Notes from Nathan

In Romans 8:28-30, the apostle Paul discusses God’s purpose for believers. Let’s break it down:

God Works for Good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. This verse assures us that God orchestrates everything for our benefit, even in challenging circumstances.

Conforming to Christ’s Image: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son”. God’s purpose is not merely our happiness but our transformation. He desires to shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

The Process: God’s process involves calling, justifying, and ultimately glorifying believers. “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified”. This progression ensures that we become more like Christ.

In summary, God’s purpose is to mold us into the image of His Son, leading us toward eternal glory. It’s a beautiful journey of growth and transformation.

Romans 5:6-11 Paul talks about what Jesus did for us out of Love. While we were still sinner still at war with Him. And how through Him we can be justified, reconciled before God. And how this brings us to joy in Jesus.

In Romans 5:1-5, Paul talks about how we can rejoice in our suffering. How we are to know that suffering produces perseverance. And perseverance produces character, and that character produces hope. And this hope doesn’t disappoint. What does all of this mean for us today? Typically, we try to run from suffering. Is Paul telling us something different than that?

In Paul’s letter to the Romans. He is starting to show everyone listening where they stand with God. Showing them the reason for the law. Showing them that the law is there to point us towards our need for Jesus. Not only to be our savior, but to the Lord of our lives. This Sunday […]

In the end of Romans 1, into chapter 2. We read Paul working with the Romans, setting the standard that we are held to. The standard of truth. The truth that we are given choices to either accept or deny. The truth that will ultimately condemn us or set us free. What is your choice?

Paul called by Jesus to bring the message of His life to the gentiles. Paul sends these letters to various churches. This one starts with the “all who are in Rome.” Paul is eager to see them and to bring the good news. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel and understands the urgency that is required. There is much for us to learn from Paul’s example in these letters.

Last week we talked about Peter. And how many of us can relate to Peter in his walk with Christ. This week we are going to talk about Saul/Paul. I have a feeling that many of us can relate to Saul as he was far away from Jesus, and the transformation that happens in his life. Maybe we think that we are too far gone for the grace of Jesus to reach us, or we aren’t sure that Jesus can use us for His kingdom. This week we are going to see what Jesus has for us, the love he has for us. We will see how Saul experienced Jesus’ supernatural grace.

Last week we looked at Moses. This week we will take a look at the anointing of David as King. To his actions that displeased the Lord, and the consequences of those actions. Then we will finish up with the unconventional grace that follows. David was labeled as a man after God’s own heart. His […]

As we conclude our sermon series on Love. We come to the part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, that states “love never fails.” When we think of love in human terms, we see that love often fails. We see people leave, friends move away, and sometimes we can write off others when they wrong us. Does Jesus treat us the same way? Is His love conditional?

These three wise men bring gifts to Jesus after his birth. These three gifts are not what we would consider “hot items” or must haves this year. Yet these gifts have significant meaning for Jesus’ life and for our lives with Him.