GRACE-POWERED LIVING

From where I sit as a pastor, it seems to me that an increasing number of people are suffering more heartache and struggle than ever before. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t hear news of a marriage that is in trouble — a heart-breaking addiction — or see discord unraveling relationships before my eyes.

In Romans 7, the greatest evangelist and theologian the world has ever known — the apostle Paul — allows us to see his personal struggle with sin. And he doesn’t mince words!

Paul says, “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (verse 15). I really appreciate the paraphrase from the New Living Translation. “No matter which way I turn, I can’t make myself do right. I want to, but I can’t. When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.”

Every time I read that I feel like Paul has “sneaked a peek” at my spiritual journal! That’s exactly how I feel. I bet it’s how you feel sometimes, too. There is a civil war that rages inside every believer between the desires of God and the pull of our old sin nature.

What is the remedy for our struggle? Let me be frank: there is no secret formula, spiritual therapy, or “other worldly” experience with the Holy Spirit that will ever rid you of sinful desires. The Christian life is a struggle. It always has been; it always will be. But here’s the good news: the struggle is winnable.

Today, I want to offer you, your family, and your loved ones the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of the most extraordinary and impactful preachers in history: the apostle Paul.

“The Journeys of Paul Map” and the brand-new book, An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul: His Life, Ministry, and Missionary Journeys, are my gifts to you today to thank you for your generous support of Pathway to Victory!

You’ll not only follow the paths and missional journeys of the apostle Paul in the full color, beautifully illustrated “Journeys of Paul Map,” but in the pages of the accompanying book, written by Alan Bandy, you’ll read Paul’s compelling story. I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

If the Lord is leading you to give $75 or more, I will send you the resources above plus the incredible Grace-Powered Living DVD video and MP3-formatted audio disc set. This powerful 23-message series on Romans, chapters 1-8, will help you understand grace like never before. It is filled with practical truth that can impact your life and family now.

• We will explore the subject of sin — and how to claim your victory over it.
• We’ll look at what the Bible says about salvation — how to know if you are spiritually alive.
• We’ll explore suffering: including practical, applicable principles and three reasons Christians suffer more than unbelievers.
• And we’ll look at God’s wonderful grace … how He rescues you from indictment. I guarantee this: you will grow in your faith.

With my thanks for your generous gift of $125 or more, I will send you the COMPLETE Grace-Powered Living series on chapters 1-8 AND 9-16 of Romans. I have never offered the complete series set before. This is the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, through and through. Relevant. Timely. Convicting. Equipping. You will be spiritually fed.

It’s truly my privilege to share these powerful resources with you as you support the ministry of Pathway to Victory!