Biblical Literacy with Mark Lanier

Session 36 – Romans; Romans 8:35-37: Mark Lanier, 06/21/26

In Mark’s final lesson from Romans 8, he explores one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture — Paul’s triumphant declaration that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Mark begins with the moving Civil War letter of Union soldier Sullivan Ballou, who reached for a love that death could not silence. Paul doesn’t reach; he announces it. In this lesson, Mark covers: • Paul’s great question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” — and what the Greek word xorìso (to separate) really means • The real-world list: Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, the sword — Paul names every crushing pressure of life and says none of them can break Christ’s love for you • The lament Psalm turned inside out: Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeFeqmyLNfk&t=2662s], one of the most gut-wrenching national laments in the Bible — and then flips it into a declaration of victory • Hypernikōmen: Paul may have invented this word — more than conquerors — because ordinary language couldn’t contain the idea • The cosmic catalog: A merism spanning death, life, angels, rulers, things present, things to come — everything that exists — and none of it can drive a wedge between you and God’s love. Key takeaway: You are held by Christ’s love, not by your good works. The storms of this life are real, but we are hyper-victors through Him who loved us. The post Session 36 – Romans; Romans 8:35-37: Mark Lanier, 06/21/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-36-romans-romans-835-37-mark-lanier-06-21-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 35 – Romans; Romans:33-34: Mark Lanier, 06/14/26

In today’s class, Mark walks through Romans 8:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WMilBPojZU&t=513s]-34 using a compelling courtroom metaphor drawn from his own experience trying a landmark social media addiction case. With a verdict in hand, he explores what Paul means when he asks, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?” Mark covers these key topics: • The meaning of the Greek word kategoreo — a legal charge filed in court — and how Paul uses it to describe humanity’s final judgment • How the Roman patronus-client system illuminates what it means to be “God’s elect”, and why no accuser can touch you when God himself is your defender • Paul’s four-part answer to “Who is to condemn?” , Christ died, Christ was raised, Christ is enthroned at God’s right hand, and Christ intercedes for you • The two voices that try to condemn us anyway: Satan the accuser (and what Martin Luther said to him) and our own inner critic • Why the case is already closed, the penalty paid, the payment accepted, the divine amen pronounced The post Session 35 – Romans; Romans:33-34: Mark Lanier, 06/14/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-35-romans-romans33-34-mark-lanier-06-14-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Special Event – Doctrine of Salvation: Dr. David Fleming, 06/07/26

In this class, Dr. David Fleming explores the foundational doctrine of salvation (soteriology); what it means to be saved, why we need it, and how we can be sure of it. Topics covered: The problem: Sin separates us from a holy God (Romans 3:23, 6:23) The solution: Jesus Christ — His death, burial, and resurrection as the only basis for salvation The right response: Repentance, faith, and confession Results of salvation: Forgiveness, justification, righteousness, sealing by the Holy Spirit, and union with Christ 5 Common Questions Answered: Can a person really know they’re saved? ✅ Yes, 1 John 5:13 Can a person lose their salvation? ❌ No, salvation is based on Christ’s finished work, not ours Can a person walk away from their salvation? Explores Reformed vs. Arminian perspectives What about the saved person who sins? Addresses false assurance vs. faith assurance, and the role of discipline What about good works? Works follow salvation, they don’t earn or maintain it (Ephesians 2:8-10) Key takeaway: Are you saved? If yes — rest in it, show it, and share it.Dr Key Scriptures: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 8:29-30, 10:9-10 | Ephesians 2:8-10 | John 10:28-29 | 1 John 5:13*       The post Special Event – Doctrine of Salvation: Dr. David Fleming, 06/07/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-doctrine-of-salvation-dr-david-fleming-06-07-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Special Event – Don’t Pass Over the Passover: Pastor Brent Johnson, 05/03/26

Why did Jesus eagerly desire to celebrate the Passover with His disciples before He suffered? In this in-depth Bible class, Pastor Brent Johnson explores the profound connection between the original Passover in Egypt, the Last Supper, and the Lord’s Supper we celebrate today. Brent covers: God’s covenant with Abraham and the 400-year promise (Genesis 12 & 15) The 10 plagues and why all 10 had to happen The meaning behind the Seder meal – the unleavened bread, the lamb, the four cups How Jesus transformed 1,500 years of Passover symbolism into the new covenant Why the Lord’s Supper matters for every Christian today Brent concludes the class with a communion celebration and a reading of Psalm 118. Whether you’re new to studying the Jewish feasts or looking to go deeper, this lesson will help you see how the entire Old Testament points to Jesus – the spotless Lamb of God. The post Special Event – Don’t Pass Over the Passover: Pastor Brent Johnson, 05/03/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-dont-pass-over-the-passover-pastor-brent-johnson-05-03-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 30 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued; Dr. David Capes, 04/26/26

Have you ever felt a deep, unexplainable longing — like something is just not yet right with the world or even with yourself? According to Romans 8, that groaning isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s actually a sign of the Holy Spirit working within you. In this message, Dr. David Capes explores three powerful realities Paul lays out for believers: We Groan — because the Spirit within us creates a longing for what is not yet fully here We Hope — not with vague optimism, but with confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus We Wait — with steadfast endurance, leaning into God’s promised future We are living in the gap between what is and what will be — between our current broken bodies and the glorious, redeemed bodies God has promised. Like earnest money on a house, the Spirit is God’s down payment on a future that is absolutely guaranteed. If you’re hurting, longing, or searching for something more — this message is for you. Join us Sundays at 11:00am CST! Links below: YouTube: / @biblicalliteracy CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/worshi… The post Session 30 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued; Dr. David Capes, 04/26/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-30-romans-romans-8-continued-dr-david-capes-04-26-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].