Belonging before belief, create a welcoming culture for new Bible Study members

Romans strongly emphasizes that people are welcomed by God while they are still sinners, outsiders, and enemies. That theme is often summarized today as "belonging before belief." The exact phrase does not appear in Scripture, and different churches mean different things by it. Romans clearly teaches that God's grace reaches people before they are transformed, while also insisting that faith, repentance, and a changed life follow. The challenge is holding both truths together. 

Romans 5:6-8

"While we were still weak... Christ died for the ungodly... while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Principle

• God initiates relationship.
• Christ acts before we deserve it.
• Grace comes before transformation.

---

Romans 5:10

"While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son."

Principle

• God moves toward enemies.
• Reconciliation begins with God's initiative.

---

Romans 2:4

"God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance."

Principle

• Kindness precedes repentance.
• Repentance is the intended outcome, not the prerequisite for receiving God's kindness.

---

Romans 3:22-24

"...there is no distinction: for all have sinned... and are justified by his grace as a gift."

Principle

• Everyone begins in the same condition.
• Justification is received by grace.

---

Romans 4:5

"...to the one who does not work but believes..."

Principle

• Acceptance is not earned through performance.

---

Romans 8:1

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Principle

• Those united to Christ are accepted, not continually condemned.

---

Romans 10:12-13

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Principle

• The invitation is open to everyone.

---

How Romans teaches us to treat people

Romans 12:9-10

"Love must be genuine... Outdo one another in showing honor."

Theme
Authentic love and mutual honor.

---

Romans 12:13

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Theme
Hospitality is expected.

---

Romans 12:14

"Bless those who persecute you."

Theme
Respond to hostility with blessing.

---

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Theme
Empathy.

---

Romans 12:16

"Live in harmony... Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly."

Theme
Humility and inclusion.

---

Romans 12:17-21

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil... If your enemy is hungry, feed him."

Theme
Love over retaliation.

---

Romans 13:8-10

"Love your neighbor as yourself... Love is the fulfillment of the law."

Theme
Love summarizes God's moral law.

---

Romans 14:1

"Welcome the one who is weak in faith, but not to quarrel over opinions."

Theme
Welcome before agreement on disputable matters.

This is one of the clearest "belonging" passages in Romans.

---

Romans 14:4

"Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?"

Theme
Leave ultimate judgment to God.

---

Romans 14:13

"Decide never to put a stumbling block... in the way of a brother or sister."

Theme
Consider how your actions affect others.

---

Romans 14:19

"Pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding."

Theme
Build others up.

---

Romans 15:1-2

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak."

Theme
Serve rather than demand.

---

Romans 15:5-7

"Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you."

This is arguably the clearest statement supporting a gospel-centered understanding of belonging.

Theme
Our welcome of others should reflect Christ's welcome of us.

---

Romans 15:14

"Filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another."

Theme
Love includes encouragement and correction.

---

Romans 16

Paul repeatedly commends:

• coworkers
• women and men serving together
• house churches
• diverse ethnic backgrounds
• people who sacrificed for the gospel

Theme
The church is a family formed by Christ, not by social status or ethnicity.

A balanced theology from Romans

Romans presents a progression that keeps grace and transformation together:

God's action	Human response	Community response
God loves sinners (5:8)	Believe the gospel (10:9-13)	Welcome one another (15:7)
God shows kindness (2:4)	Repent (2:4)	Bear with the weak (15:1)
God justifies by grace (3:24)	Walk in newness of life (6:4)	Build one another up (14:19)
God reconciles enemies (5:10)	Present yourselves to God (12:1-2)	Love sincerely (12:9)

Romans never separates acceptance from transformation. God's grace always comes first, but it is intended to produce faith, repentance, holiness, and a community marked by love, hospitality, humility, and mutual care. A concise summary of Romans could be:

God welcomes sinners through Christ before they are transformed, so the church should welcome people with grace while faithfully calling one another toward obedience and maturity in Christ.

Read More ->>

The good news of Jesus Christ and it's impact on everyone (Romans)

AIM: What every person needs to live confidently for God

A) The good news of God in Jesus Christ is the power of salvation for all who believe
The gospel call, relationships and power (Romans 1:1-17)
Diagnostics of a depraved psychology and consequences (Romans 1:18-32)
God's righteousness can be applied to our hearts through repentance (Romans 2)
Righteousness, knowing we're wrong and believing in God's promises (Romans 3)
     - Cain said, "look what I did", Abel said "look what you did"
Abraham the father of our Faith by God's promise (Romans 4)
Reconciliation to God by Christ, is peace and hope (Romans 5:1-11)
Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ (Romans 5:12-21)

B) Having believed the good news, we live a new life in Christ
In Christ we are dead to sin, alive to God (Romans 6:1-11)
     - What does Baptism mean, why do it?
Offer yourself to God, freed from Sin, bonded to righteousness (Romans 6:11-23)
Sin's awfulness revealed through attempts at living by the Law (Romans 7)
Those belonging to Christ live by the Spirit, not selfishly (Romans 8:1-16)
     - How does being in Christ, set us free from sin?
Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)
     - Does God change his mind?
Secure in God's love, Christ intercession through all hardship (Romans 8:31-39)
God's promises and sovereign will, seen in our lives (Romans 9:1-19)
     - God's glory, power, and patience is seen in who we are (Romans 9:20-29)
"Jesus is Lord" from a heart of faith (Romans 9:30-10:13)

