QuadCity Podcast

Paul ends the book of Romans with a few parting instructions. He speaks of unity among the believers, being steadfast in obedience and he sends along a few words of greetings from those who are with him. And he ends his letter where he begins, restating his goal: that all gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith.

No one does ministry alone. In every successful ministry endeavor there are always people behind the scenes that make sure the mission is accomplished. It was true for Paul and it is true for us. In this section of the letter, Paul sends greetings to some of the most important men and women who have played a pivotal part in his ministry.

As we near the end of this letter. Paul shares with the church his future travel plans. Through this text we get a reminder that these are real people who lived in a real place in real time. We begin to see how this letter fits inside the timeline and life of Pauls other ministries and letters. We also get a picture of what role the local church plays in the advancement of the Gospel.

How do we respond to those who are spiritually less mature than we are? Just like Jesus did for us. We bear with their failings as Christ does with ours. We endeavor to build them up, as Christ does us. We accept them just as Christ accepted us.

"It is for freedom that Christ sets you free” Gal. 5:1. We are no longer bound to the law. Does that mean we can do anything we want…short of sin? Not exactly. Being a part of the family of God, being a part of the body of Christ, means that we don't have the freedom to do things that hurt other people's faith, even if we are free in Christ to do it. Part of dying to ourselves…and putting others first…is giving up our rights for the sake of others and putting their needs first.

Not everything is black and white when it comes to living out our faith. Paul makes it clear there are disputable matters. So how do you know what you can do and can’t? What should you do and shouldn’t? The answer is you do what honors your master. And what honors the master for one servant may not honor the master for another.

We have never been closer to the coming of Jesus than we are right now. How would you live if you knew he was coming soon? How would you treat people? How important would obeying Jesus be? Is there anything you are doing that you would stop? Anything you aren’t doing that you would start? Our salvation is nearer now than it has ever been. It’s time to live like it.

Should we submit to God or Government? And the answer is yes. In a country that is divided most deeply by political ideology, the idea of submitting to government is an inflammatory one. Paul invites us to see the government not as an enemy of God but as a weapon of God. And to live in rebellion against the governing authorities is almost always to live in rebellion against God.

What does loving people look like? In this section, Paul rattles off many practical implications of loving people. From honoring others to showing hospitality to feeding your enemies. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves, one of the greatest acts of gospel proclamation is loving others more than ourselves.

What do we do now that we have come to faith in Christ? Starting in Romans 12, Paul begins to give us application for the gospel in our lives. It starts with worship…not simply singing…but offering our whole body to him and joining in our body to his body…the church.

Easter 2023

All Israel will be saved? Romans 11:25-36Can God be trusted to keep his promises? What about his promises to his people, the Israelites? As we exit Romans 11, Paul finally answers these questions. And his answer is summered up in two words, disobedience, and mercy.

When it comes to the family of God, there is only one family tree. And in this family tree, Some branches that once were a part, have been cut off. Other branches were not original, but have been grafted in. And Paul has some good news and bad news, those who have been cut off, can be grafted in again. And the bad news: those who have been grafted in can be cut off again.

As a God follower, there will likely be times when you feel all alone, when it seems you are the only one still trying to be faithful. The reality, however, is that there has always been and always will be a remnant chosen by grace. We can rest assured that as followers of Jesus, we are never alone.

No one comes to faith in Jesus without hearing the gospel of Jesus. No one can believe the good news that they haven’t heard. And we have been tasked with making sure those around us hear it. But we can’t make people respond in faith. As Paul teaches in this text, there will be some who hear it and reject it. But our job is still the same: Preach the word!

Who gets an invitation into the kingdom of God? ANYone and EVERYone! The gospel isn’t just good news for the few, it is an invitation for all to call on the name of the Lord. The question this text has for us is have you responded to the good news of Jesus?

Some teach that it doesn’t matter what you believe or what faith you practice as long as you are sincere. But Paul teaches otherwise. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me. There is no way of salvation outside of Jesus, no matter how zealous of God you are.

Are people chosen for salvation or destruction? If so, is it fair for God to hold people accountable for a choice they couldn’t make? This is one of the most difficult questions Romans 9 makes us ask.

How much do you care for those who are outside of Christ? In this text we see Paul willing to give up his own salvation for those he loves who are outside of Jesus. And we are reminded, again, that it takes more than having Abrahams's DNA to be his child; you must have his faith.

Who can be against the people of God? Lots of people. We do have an enemy who is againstus every day. And we are at war with sin and flesh every day. The question really isn’t who canbe against us…the question is, who can defeat the people of God? And the answer to that is noone or nothing! We are more than conquerors through Jesus!

Suffering in this life is inevitable. Does that mean God is powerless, absent, or angry? Not atall. God is sovereign, and no matter what suffering we endure or why we endure it, God isgreat enough to use it for good. Although this isn’t a promise for everyone. It is a promise made for those who love him.

Everyone wants to live forever like Jesus, but not everyone wants to suffer like Jesus. But what will you do when you learn that you can’t have one without the other? Suffering isn’t optional for anyone, not even the children of God. But, for the children of God, it is temporary. And no matter how bad the suffering gets, it does not compare to the glory to come.

Does the Spirit of God live in you? If you are a child of God, he does! The Spirit of God is whatmakes you a child of God! But there is a war within each of God's children. A warbetween the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. The flesh urges us to obey it,and the Spirit invites us to obey him. And which of those you are fighting for will determinewhether you live or die.

No one gets excited about being let off the hook, if they never felt like they were on the hook tobegin with. Romans 8 is the the pinnacle of the book of Romans. And it begins with thedeclaration that we have been let off the hook for all our sins in Christ Jesus. It is a reality worthcelebrating