Elder Chris explores two key principles in Romans 8:29: being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and recognizing Jesus as the firstborn. To be conformed means to share in His likeness, fashioned after the same pattern. Elder Chris explains that the image we will bear is far greater than God’s original creation of Adam—it is a spiritual image ungoverned by this world. Practically here on earth, we should avoid conforming to the world and instead be daily transformed by renewing our minds through scripture, prayer, and good works. Identifying Christ as the firstborn highlights His supremacy, sovereignty, rank, and honor. Though He is our brother through adoption, He is supreme and one of a kind.

Elder Chris teaches that in Romans 8, the Apostle Paul is less focused on things and more focused on people—the benefactors of God’s love. It is important to know that God first loved us because He foreknew and elected us, despite our nature. And those whom God foreknew, He predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ and adopted into His family. These are direct truths that affect us and are a tremendous encouragement to the child of God.

In the book of Esther, we read events where even in the midst of man’s irrational and unpredictable actions, God can deliver His people. Elder Chris also considers God’s providence in our lives. He instructs us that when we don’t know what to do, we are to ask God, who gives liberally and sees ahead where we cannot.

Elder McNeil turns to James and stresses the importance of being doers in the kingdom of God. We are instructed that the teachings we have received should not just be heard, but should translate into doing the work. In Matthew, Jesus likened those who hear and do His teachings to a building founded on a rock that stands firm when the storm comes. Elder McNeil encourages each of us to be doers, keeping in mind what Christ has done for us.

This video contains the baptism of Sister Audrey Arnold.

God shows kindness and compassion toward His people when in misery and hurting. This is central to who He is. Brother Paul reminds us that God forgives our iniquities, heals us, and is tender toward us in a harsh world. He asks us to encourage one another in the mercies of God that are never-ceasing.

Romans 8:28 should be a great encouragement to the children of God, but sadly, it is frequently misunderstood and has caused significant trouble among believers over the years. Elder Chris provides context surrounding the verse and explains what “all things” refers to. He turns to examples where the phrase “all things” has limits and cautions that God does not cause sin and wickedness. Man and Satan are responsible for those things. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul clears up any vagueness by giving us specifics: God foreknew us, predestined us, called us, justified us, and glorified us. These things work towards God’s ultimate purpose for His people. We can find great strength and encouragement in knowing these truths.