The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Part 4 of 4 • ⏱️ 2-Min Read Passage:   Romans 14:19-23 Scripture Focus: "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Rom.14:23) Today's Lesson The final section of Romans 14 emphasizes the pursuit of peace and mutual edification among believers. While all things are indeed pure under grace, it becomes evil for a man to eat if his action causes stumbling or violates his own conscience. The apostle Paul instructs believers to keep their personal convictions and faith between themselves and God, pronouncing blessed is the man who does not condemn himself in the things which he approves. The critical doctrinal principle established here is the foundation of faith governing practice. If a believer doubts whether a certain personal action is permissible under grace, yet proceeds anyway because others are doing it, he acts out of doubt rather than conviction. Because his conscience is violated, that act bec...

Part 4 of 4 • ⏱️ 2-Min Read Passage: Rom.8:28-39 Scripture Focus: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Rom.8:35) Today's Lesson Paul concludes this magnificent chapter by anchoring the believer in absolute eternal security. Building upon our justification, sonship, and hope in suffering, he reveals how God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This purpose is anchored in divine foreknowledge and predestination, guaranteeing that every justified saint will ultimately be glorified and conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Since God is for us, no accusation or adversary can prevail against us. God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all; therefore, He freely bestows all spiritual blessings upon us. Because Christ died, rose again, and actively makes intercession for us at the right hand of...