The Birth of the Savior

As they depart the room where they ate the Passover, Jesus and his disciples head to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus continues to instruct his disciples not to fear but to maintain their trust in him. He then prays his high priestly prayer that we find in John 17.

Jesus instructs his disciples on the coming of the Spirit and on the coming of persecution. But they are not to fear. He has overcome. This is part 1 of a 2-part message.

On the final night before his death, Jesus gathers with his disciples and says that he is establishing the new covenant in his blood. This is the second part of a 2-part message.

It is Jesus' final night before his death. He gathers with his disciples to have one, last Passover meal with them. This is Part 1 of a 2-part message.

Jesus tells a parable about five wise and five foolish virgins to alert his disciples to the judgment that is coming upon their people.

Romans 9 has become a deeply dug mine full of precious gems. Scholars have delved into this mine, excavating words, phrases, and sentences to find precious material to build and adorn their theological houses. It has especially been a favorite for the Calvinist position of unconditional election. 

But as I continued learning God’s word, I discovered that Paul had something different in mind. What many talk about when they read Romans 9 is different from what Paul was talking about. The centuries brought a major disconnect in understanding the subject matter. We have forgotten or never learned the story Paul was telling. 

This teaching series is my understanding of what Paul wrote in Romans 9 based upon the larger context of his letter, his ministry, and the biblical storyline – thus, its title Romans 9 and the Story Paul Was Telling.

To prepare his disciples for what was coming upon Israel, Jesus told a story about five wise and five foolish virgins.

Jesus thrashes the hypocritical leadership of Israel and pronounces woes upon them, but he commends a widow for her gift to the temple. He also tells about the end.

Jesus thrashes the hypocritical leadership in Israel and pronounces woes upon them. He commends a widow for her gift to the temple and speaks about the great trials coming upon the nation.

Jesus tells a story about a great banquet and intruders at the banquet. The leaders give him a trick question about taxes. He evades their trickery and asks a question about the Messiah that no one can answer.