…those he justified, he also glorified… (Romans 8:30c). Glorify: to cause to be or treat as being more splendid, excellent, etc., than would normally be considered. I love that definition. Paul tells us that God, having predestined, called, and justified … Continue reading
…those he called, he also justified… (Romans 8:30b). When I use the word justify in the context of my life, it usually means trying to get away with something, like taking a sick day when I’m not really sick, … Continue reading
And those he predestined, he also called… (Romans 8:30a). You have a purpose. Oh, yes you do. You have been called by the Lord of the Universe, who knew you before the world began. You have been called to love … Continue reading
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29). Free will vs. Predestination…do you really think that I’m going to attack that … Continue reading
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). This verse has got to be one of the most often quoted, frequently … Continue reading
My daughter and I are currently in a production of the show Beauty and the Beast at LifeHouse, a local community theater. The heroine of our version is named Rose, not Belle; otherwise the story tracks pretty well with the … Continue reading
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). Yesterday we imagined what the new creation might be … Continue reading
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:22). We live on a pretty planet. Think of your favorite scene—sunrise over the mountains, sunset over … Continue reading
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Some days I feel like I’m going through a lot. Some days I actually am. But whatever I’m going … Continue reading
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Romans 8:17). Have you ever had the Rich-Uncle-You-Never-Met-Dies-And-Leaves-You-A-Million-Dollars … Continue reading