As far back as I can remember, people have enjoyed fictional characters who would save the day. Who doesn't like a hero? When I consider world events nowadays, I think humanity could benefit from improved leadership. I am sure many around the globe share this feeling. Here's the thing: Humanity already does have its Super Hero. But since He's not a dictator. He invites individuals into His kingdom; He doesn't force His leadership on anyone.

Still, we have choices; the most important one we face is who we recognize as the ultimate authority over our lives. It's a question of headship; its impact is of paramount importance. Regardless of our choices, He is Preeminent and reigns above it all. Do you want to benefit from His Shepherding? Please join me in this 2 part study of Romans 5:12-21.

This is part 2.

As far back as I can remember, people have enjoyed fictional characters who would save the day. Who doesn't like a hero? When I consider world events nowadays, I think humanity could benefit from improved leadership. I am sure many around the globe share this feeling. Here's the thing: Humanity already does have its Super Hero. But since He's not a dictator. He invites individuals into His kingdom; He doesn't force His leadership on anyone.

Still, we have choices; the most important one we face is who we recognize as the ultimate authority over our lives. It's a question of headship; its impact is of paramount importance. Regardless of our choices, He is Preeminent and reigns above it all. Do you want to benefit from His Shepherding?

This is part 1.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2023/04/26/seed-plot-the-preeminent-in-our-place/

Healing is part of salvation in the name of Jesus. Why has it become a difficult thing to understand for so many? Has God promised to heal all of His children? Why do life experiences differ from believer to believer? Does my level of faith affect God's desire to heal me? There are so many questions and so many great teachings out there! What is someone to believe? There are books on this topic by some great scholars, some with differing views from each other.

Let me share a perspective that I hope encourages those waiting for healing, those who can't think it's all about their level of faith, or those who are enduring long-term challenges. Can I suggest that there may be an eternal weight of glory that you have been trusted with? Is there something yet unseen that the Godhead is doing? I don't pretend to understand your situation, but I know God is good. His mercies are new every morning, and His love endures forever. So, friends, there is something more to come! You can trust His Word, so let's take a fresh look at it together. What do you say?

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2023/03/30/healing-lite-17-min/

It seems everyone has their unique definition of what it means to be "blessed". While one's desires, perspective and attitude have much to do with a person's view of a blessing, the follower of Christ is to acquire definitions primarily from God's Word. In continuing the study of Romans, we find ourselves in Chapter 5 where the benefits of justification (or salvation) are listed. When deliberated, we recognize that God's intentions for our earthly lives have more to do with His eternal purposes than we readily perceive as we interact in time.

So, can you stand to be blessed the way the LORD wants to bless you? Are you willing to celebrate His eternal purposes? If you have a personal relationship with Christ, do you know why He called you?

My sincerest hope is that you will be both encouraged and challenged by this study. But as always, don't take my word for it. Please open your Bible and scrutinize this content. Pray that the Holy Spirit confirms His truth in your heart. Humans error, but He does not.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2023/03/27/can-you-stand-to-be-blessed/

Do you know what falling from God's grace means?  Depending on how you have heard this term used, you might be really surprised!  In continuing with the study of Romans 4, we see how David was justified, and we understand why we are to sincerely repent when we sin.  

This is a timely message for people who are struggling with faith, forgiveness, and devotion to the God of the Bible versus society's call to navigate away from Him.  Friends, in this study I found myself loving the persons of the Godhead even more and I pray we will all learn to trust the LORD more.

Have you ever worried about not measuring up to Heaven's entrance requirements?  Do you sometimes think God will turn you away?  Friends, you can never be good enough to secure your place in the Kingdom of God!  Father God has one requirement to be pardoned from sin, and that is faith alone!  Good news, isn't it?  But wait, define faith.  You might ask, "What do I have to have faith in?  Can I do something to have the right kind of faith?"

I'd like to share the best news ever!  God does all of the heavy lifting.  Listen up!  In this first half of this study on Romans 4,  I'll prove it from Genesis and back it up with New Testament Scripture. 

Then, you'll want to listen to the second half of the study in the next podcast because it just gets better. Forgiveness is available when you fail.  And, you will fail God's Holiness because no one living on the planet is perfect.  It's absolutely liberating! (If you answer God's call.)

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2023/02/15/the-benevolent-covenant-of-grace-is-his-binding-commitment/

The Husbandry of Jesus Christ is loving, caring, faithful, and trying.  In every growing relationship, there are times of deepening, stretching, rejoicing, and hopefully great conversations.  But what happens when things become stagnant?  Can a relationship with Jesus remain status quo?  What's the danger of being content with remaining where you are in your faith?  

In this episode, we will consider the words of Jesus Christ from Luke 12 and 13.    I am so thankful the LORD provides His people with cautionary parables to help us understand how the Godhead sees our development.  

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2022/12/12/husbandry-in-the-vineyard/

How can a holy God dwell with sinful man?  If He must remain true to His righteousness, how can He forgive sin?  Since people who trust Him still experience trouble, is there a benefit to serving Him?  And, if most Jews don't believe Jesus was the Messiah, why should anyone?

There are so many questions out there AND the good news is God has answered them in Scripture!  Check out what God explained to a Jewish Roman Citizen who fully embraced the mysteries of God and lived an eternally rewarding life serving Jesus Christ.  This study of Romans 3 is rich with history and a good reminder of the faithfulness of God!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2022/12/02/faithful-are-the-oracles-of-god/

Why do so many people fear death?  Why do millions of people perform religious deeds?  Why are people conflicted over their desires?  Do we innately know that we will be held accountable for our actions (even the ones we thought were unseen)?  This study reviews the biblical text surrounding a moral person in light of God's perfection.  Can anyone be good enough?  Does the good outweigh the bad? Certainly, deeds count for something, don't they?

Let's dig into Romans 2 together and examine the cross-references to see what we can uncover.  There is always something the LORD wants to teach us as we grow from faith to faith.  There's good news ahead!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2022/10/19/the-outcomes/

Have you ever struggled with your faith?  Have you been concerned with living a righteous life?  Do you sometimes doubt your salvation?

This study helps the person who has a deep desire to live a holy life and recognizes that they are incapable of living perfectly.  There is comfort in knowing that God's just declaration stands!  There is also a need to increase in righteousness.  For the person who has difficulty with the wrath of God, this study may help gain a new perspective.  For the person who sees this world is getting out of control, know that the just will live by faith to faith!

Ultimately, we are who God says we are.  Praise God!

Every believer should test what they hear and read against the Word of God, so I encourage you to grab your bible and examine Scripture for yourself.  You'd be amazed how effective reading it for yourself is!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://desiringfruitfulness.ca/2022/09/30/the-just/