QuadCity Podcast

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