Calvary Grace Church of Calgary

John’s first century audience were cultural exiles suffering from persecution, deception and temptation to fall away. For Christians the last days will be difficult and we must be struck by the absolute need to keep our eyes on the end goal - ultimate reality. Because it is our vision of eternity that will determine how we live today.

If God is sovereign, then why pray? If God is sovereign, how do I know that he is working for my good? Paul answers these questions by stating one of the most profound and comforting passages ever written. Let the truth of the Word of God compel you to trust in the goodness of God.

Life in a fallen world can be discouraging. But having a long view and seeing the glory that is to be revealed will change your perspective on the present. Are you suffering? Consider the blessings of being adopted by God, of being resurrected, of being rescued from this fallen world. That thought will help to put your sufferings in perspective, giving you both hope and patience. Romans 8.18-25 helps us to gain that long view perspective.

Christians are constantly pulled away from holy living by the power of the flesh. Yet the true believer continues to fight the flesh knowing they belong to Christ. The struggle of this life is explained by a short autobiography from the apostle Paul. Are you a Christian who is feeling wretched? Hear from Romans 7.14-25 how the true saint defies the gravitational pull of sin.

Paul’s message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone meets with two objections: “Are we to continue in sin, that grace may abound?” (6:1), and “Is the law sin?” (7:7). In other words, Paul is accused of making grace a license to sin and making the law out to be sinful. Having defended grace Paul now defends the law, showing its relationship to sin in the life of a Christian.