There is a strong cultural history of Christianity in America. Because of that, it’s very easy for people to equate either being American or having grown up around Christians to actually being a follower of Christ. As Pastor Eddie is teaching, Nicodemus had the same problem. To his credit, though, he tried to get an answer to his question by going directly to Jesus. We can get our answers to these questions the very same way.

The Covenant that God made with Abraham was incomplete. It required the sacrifice of animals every year as atonement for sins. Man deserved to die for his sin, and those sacrifices were a weak substitution. Then Christ came. As Pastor Eddie explains in today’s message, Christ brought complete fulfillment of that original covenant. He, being the only perfect, sinless man, and also God, was a perfect sacrifice. When we accept the redemption that He offers, it’s as though we never sinned in God’s eyes.

There is a lot of confusion over the concept of being “chosen” by God. Does this take away our free will? Why does God choose some and not others? As Pastor Eddie confronts these questions in today’s message, we can come to understand God’s sovereignty a little better. We won’t fully understand in this life, but God loves all of us. To be His “chosen” ones does not mean that He has rejected everyone else, but those that reject His choosing in this life seal their own fate.

The state of our world is a very grave matter. We are rapidly approaching Christ’s second coming, and as much as that gives us a reason for joy and hope, it also signals the beginning of an eternity of torment for those who choose to reject God. As Pastor Eddie continues to lead us through Romans, we see the reflection of God’s heart in Paul. God loves all of us with an incredible love, and it grieves Him to watch us choose rebellion and sin over a relationship with Him.

All of us have felt like things weren’t going our way at some point in our lives. In those moments we may question God, asking why He’s allowing hardship to prevail. From our short-term, limited perspective, it’s hard to believe that He is working all things together for our good. But, as Pastor Eddie encourages us in today’s message, in those moments of trial, we have the opportunity to trust in God. Even when it’s beyond our horizon, we can trust that in the end, He will work everything out.

Our God’s love is unfathomable. It doesn’t make any sense by our human understanding. As a whole, mankind has spit in His face and rebelled against His commands and design in every way possible. Many have an outright hatred for Him, while others just choose to ignore or deny His existence. Yet, as Pastor Eddie reminds us in today’s message, despite our complete unworthiness, He loved us enough to offer us a chance at redemption through His son Jesus Christ.

All of us have felt like things weren’t going our way at some point in our lives. In those moments we may question God, asking why He’s allowing hardship to prevail. From our short-term, limited perspective, it’s hard to believe that He is working all things together for our good. But, as Pastor Eddie encourages us in today’s message, in those moments of trial, we have the opportunity to trust in God. Even when it’s beyond our horizon, we can trust that in the end, He will work everything out.

No matter how heavenly minded we might be, many of us are quick to be discouraged by struggles, suffering, and challenges. While keeping our focus on the hope of the joy that's set before us is important, it doesn't always mean it's easy for us to do. In today's message, Pastor Eddie gives us an encouraging reminder that all suffering is incomparable to eternity. In our study, we learn that no matter what we might be going through, the eternal weight of glory will far outshine any and all suffering.

As believers in Christ, it can be fairly easy for us to have a limited perspective on the great and glorious day of redemption. While many of us are prone to think of redemption as exclusive to mankind, The Bible teaches us that Creation is included. In today's message, Pastor Eddie teaches us about the restoration of all of Creation that will occur on the day of redemption. In our study, we learn that much more than those who put their faith in Christ, we'll be witnesses of a new Heaven and a new Earth!

No matter how heavenly minded we might be, many of us are quick to be discouraged by struggles, suffering, and challenges. While keeping our focus on the hope of the joy that's set before us is important, it doesn't always mean it's easy for us to do. In today's message, Pastor Eddie gives us an encouraging reminder that all suffering is incomparable to eternity. In our study, we learn that no matter what we might be going through, the eternal weight of glory will far outshine any and all suffering.