To whom does the Bishop/Elder answer to? In this sermon we will discover that in some things the Bishop answers only to God for and the church has not say in it. However there are things to which the Bishop answers to the church for. Listen and learn.

There is a comparison in our text showing that a dead baby, one that is stillborn or a miscarriage, is a better death than that of the rich man.

This sermon is the introduction to verses 29, 30 and we will just touch on Foreknowledge today. Next week we will get hot and heavy into "foreknowledge" and what the Biblical meaning of the word is. In verse twenty-eight of our text we find that all these "things" that work together are for the Elect. Verses 29-30 now tell us who the elect are or rather how they came to be the elect. This is a doctrine that is hated by many and very much misunderstood by the rest. But the Greek language and the grammar dictate that we interpret these verses as something that God has done "past time." Completed action without regard to time but rather done in eternity.

A fascinating work of God is that of giving men wealth, honor, and riches and then takes away the ability for these men to enjoy wealth, honor, and riches. This is not a isolated occurrence but the Scripture says this is "common to man."

The Bishop/Elder of the Lord's church has a duty assigned him by the Lord Jesus and recorded for us in the Holy Scripture. Those duties are spiritual duties and the governance or management of the Assembly. This being true it is also true that he is not the Boss of the church.

This weeks sermon we look at the "Process involved, work together." Which speak not of a succession of things or each individual thing, but rather all these things work synergistically together for good. This synergy results in something greater that just the sum of all things experienced.

All things in this life, those things under the sun are given to man of God. They are to be enjoyed and are designed by God for our pleasure. The reason why this is not common for man to enjoy these things is because he fails to recognize that God has purposed these things for our enjoyment. Ah, such is the wretchedness of man.

We have in our study of Rom 8:28 discovered the Positiveness Involved (and we know), the Particulars Involved (All things). We have noted that it includes all things in creation, all things concerning men. This week all things personal and all things spiritual. Conclusion, there is nothing in heaven or in the earth that is excluded from the working together for our good.

In our text this morning we are warned about making riches primary in our life, or as the Scripture teaches that we should not covet. Surely riches make themselves wings and fly away.

In the first three sermons we looked at the Positiveness Involved, "and we know." The week and next we are examining the Particulars Involved, "all things." What are the "all things" that work together? As we will see in this sermon it includes the "all things of creation" and the all things concerning men. Next week we will pick up with the all things personal.