C) We believe God, so we preach "Jesus Christ" and build His Church
Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:14-21)
God's mercy revealed through grace extended by prophets and apostles (Romans 11:1-32)
God's character, nature and power revealed in praise (Romans 11:33-36)
     - Incommunicable (natural) and Communicable (character) Attributes of God
God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)
     - Ministry makes a difference ONLY when people follow Jesus Christ
God's hierarchy provides righteous freedom to lovingly serve (Romans 13:1-7)
     - The Cross for a BelieverLove's necessity and purpose in life (Romans 13:8-14)
     - Love is both a command to be obeyed and the reward
Accepting others differences means abstaining from our freedoms (Romans 14)
     - Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers
Example of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 15:1-13)
     -  Gospel Truths come to life in scripture and self reflection
Ministry to those far from God for generations (Romans 15:14-33)
Godly relationship enhance spiritual growth (Romans 16)

Read More ->>

Godly relationship enhance spiritual growth (Romans 16)

Romans 16
Regular people matter, believers who received his teaching and were perhaps further along in their journey than him. "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.... Romans 8:11-39" "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new... 2 Cor 5:17"

Principals for Christian ministry
 - We are all involved in the ministry of God, united with the Church
 - Spend time noticing what others are doing, be personal
 - Rely on others believers, share concerns
 - Caring strangers who share the Gospel.

A) Beloved people working hard in the Lord for and with each other 1-16
1-2) Phoebe deacon/servant church at Cenchrea, receive and help her as she's helped many
 - 2 Cor 3:1, Acts 18:18, Phil 2:29, Acts 9:13,15
3-4) Prisca and Aquila (from Pontus, forced to leave Rome because of Claudius), saved Paul's life with shelter in Corinth cause they worked together as tentmakers before Paul devoted himself to teaching (Acts 18:1-4,5-11)
5) Prisca and Aquila house church (1 Cor 16:19), Epaenetus first Asia convert to Christ (Acts 16:1-6, 1 Cor 16;15)
 - First converts have a huge impact on the people around them, reminded of Legion Possessed man Jesus healed in the Decapolis
 - love and support, a friend is someone who gives love and receives love. Cultivating good fruit on other peoples trees.
 - God's provision through others: Prayer, agreement builds accountability and witness to God's working in our lives. Practical helps: a favor is better than money. People who pray and correct us when we are wrong (origins, morality, meaning, destiny). Discover your faith and church.
6-7) Mary worked hard for Roman church, Andronicus, Junias outstanding apostles - in Christ before Paul
8-9) Ampliatus beloved in the Lord, Urbanus fellow worker in Christ, Stachys beloved
10-11) Apelles approved in Christ, household of Aristobulus, Herodion kinsman, household of Narcissus in the Lord
12-13) Tryphaena, Tryphosa workers in the Lord, Persis beloved worked hard in the Lord, Rufus a choice man in the Lord, Persis beloved - worked hard in the Lord
14-15) Asyncritus, Phiegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and brethren with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus - his sister, Olympas all saints with them
16) Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Application: how many people have impacted me in a community that others could greet for me with a holy kiss?

B) Keep your eyes in good health (17-20)
17) eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances, turn from them (righteous... shuts his eyes from looking upon evil Isaiah 33:15), Matt 13:16 - blesssed are your eyes because they see
 - I've been seeing "evil eye" in scripture lately, divisive and deceptive people take after the serpent Gen 3:5 (false benefit to eyes), Proverbs 3:7 don't see self as wise, fear Lord, turn from evil. The soul of wicked desires evil, his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes (Proverbs 21:10), a man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him (Proverbs 28:22)
 - 18) they are slaves of own appetites, smooth, flattering speech deceive hearts of unsuspecting
 - 19) yet your obedience brings rejoicing, BUT be wise in what is good, innocent in what is evil
 - a cult needs someone other than Jesus and teaching other than the Bible
 - you don't need to go into an outhouse to know it stinks inside.
 - 20) God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet, Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Lord wash my feet, that I may have feet fitted with the gospel of peace)


C) Encouragement from friends in the faith and benediction praising God (21-27)
21-23) Greetings in Lord from: Timothy (fellow worker), Lucius, Jason, Sosipater kinsmen (tribe of Benjamin?), Tertitus writer/scribe of Romans, Gaius (host of church), Eratus (city treasurer), Quartus (his brother)
24) Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you al. Amen.
 - Value of relationships
25) Now to Him, able to establish, strengthen in the faith, preaching Jesus Christ plan of salvation
 - Mystery: Ephesians 3:2-6, Colossians 1:27, Gospel is simple but not simplistic. Grace through faith in Jesus Christ according to Scriptures.
26) prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations. God's ways are not our ways. Who is God leading us to obedience to the faith
27) Only wise God, through Jesus Christ, glory forever

Read More ->>

Ministry to those far from God for generations (Romans 15:14-33)

Romans 15:14-33
A) Ministry is serving and teaching in power - bringing total life change
14) satisfied you (you'all) full of goodness, knowledge, able to instruct one another
15-16) bold points are written as reminder - by grace God gave me as minister to gentiles (away from God for generations)
 - priestly service, the gospel of God (Mark 1:14), you'll be sanctified by Holy Spirit
 - Paul a servant of Christ, for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1), serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son (Romans 1:9)
 - Gospel is to be obeyed (Romans 10:16), it is a ministry to be fulfilled (Romans 15:19)
 - Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and healed EVERY disease and EVERY affliction (Matt 4:23, 9:35, Luke 9:6) repent AND believe Mark 1:15
17-18) In Christ, enthusiastic/proud about his work through my service, bringing Gentiles to God word and deed
19) by signs, wonders, power of Spirit of God I fulfilled the ministry of gospel of God
20) my ambition to proclaim to those not heard
21) Those who have never been told about him will see, / and those who have never heard of him will understand. (Isa 52:15, 7 feet of the messenger who brings good news of peace and salvation - this lead into the suffering servant Isa 53
22) delayed to preach
Application: what does my ministry look like? What am I missing out on? What needs to change to have a ministry more like the gospel of God?

