Romans 9:6-13 If, as we saw in our last lesson in Romans 9:1-5, Israel seems to have lost out on the blessings that were once hers, can we conclude then that God's word has failed? This is the issue Paul addresses in this week's lesson. What is Paul specifically referring to when he speaks of God’s word? What is the idea of failing that Paul introduces? What is God's purpose for Israel? In Romans 9-11 Paul speaks of two different Israels. In verses 1-5, of what Israel does he speak? The other Israel he writes about is what we refer to as the true spiritual Israel. In some places Paul speaks of the true Israel or descendants of Abraham as being the whole church, Jews and Gentiles. This is not the case here. How do we know this? What is he referring to? How does Paul prove his point that not all the descendants of Israel are the true spiritual Israel? What are the two promises Paul cites which limit true Israel to less than all the descendants of Abraham and Isaac? Of what does God speak when He gives his promise to Rebekah concerning what she is experiencing in her womb? How do we know that this passage is not addressing God's dealing with individuals, but with nations or groups of people? What does God mean when He says "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated?" What is the main point that Paul seeks to establish in Romans 9-11, and how will we know if he succeeds? (62 min)

Keywords Israel, Promise, Predestined, Calling, Jacob, Esau, Ishamael, Isaac

Romans 4:13-17 In these verses Paul begins to explain how it is that those who believe like Abraham believed are Abraham's descendants. What is the promise made to Abraham that he believed? What are the two categories that Paul presents for our consideration? What is the consequence of confusing these categories? What is it that the Law brings about? Why can it not bring about the inheritance of the promise? Why must the inheritance come by faith? What is it that is "in the presence of God?" What did Paul have in mind when he spoke of God giving life to the dead? Why is it important that God calls into being that which did not exist? (58 min)

Keywords Works, Faith, Law, Grace, Wrath, Inheritance, Promise

Genesis 12:1-3 Abram learns that his life is part of a much greater story, one that will be told for generations to come. What did God call Abram to leave? What is it like to have to move when you don’t know where God is leading you? Seven remarkable promises for a very ordinary man. Why does God bless Abram?

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Canaan, Faith, Promise, Blessing

Genesis 12:4-9 Abram leaves Haran and journeys to Canaan. What happens in someone’s life and actions when he truly believes God? Where does Sarai fit into this story of Abram’s faith? What is the difference between someone who goes out in faith and the one who does not? How is great faith measured? When the promise of God shifts our reality.

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Canaan, Faith, Promise

Genesis 13 After a time of spiritual failure, Abram returns to the place where he first called on the Name of the Lord. Sometimes we need to return to our Bethel. After Abram and Lot are separated, God renews His promise to Abram.

Keywords Abraham, Lot, Bethel, Promise, Worship