Athey Creek: Audio Podcast

In addition to the deep theological issues it raises, Romans 8:28-39 also shows us God’s blessings and assures us of His good plans for our lives. As we study, we see how God uniquely calls us, learn how absolutely nothing can separate us from His love, and are reminded of how we are more than conquerors through Christ.

Within Christianity, the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism –or freewill versus predestination – remains a hotly debated topic with views falling across the spectrum of both theological systems. Using Romans 8:28-31 as our starting point, we search the Scriptures to make sense of these doctrines, learning what both beliefs teach and where we should land biblically as we consider this topic.

One of the greatest blessings we receive when we accept Christ is freedom. But freedom from what exactly? In Romans 8:1-28, Paul shows us how we’ve been set free from the bondage of sin, given liberty as God’s children, and can live with peace on this earth as we rest in the hope of Heaven.

Romans 8:28 is one of the Bible's most beloved verses as it offers a powerful promise to a specific group of people. But what exactly does this verse mean, and who is it meant for? As we break down this verse, we'll explore what is good from God's perspective, why we can trust Him, and most importantly, how we can ensure we are among those who can claim this promise.

In Romans 7:1-8:5, Paul explains the relationship between the law and our bondage to sin, and what must happen to break the link and make us new. As we unpack his complex points, we see the very real struggle between wanting to do good but falling into sin, what the law does and does not accomplish, and the glorious freedom we find in Jesus Christ.

With Israel frequently in the headlines—and often at the center of controversy and endless debate—many Christians are left wondering how to respond, what to believe, and where to find biblical clarity. To help us answer these questions, we turn to Romans 9–11, where Paul explains the role of Israel in God’s timeline, what being His chosen people actually means, and the past, present, and prophetic implications found in the Scripture.

After contrasting the “old man” and the “new man” in Romans 6, Paul calls us to consider which one is truly reigning in our lives. As we look at the difference between being enslaved to our sin and being made righteous in Christ, we’re called to actively resist that which seeks to destroy us and pursue who God wants us to be.

Know, reckon, yield – Paul repeats these words in Romans 6 to make a powerful point about dealing with sin. As we explore these concepts, we learn what it means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ and discover the freedom that comes from living under grace instead of the bondage of sin.

In the first half of Romans 5, Paul continues his message on justification by outlining seven blessings that come from being made right with God. In the second half of the chapter, he contrasts Adam and Jesus, showing how one man’s sin brought disobedience and death to all but how Jesus offers righteousness and life through His grace.

If anyone knew a thing or two about experiencing trials and tribulations, it was the Apostle Paul. Yet in Romans 5:3-6, he declares that he rejoices in suffering because of what it produces. Paul’s perspective helps us see trials not as setbacks but as part of God’s process to shape us into vessels He can use for His glory.

Paul explains the doctrine of imputed righteousness in Romans 4 by pointing back to the Old Testament and the example we find in Abraham. We follow Paul’s line of reasoning by also jumping back to Genesis, where we gradually uncover what Abraham did to be declared righteous and discover how we, too, can obtain this righteousness through Jesus.

Paul introduces three major theological terms in Romans 3:23-26 as he shares the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we define justification, redemption, and propitiation, we see how these doctrines collectively reveal the complete picture of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Paul is unmistakably clear in Romans 3 as he declares we are all sinners, deserving of judgment, and unable to earn salvation by following the law or doing good works. So then, how can one be saved? Fortunately, Paul also gives us the answer as he proclaims the good news of salvation by grace through faith, freely offered to all through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 3:1-4, Paul poses a question: Do the Jews still have significance as God’s chosen people now that Christ has come? As we examine the history of the Jewish nation – from the time of Abraham to the present day – we see God’s continual plan for the Jews as His people, their land, and, most importantly, their connection to Jesus Christ.

In Romans 2, Paul zeroes in on a very prevalent and stealthy sin that tries to disguise itself as a virtue but is just as damaging and deserving of wrath as any other sin. As we see how self-righteousness manifests in our lives, we learn why God views it so seriously and what we should cultivate in its place.

In Romans 2:25-29, Paul cautions the Romans not to get caught up in religious rituals and miss God’s original intention, and even worse, miss Jesus Himself. As we look at how relics, traditions, and symbols have been misused throughout history, we’re reminded to turn from empty religious practices and focus on what God actually calls us to in His Word.

Paul opens his letter to the Romans on a positive note by expressing his gratitude for them, confidence in their faith, and desire to visit them. But the tone shifts quickly as he begins to address God’s wrath on the unrighteous. As we study what Paul had to say in Romans 1:8-32, we find a comprehensive list of sins we are all guilty of, but also see the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Unlike religions whose flawed leaders demand rule-following to reach a final destination, Christianity offers something radically different and incredibly simple to obtain. As we break down key differences, Romans 1:16–17 reminds us that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus, the only perfect Savior, and the only way to Heaven.

Paul’s introductory statement in Romans 1:1-7 packs a powerful theological punch in only a few verses. With themes of humility, servanthood, the identity of Jesus, and what the gospel is all about, we find ourselves already deep in doctrine as we dive into the book of Romans.

We begin our study of the Book of Romans by looking at the major themes of unrighteousness and ungodliness introduced in Romans 1:16–2:4. As we see how these manifest in our own lives, we consider why we must take our sin so seriously and learn how we can find truth, forgiveness, and righteousness through Jesus Christ.