B) Finishing the work creates a desire to see more done
23-24) I finished my work - John 17, plans, eager to visit, fellowship, provision
25-26) first give gifts from believers to poor believers
27-29) glad, owe real debt - spiritual blessings for financial, God will richly bless our time together
30) join my struggle in prayer to God for me, love given by Holy Spirit
31) delivered from unbelievers in Judea, service acceptable to saints/believers
32) God's will I'll come to you with joy
33) May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Application: How am I looking towards additional God-given goals in my life?

Read More ->>

Example of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 15:1-13)

Romans 15

A) Endurance and encouragement for others come from Christ as it's written
1) strong considerate to sensitive, not for self
2-3) please neighbor for his good, build him up - like Christ as written
4) Written for our instruction, endurance, encouragement of Scripture HOPE
5-6) May God of endurance, encouragement grant you live harmony one another as one voice glorify God Father our Lord Jesus
7) Welcome/Accept one another as Christ di for glory of God
8-12) Christ as servant showing God's promises to ancestors is true for all people (Psalm 18:49, 2 Sam 22:50, Psalm 117:1, Deuteronomy 32:43, Isa 11:1,10, Rev 5:5,22:16, Matt 12:21)
 - Praise and sing among Gentiles
 - All will rejoice
 - All will praise the Lord
 - All will put their hope
13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:19
by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all...
1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of...
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit..

Read More ->>

Gospel Truths come to life in scripture and self reflection

God’s acceptance: Acts 10:47-48; 15:8-11 
Every knee: Isaiah 49:18; 45:23
Acknowledge God: Philippians 2:9-11
Jesus as judge: Acts 17:31; Hebrews 4:15
Everlasting punishment: Romans 1:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:11-15
Opportunities: Matthew 11:21-24
Every secret exposed: Matthew 7:21-23; 10:26; Mark 4:22; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:13
Greater punishment: Matthew 11:21-24; Luke 11:42-48; 12:46-48; Romans 2:12
Accountable to God: Romans 3:19
Opportunity to repent: Hebrews 9:27
Death to life: John 5:24
Wrathsatisfied:Romans 3:24-26
Sin and the cross: Colossians 2:14-15
Remembers sin no more: Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34
No condemnation: Romans 8:1
God is for us: Romans 8:31-39
Evaluative verdict: Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 4:13; 13:17; James 3:1
Reality of faith: Romans 2:6-7, 10
Deeds for human glory: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Through Him: Matthew 25:31-40
Full reward: Matthew 5:3-12; 1 John 3:2-3
Sharing His happiness: Matthew 25:21, 23; Revelation 21:4
God alone: Romans 14:9-12
Unclean food: Mark 7:1-18
Paul’s belief on food: 1 Corinthians 8:4, 8; 1 Timothy 4:4
Christ died for us: Romans 5:6,8   
Christian love: Romans 12:9-21; 13:8-14
God’s grace and peace: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2
God gave His Son: Romans 8:32
Peace with Him: Romans 5:1-11
Peace of God: Philippians 4:6-7
Full measure of joy: John 17:13
Righteousness, peace and joy: Romans 14:17
In favor: Luke 2:52
Jesus’ life: Philippians 2:1-8
Edify: 1 Corinthians 3:9
Jesus, the foundation: 1 Corinthians 3:1150:Transformed mind: Romans 12:1-2
Serve the church: Romans 12:3-8
Call to love: Romans 12:9-21
Governing authorities: Romans 13:1-7
Jesus’ return: Romans 13:8-14
Diverse practices: Romans 14:1-15:13
Love and obedience: John 15:12-13; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Verses and summary from Bsfinternational.org Romans lesson 26 on Romans 14

Read More ->>

Accepting others differences means abstaining from our freedoms (Romans 14)

Romans 14
A) Accept other believers, let God judge his servants
1) Accept others in fellowship differing faith maturity not arguing about opinions
 - God’s acceptance: Acts 10:47-48; 15:8-11 
2-3) Food and sensitive conscience, don't look down on each other
 - Special diets: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:23-33 
 - Avoiding meat: Daniel 1:8-16 
 - Dietary restrictions: Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 11; 17
4) Don't judge God's servants, Lord will they'll stand or fall
  - Idols: 1 Corinthians 8:4 
 - Christian freedom: 1 Corinthians 8:13 
 - Honor one another: Romans 12:10 
 - Gift of God: Ephesians 2:8-9 

B) Worship observe and honor the Lord with thanksgiving
5) Every day is significantly holy, be convinced your choice is acceptable
 - Maundy Thursday - Mandate to Love, Friday Jesus died for our sin, Sabbath when God rested from creation, Resurrection Sunday, Monday BSF...
 - Most important is "today"
 - Special days: Galatians 4:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17
6) worship, observe, honor the Lord on a special day, eat or abstain with thanksgiving
 - Good gifts: James 1:17
7-9) We live and die for the Lord, we are his, Jesus death/resurrection is Lord of dead and living
10) Why condemn/criticize/look down another believer? We'll all stand before God's judgment seat
 - Talents, rewards
 - Rescue the one, help him put it to work, give him an opportunity
 - Last day: Romans 2:16; Acts 10:42; 17:30-31
 - Judgment seat: Romans 2:5-16; Revelation 20:11-15
11-12) Every knee bows, every tongue confess/declare allegiance/give praise to God
 - Every knee: Isaiah 49:18; 45:23
 - Acknowledge God: Philippians 2:9-11
Principle: gratitude and thanksgiving remove the critical spirit.

