Our study continues with Romans 11:16-24. In the last 3 chapters, Paul has been explaining the significance of Israel in god's plan of redemption. They rejected their messiah, and that rejection led to salvation for all who will believe, Jew and Gentile. Beginning in verse 13, Paul turns his attention specifically to the Gentiles. He Warns us not to think too highly of ourselves, reminding us that we draw life from Israel's root. The wording of this warning raises questions for some. Is Paul really saying that it is possible for a believer to be "cut off"?

Introducing the fight of the centuries! In the blue corner, Jacobus Arminius 1560–1609.) As he enters the ring, you can hear his supporters shouting, "FREE WILL!" He would say that it is possible for someone to lose, or more properly throw away, his salvation. God gives everyone enough grace to decide, and they are predestined only in the sense that God knows the choice before they make it.

In the red corner, John Calvin (1509–1564.) The champion of the modern reformed movement, he is most widely known for the view that we are all predestined and that there is not really any such thing as free will. God chose who would believe from the moment of creation and those who are offered His grace cannot refuse.

As you can see from the dates, these men did not live at the same time and could not have opposed one another directly, but their fans are still duking it out. I wish we wouldn't. In fact these teachers are not so far apart as we might think. Arminius was a 2nd generation student of Calvin. The purpose of this message is not to explore their theology in depth, but to expose believers to the roots of the argument and briefly summarize the scripture that each side will reference. I've expressed an opinion, but I've provided references from both sides, freely admitting that I am not so confident as to insist that mine is the right one.

To anyone truly seeking the Lord even as you struggle to make the right choices, fear not. He died and rose to save you. He will not let you fall. To those who cling to a life of sin, turn around before it is too late. Maybe you walked the isle or said a prayer one day and somebody told you that got you in. If they didn't tell you the rest, they lied! Give your heart to Jesus before it is too late. Believe that He died for your sin and was raised. Accept Him as Lord.

The pastor left his notes in an Uber and found these old notes in the pulpit, so some might say that God changed the message, but one thing is certain, He knew it would happen that way, so here you go. Probably not as good as the first time, but there's something in here that God may want you to hear.

We drop in on the last supper as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. We’ve always known this moment is special. Some churches even take his statement that the disciples ought to wash one-another’s feet quite literally, incorporating it into their ordinances and worship. Jesus’ instruction has more to do with the attitude than the act.

Here, Jesus illustrates what true greatness is, even as his disciples are still squabbling over who among them will be the greatest. We may suppose that no one of them offered to do the job, not even for the master Himself. That would be lowering themselves to the level of a slave. But Jesus had no problem doing that. He knew who He was, and so could do what needed doing with no concern for the opinion of others. In Luke’s gospel, apparently after he has done this though Luke doesn’t mention it, he says, “…the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” (Lk 22:26 LSB)

In so doing, he also illustrates in a small way the sacrifice he is about to make. Before the next day is over, he will willingly submit to the worst torture and humiliation that humanity can imagine, all for the sake of the ones whom He loves. By this act we are saved. When peter objects to the Lord washing his feet, Jesus makes a profound statement, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (Jn 13:8) We must be cleansed by the blood of His sacrifice, and we must also return to him each day that the dirt we accumulate by walking through this world may be washed off. We are called to serve each other in this way, as all of us who call Him Lord have been sent to do as He did, that the world may know and receive Him.

Our study of Romans continues as Paul further refines his explanation of God's purposes for His people. (Romans 11:7-16)

God has not rejected His people. He has kept them through the ages, and He will fulfill every promise He made to them. It was true when Paul wrote this letter, and it is true today. Join us as we continue our study with Romans 11:1-6.

Our Study in the Book of Romans continues with Ch. 10, verses 14-21. The preceding verses are some of the most well-known among Christians. Many of us were guided to faith by someone who quoted at least verses 9-10. But this passage has a broader context. Paul has been explaining the roll of Israel, the Jews, in God’s grand design. Here’s a spoiler for you. He’s not done yet. Over the next few lessons, we’ll explain in greater detail what that means.

Now we come to the heart of the matter. In the midst of Paul's explanation of the Jews' role in and rejection of the good news of Jesus the messiah comes the text which is probably most familiar to the Christian except for John 3:16. Many if not most of us had it read or quoted as we made our own journey to faith. But did we get the whole message? Though it is simple enough for a child to understand and receive, too often important parts get left out. Listen in as we continue our study with Romans 10:5-13.

Our study continues with Romans 10:1-4. Paul says of his people who have not believed, "they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." And, "not knowing about the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God." vs 2-3. They didn't understand that they could never work their way into being right with God. Only Jesus makes that possible. Today, we think we know better, but we can still fall into the trap of thinking that it's all about how well we can follow the rules. We judge others who we don't think are doing it as well as we are, or interpret the rules differently than we do. The truth is that none of us can do it without Jesus.

Righteousness is a word we don't hear much outside of the church. What is it? How does one attain to it? You may have heard it defined as right-standing with God. Since God Himself is called righteous, this definition seems incomplete. However, it serves us well in regard to man's relationship to Him. Jesus, while being no less God for having done so, took on flesh and lived among us as a man. Being without sin, walking in perfect obedience to the Father, He can certainly be called righteous by this definition. Thus, even if we limit ourselves to this meaning, we may say that God is righteous.

Our study of Romans continues this week with Chapter 9, verses 30-33. Here, Paul contrasts the Gentiles with the people of Israel. How is it that Israel, having the law of God and keeping it so meticulously, has missed the goal, yet heathens who weren't even trying have attained it? Paul gives us the answer with the question. It is because of faith. More specifically, faith in the all-sufficient work of Jesus. The road to righteousness is walked by faith, and the destination is reached only because the righteous One walks with us.

"It's not fair!" I doubt you can find a child anywhere who hasn't made that accusation. They might even be right once in a while, because sometimes we're not, and we make mistakes. Many a grownup has replied, "Life's not fair."

It becomes a very different conversation when one of the participants is God. Dare we accuse Him of injustice? We all know the right answer to that question, but I think it is safe to say that most of us have wrestled with it. He is the creator. We are the created. From where did we get this offended sense of fairness?

As we have progressed through Paul's letter to the believers in Rome, we have been shown the grace and love of god for us, though we do not deserve it. He has now turned his attention to the people of Israel, who have largely rejected their promised messiah. He has shown how from the beginning God chose whom he would favor, and whom he would harden for His purposes. He takes the obvious question head-on. How can God judge if He has made us what we are and we can do only as He wills? The stark answer, "Who are you to ask?"

This does not take away from the other things we know about God. He defines good. He defines truth. He defines love. His promises remain, and if we choose Him, we need not fear whether we are among those not chosen. But here we are reminded that He is God, and we are not. This week we cover Romans 9:19-29.

Priscilla speaks of some things that are happening around us and urges us to share the Gospel.