Romans 8:12-17 - Literal or Metaphor

Romans 8:12-17

So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh---for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 

Message: Literal or Metaphor - Finding Meaning

What the Lord is Saying: It is Friday morning, June 19, 2026. Juneteenth and as such a holiday for me, though I may still work some today. In the past 48 hours, in the midst of everything else going on in my life, on Thursday, I was directed to a video by Youtube in which a Mormon podcaster (opinion writer) is responding to a video by Allie Beth Stuckey in which she states that Mormons are not Christian. This isn't anything unusual for Allie Beth, but that video did get the ire of this Mormon podcaster and others as someone who represents Christianity is not backing down but being specific about Mormons not being including in the list of Christian denominations by a Department of Defense list on June 4, 2026 which was listing religious preference codes for military personnel. The DOD then revised that announcement on June 8, 2026, not by including Mormons as Christians, but simply listing all denominations separately. 

The first Mormon podcaster video was by a guy that had previously been on Allie Beth Stuckey's show that was labeled as a debate. I ended up posting a comment on the Mormon Podcaster's video page. As a note, I have been conversing with Mormons off and on over the last couple of years, meeting with them regularly, trying to understand first hand their beliefs. The conversations have been beneficial but a labor as it has been somewhat difficult to nail down their beliefs in person and in subsequent visits with other missionaries or other members of the LDS church pulled into the discussion, often as a mention what I learned previously, I am corrected. Now from their standpoint, they seem to know exactly where I stand in my beliefs as they are quick to agree with everything I state, and their beliefs are simply add-on's or upgrades. They often speak of my faith (and every other faith system) having partial truth or understanding and they have the full picture. 

Here is my comment: 

Well, Find me a Christian that believes:

- Children in Romans 8:16 is not a metaphor

- that non-Christians can go to heaven

- hold to an after life Spirit School World that gives everyone an opportunity to know CJCLDS / JS true prophet is really the only way

- that studies the New Testament corporately in their church once every 4 years

- that happiness is the object and design of our existence

This isn't simply 'full' vs 'partial' -- no, this is different and different is not Christian at least according to our definition, but hey, the definition for heaven, gospel, salvation, God, Jesus, Fall - are all different so why not Christian. 

Now, you all definitely have the good works and God definitely wants us to do good deeds, so here's hoping for your sake that good works (after all we can do) and atonement work collaboratively instead of good works being the natural response of the person saved by grace.

Granted, my comment was a jab. While Allie Beth focused on Trinity and Baptism and the podcaster did an admirable job defending those remarks, I felt like putting forth some items that I see as clear differences that separate the faiths and whereby I don't think that LDS theology is an upgrade. 

Thus far, no one has commented on my post. 

Later on, on the same page, I saw this comment: "If there was no Apostasy, then there is no need for the Protestant church, but if there was an Apostasy, then the Protestant church was built on that Apostasy." This is defending the Apostasy idea. I took a moment to look up Apostasy definition and it that definition speaks to renunciation of a religion. Yet, it seems the reformation didn't want to wash away the previous faith, just remove the idea that grace and works have sort of a handshake relationship in resulting in salvation. Thus my comment in response stated, "That is true. The Protestant church argued that the Catholic Church had replaced grace alone thinking with grace plus works (i.e. after all we can do)." I have since received 4 likes for this post and my guess is people don't understand that I am one again, making a dig in stating that by defending the notion of apostasy it is ironic because the Reformation wanted to move beyond grace + works and then Joseph Smith brought the idea back. But my comment is sort of cryptic. 

That was Wednesday. On Thursday evening, at home, I saw a different LDS video podcaster. This one was more of a group mentality and was basically a roundtable discussion on defending LDS as Christian again in response to Allie Beth's most recent comment regarding DOD"s first announcement. I got through most of it. These guys or more contemporary, young, and their banter is appealing. Initially, I took some notes: 

• 14:08 - The host wonders if the BOM presents a gospel that usurps Allie Beth's comments of the previous gospel found in the NT. This is an interesting question as Allie Beth didn't call out the Book of Mormon but rather stated "What Mormons Believe." But the host focuses instead on the words of the Book of Mormon. I thought this was noteworthy because the Book of Mormon is not really a book that in general differentiates too much from the Bible. It is recorded that 1 in 12 chapters of the Book of Mormon and 1 in 7 verses are directly pulled from Joseph Smith's reading of the KJV. Thus, it might be easy to link the central concept of the gospel of Mormonism to the NT, but the fullness of the gospel goes way beyond the verses of the New Testament. 
• 19:03 - Here the hosts focus on the ideas of central and secondary. Good points. But then he starts to go in a familiar direction that Protestants aren't correct on the gospel as the New Testament presents it mentioning that faith alone originated in the Reformation and the previous faith thinkers did not hold to justification by faith alone, but instead justification and sanctification worked in tandem. This is a bold statement and not sure if it is true. Thinkers like Clement of Rome and John Chrysostom did write of justification by faith alone. And it is hard to dispute the verses of Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28 when looking at those verses alone. 

