empowered by Faith in Jesus Christ

Empowered Assurance

Section Overview

Empowered assurance stems from building a life on the steadfast promises of God, providing the resilience needed for a dedicated and surrendered walk of faith. Jesus taught that building one's life on His words provides an unshakable foundation that can withstand life's storms (Matthew 7:24-25). This assurance offers profound hope and perseverance through trials, enabling disciples of Jesus to follow Him more effectively, knowing that God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 

What better foundation to build on than the one established by the Trinity of God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? As heirs to the kingdom of heaven (Romans 8:17), we as believers are anointed and sealed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which serves as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). This sealing enables us to be bold ambassadors for our heavenly home (2 Corinthians 5:20), which Jesus has prepared for us (John 14:2-3). 

This confidence rests in the unshakable knowledge that nothing can separate us from God's enduring love (Romans 8:38-39) and His perpetual presence until the very end, as Jesus promised, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 10:22–23; John 10:27–28; 1 John 5:13). 

Key Teachings & References

1. The Unshakable Foundation: Building on Christ

Assurance in the Christian life is not a vague feeling or a temporary emotion, but a deep-seated conviction forged by building every aspect of your life—your values, decisions, and reactions—on the rock-solid reality of Christ’s words. This foundation provides the objective resilience needed to navigate the inevitable storms of life without being swept away by fear or doubt.

  • The Wise Builder: Jesus promises that the one who hears His words and does them is building their life on a rock-solid foundation that will not fall when tested by the "rain and floods" of life (Matthew 7:24–25).

  • A Living Hope: This confidence offers a profound hope that enables perseverance through difficulties, trusting God’s sovereign plan (Romans 8:28).

  • Holding Fast: Because God is immutable (unchanging), our hope can remain "unwavering." We don't hold onto our hope based on our strength, but on the proven faithfulness of the One who made the promise (Hebrews 10:23).

2. The Divine Guarantee: Sealed by the Spirit

Our spiritual security is not a "wait and see" proposition left to our own efforts, but a permanent legal and spiritual reality secured by the Triune God, who marks us as His own the moment we believe. By understanding that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, we shift from a mindset of insecurity to a mindset of ownership, recognizing that we carry the very signature of God as a pledge of our future glory.

  • The Identity Shift: Being an "heir" means your future is secured by your relationship to the Father, not your individual performance. We share in Christ's inheritance, which includes both His current peace and His future glory (Romans 8:17).

  • The Seal of Ownership: In the ancient world, a seal signified a finished transaction and the protection of the owner. The Holy Spirit is God's "deposit" in our lives, guaranteeing that He will complete the work He started in us (Ephesians 1:13–14).

  • Anointed for Purpose: God does not just save us; He "establishes" us. This means He provides the internal confirmation (anointing) that we belong to Him, giving us the confidence to stand firm in a world of shifting values (2 Corinthians 1:21–22).

3. The Unbreakable Bond: Secured by Love

The ultimate anchor for the disciple’s soul is the unshakable truth that God’s love is not a reward for our good behavior, but a covenantal bond that no power in the universe—including our own failures—is strong enough to sever. This certainty of God’s perpetual presence and affection empowers us to live with radical boldness, knowing that we are never alone and never outside the reach of His protective care.

  • Nothing Can Separate Us: The Apostle Paul confidently declares that neither death, nor life, nor any created thing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38–39).

  • The Good Shepherd's Grip: Our security doesn't depend on how tightly we hold onto Jesus, but on how tightly He holds onto us. He promises that His sheep are protected by His own hand and the Father's hand, creating a double-security that no enemy can breach (John 10:27–28).

  • Perpetual Presence: The Risen Master promised His disciples, and us, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," providing the knowledge that we never walk alone (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 10:22).

Bible References

  • 📜 Matthew 7:24–25

    24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

    📜 Romans 8:28

    28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

    📜 Romans 8:17

    17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

    📜 Ephesians 1:13–14

    13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

    📜 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

    21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

    📜 John 14:2–3

    2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

    📜 Romans 8:38–39

    "38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    📜 Matthew 28:20

    20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    📜 Hebrews 10:22–23

    22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

    📜 John 10:27–28

    27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

    📜 1 John 5:13

    13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

  • 📜 Matthew 7:24–25

    24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

    📜 Romans 8:28

    28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

    📜 Romans 8:17

    17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

    📜 Ephesians 1:13–14

    13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

    📜 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

    21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

    📜 John 14:2–3

    2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

    📜 Romans 8:38–39

    38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    📜 Matthew 28:20

    20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    📜 Hebrews 10:22–23

    22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

    📜 John 10:27–28

    27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

    📜 1 John 5:13

    13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

  • 📜 Matthew 7:24–25

    24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

    📜 Romans 8:28

    28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

    📜 Romans 8:17

    17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

    📜 Ephesians 1:13–14

    13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

    📜 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

    21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

    📜 John 14:2–3

    2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

    📜 Romans 8:38–39

    38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    📜 Matthew 28:20

    20 “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

    📜 Hebrews 10:22–23

    22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

    📜 John 10:27–28

    27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

    📜 1 John 5:13

    13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

  • 📜 Matthew 7:24–25

    24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

    📜 Romans 8:28

    28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

    📜 Romans 8:17

    17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

    📜 Ephesians 1:13–14

    13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

    📜 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

    21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

    📜 John 14:2–3

    2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

    📜 Romans 8:38–39

    38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    📜 Matthew 28:20

    20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

    📜 Hebrews 10:22–23

    22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

    📜 John 10:27–28

    27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

    📜 1 John 5:13

    13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

  • 📜 Matthew 7:24–25

    24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

    📜 Romans 8:28

    28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

    📜 Romans 8:17

    17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

    📜 Ephesians 1:13–14

    13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

    📜 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

    21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.

