In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields closely examine Romans 8:28-30, discussing how God’s goodness and sovereignty bring hope even during life’s most challenging circumstances. They unpack the truths of this famous passage, exploring how God works all things for good for those who love Him. Using personal stories, biblical examples, and down-to-earth insights, they show how trials can transform us into the image of Christ, deepening our dependence on Him and renewing our perspective on hardship. If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain or wondered where God is, this conversation will encourage and empower you to trust that He is always working, always present, and always good.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:28-30 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Quotes:

“Sometimes the good from our circumstances may not be evident until much later, but God is weaving all things together with His wisdom and timing.”

“God’s purpose is not just to fix our pain but to conform us to the image of His Son, aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His life in us.”

Key Points:

1. God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control and works all things for good in the lives of believers.
2. The ultimate good is being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, which is God’s purpose for every believer.
3. Trusting God’s goodness and presence transforms suffering into a pathway for deeper dependence and greater enjoyment of Him.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (00:57)
3. Hope through God’s Goodness and Sovereignty (1:34)
4. God’s Hand in “All Things” (3:28)
5. When Life Hurts: The Tension of Trust (4:57)
6. The Bigger Picture: God’s Ultimate Good (6:35)
7. Chiseling the Masterpiece: Michelangelo and the Image of David (14:14)
8. God’s Goodness in Aging: Mark’s Personal Journey (15:24)
9. From Pain to Peace – Practical advice on leaning into God’s Goodness. (18:11)
10. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (18:38)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Reading by: Corrie O'Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, hosts Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields tackle the tough questions of suffering, hardship, and where God is in the midst of our pain. Romans 8:18-27 highlights how all creation—humanity included—is groaning with hope, longing for God's promised restoration and glory. Mark shares a powerful personal story about facing serious illness, while Ross recounts a traumatic family crisis, both demonstrating that we’re not alone in our struggles. They show how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when words fail, helping us persevere with genuine hope and assurance. Whether you’re currently in the thick of difficulty, or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that real hope makes a tangible difference—even in life’s darkest moments.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:18-27: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Quotes:

“Hope is the confidence in the existence of a truth we cannot yet see, casting our endurance forward into the promises of God.”

“The Spirit groans with us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf when we cannot find the words, proving we are never alone.”

Key Points:

1. Suffering is real and present, but it pales in comparison to the future glory promised by God.
2. Hope, rooted in God’s promises, gives believers perseverance through trials and aligns us with His eternal plan.
3. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakest moments, providing comfort and assurance of God’s care.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:05)
3. Three Groanings (03:17)
4. Present Suffering vs. Future (04:09)
5. Cancer, COVID, and hope in God (05:15)
6. Creation Groans (09:22)
7. Believers Groan (10:44)
8. The Role of Hope and Perseverance (13:18)
9. The Holy Spirit Groans (20:56)
10. Final Takeaway (22:03)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotional Piano by GentleJammers (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, join host Ross O'Hair and guest Mark Fields as they delve into Romans 8:15-17, revealing how embracing your true identity shifts your motivation from fear to love. Through engaging stories and biblical insights, you'll discover how to overcome fear, understand your spiritual inheritance, and start walking confidently as a Child of God. This episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you live out your faith with renewed intimacy and purpose. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with God or find peace amidst life's challenges, this conversation will inspire and equip you to fully embrace your place in His family.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:15-17: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

Quotes:

“Fear might be an immediate motivator, but it is not genuine or from the heart. We respond to God out of love as we trust His heart.”

“When we say, ‘Abba, Father,’ we’re calling out to a God who smiles and says, ‘You’re my child, and I love you.’”

“Our identity as children of God isn’t just about heaven; it’s about living in His presence now, with love, joy, and peace.”

Key Points:

1. We no longer live in fear because God has given us the Spirit of adoption, not slavery.
2. As God’s adopted children, we have access to His love, wisdom, and inheritance.
3. The Holy Spirit continually assures us of our identity as God’s beloved sons and daughters.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:07)
3. Spirit of Slavery vs. Spirit of Adoption (02:14)
4. From Slave to Son: Living Inside the House (05:25)
5. “Abba!” The Cry of True Belonging (07:43)
6. Downton Abbey, Ben-Hur, and Talking Horses (08:42)
7. Whispers of Truth: The Spirit’s Constant Testimony (10:55)
8. More Than Heaven: Your Inheritance Starts Now (13:15)
9. Clarifying suffering with Christ (16:05)
10. Final Takeaway: Loved, Accepted, and Secure (18:30)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.