I teach eighth graders—perhaps the biggest bunch of walking insecurities ever to grace the planet. So concerned with the approval of others, so lost as to their own identity. I am, of course, many years and many miles removed from … Continue reading
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? (Romans 8:35) In answer to the above question: No one. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. … Continue reading
Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34b). He died in darkness. He rose as the Light. He died as a sacrifice. … Continue reading
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? (Romans 8:33-34a). Usually it’s me. For the most part, I am the one who brings charges against me; I … Continue reading
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32). I have a son. I love him more than my own … Continue reading
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) For the record, the “this” above refers to the fact that God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified us. … Continue reading
…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