Through the Mirror Dimly

Why does God still blame the Jews if He hardened them? Paul doesn't mince words: God hardens only those in rebellion already, and Israel had already rejected God's messengers and now God's son. While God used their sin for his purposes, it didn’t erase their guilt.

Unpack the controversial idea from Romans 9:18 – "He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires." Learn how hardening strengthens paths already chosen, as seen in Pharaoh, Sihon, and even Israel. Drawing from 2 Thessalonians 2, Isaiah 63, and Acts 4, we see it's a consequence of rejecting truth, not arbitrary.#Romans9Explained #BiblicalTheology #ChristianApologetics...

Dive into Romans 9:14-18 where Paul tackles the big question: Is there injustice with God? Discover how God's mercy isn't based on ethnicity, works, or effort, it's all about His promise and our faith in Christ. From Moses' bold plea in Exodus 33 to Pharaoh's hardened heart, see how God raises up even rebels to proclaim His power and bless the nations.#Romans9 #GodsMercy #Bible...

In this episode I discuss why Israel was elected by God.

In this episode I return after a long, long, hiatus to begin discussing chapter 9. I talk about Paul's view of his countryman, his grief over their unbelief, and how Paul sets himself up in the role of Moses.

In this episode I read through chapters 9 and 10 as we look at the main thesis of this section of Romans. I discuss how important the context is leading into this section for understanding why Paul wrote it.

In this episode I discuss the security that is found in Christ for those who have faith. The scripture gives us so much assurance of God's everlasting love and how nothing in this world can separate us from him.

Couldn't help the clickbait! In this episode I continue to discuss one of the most encouraging passages in Romans. To do so, we need to take a longer look at what Paul means by 'foreknew' and 'predestined.'

In this episode I discuss what it means to be called, and the grace that is the assurance of God working all things with His followers for the good of those who are called.

In this episode I discuss the assurance we have based on God's fulfillment of His promises and how the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

In this episode I discuss what it means for us to persevere through our suffering as we rest in the hope of our adoption.

In this episode I discuss what it means to be heirs of God, the responsibility it brings, and how that relates to walking in the Spirit.

In this episode I discuss why a mind that is set on the flesh cannot please God, along with encouragement for looking ahead to the future glorification that awaits those in Christ.

In this episode I discuss this long section from Paul discussing the sin in our bodies against the freedom of our spirit. How does being in Christ negate the condemnation we find in the law?

In this episode I discuss the symbolism of being married to the law, who is married to the law, and the impact dying in Christ has on our relationship to the law. #bible #romans

In this episode I discuss what it means that we are now slaves to righteousness after being freed by the Son from our slavery to sin. #bible #romans

In this episode I discuss what it means that Jesus died to sin, and if we die in Him, how we are also dead to sin, but alive to God.

In this episode Eric and I read through Colossians 3:5 - 17 and discuss what it means to be dead to sin and just how holy we are supposed to be now that we are in Christ.

In this episode I look at the consistent witness of the New Testament authors in how we are to die to sin. How the strength of Pauls refutation of sinning so grace may abound is echoed elsewhere and the importance of setting our mind on Christ.

In this episode I go through this passage one more time, looking at various questions that come up while going through and paying a little closer attention to who receives this grace.

In this episode I discuss what it means that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world and death through sin. How does the account in Genesis shed light on what Paul is saying?

In this episode I discuss the greater context for the second half of chapter 5 and how this is in some ways a culmination of the previous several chapters. That the main focus of this section is about the greatness of the gift that has been given to us in Christ. #biblestudy #romans

In this episode I discuss what it means for Jesus to have reconciled us through His death on the cross.

In this episode, I discuss why it is important to view our trials the way the Biblical authors do, as a means of sanctification and in light of the glory that is to come.

In this episode Eric and I walk through Colossians 2:16 - 3:5. We talk about what things we are not to judge each other for and how giving allowances for conscience works in Christian life.