Romans 5:12–19 (NLT) Adam triggered God’s . Romans 5:12,14 (NLT) 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. ...14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. The Fall brought shame & . Human solutions to this problem: Religion — I’m doing some good things that please my god & help humanity. Relativism — I’m essentially better than most/bad people. Especially my intentions. Atheism — I’m not willing/able to believe there’s any higher being than humans. God’s solution: a new & Adam. Romans 5:14-20 (NLT) Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. Jesus paid for a full . 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Result of this reversal? 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. Reversal of . For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. Reversal of . 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. What now? Come out of hiding, turn & run back to God. Receive his forgiveness to triumph over sin & death. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Have you (or even someone you know) ever felt the effects of “the curse” — condemnation, separation & death? 2. If you’ve ever tried to overcome “the curse” with something other than faith in Jesus — what was that like? 3. In what ways could you experience a deeper joy & rest in Jesus’s “reversal” of & triumph over condemnation & death? 4. Do you own the Jesus Storybook Bible ? WHY NOT?? ; )