    📜 John 14:2–3

    2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

    📜 Romans 8:38–39

    38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    📜 Matthew 28:20

    20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

    📜 Hebrews 10:22–23

    22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

    📜 John 10:27–28

    27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,

    📜 1 John 5:13

    13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

  • 📜 Mateus 7:24–25

    24 "Portanto, quem ouve estas minhas palavras e as pratica é como um homem prudente que construiu a sua casa sobre a rocha. 25 Caiu a chuva, transbordaram os rios, sopraram os ventos e deram contra aquela casa, e ela não caiu, porque tinha seus alicerces na rocha."

    📜 Romanos 8:28

    28 Sabemos que Deus age em todas as coisas para o bem daqueles que o amam, dos que foram chamados de acordo com o seu propósito.

    📜 Romanos 8:17

    17 Se somos filhos, então somos herdeiros; herdeiros de Deus e co-herdeiros com Cristo, se de fato participamos dos seus sofrimentos, para que também participemos da sua glória.

    📜 Efésios 1:13–14

    13 Nele, quando vocês ouviram a palavra da verdade, o evangelho da sua salvação, e nele creram, foram selados com o Espírito Santo da promessa, 14 que é a garantia da nossa herança até a redenção daqueles que pertencem a Deus, para o louvor da sua glória.

    📜 2 Coríntios 1:21–22

    21 Ora, é Deus que faz com que nós e vocês permaneçamos firmes em Cristo. Ele nos ungiu, 22 selou-nos como sua propriedade e pôs o seu Espírito em nossos corações como garantia do que está por vir.

    📜 João 14:2–3

    2 Na casa de meu Pai há muitos aposentos; se não fosse assim, eu lhes teria dito. Vou preparar-lhes lugar. 3 E se eu for e lhes preparar lugar, voltarei e os levarei para mim, para que vocês estejam onde eu estiver.

    📜 Romanos 8:38–39

    38 Pois estou convencido de que nem morte nem vida, nem anjos nem demônios, nem o presente nem o futuro, nem quaisquer poderes, 39 nem altura nem profundidade, nem qualquer outra coisa na criação será capaz de nos separar do amor de Deus que está em Cristo Jesus, nosso Senhor.

    📜 Mateus 28:20

    20 "ensinando-os a obedecer a tudo o que eu lhes ordenei. E eu estarei sempre com vocês, até o fim dos tempos".

    📜 Hebreus 10:22–23

    22 aproximemo-nos de Deus com um coração sincero e com plena convicção de fé, tendo os corações aspergidos para nos livrar de uma consciência culpada e tendo os nossos corpos lavados com água pura. 23 Apeguemo-nos com firmeza à esperança que confessamos, pois aquele que prometeu é fiel.

    📜 João 10:27–28

    27 As minhas ovelhas ouvem a minha voz; eu as conheço, e elas me seguem. 28 Eu lhes dou a vida eterna, e elas jamais perecerão; ninguém as poderá arrancar da minha mão.

    📜 1 João 5:13

    13 Escrevi-lhes estas coisas, a vocês que creem no nome do Filho de Deus, para que saibam que têm a vida eterna.

    📜 2 Coríntios 5:20

    20 Portanto, somos embaixadores de Cristo, como se Deus estivesse fazendo o seu apelo por nosso intermédio. Por amor a Cristo lhes rogamos: Reconciliem-se com Deus.

  • 📜 Mateo 7:24–25

    24 »Por tanto, todo el que me oye estas palabras y las pone en práctica es como un hombre prudente que construyó su casa sobre la roca. 25 Cayó la lluvia, crecieron los ríos, soplaron los vientos y azotaron aquella casa; con todo, la casa no se derrumbó porque estaba cimentada sobre la roca.

    📜 Romanos 8:28

    28 Ahora bien, sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman, los cuales han sido llamados de acuerdo con su propósito.

    📜 Romanos 8:17

    17 Y, si somos hijos, somos herederos; herederos de Dios y coherederos con Cristo, pues si ahora sufrimos con él, también tendremos parte con él en su gloria.

    📜 Efesios 1:13–14

    13 En él también ustedes, cuando oyeron el mensaje de la verdad, el evangelio que les trajo la salvación, y lo creyeron, fueron marcados con el sello que es el Espíritu Santo prometido. 14 Este garantiza nuestra herencia hasta que llegue la redención final del pueblo adquirido por Dios, para alabanza de su gloria.

