OneBranch

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1st John Overview – Lite (7 min)

Some things remain the same despite the generation, culture, language, and era. Imagine finding an ancient, affirming, instructional warning letter written by someone who loves the recipients, and the letter sounds like it applies to you and some of your friends. What do you do with it? Do you discuss it with others? Do you seriously consider the warnings? DoContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1st John Overview – Lite (7 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1st John Overview (7 min)

What is God’s Will for Me In This? (Romans 12:1-2)

How many times have you wondered what the will of God was? All believers want to please the LORD (perhaps in varying degrees based on spiritual maturity), but so many struggle with what is the will of the LORD? With numerous teachings from intelligent and experienced people, opinions offered by friends and family, and soContinue reading “What is God’s Will for Me In This? (Romans 12:1-2)”

Expect Change at the Fullness of the Gentiles (Romans 11)

All over the world, people are sensing that this is a time of change. Momentum is building. Do you perceive it? What are your thoughts on all the developments in the news? Are they just random or causal? Consider the technological changes, the vast number of people migrating to other countries, the weather events, theContinue reading “Expect Change at the Fullness of the Gentiles (Romans 11)”

Expect Change, Romans 11 – Lite (30 min)

Those who Have Ears to Hear (Romans 10)

Have you ever felt frustrated because you have been misunderstood and your attempts to reach someone have not been received despite the copious expressions through spoken word, written text, and actions? I have. Sometimes, I think that if I could just communicate an idea differently, my friend, family member, or acquaintance would understand and thenContinue reading “Those who Have Ears to Hear (Romans 10)”

God Preserves a Remnant, Romans 9 Part 2 – Lite (16 min)

Imagine having inside information about planned future events. Depending on the information, you could be motivated to continue to work towards something in great hope; or, you could prepare by doing what needs to be done to best navigate a situation for a better outcome. In the remaining 6 verses of Romans 9, Paul hadContinue reading “God Preserves a Remnant, Romans 9 Part 2 – Lite (16 min)”

Dare to Understand Romans 9? Part 1 -Lite (37 min)

When reading Romans 9, it is so easy to miss God’s unmerited grace and incredible mercy because of the difficulty we have in digesting how a God who loves His creation can choose not to forgive everyone. Well, going deep into this chapter has caused me to see things from a different viewpoint; God’s. I’mContinue reading “Dare to Understand Romans 9? Part 1 -Lite (37 min)”

Dare to Understand Romans 9?

Romans 9 has caused readers to question, debate and form various opinions that sometimes separate believers. From what I can find, questions and conclusions about God’s election have been recorded since Augustine’s book “Confessions,” written in 397/398 A.D., and Pelagius’s response to Augustine in 405 A.D. Then the debate continued through centuries up to thisContinue reading “Dare to Understand Romans 9?”

Humility in God’s Election (Romans 9)

It seems as though much of the world is in distress due to conflicts between and within nations, governments, social frameworks, faith groups, and families. There are many converging issues while approaching a dimly seen pinnacle from a human temporal perspective. Dissatisfaction is rampant because so many people’s reasonable expectations are confronted by opposing strategies, policies,Continue reading “Humility in God’s Election (Romans 9)”