We are interrupting our series on Paul's letter to the Romans with some Bible teaching from our joint weekend retreat with Craigavon Baptist Church, at Durrow. But we'll be back in Romans soon.

This is the first of three sessions on the theme, When Love for Jesus Grows Cold. Revelation 2:1–7.

In Chapter 9, Paul sets out to prove that God's promises to Israel have not failed, but along the way he has to take time out to deal with the difficulties some people get into over the doctrine of unconditional election. Romans 9:1 – 13.

We have soared to the heavens with Paul in Romans 8: the gospel is great news. But now in Romans 9, he brings us back to earth with a bump. What about those who don’t have faith: those who are still lost? Romans 9:1 – 3.

Are you not amazed by the incredible things God is doing in you? Does it not thrill you every time you think about them? Does it not stun you into silence? It should. It must. Romans 8:31 – 39.

Christian, why is God working all things for your good? Why did He save you? What is He doing in your life? How can you be sure? Paul answers those and other questions in Romans 8:29 – 30.

How can Paul be so sure that absolutely everything is working for the good of those who love God? He tells us in Romans 8:29 - 30.

Romans 8:28 has to be one of the best-known, most quoted — and sometimes misquoted — verses in the whole of the Bible. Are you clear about what it means?

Are there times when you just don't know how to pray? Don't worry— God has that covered. Romans 8:26 – 27.

The world is under God's judgement. It's why bad things happen. The whole creation groans and longs for better times, and so do we, but we must stay faithful to Jesus. Romans 8:18 – 25.

Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Wow! But what does it mean? And there's an if. If we suffer with Him. Romans 8: 17.