C) Decide abstinence for others good, following God's conviction
13) Stop condemning each other, decide to live NOT to cause another believer to stumble and fall
 - don't be a source of temptation
 - Jesus as judge: Acts 17:31; Hebrews 4:15

14-16) Nothing unclean, but if it causes distress - abstain and you won't be criticized
 - Opportunities: Matthew 11:21-24
 - Every secret exposed: Matthew 7:21-23; 10:26; Mark 4:22; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:13
17) Kingdom of God not food but righteousness, peace, and joy in Holy Spirit
 - Accountable to God: Romans 3:19
18-19) Attitude in serving Christ, please God and others, harmony church build each other up
20-21) Don't tear down God's work over food, it's better to abstain than cause another to stumble
 - Opportunity to repent: Hebrews 9:27
22-23) beliefs between you and God, blessed no guilt, but doubts "am I sinning" follow conviction and stop.
Romans 14:1-8;Romans 14:9-12;Romans 14:13-18;Romans 14:19-23

Read More ->>

Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers

The Bible speaks of many kinds of judgment. The book of Revelation is full of them. The chief kinds of judgment are: 1) punitive judgment upon the unregenerate for their many sins (Romans 1:18, 28; 2:1-16; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:31); and 2) evaluative judgment upon believers as to how well they have served Christ as His disciples in this life (Romans 8:1; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8). The evaluative judgments are sometimes spoken of as rewards and should encourage believers to faithful obedience and good works throughout their lives (1 Corinthians 3:14; 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The punitive judgments are described as being dreadful and are set forth in Scripture as a warning to sinners to flee to Jesus Christ. Punitive judgments will be endured in a conscious condition and forever (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:15). This doctrine is offensive to many people, but it helps to remember that judgment establishes true value or worth. Judgment proves that who we are and what we do matters.
https://www.bsfinternational.org/

Revelation themes found throughout the Bible
https://twitter.com/AJWTheology/status/981120245422329856

Read More ->>

Love's necessity and purpose in life (Romans 13:8-14)

AIM: You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving.

A) Loves necessity

8) no debt except to love one another, love others=fulfilled law

9-10) commandments 6-10, love neighbor as yourself, do no harm

Agape Love (unconditional)

 - Love must be sincere, share with others practice hospitality (Rom 12:9-13)

 - Bless, don't curse - live in harmony with one another, be righteous at peace overcome evil with good (Rom 12:14-21) 

 -  If I have all & give all... but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor 13:2,3)

B) Love's purpose

11) understand present time, wake up salvation is nearer now 

12) put aside deeds of darkness, put on the armor of light

 - Jesus' love, "rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Gal 1:4 NIV)"

Love Multiplied - Luke 19:10,12-13,14 yet some don't receive it Luke 19:26-27,44

13) behave decently, not drunk, sexually immoral/debauchery, not dissension/jealousy

14) clothe yourselves with Lord Jesus Christ - don't think of gratifying desire of the flesh

 - "emotional response" of rocky soil, iniquity leads to trespass. Omission then suppression then doing wrong

Rags to Riches, how the Holy Spirit changes us everyday

 -  I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Matthew 25:36

Colossians 3:14; and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

In Christ we put on faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13)

1 Thessalonians 5:8; Put on faith and love as a breastplate (righteousness from Ephesians 6:14) and hope of salvation as a helmet (Isaiah 59:17)

Application: Pray in the Spirit on all occasions (time, event, reason, cause, instance), all kinds of prayers and requests (Eph 6:18)

Debug your heart, don't make mistakes permanent

 - Bring everything in the light, bear good fruit (Gal 5:22-23, John 8:12). Jesus enables us to have the light of light

God precedes those who follow his way

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Romans 13:8-10; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Romans 13:11-12; Galatians 1:4; Luke 19:44; Romans 13:12-14; Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Galatians 5:22-23; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5-7

Read More ->>

God's hierarchy provides righteous freedom to lovingly serve (Romans 13:1-7)

Romans 13:1-7
AIM: How we treat people on earth is directly proportionate to the way we view God's eternal kingdom

A) God's hierarchy
1) everyone subject to governing authorities God established
2) rebels against the authority is against God

B) Righteous freedom
3) Doing right frees us from fear of rulers, brings commendation
 - Joseph, Daniel and friends (Dan 3:12-15,16,17,18,19-29,30 6:1-28), Paul and apostles in prison(Acts 5:17-19-20,21-28,29)

4) One in authority is God's servant for your good, bear sword for a reason God's wrath for wrong-doer
 - Tests of faith and corrective discipline

5) Submit, avoid punishment and obey conscience
Principle:  Doing the right thing even when faced with adversary will lead to divine protection and deliverance

C) To lovingly serve
6) pay taxes, authorities God's servant giving full time to governing
 - Jesus sees our duplicity (deceitfulness, dishonesty) in holding back taxes (Luke 20:22-25)

7) Give to everyone what is owed (tax, revenue, respect, honor)
 - Father mother (Ex 20;20)
 - Old people (Lev 19:32)
 - elders especially preaching/teaching (1 Tim 5:17)
 - God (1 tim 6:15-16)
 - Every human authority (1 Peter 2:13-17)
Principle: Jesus life demonstrates loving service for all humanity

Romans 13:1-5; Daniel 3; 6; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-5; Romans 13:6-7; Luke 20:22-25; Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:32; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Timothy 6:15b-16; 1 Peter 2:13-17

Read More ->>

The Cross for a Believer

Jesus did not make His call to discipleship easy. On the contrary, He stressed the cost of following Him, showing it meant full obedience and the renunciation of all contrary plans that one might prefer to make for oneself. One way Jesus spoke about this was to talk about the cross, saying, for example, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This is necessary for faithfully following Jesus; it is not optional (Luke 14:27). No one who refuses to take up their cross and follow Jesus can be a Christian. It is personal; no one can do it for you (Matthew 16:24). It is voluntary; no one is forced to take up the cross. A person must take it willingly (Matthew 19:21-22). It is mortal; the cross is meant to kill all selfish desires or ambition. We must die to self here if we would bear eternal fruit (John 12:24-26).

