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

Main message: The sermon teaches that Romans 8:1 means believers are not condemned because God has forgiven them, but that does not remove the need for repentance, discipline, and walking by the Spirit. The speaker emphasizes forgiving yourself, leaving the past in the past, and not using grace as an excuse to keep living in the flesh.

Key points:

• Romans 8:1 is the main text: there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk by the Spirit.
• God’s forgiveness is complete; believers should not keep reopening forgiven sins or let other people’s accusations define them.
• Sin is pictured as being cast into the depths of the sea and separated as far as east is from west.
• “No condemnation” does not mean no conviction, no consequences, or no discipline.
• Christians still have an ongoing battle between flesh and spirit and must practice self-control and spiritual discipline.
• Some struggles require personal responsibility, while others require help from prayer, counseling, accountability, or support.

Scriptures mentioned: Romans 8:1, Micah 7:19, Psalm 103:12, 1 John 1:9, Romans 7, Romans 5, Romans 12:1-2, John 8:36, 1 Peter 5:8