Refuge Audio Podcast

In the book of Hebrews, we're encouraged to “consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” On Good Friday, we took time to consider Jesus and all that He went through before and on the cross in our place so that we could have peace with God forever.

In Romans 16, Pastor Paul concludes his letter to the Roman church with some of his co-laborers in Christ in mind—“the excellent ones” (Psalm 16:3). In our 50th and final study in Romans, we reviewed the names of these excellent ones that Paul called out and appreciated the qualities they demonstrated as they served the Lord. 

God has given us two important tools to minister to one another—the word and prayer. There is no more powerful combination for the lives of the ones we love than the ministry of the word and prayer. The Apostle Paul encourages us to wield them wisely as he demonstrates their proper use in Romans 15.

When we’re faced with trouble and despair, what do we do? When we can’t sleep and our minds are filled with questions, where do we turn? In times of distress, we have a choice—we can focus on our troubles, or we can seek the Lord.

God has established 3 institutions: the family, the church, and the government. There are some roles and responsibilities God has given to one that the others should not be involved in. When we study the Bible in context, we gain a better understanding of the specific roles and responsibilities the family, the church, and the government have in a healthy society.

Throughout scripture, we see that when there is something to be done, leaders arise who step out with courageous faithfulness to it. Guest speaker Bill Corcoran encourages all of us to be godly leaders in the places God has called us to work.

With the love of Christ, we can bless our enemies and love those who treat us poorly. In this second portion of Romans 12, the Apostle Paul encourages us to love our enemies with the courage available to us in Christ and reminds us of our purpose to lead our enemies to Jesus.