Bsfinternational.org

Read More ->>

God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)

AIM: Discover spiritual gifts, motivated by love brings life change
Romans 12:1-8
A) God's mercy seen creates a devoted life in His will
1) See God's mercy, give self fully to God is worship
2) Not pattern world, transformed/renewing mind, able do God's will
Illustration: Cain (Look what I brought God) and Abel (look what you did God)
Cain couldn't see God's mercy and took LIFE into his own hands, killing his brother. God's mercy was then revealed in Cain, God protected Cain (Gen 4) - Lemech didn't get it (70 times 7 REVENGE). Jesus said 70 times 7 Forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).
Many in the church struggle with self-deception:

• Lying to yourself, that you aren't sinning (Romans 14:23; Proverbs 30:20; James 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:3;1 John 1:8-10;2:4)
• Thinking your "Christian" when you don't live a Christian lifestyle (Luke 6:46; James 1:26; 1 John 2:4;1:6; 3:9-10)
• Thinking "I'll get away with it" (Galatians 6:7; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Proverbs 28:13)

Application: Debug your heart, Let the Holy Spirit and God's word expose and judge the intentions of your heart.

 Ephesians 4:23-24 and Colossians 3:10 says, "...let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." and "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator."
Heb 4:12 says, "the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]...penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ephesians 5:10,17 says, "Test and prove what pleases the Lord" and Don't be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is"

Application: Is my sacrifice pleasing to God, where am I focusing on worldly patterns rather than the Godly pattern in his Word?

B) God's gracious gifts used in humble, united service (3-8)
3) Grace given me, not better in self, by faith God distributed to us
4-5) body many parts, function in Christ, belongs to each other
6) different gifts (1 Cor 7:7), according grace given (empowerment): 
 - Same LORD and Spirit, God at work (1 Cor 12:4-6)
 - Gift to equip others, reach unity (Eph 4:11-13, John 14-17)
 - We are stewards of these gifts, purpose is God's glory in Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11)
7-8) Gifts according to grace: Prophesy/faith, serving, teaching, encourage, give/generously, lead/diligently, mercy/cheerfully
Illustration: Lot is an example of not using gift faithfully. (Lord) rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (2 Peter 2:7). Jesus sends us out, says Listen! Don't miss it! You'll be judge, wrong intentions in your heart need to be cast out in the name of Jesus! (Luke 10:12-17). Jesus was reminding the 72 about Lot (Luke 10:1-12) and what happens when people don't come out (Gen 19:14,15). So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. (Gen 19:29) but
Lot used his freedom to be an unaware, incestuous drunk (Gen 19:32-35). Why didn't Lot go back to Abraham for humble help in this matter?
Principle: Two things make a Christian miserable, 1) unrepentant sin and 2) not using your gifts to serve the Church.
Application: Spiritual gifts inventory, what gift haven't you opened yet? Consider serving in an unfamiliar way (test and approve).
Also:lot
Romans 12:3; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:1-6 ; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7b ;1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ;Ephesians 4:11-13 ;1 Peter 4:10-11

C) Love enthusiastically, sacrificially serving and trusting the Lord (9-21)
9-10) Love sincere, hate evil, cling good, devoted/honor one-another in love
11-13) spiritual fervor, serving the Lord: joyful/hope, patient/affliction, faithful/prayer, share/people/need, practice/hospitality
14-15) Bless (no curse)/persecutors, empathy: celebrate/rejoicing, comfort/mourning
16) Live/harmony/each other, not proud/conceited, associate with low positions
17-21) Not evil for evil, careful/right eyes of all, possible depends on you: live/peace not revenge, trust God's plan: overcome evil with good

Read More ->>

Ministry makes a difference ONLY when people follow Jesus Christ

Ministry does not make a difference when it helps people follow the world (godlessness), the flesh (selfishness) or the devil (evil). Worldliness can be defined as "whatever makes sin look normal and righteousness seem strange." The flesh can be summarized as, "I do what I do because I want what I want." The devil wants to kill, steal and destroy and is manifested in suicide, murder, and cruelty. On a side note about the devil stealing, to rob someone is to take something from them when they are present. Think "Armed robbery", a thief occurs when something is stolen when nobody is home. Don't let the devil steal your ministry, but stay awake and be vigilant.

Ministry without eternal impact, reminds me of the prosperity gospel (which is mainly wrong in that the focus is on YOU). Biblical Christianity focuses on GOD. Yes, but some preaching and teaching from prosperity teachers are true. I know many people who have been awakened to the things of God by some of these teachers. Just like others have been awakened through apologetics and healing ministries. But the litmus test must be in what it brings people to wholeheartedly follow after. Are they in it for ME or in it for GOD?

Following Jesus Christ 

• Leave yourself behind, saying yes to God and no to past patterns (100% NO is easier than wondering if now is an okay time for ____________)
• Don't take provisions, trust God to provide (for me this was an entirely new career path and God has provided!) - "Leave Egypt" 
• Know the mission, fulfill the mission wholeheartedly 
• Lifetime of preparation for an eternity of service ("your best life later" though it really does start now)

Are you helping people follow Christ or the world?

