What if the distance you feel from God isn’t meant to be climbed but confessed? We walk through Paul’s sweeping argument in Romans to show why the law reveals our need, the cross meets it, and the Word draws near to transform hearts from the inside out. Along the way, we trace Israel’s story through Hosea and Isaiah, the promise of a remnant, and the shock of grace that gathers people who once stood far off. This isn’t cold theology. It’s the map of mercy that explains why “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” is the most inclusive, life-altering sentence you’ll ever hear.

We tackle the difference between trying to build our own righteousness and receiving Christ’s righteousness by faith. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, ends the treadmill of religious striving and invites us into rest that fuels mission. We talk candidly about stumbling over Jesus, why shame lifts when we believe, and how “no condemnation” becomes more than a verse when the Spirit makes the Word alive in you. If you have ever wondered whether you’re doing enough, this conversation insists that Jesus already did enough—and that changes everything about how you live, love, and speak.

Then we turn to witness. “How will they hear without a preacher?” isn’t just for pastors; it’s for all of us. We explore what beautiful feet look like in real life, how faith comes by hearing Scripture, and why God uses both Israel’s history and our own stories to draw people home. We pray for softened hearts across families, communities, and nations, and we challenge each other to trade “bless my efforts” for “work through me.” If this resonates, share it with someone who needs hope, subscribe for more verse-by-verse journeys through Romans, and leave a review to help others find the message.

Come On Up is the radio ministry of The Mountain Cross in Waynesville North Carolina. To learn more about us please visit: TheMountainCross.com.