makes believers brand new by setting aside past guilt through grace, so we must live in that freedom rather than carry past shame.

Key points:

• Romans 8:1 declares there is no condemnation for those in Christ who walk by the Spirit; grace changes our verdict.
• Being born again means we are made "brand spanking new," not merely rehabilitated; our past scars do not define our spiritual identity.
• Biblical examples (Rahab, the woman caught in adultery, the prodigal/hog‑pen image) show God saves and restores people regardless of past sin.
• Distinguish conviction (God‑led correction) from condemnation; God can set aside a guilty verdict as a judge does.
• Let go of past failures and other people's judgments — keep your focus vertical (on God) so your location (in Christ) determines your standing.
• In trials trust God, maintain peace of mind, and walk out your freedom now rather than waiting for future vindication.

Scriptures mentioned: Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21 (also allusions to John 8/woman caught in adultery, Rahab, Psalm 51, Isaiah 6, 1 Corinthians 15).