The primary focus of today’s discussion revolves around the profound and unshakeable nature of God's love, as articulated in Romans 8. We explore how this divine love transcends all barriers, asserting that nothing—neither our flaws, adversities, nor societal labels—can sever our connection to it. Drawing from personal experiences and reflections on life’s trials, I elucidate the significance of embracing love in its most unconditional form. Moreover, we delve into the notion of resistance as a catalyst for deeper understanding and connection, emphasizing that our challenges serve as opportunities rather than tests. As we contemplate these themes, I encourage listeners to actively demonstrate this transformative love in their own lives, particularly towards those marginalized by society.

The discourse presented by Dr. Brad Miller in this episode elucidates the profound theme of divine love as expressed in Romans 8:31-39. The passage is interpreted through a progressive lens, emphasizing the unyielding nature of God's love, which transcends all barriers and adversities. Dr. Miller begins by contextualizing the scriptural reading, inviting listeners to engage with the text not merely as a historical document, but as a living message that speaks to contemporary challenges. He articulates that the essence of the passage is the assurance that, irrespective of life's tribulations—be it persecution, hardship, or societal exclusion—nothing can sever the bond between humanity and the divine. This assertion serves as a comforting reminder of the unconditional love that God extends to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Miller delves into three critical reflections derived from the scripture. Firstly, he posits that love transcends societal labels and prejudices, asserting that divine love is inclusive and embraces diversity. He shares personal anecdotes from his own life, illustrating how love manifests in the acceptance of differences rather than the pursuit of conformity. Secondly, he expounds on the notion of resistance as a catalyst for personal growth, suggesting that challenges encountered in life are not punitive tests from God but rather opportunities for deeper connections with both the divine and fellow beings. This perspective reframes adversity as a mechanism for strengthening one's faith and resilience. Lastly, he addresses the concept of revolutionary inclusivity, emphasizing that the love of God is all-encompassing, reaching out to all, irrespective of social status, past transgressions, or differences.

The episode culminates with actionable steps for listeners, encouraging them to embody this radical love in their daily interactions. Dr. Miller urges individuals to extend kindness and affirmation to those whom society often marginalizes, thus making the divine love tangible in a world that frequently perpetuates division. He concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the message of hope and unity, and invites the audience to reflect on their own capacity to enact love in their communities, thereby promoting a transformative and inclusive ethos that aligns with the core teachings of the scripture.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the transformative power of God's unconditional love in our lives.
• We learn that nothing, be it physical or spiritual, can separate us from divine love.
• Dr. Brad Miller discusses the importance of embracing differences within relationships and communities.
• The episode advocates for taking tangible actions to support marginalized individuals in society.
• Listeners are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for deeper connections with God.
• The discussion highlights the significance of radical inclusivity in understanding God's love for all.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com
• AEBC123 Bible Study Method
• Pacers
• Colts

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

The reading is understandable.

I use the message version relatable.

Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.

We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.

It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.

You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.

Here's today's reading so today's reading is.

From Romans 8:31, 39.

Reading from the message so what do you think?

With God on our side like this, how can we lose?

If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing Himself to the worst by sending his own son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us?

And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen?

Who would dare to even point a finger?

The one who died for us, who was raised to life for us, is in the presence of God at the very moment sticking up for us.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and and Christ's love for us?

There's no way.

Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying, threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in scripture.

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.

We're sitting ducks.

They pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.

I'm absolutely convinced that nothing, nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable, absolutely nothing can go between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus, our Master, has embraced us.

An incredible reading of Scripture, and let's just talk about it for a minute, about being embraced by God's unshakable love.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller, here to be with you.

As we think through this passage here, and as we do it, we're going to be really diving into this powerful passage of Romans.

And it speaks through something I've kind of learned through My years of ministry.

I spent 43 years as a pastor and been married for 34 years, almost raised three adult children, have two grandchildren and have lived a lot of life.

I'm a cancer survivor.

And I just want you to know that the thing that's most important is understanding that there is unshakable love that is with this.

Unconditional love is with us, no matter what the challenge.

And there's always challenges, right?

So let's explore some three specific points about this passage of Scripture that apply to your life.

The first was about love going beyond labels.

Paul's message here is radical.

Nothing can separate us from divine love.

Not our mistakes, not our doubts, not even our differences.

My wife and I have had our share of differences in our almost 34 years of marriage.

But I've learned that real love isn't about perfection.

It's about presence.

We've watched our three children grow, grow up into authentic, wonderful adults.

Divine love comes in celebrating our uniqueness and their uniqueness, rather than demanding some sort of conformity.

Here's another point to ponder.

It's about resistance as affirmation.

This text mentions various forms of opposition.

Trouble, hardship, persecution.

You know, things happen like when the teams I like to support, the Pacers and the Colts, they face tough opponents who want to defeat them.

And resistance often reveals your true strength.

You get better when you go against a tough opponent.

And here's the progressive spin on this.

These challenges aren't tests from God.

They're opportunities to experience a deeper connection to God, deeper connection to others, and understand that love never fails, even the midst of great adversity.

Another point to ponder is about revolutionary inclusivity.

Paul says that nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, can separate us from God.

This is a picture of radical inclusivity.

This isn't about some personal salvation because God, it's about a love.

This isn't just about personal salvation, but it's about love so vast it transforms how we see everything and everyone.

It's like when I'm watching my granddaughters play and have some fun together.

I have unconditional love for them, and they seem to have unconditional acceptance of others.

And that kind of reminds me of God's boundless love.

Here's today's action step.

Choose someone who society often marginalizes or excludes and take a concrete step to show them that they're valued and loved.

Maybe it's a simple conversation.

Maybe it's some sort of a gesture of support.

Maybe it's speaking up against discrimination.

Remember that nothing can separate us from God's divine love.

And we're called to make that kind of love visible to everyone.

We're going to pray here in just a moment.

I just want to remind you we've got a resource for you.

It's called the AEBC123 Bible Study Method.

Head over to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com it's there for you.

Let's pray.

God, you're the source of endless love.

Thank you for embracing us exactly as we are.

Help us remember that when we feel unworthy, when we doubt, when we struggle, your love holds us still.

Give us courage to extend this radical love to others, especially those who society pushes to the margins.

Remind us that in a world that often divides, your love unites.

Help us be agents of your inclusive, transformative love in our daily lives and guide us to create spaces where everyone knows they belong.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.

I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.

Thanks much.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.

Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.