The book opens with the nation of Judah under trial. God calls all of creation to be witness to the corruption of humanity. God did everything possible to offer us a full, purposeful life. And though the garden that He gave has been robbed and is vile, He has not given up. He always leaves a path for redemption and healing. He always has a remnant. There will be a day of victory and peace for ever and ever.
Seven hundred years before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah was called to give a message of warning and hope. That message has echoed through the entire Bible, through history and still speaks today. The scene was shocking (Isaiah 6:1-8), the full glory of Jesus on the throne (John 14:41). Though Isaiah recognized his sin and the unrighteous state of his nation God purified him and sent him with a message (Isaiah 6:9-13). A greater servant will come and deliver…
Paul’s primary point through Romans chapter 8 is all about what Jesus has done for us on the Cross. No matter what you are up against, look to the Cross. God does not condemn those who are in Christ, He will use all things for good. The good news is the love of Christ! And He invited us into His love (John 15:9). Live in that truth. No matter where you are at, no matter what is against you, return…
How things should be and how they are do not match up. The reason is sin. Like a crack in a screen, there is a flaw in the perfection of creation. All creation groans, we groan, the Spirit groans for the completion of redemption (Romans 8:18-30). It is not that suffering should not be minimized, it is that the glory of God’s redemption should be maximized (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). God will complete the good work He has started (Philippians 1:6).
