Perhaps no verse in Scripture is taken out of context more than Romans 8:28. In that verse, Paul says that "all things work together for good to them that love God," and people take that to mean a lot of things it doesn't mean. So in this message Stephen reminds us of the real meaning and power behind this promise from God.

Have you ever tried to pray but words just wouldn't come out? Maybe your mind was racing in all directions and you couldn't focus on Christ; perhaps the weight of some trial rendered you unable to articulate your feelings. Did you know that during that time the Holy Spirit was actually praying for you? As incredible as it sounds, Stephen shows us from Romans 8:26-27 that prayer is more than a conversation between God and us.

In Romans 8:23-25 we learn that the Apostle Paul was a restless man.

If the condition of our world could be summarized in a single word, that word would be 'broken.' Beneath the drumming sound of a rushing waterfall and the trill of a nightingale's song is an inaudible cry of desperation. Every part of creation feels it.

In Romans 8, verses 16-17, the apostle Paul writes this: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” Isn’t that an amazing thought? You are the recipient of an inheritance that God has prepared. So the question then becomes, what have you inherited? Would you like to know?

Imagine a sheep trying to live in the wild without a shepherd. Picture it standing alone in the forest: lost, wandering, defenseless and blind to all surrounding dangers. That is a picture of us apart from Christ.

The wounds of Jesus provide the most difficult paradox of Christian theology: namely, the marriage between God's holiness and man's savagery. But beyond the infinite complexities lies this simple reality: by His wounds we have been healed.

For us, the Christian life isn't just difficult or severe or extremely taxing; it is impossible. That's why we're not called to just mimic Christ, but to surrender to Him.

Rebel! Resist! Revolt! These are society's responses to unjust leaders, but should they be ours as well?

Rebel! Resist! Revolt! These are society's responses to unjust leaders, but should they be ours as well?