    📜 2 Corintios 1:21–22

    21 Dios es el que nos mantiene firmes en Cristo a nosotros y a ustedes. Él nos ungió, 22 nos selló como propiedad suya y puso su Espíritu en nuestro corazón como garantía de sus promesas.

    📜 Juan 14:2–3

    2 En el hogar de mi Padre hay muchas viviendas; si no fuera así, ya se lo habría dicho a ustedes. Voy a prepararles un lugar. 3 Y, si me voy y se lo preparo, vendré para llevármelos conmigo. Así ustedes estarán donde yo esté.

    📜 Romanos 8:38–39

    38 Pues estoy convencido de que ni la muerte ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni los demonios, ni lo presente ni lo por venir, ni los poderes, 39 ni lo alto ni lo profundo, ni cosa alguna en toda la creación podrá apartarnos del amor que Dios nos ha manifestado en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor.

    📜 Mateo 28:20

    20 »y enseñándoles a obedecer todo lo que les he mandado a ustedes. Y les aseguro que estaré con ustedes siempre, hasta el fin del mundo».

    📜 Hebreos 10:22–23

    22 acerquémonos a Dios con corazón sincero y con la plena seguridad que da la fe, interiormente purificados de una conciencia culpable y exteriormente lavados con agua pura. 23 Mantengamos firme la esperanza que profesamos, porque fiel es el que hizo la promesa.

    📜 Juan 10:27–28

    27 Mis ovejas oyen mi voz; yo las conozco y ellas me siguen. 28 Yo les doy vida eterna y nunca perecerán, ni nadie podrá arrebatármelas de la mano.

    📜 1 Juan 5:13

    13 Les escribo estas cosas a ustedes que creen en el nombre del Hijo de Dios, para que sepan que tienen vida eterna.

    📜 2 Corintios 5:20

    20 Así que somos embajadores de Cristo, como si Dios exhortara por medio de nosotros: «En nombre de Cristo les rogamos que se reconcilien con Dios».

Key Aspects

  • Steadfast Foundation: Assurance is built upon God's reliable promises, providing resilience to endure trials and storms of life (Matthew 7:24-25). A life built on His word is a house that will not fall.

  • Profound Hope and Perseverance: This confidence enables believers to persevere through difficulties with hope, trusting that God orchestrates all circumstances for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28). We can hold fast our hope without wavering (Hebrews 10:23).

  • Divine Inheritance and Sealing: Believers are identified as heirs to God's kingdom (Romans 8:17) and sealed by the Holy Spirit, which acts as a divine guarantee of their future inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

  • Bold Ambassadorship: Secure in their eternal destiny, believers are empowered to live as confident ambassadors for their heavenly home, which Jesus Himself has prepared (2 Corinthians 5:20; John 14:2-3). This security translates into bold living.

  • Unshakable Security: Assurance provides the certain knowledge that nothing can separate believers from God's enduring love and perpetual presence, a promise that lasts until the end of the age (Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 28:20; John 10:27-28).

Section Summary Statement

Embracing Jesus as both Lord and Savior means submitting every facet of our daily existence—decisions, priorities, relationships, and actions—to His loving authority. This surrendered life is empowered by the unshakable assurance of God’s steadfast promises, providing the resilience needed to live in accordance with His will and purpose (Matthew 7:24-25). This assurance is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who seals us and guarantees us divine inheritance as heirs to the kingdom of heaven (Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:17). Secure in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from God’s enduring love and perpetual presence (Romans 8:38-39, Matthew 28:20), we as disciples are empowered to live boldly as confident ambassadors for their heavenly home (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Section Questions

  1. Auditing the Foundation: Jesus describes two types of builders in Matthew 7:24–25. When a "storm" hits your life (financial stress, health issues, or conflict), what is the first thing you tend to lean on for stability? How would truly relying on His words change your reaction?

  2. The Sovereignty of Good: We often quote Romans 8:28 when things go well, but it is meant for our hardest moments. Can you share a past trial where you initially saw only "the storm," but can now see how God was working it together for your ultimate good?

  3. The Security of the Seal: Ephesians 1:13–14 says the Holy Spirit is a "guarantee" or a "down payment" on your inheritance. How does the reality of being "sealed" by God Himself help quiet the fear that you might "lose your way" or lose your salvation?

  4. Living as Heirs: According to Romans 8:17, you are a "fellow heir" with Christ. If you truly lived with the confidence of someone who has already inherited the Kingdom of Heaven, what specific anxiety or "small-minded" worry could you let go of today?

  5. Boldness in Ambassadorship: 2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us "ambassadors." Does having "Empowered Assurance" about your eternal destination (John 14:2–3) make you more or less likely to take risks for the Gospel in your workplace or neighborhood? Why?

  6. The Limit of Separation: Romans 8:38–39 lists many things that cannot separate us from God's love. Is there a current circumstance or a past failure that makes you feel "separated" from Him right now? How does this scripture challenge that feeling with the truth of His perpetual presence?