The way to know is what are you focused on. What do you pray about? What troubles your soul? What do you rejoice about? What makes you sing?

The World's Pattern of ISMs (from bsfinternational.org)

• Secularism also known as humanism, relativism, pragmatism, pluralism, hedonism and materialism. This is the pursuit of life apart from God. The Bible calls this the pattern of this world (Romans 12:1-2). Secularism says the physical world is all there is.
• Humanism or humanitarianism looks at our lives apart from God, with humanity as the center. Biblically Nebuchadnezzar had the mindset of a secular humanist. Humanism essentially says that everything revolves around humanity and exist for our glory.
• Relativism, if humans are the center then there can be no absolutes. Everything is relative. Ironically, humanism devalues human life because values become meaningless. If truth, goodness, and beauty exist, we cannot find them through relativism because we need absolutes to discover absolutes. When relativism rules, we cannot learn to sift through error to discover what is true, good and beautiful.
• Syncretism attempts to reconcile beliefs or practices fo different religions and philosophies. Syncretism assumes some or all religions are equally true, valuable and valid. This error was seen in the early church where Gnosticism tried to deny Jesus Christ had a real body and died a real physical death on the cross (1 John 4:1-3).

Main point, whatever we add to the gospel of God's grace is always less than the gospel and cannot save. And the gospel is found and understood in the whole Bible:

Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, (Luke 24:44-46)

Brothers, Train Up the Next Generation

• Disciple faithful men 2 Timothy 1:14, 2:2
• Beware Hezekiah Syndrome 2 Chronicles
• Avoid Temporal Shortsightedness
• Cultivate Far-Seeing Vision
• Invest in the Next Gospel Generation

Ministry Is Supernatural, not professional
“I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). “I am crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). “I die every day!” (1 Corinthians 15:31). “For the sake of Christ I am content with weaknesses” (2 Corinthians 12:10). “He was crucified in weakness . . . we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God” (2 Corinthians 13:4). “We are the aroma of Christ . . . a fragrance from death to death . . . a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16).
Pastors say, “Who is sufficient for these things!” And then they look to God. Professionals say, “Education and training and savvy are sufficient.” And then they look to experts.

Read More ->>

Incommunicable (natural) and Communicable (character) Attributes of God

Incommunicable (Natural) Attributes
Creator - Gen 1:1-3:1; Ex 20:5-10; 2 Peter 3; Heb 11:1-7
Eternal - Ex 3:13-14;John 8:58; Rev 1:8
Immutable (unchanging) - Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:25-27; Heb 13:8
Incomprehensible - Job 36:26; Matt 11:17; Romans 11:33
Independent (self-existent) - Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 44:24 John 10:17-18
Infinite - Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 40:28; Heb 1:10-12
Majestic - 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalms 24:10; 68:34-35
Omnipresent (fully present everywhere) - Psalm 139:7-10; Jer 23:24
Perfect - Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30; Heb 4:15
Self-sufficient - Gen 1:1; Isaiah 40:28;John 1:12
Sovereign - Isaiah 46:10; Romans 8:28-30; 9:19-21
Supreme (Pre-eminent) - Psalm 99:1-3; Col 1:15-19
Triune - Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 12:4-6; 2 Cor 13:14; John 14:1-15:1
Transcendent - 1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 40:22;55:8-9
Unique - Exodus 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:26-27;1 Cor 8:6

Communicable (Character) Attributes
Accessible - Romans 5:1-2; 10:8; James 4:8
Faithful - Deuteronomy 7:8-9; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Thes 5:24
Generous - Psalm 65:9-13; John 1:16; Romans 10:12
Good - Psalm 25:7-8; 145:9; 1 Tim 4:4
Gracious - Psalm 84:11; John 1:14; 2 Tim 1:9
Holy - Psalm 22:3; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:16
Humility - Mark 10:45; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:5-11
Imparial - Deuteronomy 10:17; Romans 2:11; 10:12
Jealous - Ex 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:23-24; 2 Cor 11:2
Just - Psalm 146:7-9; Isaiah 30:18;61:8; Romans 3:25-26
Kind - Gen 39:21; Romans 2:4; Titus 3:4-6
Knowledge - Proverbs 18:15; 1 Cor 2:10-11; 1 John 3:20
Love - Psalm 136: John 15:13; 1 John 4:8
Mercy - Psalm 51: 1-2; Micah 7:18; Matthew 9:13
Patient - 1 Tim 1:16; 2 Peter 3:15
Righteous - Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 51:6, 8; 1 John 2:1
Truth - Isaiah 65:16; John 8:31-32; 14:6-7
Wise - Proverbs 3:19; 1 Cor 1:25; Col 2:2-3
Wrath - Psalm 7:11; Romans 1:18; Eph 4:26-27

Read More ->>

God's character, nature and power revealed in praise (Romans 11:33-36)

AIM: knowing God impacts our praise

A) Holiness of God's wisdom
33) riches, wisdom, knowledge of God - unsearchable judgments, paths
Wisdom and knowledge: Ps 92:5; Eph 3:10; Col 2:3
paths: Job 5:9; 11:7; Ps 139:6; Ecc 8:17; Isa 40:28
Application: How am I gaining wisdom as I trust in the Lord more fully?

B) We don't know God or add to him
34) known the mind of Lord? been his counselor?
 - Isa 40:13, 14; Job 15:8; 36:22; Jer 23:18; 1Co 2:16
35) Who gave God, that he should repay them?
Job 41:11; 35:7
Application: How am I taking care of the life God's given me?

C) Creator, Sustainer, Lord
36) From, through and for Him all things, GLORY
Application: how do my actions bring glory to God?

