The kings of the earth rise up against the very God who established them ( Romans 1 ).

Genesis 32:9-12, 22–32 (NIV) 9  Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 Canons of Dordt Point V, Article 12: This assurance of our perseverance, however, so far from making subject for us, inspired by the Holy Spirit thousands of years after the famous wrestling match: Hosea 12 He found him at Bethel and talked with him there— 5  the L ORD  God Almighty, the L ORD  is his name!

Judah, until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month. 4 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say (Luke 12 :11-12).

It's hard for any of us to imagine what life in an ancient Roman prison dungeon must have been like,

5 “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 and necessary - in fact, if you keep reading this passage, God promises to provide these things (v10-12

Children were an afterthought in that Roman society, and were often considered little more than household

, on the day of our festival; 4  this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5   and I will fill it. 11  “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. 12 in the sending of Jesus Christ 3 - The Preaching of the Gospel 4 - A Twofold Response to the Gospel 5 Today: Acts 12

and enjoy safe pasture. 4  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5   for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. -- 12 Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5

The book of Romans begins with an announcement that the gospel - the proclamation of the good news of

prosperity ( šā·lôm ) of the wicked. 4   They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5   12  This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13  Surely in Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5