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In How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home, Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas takes us through what he calls, "the best chapter in the Bible." Thomas explores the 39 verses in Romans 8 and takes the reader through the core Gospel message. Essentially this book explores the doctrine of sotierology.Chapter 1: Grace and Gratitude (Romans 8:1-4)Thomas challenges Christians to take hold of the "no condemnation" principle. There is always condemnation found in trying to be a law-keeper. However, believers have been set free from condemnation through the Holy Spirit. They operate outside the law. However, Thomas points out that, "Grateful law-keeping is the saved sinners response to received grace." Believers who are in Christ Jesus are essentially declared not guilty and receive no condemnation from their Savior.Chapter 2: The Mind's Default Setting (Romans 8:5-8)What thoughts come into your mind is the question being asked in this chapter. Is it worldly or spiritual thoughts? The main message is that an earthly mind only brings about death, but a spiritual mind brings about peace and life. Focusing your mind on Jesus is what all believers must strive for.Chapter 3: Spiritually Minded (Romans 8:9-11)The Holy Spirit that was given to Christ has also been given to us. The same Spirit that was with Christ during His work dwells within us. This is a glorious privilege. If you belong to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit is working within you. The message of the chapter that Thomas strives to get across is that Christians should, "Glorify God in your body" because "your body is the temple of the Spirit" (1 Cor. 6:19-20).Chapter 4: Killing Fields (Romans 8:12-13)We are to kill sin. Any sin that remains in us, we must kill. Thomas focuses a lot on the word, mortification. This chapter points out the absolute dire necessity of killing sin in your own life or else you might allow sin to kill you. You must not be slave to the flesh, but rather a slave to Christ.Chapter 5: Sons Of God (Romans 8:14-17)"All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." What a beautiful message. We have been adopted by our Father in Heaven and are now called sons. We have been given a Spirit of holiness, freedom, adoption, and assurance. This allows us to cry out, "Abba! Father!" The message is that our Father in Heaven is one that hears the cries of those adopted into His family.Chapter 6: Glorious Hope (Romans 8:18-25)Thomas states that, "afflictions must precede glory." The suffering that you are struggling with right now is not something to be surprised about. Our hope is found in the fact that one day we will be with Jesus, in glory. Despite the struggles that you may be going through keep your focus on the message of Romans 8:18.Chapter 7: Prayer Power (Romans 8:26-27)We all struggle with having the words to sometime say in our prayers. Jesus had the same struggle. We must believe in our prayers that the Spirit intercedes for us and that He knows the mind of God.Chapter 8: A Golden Chain (Romans 8:28-30)This was my favorite chapter in the book. Thomas begins off by saying, "Nothing can blow you over when you are inside the walls of Romans 8:28." This is an amazing verse to hold on to throughout your life. God's providence governs our entire lives. He is sovereign! Thomas speaks on what he calls, "The five golden links of a chain" throughout the rest of this chapter. He speaks on foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. These sections are all rich in information and goes into details on how God re-shapes those in His family.Chapter 9: God For Me (Romans 8:31-32)Christians have a difficult time realizing that God is on their side during times of trial and tribulation. However, the message is that we must always keep our eyes on the cross and realize that God did not spare His own Son. How can believers not see that God is for them when focusing on what was already accomplished on the Cross.Chapter 10: Facing The Accuser (Romans 8:33-34)Satan tries to get believers to fall flat on their faces. Dr. Thomas goes through "4 fiery darts" that Sinclair Ferguson outlined in his book, By Grace Alone. The central message of the chapter is that we must rely on Jesus Christ's finished work in our lives. In the end, all we need is Jesus.Chapter 11: Union With Christ - Forever (Romans 8:35-39)We come empty handed before the Father, but we must always remember that, according to Thomas, "if we remain on the narrow gospel way, it brings us all the way home."How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home is a must read. From beginning to end the message is simply the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By outlining Romans 8, the reader is able to understand the simple Gospel message. From "no condemnation" to "no separation", this book is well worth the read.
