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Romans 8:24 – Safe and Secure

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Will

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

Truth to Learn

Your salvation is as secure as God’s promise.

Behind the Words

The word translated “saved” is sōdzō, which means, “to save, deliver, or make whole, or to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This verb is expressed in the aorist tense which implies past, punctiliar action, that is, action that took place at a single point in time in the past, not continuous action. This tells us that salvation is not a process, but a single event.

“Hope” is translated from the word elpis, which means, “an earnest desire, and the expectation of obtaining the object of that desire.” It is not an uncertainty that we hope will come to pass, it is with a clear expectation that it will happen.

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the Holy Spirit was given to us as a kind of “firstfruits” offering. That is, He is God’s promise that our salvation and our adoption will be consummated. Paul now adds some explanation to that idea. He says that we are saved in hope. There are two possible interpretations of this. These two interpretations revolve around the word translated “saved” which we talked about above in Behind the Words. If you interpret the word to mean “to preserve from danger,” then the beginning of this verse could be interpreted to mean that we are being preserved from danger by our hope of our future glory. That’s how some interpret this verse.

The other interpretation, which is more fully supported by the Greek text, is that we were saved (at a single point in time in the past) in light of an earnest desire and expectation that this salvation will be consummated at some time in the future.

The point is this; Paul has been talking about all of creation groaning in pain in anticipation of our adoption as sons by God and the final redemption of our body. He is now saying that our salvation, which legally has already taken place, is really an event in the future to which we look with longing, fully expecting it to happen.

Now let me say that Paul is NOT saying that we are unsure of our salvation and “hope” that it will happen. That use of the word “hope” is contrary to the meaning of the Greek word. When we were saved (at a single point in time in the past) we were given the Holy Spirit as a seal and a promise (Ephesians 1:13, 14) that God will consummate that salvation at some point in time in the future. In other words, we cannot get un-saved! It is not possible because we couldn’t give God His Holy Spirit back even if we wanted to. The giving of the Holy Spirit is an action initiated by God, not by you or me. Since He did the giving, only He could do the taking and that would mean God’s promise is worthless.

Application

Do you live in fear that you might lose your salvation if you’re not careful? Paul makes it pretty clear that it can’t happen. Your salvation is as secure as God’s promise and there’s nothing more secure than that!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:23 – Groaning in Anticipation

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Will

And, not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly expecting adoption, the redemption of our body.

Truth to Learn

We also groan, waiting for our redemption and adoption.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “firstfruits” is aparchē, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and a form of archomai, meaning “to begin.” This word refers to the first ripe fruit of the season.

“Redemption” is from the Greek word apolutrōsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and lutroō, meaning “to bring forward a ransom.” Thus, apolutrōsis means “to release a captive upon receipt of a ransom.”

Meaning Explained

Going back once again to our discussion in verse 19 about the Greek word ktisis, which is translated either as “creature” or “creation,” we mentioned that some believe it refers to Christians as a whole, since the Bible in 2Corinthians 5:17 refers to us as “a new creation.” The current verse is one reason why this may not be the intended interpretation. Paul has just said that “all of creation” or “the whole creation” groans and is in pain. In the current verse, Paul now says “Not only that, but we also … we ourselves groan within ourselves.” He even clarifies the “we” by saying that we are the ones “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit… waiting for the adoption…” This expression clearly refers to saved Christians. But, if ktisis was referring to saved Christians, then Paul would not say that we Christians also groan … Hence, it appears that ktisis in the previous verse refers to all of the visible creation apart from mankind.

Next we have to ask ourselves, “What does Paul mean by, “we who have the firstfruits the Spirit?” There are those who believe that since Paul is talking to members of the early church, he means that they were the first ones who received the Holy Spirit; they had received “the firstfruits of the Spirit.” However, if you look at passages in the Old Testament that refer to the “firstfruits” offerings (Deuteronomy 26:2; Exodus 23:19; and Numbers 18:13, for example) you will see that the firstfruits were a pledge of what was to come later. Thus, they were a sacrifice that required faith to offer, believing that the full harvest would come later. That is precisely one of the images we have of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is a pledge that the fullness of salvation, our adoption into God’s family, the redemption and recreation of our bodies, will come to us at the consummation of the last days.

Application

We born again Christians also groan within ourselves because we are eagerly awaiting the full adoption and the completion of our salvation. In other words, we are eagerly awaiting our redemption, our final release from the bondage of sin which will end all the pain and suffering which we endure in this earthly life. Next time you groan as a result of the physical or mental pain of being a Christian, remember the day of our redemption is coming soon.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:22 – Wait For It …

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Will

For we know that the whole creation groans together and is in pain together until now.

Truth to Learn

All of creation eagerly awaits the end of time when they will be made anew.

Behind the Words

The word translated “groans together” is sustenadzō, which is a compound word made up of “sun” meaning “together” and stenadzō, which means “to groan or to sigh.” Thus we see it means “to groan together” or “to sigh together.”

“Is in pain together” is also from a single Greek word, sunōdinō. This is also a compound word. It is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of ōdinō, which means “to be in pain as a woman who is in the process of giving birth.” Therefore, this word means “to be in intense pain together.”

