In this episode, Pastor Clay welcomes back John Farish, a beloved elder of Johnson Ferry. Their conversation immediately delves into a deep dive into Romans chapter 9, a complex and often debated passage of the Bible. Before tackling this theological heavyweight, John shares his current reading obsession: Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, which he's re-reading for the third time and considers the best novel ever written.

The discussion then pivots to Romans 9, with Pastor Clay emphasizing the interconnectedness of chapters 9-11 with the preceding parts of Romans, highlighting that Paul isn't taking a doctrinal detour but rather offering a deeper theological exploration of God's faithfulness to Israel and Gentiles alike. They begin by reading Romans 9:1-5, where Paul expresses profound sorrow for his Jewish countrymen who are largely rejecting Jesus as Messiah, despite their rich heritage and God's blessings.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.