Today, we’re beginning the gospel of John. Of the four gospel accounts in the New Testament, John is the outlier, as it is not “synoptic” with the other accounts. In other words, John doesn’t record the life of Jesus using parallel accounts used by the other gospel writers. This gospel is rich in theology, revealing the nature of Christ to a deeper degree, including his own teaching about his relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit in later chapters. John parallels Genesis 1 as he opens his account, teaching that Christ is the “logos,” the Word of God, who was not only with God but who is himself God. He came in the flesh and dwelt among men. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ, a prophet like those of old who came to call Israel to repentance so that they be ready for the coming Messiah.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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We have reached the final chapter of the book of Romans, and it is here that Paul includes a significant amount of text greeting those whom he knows and loves in the Lord at Rome. Take note that Paul is not writing as some emotionally distant patriarch or as an apathetic advisor abroad, but as one who has deep connections with those to whom he is writing. In contrast, Paul warns the church against those who use smooth talk and flattering words to incite division. He concludes with encouragement to trust that the Lord will crush Satan under their feet, and a lengthy benediction that gives glory to God.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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If you are a mature and well-developed Christian, Paul charges you to be humble and patient with those who are weaker. It can be tempting to use your knowledge of Scripture or your insight into counseling or your experiences in the faith in such a way that talk down to those who have not become strong in those areas. As we remain humble in our maturity, we mirror Christ, for lived to serve, pleasing others to the glory of God and not seeking to be served during his earthly ministry. Lastly, Paul begins to wrap up his letter by telling the church in Rome his travel plans for near future.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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If you’ve been a Christian for even small window of time, you know that there will be issues over which you and another Christian disagree. Some disagreements may be very sharp and worth making distinctions about, including the deity of Christ, the exclusivity of salvation by Christ, and the inerrancy of Scripture. There are plenty of other issues, however, over which it’s OK to disagree about. Such disagreements would fall under what’s typically called “Christian liberty” and Paul discusses of these should be handled within the church. In short, we are to pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul reminds the church that faith in Christ includes humble and God-honoring submission to those who are governing authorities. This is not to say that we should do everything we are told to do especially where it concerns honoring the Lord above all else; Paul’s life was often marked by gracious-yet-firm civil disobedience when he was asked not to preach the gospel. We should, however, respect those in authority, submitting where appropriate, and show honor as much as possible. Paul goes on to say that “Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.” Our aim should be to live a life humility and service, especially in light Christ’s return. Since the night is nearly over and the day is near, let us then put on the armor of light.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Since God has been so incredibly merciful to us, our lives and our bodies should be used to give glory to God. We are not to conform to the world, but instead, we should strive to be transformed by the Word of God that we may do his will. Knowing that we have received mercy when we should have received judgment should humble us, and serve as an encouragement to work together with the Lord’s church, those who have also received mercy. We each have different gifts, and when we work together to give God glory, we show the world what true worship looks like. Christ said that we would be known for our love for one another, and in order for that love to be seen, we actually have to live in love together as one body.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul loves Israel dearly, and wants them to know that Jesus is, in fact, their promised Messiah. In preaching about putting the law to death, he doesn’t want to communicate that Israel has somehow been forgotten or rejected in the process. While not all of Israel will be saved, there will be a remnant chosen by grace. Paul turns to address the Gentiles of Rome directly to show them how important Israel is to their salvation. They, and all who are not of Jewish decent, have been grafted into Israel, which means that the roots planted and secured through Israel are what allow us to thrive and flourish in the life-giving faith that comes through submitting to Jesus, our Deliverer who comes from Zion.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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While our last chapter broadly brought up questions and concerns about God’s sovereignty, we needn’t forget that Paul was talking specifically about how God’s sovereignty relates to the history of Israel. He continues to speak of Israel today, saying that his heart’s desire and prayer is that they might be saved. How will they be saved? If they confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead, they will be saved. As such is the case, someone must preach to them and to all nations, for how will they hear that message without a preacher? Moreover, how will the preacher go unless he is sent and supported by the church?

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Chapter 9 of the book of Romans is arguably one of the chapters that is most challenging for believers to fully grasp, sometimes because it falls out of our immediate comprehension, but sometimes simply because we don’t understand how it could be fair. Here, Paul explains that God shows mercy on whom he will show mercy, and he hardens the hearts of those through whom he wishes to display his power. He uses his question-and-answer format again, assuming that the reader will accuse God of being unjust for finding fault. His answer is simply that God may do what he wishes with the work of his hands. Knowing that the Lord could have justifiably chosen me to be a vessel of his wrath only makes me all the more grateful that he had mercy on a sinner like myself.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Romans 8 is full of life-giving truths about the believer’s relationship to God in the Holy Spirit. Paul begins by assuring the believer that there is now no condemnations for those in Christ Jesus, explaining that the Spirit gives life to those who have put the flesh to death. It is by the Spirit that we are able to cry out to God as our Father, for we have been adopted into his family through the Son. Creation groans under the weight of sin, and we who have the Spirit also groan within ourselves, eagerly anticipating the redemption of our bodies. In the same way, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf with unspoken groanings in prayer. In all of these things, the Lord is sovereignly working for the good of those who love him.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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