Clinton Methodist Church

May 3, 2025 – Our Bodies Speak – Genesis 1:26-28

Genesis 1:26-28 outlines God’s creation of humanity. God declares, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness,” and grants them dominion over the earth and its creatures. He then creates humanity in his own image, both male and female, blesses them, and instructs them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it.

Here’s a breakdown:

Click To Open

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

26 Then God said, “Let us make humans[a] in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth[b] and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
27 
So God created humans[c] in his image,
    in the image of God he created them;[d]
    male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

April 27, 2025 – Walking With The Word – Luke 24:13-35

Baccalaurate Sunday

In Luke 24:13-35, two disciples, traveling to Emmaus, encounter an unknown stranger who joins their walk. They are initially unaware that it is Jesus, and they share their grief over his crucifixion. Jesus explains the scriptures, revealing how his death and resurrection fulfilled prophecy, igniting their hearts. They recognize him while breaking bread, and he vanishes. They then return to Jerusalem, sharing their experience with the other disciples, who confirm Jesus’ resurrection and appearance to Simon Peter.  

Detailed Explanation:
1. The Journey to Emmaus:
Two disciples, one named Cleopas, are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a village about seven miles away, according to Bible Gateway.  

2. The Encounter with the Stranger:
Jesus, disguised, joins them on the road, unaware to them.  

3. Sharing Grief:
The disciples mourn the death of Jesus, expressing their disappointment that he was not the Messiah they expected.  

4. Jesus Explains Scripture:
Jesus patiently explains the scriptures to them, demonstrating how the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in his death, burial, and resurrection.  

5. Igniting Hearts:
As Jesus teaches, the disciples’ hearts burn within them, indicating a spiritual awakening.  

6. The Breaking of Bread:
During their meal, Jesus breaks bread, and it is at this moment that the disciples recognize him.  

7. Vanishing of Jesus:
Immediately after being recognized, Jesus vanishes from their sight.  

8. Returning to Jerusalem:
The disciples, filled with joy and excitement, immediately return to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other disciples.  

9. Confirmation and Witness:
They find the other disciples, who confirm that Jesus has risen and appeared to Simon Peter.  

10. Sharing the Story:
The disciples share their account of the encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, further strengthening the belief in Jesus’ resurrection. 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

April 20, 2025 – I’m a Believer – Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:1-8 describes the resurrection of Jesus. After the Sabbath, women go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but they find it empty and see a young man in white who tells them Jesus has been raised. He is not there, but will be seen in Galilee, as he had promised. The women, overwhelmed with terror and amazement, do not tell anyone but are afraid.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The women’s visit:
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome prepare spices to anoint Jesus’ body after the Sabbath.

The empty tomb:
They arrive at the tomb early on the first day of the week and find it empty, with the stone rolled away.

The angel’s message:
A young man in a white robe tells them “Do not be alarmed,” and explains that Jesus has been raised.

Instructions to the disciples:
The angel tells them to go and tell the disciples, especially Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee, where they will see him.

Their reaction:
The women are filled with terror and amazement and do not tell anyone, but they are afraid.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Resurrection of Jesus

16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.[a]

April 6, 2025 – The Great Exchange – Mark 15:1-15

In Mark 15:1-15, the Jewish leaders, after a mock trial, hand Jesus over to Pilate for execution, and despite Pilate’s attempts to release him, the crowd demands Jesus’ crucifixion, leading to Pilate’s decision to release Barabbas instead.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The Sanhedrin’s Decision:
After a trial, the chief priests, elders, and the entire Sanhedrin decide to hand Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor, for execution.

Pilate’s Question:
Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, to which Jesus replies, “You have said so”.

The Accusations:
The chief priests accuse Jesus of many things, but Jesus remains silent.

Pilate’s Attempts to Release Jesus:
Pilate, recognizing that the chief priests had brought Jesus to trial out of envy, attempts to release him, but the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist.

The Crowds Demand Crucifixion:
The chief priests stir up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Pilate’s Yield:
Faced with the crowd’s demands and his own desire to maintain order, Pilate releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus before Pilate

15 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Pilate Hands Jesus Over to Be Crucified

6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do[a] with the man you call[b] the King of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them, and after flogging Jesus he handed him over to be crucified.

March 23, 2025 – The Heat Is On – Mark 14:53-72

In Mark 14:53-72, Jesus is led to the high priest and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses are brought against him, but they fail to agree. Jesus is questioned about being the Messiah and declares himself, leading to his condemnation as worthy of death, and Peter’s subsequent denial of Jesus three times. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Jesus’s Trial:

Peter’s Denial:

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Jesus before the Council

53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54 Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest, and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57 Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59 But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61 But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah,[a] the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am, and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ”

63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65 Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him and beat him.

