God's sovereignty should result in our rest and security. And as good as that might sound, someone could ask, "Are we just pawns to the story God is writing?" Is there any real choice here? Are the elect ushered off to heaven and the unelect to hell? It is God's choice and that's it? Can man be anything but a pawn in God's sovereign rule?

Have you ever read something in the Bible that God said or did and thought, "That doesn't seem right?" Sure you have. Today we continue our study in Romans and we are entering a new section, chapters 9-11.

Have you ever read something in the Bible that God said or did and thought, "That doesn't seem right?" Sure you have. Today we continue our study in Romans and we are entering a new section, chapters 9-11.

There are over 60 major prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the first coming of Jesus. Some were clear and concrete, some difficult to understand, and some seemed strange; but 100% of these prophecies were literally fulfilled. God has a good batting average at fulfilling His prophecies and it is best to take it just like it reads. Yes, there is symbolism and yes there are some difficult passages, but it is going to happen.

There are over 60 major prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the first coming of Jesus. Some were clear and concrete, some difficult to understand, and some seemed strange; but 100% of these prophecies were literally fulfilled. God has a good batting average at fulfilling His prophecies and it is best to take it just like it reads. Yes, there is symbolism and yes there are some difficult passages, but it is going to happen.

Today I want us to remember and celebrate mom's craziness for me. God has put a person on this planet that was wired to sacrificially live for you, wired to not quit for you, wired to make one last call, send one more email, talk to one more person for you. She may not always be right. She may not always handle it right. She might embarrass or annoy you. Her eyes might pop out of her head and her hair shoot out because you are not appreciating just how much she is for you; but she is indeed for you.

Today I want us to remember and celebrate mom's craziness for me. God has put a person on this planet that was wired to sacrificially live for you, wired to not quit for you, wired to make one last call, send one more email, talk to one more person for you. She may not always be right. She may not always handle it right. She might embarrass or annoy you. Her eyes might pop out of her head and her hair shoot out because you are not appreciating just how much she is for you; but she is indeed for you.

Jesus tells us what is going to last, what will survive even hell. The church. The church is that body of people that is built on the confession: "Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." That confession lasts. All that invests in that confession lasts. When you invest yourself in the church you are investing in what will stand against the fire, investing in what is Christ Himself, investing in His love.

Jesus tells us what is going to last, what will survive even hell. The church. The church is that body of people that is built on the confession: "Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." That confession lasts. All that invests in that confession lasts. When you invest yourself in the church you are investing in what will stand against the fire, investing in what is Christ Himself, investing in His love.

We know God is working everything together. That word work together has the idea of weaving. God is weaving all the pieces of my life together so that it fulfills this great purpose. When God is done weaving all the events, all the people, all the successes, all the failures, all the hurts and wrongs; you will look like Jesus.