In this passage, Paul explains how his Jewish brethren had a zeal for God not based on the knowledge of Jesus. He desired that his countrymen would see that Jesus was the true Messiah of Israel and was their final hope. 

The Psalmist cries out from the depths of guilt and shame. He cries out to God for mercy and redemptions. God hears his cry and gives him plentiful redemption and assurance. 

In today's episode, we explore the big question, "What about Israel?" Paul informs us that there is a remnant of Israelites and Gentiles that are saved by grace. God has been faithful to HIs promises and the true Israelites are not Israelites of the flesh but they are Israel of the promise. In other words, the true Israel is the people that have put their faith in Jesus the Lord and Messiah of Israel. 

This is an extra podcast in which we explore the cross of Christ from Romans 8:1-14 in a sermon at Westgate. 

Paul continues his discussion on Israel and is asking the question, "Is God unjust?" Paul goes on to show that the created has no right to accuse the Creator in his dealings with mankind. 

Paul is answering the question, "What about Israel?" Israel had all the advantages but it seems that by her unfaithfulness God was somehow impugned. Paul makes it clear that there is an Israel according to flesh and an Israel according to the promise. 

This is an extra podcast on Romans 8:1-4. This is a sermon from Westgate Church of Christ in which we explore how we have gone from condemned in sin to free in Christ. 

Paul shows great pathos for his people. He goes so far as to say that he would rather be accursed than to see his people not saved.

Asaph begins this Psalm in a state of self-centeredness. He makes a transition in his perspective when he goes before the Lord in worship. When he comes into God's presence his perspective changes. His message to us is this - it is not about your circumstances it is about your attitude. 

In today's bonus podcast I am joined by Bible scholar David Stark from Faulkner University. Dr. Stark discusses new research on the intended audience for the book of Romans and the doctrine of predestination. 

Dr. Stark is a professor and research fellow in biblical studies.  His complete bio can be found here: https://www.faulkner.edu/directory/david-stark/

Dr. Stark also has his own educational biblical studies website found here: https://www.jdavidstark.com/

Dr. Stark created a sentence reader guide for the Bible for our Illuminated Word listeners and it can be found here: https://www.jdavidstark.com/subscribe/sentence-reading-guide/

If you want more information on what Dr. Stark said concerning predestination you can find more information in this scholarly article that he produced at this site:http://www.preciousheart.net/ti/2009/24-040_Stark_Israel_Individual_Corporate_Election.pdf

Dr. Stark has an exciting project coming up with a series of essays that can be found here:https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-First-Biblical-Interpretation-Christian/dp/1684260914/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=jdavidstark-20&linkId=ecbc5836ec4a377de7e65bc5ac9d640d&language=en_US