Paul has fixed our compass to point toward God’s mercies on the Pathway of Hope. We are urged to make our living hope a living sacrifice by transforming our thinking and living by the Word of God. With our eyes and attitude pointed firmly in the demonstration of God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will, we […]
We come to another stage in the Pathway of Hope. We have seen the FAITH God rewards, heard of the HOPE God gives, and now find the ENCOURAGEMENT for life along the way. Paul begins to show how the person made righteous by God travels the Pathway of Hope. The passage we look at this […]
Paul discusses the FAITH GOd gives to those who turn to Him for righteousness. While discussing the benefits of peace, hope, and love that are generated by God’s gift of righteousness, Paul remembers many of his own people have not experienced this gift. He then starts discussing the HOPE for those who do not reject […]
A branch signifies growth. When a plant has sufficient growth, it branches out. Paul uses that illustration to continue his discussion of just how gracious God is in His plan for making His fallen creation righteous. Notice how God’s plan branches out!
Have you made plans that were later changed? Sounds like a silly question! We all have experienced that. In fact, it is probably rarer that plans do NOT get changed in one regard or another. But imagine a plan that is set; a plan that cannot seemingly be altered; a plan that can only lead […]
Throughout the course of history, those who follow Jesus have followed the Great Commission – telling the good news of what Jesus has done to those who have yet to hear and believe it. The question often comes, “How is that done? I don’t know what to do or say?” Today, we look at the […]
Paul tells us of an important message of hope and joy and peace given to those in a great battle. He outlines that message for us in today’s passage. It is not a radio program or news bulletin begun with “This is London calling” but the voice of the Almighty! Listen to the important message! […]
As Paul continues to address the Gospel being given to Jew and Gentile alike, he turns from the discussion of how greatly Israel has misused their advantage and he begins to describe the wonderful opportunity they have missed. Listen as Paul gives a description of “life without limits.” Ask yourself “Is THIS worth my time, […]
Paul has been describing the advantages the Israelites had in life as a nation, yet as a nation they failed to make the best use of their opportunities. As a result, God had rejected them and allowed Gentiles to be blessed. The nation is left asking a question that Paul answers for us very simply […]
In the first century, there were three major schools of thought concerning the circumstances of life. The Essenes believed fate determined everything; mankind was helpless and could not interfere with what was already determined to happen. The Sadducees, by contrast, believed man mastered his own destiny; we make our own future and chart our own […]