Romans 11:33-36; 25-32;Romans 11:33-34; 1 Kings 8:39; Job 9:4; Job 28:12-28; Psalm 147:4; Proverbs 3:19; Romans 11:33-34; Job 38:1-7; Job 42:1-6; Psalm 8:1-9; Isaiah 40:13-28; Romans 11:35-36; Genesis 1:27-30; John 3:16; Acts 17:24-28;Job 35:7-8, 41:11; Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:5-10; Revelation 4:11

Read More ->>

God's mercy revealed through grace extended by prophets and apostles (Romans 11:1-32)

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/c_s_lewis_162523" - C.S. Lewis

AIM: Promises are worthless to people without faith
Reminds me of God is faithful on the way to the promised land,  Miraculous provision and good news is only useful with faith

Romans 11:1-32
A) Chosen people reject God, yet he spares some according to his grace (1-10)
1-2) God didn't reject Isreal, Elijah and Paul (tribe of Benjamin) are proof
3-4) Elijah pleaded with God and God spared some (1 Kings 19:10,14,18)
5-6) Likewise, now remnant is chosen by grace (through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus Romans 3:24)
7-10) Seekers of self-righteousness are hardened
 - They didn't achieve righteousness because they didn't pursue faith (Romans 9:31-33)
 - Isaiah 29:10-14; Psalm 69:22-26 ;Matthew 13:12-15 ;John 12:37-43 ;Acts 28:24-28
 - Same light that softens wax, hardens clay

B) God's people receive the promises by faith in and repentance to Him (11-24)
11) God's people beyond recovery? No. God's salvation to others, realize what's forfeited.
12-14) We show life change in others to stir up God's chosen to seek the truth, saving some
15) They rejected, rest of world offered salvation, their acceptance more wonderful - LIFE!
16) Abraham, patriarchs, batch of dough holiness, roots of tree
 - Deep meaning of bread, dough in the Bible relating back to Exodus, Passover meal - bringing something forward over time. Dough used today could be from 4 generations ago
 - Bethlehem means "house of bread", Jesus is the Bread of Life
 - The root of Jesse, a tree is known by it's fruit. Psalm 1:1-5, like a tree by the water
 - The tree of life lining the river (Revelation), it's leaves will heal the nations
Applications: What life lessons are you bringing forward to strengthen the next generation? How does "daily bread" and God's word influence your ability to bring life change where it's needed?
17-21) Branches broken off (not believing Christ), olive shoots grafted in (believe Christ) - receiving promises, don't brag (but focus on God) - pride cuts you off
Applications:
 - Blessing (that it may go well with you - no matter what Rom 8:28)
 - Family (Cain said "look what I did", Abel said, "Look what you did")
 - Nourishment root God (Man does not live on bread alone) - faith, hope and love last forever (1 Cor 13:13)
22-24) God kind (to trustees) AND severe (to disobedient) AND forgiving (to repentant) AND life-changing (new heart)
Application: we extend God's offer to everyone who will hear

C) The gospel shows God's character of mercy and love to all who receive Him (25-32)
25-27) Understand this mystery (God's previously hidden plan) All Israel (believing Jews "true Israelite" John 1:47) will be saved as Scripture affirms
 - Isa 59:20,21; “And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!"
- Isa 27:9 (Hardened v25) to take away all her sin
28-31) many chosen now enemies of the gospel, yet the call is irrevocable (Romans 5:12-21), disobedient rebels receive mercy
32) God imprisoned all in disobedience to show mercy to all
 - Every tongue, every tribe, every nation, every people group (Rev 5:9,7:9
Applications:
The gospel call, relationships and power (Romans 1:1-17)
Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ (Romans 5:12-21)
Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)

Romans 11:1-10; Romans 9:31-33; Isaiah 29:10-14; Psalm 69:22-26 ;Matthew 13:12-15 ;John 12:37-43 ;Acts 28:24-28 ;Romans 11:11-24; Romans 11:25-32

Read More ->>

Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:14-21)

AIM: Understand our responsibility is preaching the Good news
Romans 10:14-21
A) People believe and are saved when hearing the word about Christ
14) call to save unless they believe, unless they hear unless someone tells them
 Principle: People will call on God and be saved when they believe
15) go unless sent, "beautiful feet bring good news" (Isa 52:7)
16) not all welcome "who has believed our message?" (Isa 53:1)
17) Faith comes by hearing about Christ
 - Faith from witnessing God's power (Exodus 14:31), notice the belief, obey, witness progression here: (Exodus 11:1-15:21)
 - Faith because God's faithful, enduring love (2 Chronicles 7:6, John 3:16)
 - Faith because of personal experience, thoughtfully applied to God (Matthew 8:10,5-13)
 - Faith because of other people dragging us to Jesus (Luke 5:20,17-26) - Faith that causes us to go to Jesus and speak (Matthew 9:22,18-26)
Application: Our faith is a response to (and sustained by) God's faithfulness
B) Everyone is included in receiving God's mercy, even when previously failed to "get it"
18) Israel has heard, creation bears God's message (Ps 19:4)
19) Israel fails to understand about gentiles (Duet 32:21)
20-21) Found by those not seek me, shown to those who didn't ask, compassion to rebels (Isa 65:1-2)
 - Faith given to anyone with ears to hear (Rev 2:7, 1 John 2:5-6)
 Principle: Only God can give us ears that hear (Exodus 29:2-6)
Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord. (Proverbs 20:12)
There is a huge difference between believing and knowing
Application: Pray for God's prescription to be applied to our hearers, so they can understand and be saved.