That said, I awoke this morning with the video on my thoughts. I thought of adding this comment to the video: "You asked for comments from those not of 'The Church." I am not. In listening to your rebuttal it seems that on one hand you are stating that a Christian can simply be defined as a follower of Christ. Then later differentiating between central (I Cor. 15:1-4) and secondary (how it is received) definitions. In the secondary, then stating Protestants aren't even operating in the way Christ or the NT writers and early century believers practiced. Yet, still feeling a need to be under the umbrella of the Christian definition (which is predominantly post-Reformation denominations) and taking offense at anyone who might say otherwise. Why? Is it because Christians by their number represent the majority and Mormons one of the many minorities? Perhaps there is an agenda to align and then eventually show you are the only true Christian's? No faith system has a goal to simply play in the same sandbox but rather to be top dog."

Now, this morning in my daily quiet time I took time to first read Psalm 104, rally enjoying some of the metaphors as I am giving a lesson on July 5 in Sunday School on metaphors and preparing for that lesson, but also just really taken aback by this passage, thinking simply how God designed and ordained creation for us, for people. Even verse 15, "and food which sustains man's heart."  And in response the writer praises God. 

But then I turned to Romans 8, wanting to examine the metaphor I called attention to in verse 16. I took time to start with verse 1. Wow. These are some amazing verses. The first 11 verses speak of walking in the Spirit and "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." We must have the Spirit of Christ. But then in verse 12-17 states in verse 14, "all who are being led by the Spirit of God; these are the sons of God." The overwhelming theological interpretation of sons is that this is a metaphor. Then in verse 16 is "children of God" also a metaphor. The LDS folks believe this is literal. It struck me this morning, sitting under the Pergola the idea that these two beliefs are so sharply divided on interpretation. It saddens me. The division that is present. 

On one hand, questions like this simply rouse up two different camps. LDS I am sure has many professors, teachers, expositors that can defend their literal take, while non-LDS will have many to support this as a metaphor. The consequences or ramifications are plentiful. Both sides will claim the other is blinded to one perspective. 

Prayer: Lord, I look at these texts and thank you for them and yet hurt for the differences. I am reminded of your words to Paul in verse 7 that the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. Help us all God to discern truth in this world that seems so confusing and has so many voices and help me to know how to keep my blinders on. On one hand I love the apologetics talk, but at times I struggle with it in a might way. Sometimes Lord I feel like I descend down rabbit trails and my brain is getting mixed up. Keep me anchored Lord and help me maybe to turn off the other views. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

2 Chronicles 6:12-42

And listen to the supplication of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, from heaven; hear Thou and forgive. (verse 21)

Message: Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Temple has been built by Solomon, the furnishings have been added, the Ark has arrived and now here at the end of 2 Chronicles 6 is Solomon's prayer. I looked at another prayer to start this month's lessons back in April that David had given that was beautiful. It was prior to the anointing of Solomon. As Solomon begins to pray he doesn't just stand anywhere, but stands at the altar. I liken this to standing at the front of the people, at a podium, in church. But it has a bigger meaning here for it represents the pivotal reason for the Temple. This temple is the place for sacrifice, for atonement of sin. It also is a place of worship. Worship extols God as the provider for our ransom, atonement and making us right with God. Thus, here is where Solomon prays. 

It begins with verse 14, a beautiful opening - "O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no god like Thee in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart." God keeps covenant and shows us lovingkindness. And then we as a people walk before Thee. But God keeps covenant with us first and shows us love first. And then we walk before Thee in response. In the prayer, Solomon confirms the promises made to David and the promises God will keep. The people of God need that assurance that God will do what He promised. 

In verse 18, "But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth?" And God that has regard to his servant's prayers (verse 19) and "listen to the supplications of Thy servant" (verse 21). Verses 22 and 23 also mentions the importance of the Temple as a place to settle disputes between people - namely those who sin and then take an oath. Verse 24 and 25 mention people returning to God after a time of turning away from God. God is to bring them back to the land He promised to their fathers before. It is as if the temple becomes the central place to come back to God after sinning. This seems to be where the idea of confessing sin to a priest possibly has its origin. 

In verse 26, the withholding of rain for agriculture is connected to people's disobedience. They then go to the temple to confess His name, turning from their sins. We go to the temple, yet in verse 27 God is "in heaven and forgive the sin of Thy servants." As people we need God's forgiveness. 

In verses 28-38, Solomon records activities that people of God do or find themselves in (famine, traveling foreigners, soldiers, sinners) and then a request from Solomon to God for each -- "hear from heaven their prayer and their pleading (verse 35)." For the famine, Solomon adds the word "forgive." He says to traveling foreigners "to do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You." For those in battle, "maintain their cause." And for those who have sinned, "repent." 

Once again, I really appreciate these prayers. They serve as a guide I think in helping us see how we can pray. This is a prayer of confidence. I think of all of the prayers that are offered for health related reasons and wonder if we need to make sure as we pray that we are also talking about sin and forgiveness. Health related issues are the result of sin and so with sin we need to talk of forgiveness. 

