The world bombards us with bad news daily, from political divisions to social unrest. But what if there's a transformative truth that rises above it all? In this powerful opening message of "The Champion" series, we dive into Romans 8, exploring how Jesus has won our freedom and what this victory means for our daily lives.

Romans 8 reveals three profound dimensions of our freedom in Christ. First, we've been freed from death to life – no condemnation remains for those who belong to Jesus. Using powerful legal language that would have resonated deeply with his Roman audience, Paul declares the complete acquittal that Christ secured for us. Though we were genuinely guilty like the woman caught in adultery (not innocently accused like Will Bridgman), Jesus stepped in to take our condemnation.

Second, we've been freed from sin's control to experience true freedom in Christ. The law, like a medical test, could diagnose our spiritual sickness but couldn't cure it. Jesus did what the law couldn't – he fulfilled it perfectly and became our cure. Now we don't serve God trying to earn his love; we serve because we've already received his love.

Finally, we're on a journey from brokenness toward wholeness. The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – represents everything our hearts truly desire. Like Hosea pursuing his unfaithful wife Gomer, God continues to seek us whenever we wander.

No matter what challenges you face, remember this liberating truth: you've got 99 problems, but Jesus ain't one. Join us as we explore the champion who has already secured our victory and invites us to live in the freedom he provides.