Read More ->>

"Jesus is Lord" from a heart of faith (Romans 9:30-10:13)

 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Romans 9:30-10:13
A) Righteousness culminated in Christ, known by all who believe
30-33) righteousness obtained by faith, not the law - by works. "stumbling stone" (Isa 8:14, 1 Peter 2:6-8)
1-2) heart's desire/prayer for Israelites be saved, zealous for God not based on knowledge
3) didn't know the righteousness of God, establish their own not submitting to God's righteousness
4) Christ culmination of law, righteousness for everyone who believes

B) Faith submits to God's word at the heart level
5-7) righteousness by law, live by them but righteousness by faith don't say in heart who will ascend to heaven (down or up)

John 6:60) Disciples, “hard understand, how accept it?”
(61-62) Jesus (aware complaining) “offended? What to think see Son of Man ascend to heaven again”
-          Transfiguration was the first, the resurrection and ascension will the “again”
(63) Spirit alone gives eternal life, Human effort nothing; very words are spirit and life
(64-65) some don’t believe, only unless Father gives them

8) Word is near you, mouth and heart: faith we proclaim

 - 9) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10) heart believe God raised Jesus from dead, justified, mouth profess faith and saved 

 - Mouth speaks what's the in the heart (Matthew 12:34)

 - Non-believers don't know God, glory HIm or give thanks - thinking futile hearts darkened (Romans 1:21-22)

 - Believers - sons, God sent Spirit of his Son into our hearts, Spirit calls out Abba Father

11-13) Scripture affirms, believes not put to shame, all people (Romans 3:22, 29), Jesus Lord of all (Matthew 28:18)

 - Isaiah 28:16

 - 13)  everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32)

Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most (John 6:41-71)

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart

Read More ->>

God's promises and sovereign will, seen in our lives (Romans 9:1-19)

Romans 9:1-29

AIM: Understand your choice within God's sovereign wrath and mercy

1) Speak truth in Christ, conscience confirmed by Holy Spirit
2-3) sorrow in heart, wishing self-cursed rather than kinsman Israel

• 4-5) adoption to sonship, divine glory, covenants (law, temple, promises), 
• patriarchs to Messiah (Matthew, Luke trace lineage)
• Messiah is God (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9)

6-9) God's word didn't fail, Abraham/Sarah, Israel's descendants are reckoned (Gen 21:12), not from birth but from promise (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:16)
10-13) Rebekah/Isaac, twins, God's purpose, election (not works but him who calls) Jacob loved Esau hated (Mal 1:2,3)
14-15) Is God unjust? No, he says to Moses: mercy and compassion is God's sovereign choice (Ex 33:19)

• Yet our lives and decisions are part of this "choice". Jer 18:7-10, God announces people will be destruction or blessing but then if those people change for either good or bad - the Lord will not do as he said. Jonah 3:10 and Jeremiah 26:3 are also helpful to think about how God's sovereign choice interacts with our choice. 

16) No human desire or effort but God's mercy

• Remember Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, truth is same on the flip side of the Sovereignty coin

17) Pharaoh displayed God's power, God's name proclaimed in all the earth (Exodus 9:16,17, 14:4)

• Judgement, salvation to all humble, yet a remnant of wrath (Psalm 76:9-10)
• Think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Adeb-nego. By Nebuchadnezzar's wrath, God's glory was shown and proclaimed throughout the land (Daniel 3:15-27,28,29-30)

18) God mercy whom he wants, hardens whom he wants

• Who does God have mercy on? Think Beatitudes, The parable of the sower and faith comes by hearing (Seven blessings in Revelation explain faith, eternal life and sanctification)
• Who does God harden? Those who ignore, refuse or mock his call for salvation. (Lamb's seventh seal brings prayer and six trumpets for repentance)

19) Why does God still blame us? Who is able to resist his will?

• 20-24) Who are humans to talk back to the Creator, we are his work, for His purpose and glory
• Search scriptures like Paul to let the Holy Spirit reveal the mystery for you 
•  - mouthing off to God: Job 1:22,9:12,40:2 linked to clay/potter Isaiah 45:9
•  - clay and potter: Isaiah 29:16, 64:8, Jer 18:6 links to movement/ability Isaiah 10:15
•  Recurring theme in Paul's life: 2 Tim 2:20, gold/silver, wood/clay - common verses special use
• See God's kindness and forbearance/patients (Romans 2;4), The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster (Proverbs 16:4)

25-29) Principle: Scripture interprets scripture. Application: How can you know how to live as God's loved, adopted children? Ho does obeying what you know, fulfill your God-given purpose? Where are you resisting God's will in your seeing, hearing, and understanding - when will you repent of this resistence?

Read More ->>

Secure in God's love, Christ intercession through all hardship (Romans 8:31-39)

Romans 8:31-39

AIM: As Christ intercedes for us, so we should intercede for others.

A) Security; Jesus continues intercession on our behalf
31a) What shall we say then...

• Abraham's faith - Romans 4:1
• Sin and grace - Romans 6:1
• Law and sin - Romans 7:7
• God's justice - Romans 9:14
• Gentiles righteousness - Romans 9:30

31b) If God is for us, who can be against us?

• 32) God's Son given for us, graciously given all things
• 33) Noone can charge whom God justifies

34) Jesus Christ died, raised to life, is at right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:27)

• My intercessor is my friend, as my eyes pour out tears to God Job 16:20;
• He made intercession for the transgressors Isa 53:12; 
• He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him BECAUSE he always lives to intercede for them in God's presence Heb 7:25; 9:24; 
• If anybody sins, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One 1Jn 2:1

35) Can we be separated from Christ Love?
36) Does hardship mean we aren't loved?
37) No, despite these hardships victory our through Christ who loved us
38) Nothing separates us from God's love (physical, spiritual, emotional, hell
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.

Read More ->>