Peter Denies Jesus

66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the female servants of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt.[b] Then the cock crowed.[c] 69 And the female servant, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and you talk like one.”[d] 71 But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72 At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

March 16, 2025 – Love, Agony, and the Cup – Mark 14:32-42 

Jacob Hockensmith

In Mark 14:32-42, Jesus takes his disciples to Gethsemane, a place of prayer, where he experiences intense anguish and prays for the “cup” of suffering to pass, but ultimately submits to God’s will, while his disciples repeatedly fall asleep, demonstrating their spiritual weakness.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
•The Scene: 
Jesus and his disciples, including Peter, James, and John, go to a place called Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

Jesus’s Agony:

Jesus’s Prayer:

Disciples’ Failure:

Jesus’s Disappointment:

The Hour Has Come:

Mark 14:32-42
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter and James and John and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba,[a] Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 37 He came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[b] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to say to him. 41 He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

March 9, 2025 – Reckless Abandonment – Mark 14:1-11

Mark 14:1-11 of the Bible describes Jesus’ friends and enemies, including a woman’s extravagant gift to Jesus and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.

The woman’s gift

Judas’ betrayal 

Other details

14 It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesusa]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">[a] by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

3 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,b]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">[b] as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good newsc]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">[c] is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 When they heard it, they were greatly pleased and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

March 2, 2025 – Bad Things, Good People: Part 2 – Genesis 45:1-15, 24-28

In Genesis 45:1-15, 24-28, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery years earlier, causing them great shock and fear; he assures them that he forgives them and that God used their evil actions to bring about good, ultimately arranging for them to come to Egypt to survive a famine; Joseph instructs them to return to Canaan and bring their father Jacob to Egypt to live with him, and the chapter concludes with Joseph’s brothers expressing their joy and relief at the news, signifying a reconciliation between them and Joseph.

Key points:

Joseph’s Revelation:
Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, reveals himself to his brothers, causing them to be terrified and unable to speak.

Forgiveness and God’s Plan:
Joseph assures his brothers that he does not hold a grudge and that God used their actions to save many lives during the famine.

Family Reunion:
Joseph instructs his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father Jacob to Egypt to live with him.

Emotional Response:
Jacob’s brothers are overjoyed and relieved to learn that Joseph is alive and well, and they eagerly agree to bring their father to Egypt.

Genesis 45:1-15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers
45 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me; do not delay. 10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 I will provide for you there, since there are five more years of famine to come, so that you and your household and all that you have will not come to poverty.’ 12 And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. 13 You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them, and after that his brothers talked with him.

Genesis 45:24-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
24 Then he sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Do not quarrel[a] along the way.”

25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt.” He was stunned; he could not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph that he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I must go and see him before I die.”

February 23, 2025 – Bad Things, Good People: Part 1- Genesis 37
Rev. Jimmy Criddle

Genesis 37 tells the story of Joseph’s early life, his dreams, and his sale into slavery in Egypt. 

Key events

Significance:

Joseph’s story is considered to be a type of Christ’s story, who was also first humbled and then exalted. Joseph’s dreams are also thought to foreshadow the Jewish people’s calling and destiny. 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Joseph Dreams of Greatness
37 Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2 These are the descendants of Jacob.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him an ornamented robe.[a] 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.

9 He had another dream and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What kind of dream is this that you have had? Shall we indeed come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow to the ground before you?” 11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers

12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron.

He came to Shechem, 15 and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16 “I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17 The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18 They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them they conspired to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21 But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the ornamented robe[b] that he wore, 24 and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

25 Then they sat down to eat, and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone, and I, where can I turn?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They had the ornamented robe[c] taken to their father, and they said, “This we have found; see now whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and all his daughters sought to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father bewailed him. 36 Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.

Series Title: “Transforming Our Minds; Strengthening Our Walk”

February 18, 2025 – How Big is Salvation? – Romans 5:6-11; 8:18-25; 11:25-32 

Romans 5:6-11

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely, therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.[a] 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 8:18-25

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Future Glory

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in[a] hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 11:25-32

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

All Israel Will Be Saved

25 I want you to understand this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not claim to be wiser than you are: a hardening has come upon part of Israel until the full number of the gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“Out of Zion will come the Deliverer;
    he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.”

27 

“And this is my covenant with them,
    when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their ancestors, 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so also they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they also may now[a] receive mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.