Paul Ellis's Blog, page 3

Does God Cause All Things? Finding Hope in Romans 8:28

Some truths have the power to bring healing and hope. Here’s an example:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This may be the most comforting verse in the Bible. But for some people, this verse causes pain. They read those four words – “God causes all things” – and come away thinking that God is partially responsible for the evil and suffering in the world.

“God g...

We Have Gifts!

The following is an abridged extract from my new – and best-selling! thank you! – commentary, The Grace Bible: Romans.

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly (Romans 12:6a)

We have gifts

Every believer has been graced by God with spiritual gifts to build the church and reveal the kingdom (Rom. 1:11, 1 Cor. 12:7, 14:3–4, 12). Just as we had natural talents in the family of Adam, in the new creation family o...

Out today – The Grace Bible: Romans

Have you been waiting for a study bible that speaks the language of the new covenant? The Grace Bible: Romans is here!

With more than 1700 insightful entries, The Grace Bible: Romans unpacks the treasures in the greatest letter ever written.

With enough material for 50 powerful sermons or a full year of devotionals, The Grace Bible: Romans is a treasure chest of grace-filled revelation.

As far as I know, The Grace Bible: Romans is the only grace-based commentary that covers eve...

The Greatest Letter Ever Written – Romans

Paul’s letter to the Romans is the most quoted, most powerful, and most influential letter ever written. In it, Paul unveils God’s great plan to rescue broken humanity and fill the earth with a new creation.

The message of Romans has the power to change your life, yet many people miss it. They appreciate some bits of Romans, but other bits leave them confused. “Consider the kindness and severity of God,” or “Esau I hated,” or “He hardens whom he desires.” What is Paul saying?

Confu...

Abraham the Believer

What can we learn from the fathers of Israel? Is there anything that hasn’t been said about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

Over the next few weeks, I will be publishing a short series on the Patriarchs of Israel and how these three men responded to the grace of God. The short version: These men represent three responses to grace:

Abraham believedIsaac battled with fear and unbeliefJacob responded with self-righteousness

When we think of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, certain a...

How to Have Peace

Peace is a precious gift, yet many people don’t have it. They’re stressed about today, worried about tomorrow, and regretful of the past.

Their lack of peace is peace is understandable. We live in an age of anxiety. Trials and troubles afflict us all and who knows what tomorrow may bring?

We all crave peace, but where do we get it? Some religions tell you that peace comes from within, from stilling yourself and letting go.

Yeah, right.

I don’t know about you, but I have never...

Like Wikipedia, But Better

Want to know what question I get asked more than any other? “How much does it cost to use the Grace Commentary?” Or “Where can I purchase the Grace Commentary?”

For those who don’t know, the Grace Commentary is free. There’s no subscription. No paywall. Just free grace.

The Grace Commentary is like Wikipedia: open to all, supported by a few. And like Wikipedia, it wouldn’t exist without the generosity of readers like you.

Which brings me to the question I ask readers, just once ...

To Keep the Law is to Break the Law

There are two paths to righteousness. The first path is called Works, and it is the basis of every religion ever invented. The second path is called Grace and it is the invention of heaven.

These two paths run in different directions. One goes up and the other down. And you can only walk on one path at a time:

If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. (Romans 11:6)

Which path are you on?

The Way of Works

The Way of Works is signposted by rules and regulat...

What is the Righteousness of God?

For the past six months I have been writing a book on Romans. At times, I have felt like I was in the house of Gaius listening to Paul dictate his letter.

Imagine what that would have been like. Imagine hearing Romans for the very first time.

I can see Paul pacing the room and preaching like a man on fire. I see Tertius, the scribe, recording Paul’s words as fast. Seated around the room and listening intently are Paul’s Jewish friends, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater (see Rom. 16:21–2...

How to be Guided by the Peace of Christ

Should I take this job? Should I move to this city? Should I marry this person? Should I join this church? Should I start a family?

Our lives are shaped by the decisions we make. Make good decisions, and you’ll have a good life.

But how do we make good decisions?

A wise man once said, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise” (Prov. 13:20).

And a spiritual man once said, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).

The Holy Spirit is th...