Romans: Grace for All

God & America

Romans 8:31-39

6 ways God has had His hand on America

1. God has protected America (v 31)
2. God has provided for America (v 32) Genesis 22:14-Jehova Jireh
3. God has been our justifier. (v33)  Christ's death on the cross makes it as though I have never sinned.  I am covered in the righteousness of Christ.  Nations aren't Christian unless the people are Christian.
4. God has interceded for America. (v 34)
5. God has conquered for America. (v 35-37)
6. God loves America (God loves us. (v 38-39)

Romans: Grace for All

Dealing with Suffering

Romans 8:16-28

The Nature of Suffering

Characteristic #1 -  Everyone, at some point in time, will endure suffering. (v 16,18)

Characteristic #2 - Even creation endures suffering (v 20-21) 

Characteristic #3 - Not even Christians are exempt from suffering. (v 23-27)

Question #1 - Why does suffering even exist?  We allowed sin in our world & all of creation fell.

Question #2 - Why doesn't God just do away with suffering? He would have to eliminate sin which would mean eliminating the sinner.

Question #3 - What is God doing during my suffering? (v 28) He's working. How? We just don't get to know how it all fits together.

Question #4 - What should I be doing? (v 28) Loving God and stay faithful.