The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are closely linked together. Often, Nehemiah is a text used to demonstrate decisive effective leadership under stressful circumstances. However, the entire book is prefaced by his prayer which pleads for answers for his people and himself.

We want to be the kind of church that Paul wanted to partner with (v. 14), and we want to partner with the kind of missionary Paul was (vv. 15-21).

God does not call all Christians to be missionaries, but He does call all churches to be missional – engaged in the work of making Christ known among our neighbors and the nations.

In Romans 15:8-13, Paul brings the main body of Romans to a close by declaring the ultimate goal of the gospel, which is the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 3:18 reveals three aspects of faith: a regenerating look of faith, a sanctifying look of faith, and a glorifying look of faith.

There is only one version of biblical Christianity. It's not glamorous. It's not easy. It will entail suffering and denial of self. And it is completely worth it.

We must make Paul’s doctrine of Scripture our doctrine of Scripture, if we want Paul’s hope to be our hope.

In Romans 15:4, Paul pauses his argument in order to justify his use in 15:3 of a rather obscure verse from Psalm 69. In so doing, he gives us a glimpse into the way he viewed Scripture.

When all a church has in common is Christ, and yet it loves and welcomes one another in Christ, God looks supremely glorious.

We must learn how to disagree over questions of Christian freedom without dividing or despising one another.

The overarching question in this text is, “In whom do you place your hope and confidence for entrance into the kingdom of Heaven?"