Notes of Faith April 14, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Romans 8
June 30, 2002
“GOD AND ALL THINGS”
Romans 8:28
We were reminded in Romans 8:27 that the Holy Spirit prays for believers according to the will of God. Because of that fact we have the promise that follows in verse 28:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
In verses 26 and 27 we are reminded that God is behind everything that comes into the believer’s life. In fact He actually causes everything to work together for good.
Notice that he doesn’t say that everything IS good, because that just isn’t so!
God knows just what is needed in your life and mine. Some things are good. Some things are bad. Our Lord knows how to blend the good and the bad together for our benefit.
When my wife makes a cake, it seems as if everything in the kitchen goes into that cake. Some of those ingredients are very good. Sugar and butter and eggs are yummy. But have you ever tasted baking powder or flour? Yuck!!! Those things alone are not so good. Then she mixes it all up. If she beat me the way she beats that cake, I would be in bad shape indeed! Then she puts the whole conglomeration into a pan and puts it in a hot oven. Again, that would be very bad for me but evidently very good for the cake, for after a certain period of time, out comes a most delicious confection! Eva took the good and the bad and mixed it all together for our family’s good!
But who are the ones that God is working with? Everyone? No, only the ones who love Him. Those whom He has called “according to His purpose!”
Our God has a specific purpose for the life of each believer. He is bringing everything to bear on the fulfilling of that purpose. What is that purpose? We will discuss that in our next Pen Pulpit. But just a hint this morning! Verse 29 reads, “those whom He knew He predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” That pretty much says it all. We’ll deal with this in more detail next time.
Beloved, view your life like the making of a cake. God allows the good things and the bad things into your life. But all things come out in Christ-like character. Neat concept, isn’t it? Just remember that God is behind it all. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles
John 16:33
33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
1 Cor 10:31-11:1
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Heb 12:1-4
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin…
But Jesus did for you and me! Let our every thought flow from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that we might do the will of God in all things! Work hard at resisting and striving against sin…ask God for greater faith to trust that you belong to Him. He loves you and is making you like Jesus!
Pastor Dale