In the last 3 verses are some concluding thoughts or excerpts, "My God, please, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place...Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants.”

These words - please, do not, remember, hear - these are words I don't think I use much in my prayers, if at all. Need to change this. 

Summary: After the Temple has been completed, Solomon offers a prayer that centers on the Temple as the central place of refuge for God's people to navigate life.  

Promise: The Lord meets His people wherever they come together for worship.

Prayer: O Lord God, you are Savior, Lord. My God, please let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants. Lord, I am a sinner, but I repent of my sin and come to You begging Your forgiveness for the many ways in my life I have sinned against You, not only recently, but in my life and not only me, but my family and humanity. Your grace is needed in this day. O Lord, is there is no god like thee in heaven or on earth. You are the God of Israel, of the United States, of Jews, of Gentiles, of every people group you keep covenant and show lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart. You keep Your promises God. You speak with your mouth to Your people and fulfill our needs with Thy hand, in the past, present, and today. God, stay with us. Be with us. Be with our children. Anchor yourself in their life. Make your presence known to them. Be their God and their Savior. They have heard your truth in their life, from us, from the Church, from family members. Seal that truth in them. Heaven cannot contain Thee God. Your mighty works are displayed on this earth, on the land, in the mountains, as we walk and look out our windows, your creation God is your handiwork. You established the colors of the horizon we look at each day. Have regard to the prayer of Thy servant and my supplication. Listen to my cry. From heaven God here me and forgive. Provide for the needs of your people who call upon Your name. O God, hear Thou from heaven and act and judge Thy servants. Punish the wicked, justify the righteous. People sin, but when they return to You after sinning and repent and call on Your name, hear them, and bring them back to the land and people you intended for them. Teach your people in the way they should walk. Bend their minds and heads to You to embrace Your words and Your commands. Bend my mind and bend my head God. Awaken in me an urgency for focusing my time on the things of life which matter most. Your heart knows people. You alone know the heart of people. Remove blinders. Remove deception. Remove untruth. Divide the truth of Your word to people so they understand You as You are. May these people fear Thee, walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which Thou hast given to our father and all those before me. Listen to the prayers of all people, near and far. Hear their prayer. Hear thou from heaven in order that all the people of the earth may know Thy name and fear Thee. May Your name be proclaimed on this earth, in our communities, in our land. Open Thin eyes and Thine ears attentive to the prayer offered at this time, in this place. Do not turn away from the face of Thine anointed. Remember Thy lovingkindness to Your people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11 - The Ark Comes to the Temple

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11

10 Now the Lord has fulfilled His word which He spoke; for I have risen in place of my father David and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark in which is the covenant of the Lord, which He made with the sons of Israel.

Message: The Ark Comes to the Temple

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: This lesson picks up from 1 Kings 6:38 when it mentions the house of the Lord was completed. And now this passage in 2 Chronicles 5-6 is similar to Chapter 8 of I Kings as the Ark Comes to the Temple. 

In verse 2, everyone is assembled together -- "elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel." This is a big deal and all are on hand for this. The ark will be brought up from the "city of David, which is Zion." In verse 4, "The Levites picked up the ark." There is mention in verse 6 of Solomon sacrificing sheep and oxen, too many to count. And it is the priests that bring it "into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim" as the wings will act as a covering or canopy of sorts over the ark. Thus there is sort of a processional and a celebration in bringing the ark into the inner sanctuary of the temple, the most sacred part of the temple. The poles were long making the ark easy to move. "There was nothing in the ark except the two tables (the 10 commandments)" and signified "where the Lord made a covenant with the sons of Israel." 

God's covenant with Israel shows us that God chooses His people and wants to have fellowship with them. And this temple is a reminder of that. The Holy of Holies is the place where sacrifices are offered to restore the relationship with God. Relationships are not restored through good efforts or us practicing faith or kindness or good works. The only way to have relationship restored is through God's forgiveness through the washing of our sins through the blood of Jesus. 

"The glory of the Lord filled the house of God." This is the Shekinah Glory, a visible manifestation of God's presence. 

Solomon then declares how the Lord will "dwell in the thick cloud" (16:1). God desires to make himself known and he does this through people and also nature. Jesus eventually will be God's representation and then we his people will represent Him on this earth. In verses 4-11 it another summary of what has transpired in God choosing Jerusalem, David, and then later David's son to build this house. 

This was a high point in the history of Israel, commemorating God's covenant with His people and showing the importance of sacrificing or confessing our sins. It is important for me to worship God.

Summary: Samuel gathers the elders and leaders together to bring the ark to the inner sanctuary of the temple he has built, and God presences is seen in a thick cloud. 

Promise: God will always make a way for His presence to be made to people. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing yourself, in the thick cloud, in Jesus, and in me. I want to shine your love and hope that I do this. Thank you for showing me the importance of the temple and the importance of forgiving sin and the importance of covering sin. Thank you for this message and showing me the importance of your glory and reverence to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.