Hope is the end product of a series of choices and the upward momentum of spiritual growth. Making these choices isn’t always easy. But growth is the result of choices. Maturity and consequent happiness is a choice. We must make grown-up decisions in a world of less than positive circumstances. The spiritual life isn't effortless. Growth and maturity are often the result of facing difficult decisions. This runs contrary to the self-absorbed focus of our narcissistic culture which has rejected adult values for the immediate gratification of adolescent fantasies built on utopian dreams. In contrast, biblical hope or confidence in our certain future provides strength for facing present trials. A tough mental attitude in facing trials isn’t developed through the exercise of “no pain, no gain” mantras, but is based on understanding reality as God defines it. We face life in light of God's promises with a focus on the One who made the promise. Giving up on God’s promise of hope and endurance in order to cave into pressure may result in repeated worldly perversion that declines to a point of no return, the loss of eternal, spiritual rewards and the loss of all the blessings God has made available now and in eternity. For the believer, Grace is never diminished and salvation never lost, but a measure of rewards in time and in eternity may be surrendered permanently. So how do we develop the mental attitude strength to face today's challenges in light of eternity's promise?

Disciple is not always a synonym for believer. It’s also used for a committed believer and other times it’s used for the original twelve apostles. There are early, non-scriptural manuscripts that give us an idea about the apostles’ lives and their martyrdom. Andrew, the first apostle Jesus called, was Peter’s brother. After Andrew heard from John the Baptist that Jesus was the Lamb of God, he told Peter they had found the Messiah. Andrew was the quieter of the two, usually mentioned as Peter’s brother. Learn about Andrew’s travels east and possibly north, his crucifixion on an “X”-shaped cross, the disposition of his remains and his connection to Scotland. Finally, discover evidence of Bartholomew’s identification with Nathaniel, his travels to India and his martyrdom.

Are we puppets being manipulated to bring about God's plan for history or can we freely make our own choices? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is powerful enough to allow us free will but is nevertheless always bringing about His plans. Follow along to see that in spite of a pause because of the nation Israel's spurning of the Messiah, God's plan for them is still on track. Listen to a quick assessment of what has been covered so far in Romans and learn the difference between salvation and justification with the emphasis on righteousness.

What do you want to do when you grow up? This isn't just a question for children, but all believers are given a spiritual gift at the instance of salvation which is to be used to benefit other believers. Listen to this lesson to see how, as we mature spiritually, we gain the resources to use our spiritual gift. Find out how to evaluate a local church to attend or see if your only choice is to participate in electronic messages where you still have options for exercising your spiritual gift. Learn that Christ took a victory ascent to Heaven after His resurrection and distributed spiritual gifts. Ask ourselves if we are willing to go through the process God has designed for us so we are prepared to rule and reign with Christ.