Lesson 17: A Testimony of Anger and Rage

Erick wrote; But like the Apostle Paul, God was pleased to reveal His Son to me, Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:16). He was pierced and crushed (Isaiah 53:5) so that our “bodies of flesh” might be brought to nothing, so that we might be set free from our slavery to sin (Romans 6:6). So my son was right the whole time, his dad needed to die, just not in the way he was thinking, but in Christ, and with Christ, so I could be RAISED WITH CHRIST, have a new life and be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I can now say as Paul did, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) And now flowing from my heart is the fruit of the Spirit; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” instead of the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:17-22).

Sylvia wrote; Yes, we all need to ‘die with Christ’ to be born again. Jesus Christ’s love was empowering my husband's heart and the anger and selfishness was being replaced with love and patience. I never doubted the power of prayer, I knew God had a plan and that it was going to all be according to His purpose and timing, not mine. “We plan our ways but God directs our steps.” Proverbs 16:9. My husband started apologizing for his behavior and lamenting at times from the circumcision of his heart (was being broken). He was loving us more as he was being loved, he was becoming more patient as God was showing patience to him, he was serving without obligation, he was teaching us as a family regarding God’s greatness in his life, his patience with the children was beautiful, he went to our family members apologizing to them for his behavior and asking for forgiveness. He hasn’t been able to keep it silent. When Jesus touches you and changes you from the inside out you can’t help but to tell the world and share the miracle that you’ve become all through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Erick wrote; I’m so glad I died with Christ! No longer would I hurt my wife physically or verbally! It was over! IT WAS FINISHED! On the cross (John 19:30) I had truly died with Christ (Romans 6:5), and now I began to live to God (Romans 6:10). The gospel punctured and penetrated my heart! (Colossians 2:11). I could not wait to tell my wife the good news! The power of sin in my heart (Matthew 15:19) was truly overcome by “The Blood Of The Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).

Sylvia wrote; The peace that came over us in our home, was miraculous. The unconditional love that was emulated through Christ’s sacrifice, death and resurrection was so beautiful as it filled us to overflowing. The acts of service that we graciously started giving to each other was amazing. When Christ heals, He heals from the inside out, there is no time frame, there are no bouts or horrible seasons, there are no doubts, God’s word does not come back void. He was transforming our marriage and brought healing to the emotional, physical and mental abuse, between the whole family. Christ’s love is not generic or fake, nor is it only there temporarily-- It’s always and forever, it’s life changing, it’s a supernatural power that only God can give.

Erick wrote; Of course, she had heard enough from me over the years, how sorry I was for hurting her both verbally and physically. How could I be trusted that I had indeed been set free? I knew that she would have to see the change for herself and as time went on, she did.

Sylvia wrote; I share with many couples today that Jesus is the great healer, the great counselor, the great physician who can do heart surgery better than any physical surgeon. He came to deliver all, not just some. He came to love the unloved, set the prisoners free and cut the chains of slavery forever. Isaiah 61:1 “Jesus was anointed to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” We serve a wonderful God!

Erick wrote; Today we live in that change everyday of our lives. The Lord has restored our love to new heights. To greater heights I could never have imagined–if I had not experienced it for myself! Usually if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Not in this case my friend! The power and wisdom of God found in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope of changing us from the inside out (1 Corinthians 1:18-19; John 7:38). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation the old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).