This is the only place in the entire New Testament that these two words appear. Notice that both of these verbs contain sun. Hence, we could translate this verse as, “For we know that all creation groans together and is in labor pains together until now.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse nineteen we talked about whether ktisis referred to a single creature or to creation as a single collection of created things. The current verse gives us evidence that it refers to all of the visible creation. First, the entire flow of these few verses makes sense if the word ktisis is referring to the same thing or collection of things throughout. Secondly, the fact that both of the verbs we talked about above are in the third person singular and yet are done “together” implies that ktisis refers to a collection of created things rather than a single created thing.

With that under our belt, we can see that Paul is probably talking metaphorically about how all of the visible creation is waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption as we talked about in the previous verse. And why do I think Paul is being metaphorical? Because, just as I started out this paragraph with a metaphor (none of us really put the first two paragraphs under our belt), I believe that creation doesn’t really feel pain, nor is it about to give birth. However, it is quite possible that all of creation is groaning, or sighing.

Paul is saying that all of creation is eagerly anticipating the revelation of the sons of God because it (creation) has been placed in a condition where it is not fully useful and is decaying due to the sin of man. In verse twenty-one Paul told us that creation will be set free from the bondage of decay and corruption. All creation is now in a state of travail or painful waiting until sin is dealt with and all is recreated in the new heavens and the new earth. The new heavens and new earth will be free from decay and will no longer be groaning or sighing.

Application

The next time you hear a tree creak from the wind blowing through it or hear of an earthquake, a massive storm, or a tidal wave, remember that all of creation is groaning and in pain until the consummation of time, waiting for our salvation to be completed and for all things to be made perfectly new.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:21 – Curse Begone

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Will

Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption unto the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Truth to Learn

The curse on God’s creation will be lifted when we are glorified as the children of God.

Behind the Words

“Delivered” is translated from eleutheroō, which is the verb form of the noun eleutheros, meaning “free to move about, unrestrained, or independent.”

The word “corruption” is from phthora, which refers to “decay” or “spoiling.”

“Into” is from the Greek word eis. This preposition is most often translated “into” but it can have a lot of nuance translations as well. When this word is used in relation to time, it can be translated as “unto” or as “in expectation of.” This is very likely the use of the word in today’s verse.

Meaning Explained

We recently learned that the whole of creation was placed in a state or condition where it is not fully useful; it is perishable, and it is decaying. We also learned that God subjected creation in hope. This hope is explained in today’s verse.

Paul tells us that the reason creation was subjected “in hope” is because creation will be set free from this bondage of decay at the glorious freedom of the children of God. In other words, when God completes the final judgment and we who are saved are all given our eternal bodies, all of creation will also be freed from the bondage of corruption and it will be re-created. Here’s how the Apostle John described it in the book of Revelation:

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." (Revelation 21:1-5a)

I am eagerly looking forward to that day when all sin and all sinners will have been judged and the current heavens and earth are no more, when the new heavens and the new earth have been created and we will spend eternity in peace and joy (in Matthew 25:21, 23 it’s called the joy of the Lord). There, in God’s new creation which will have been freed from the bondage of decay, we will be serving and praising God eternally, for He is worthy!

Application

When you see corruption and decay all around, don’t despair. Some day in the not too distant future God will give His children glorified bodies, and He will recreate the heavens and earth as a perfect place for us to serve Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:20 – Imperishable Expectation

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Will

For the creation was not voluntarily subjected to futility, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;

Truth to Learn

We live within perishable bodies in a dying and decaying world, but some day God will make all things imperishable.

Behind the Words

The word translated “subjected” is the Greek word hupotassō, which we have looked at before. It is a military term meaning to place in order (or rank) under another. It is often translated as “submit.”

“Futility” is translated from the Greek word mataiotēs, which is a form of mataios, meaning “without purpose, fruitless, aimless or empty.” It refers to “labor which is done with no purpose in mind” or, as is probably the meaning that Paul intended here, “a perishable and decaying condition.”

The word translated “voluntarily” is hekōn, which means “voluntarily, willingly, or without coercion.”

“Hope” is another word which we looked at back in chapter five. It comes from the Greek word elpis, which means “hope” or “anticipation.” In English when we think of “hope,” we think of desiring something but not really expecting it to happen, or at best, thinking that there is a chance of it happening. This Greek word, however, means, “the desire of something with the full expectation that it will happen.” It is more than just simple hope, it is expectant hope. For this reason, this word is often translated as “faith.”

Meaning Explained

When Paul says that creation was “not voluntarily subjected to futility” he is saying that it was placed in a state or condition where it is perishable and decaying, and that this condition was imposed on creation; it wasn’t voluntary. The subjection of all creation to a state of perishableness and continual decay was imposed by the only one who could impose it: God. This very likely is referring to the curse that God placed on the ground when Adam and Eve sinned:

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. (Genesis 3:17-18)

This subjection of all of creation as a result of Adam’s sin was done by God with the promise that someday there would be a Redeemer who would conquer death and sin and who would restore all of creation to its former condition. I believe that is what Paul is referring to in the second half of this verse.

Paul will continue this thought in the next verse.

Application

The beauty of this verse is the promise of hope. No matter what happens to us, we always have the hope of God’s eventual triumph over evil, and we will share in that triumph with Him! And, even though we now exist in a perishable body in a dying and decaying world, we have expectant hope that God will honor his faithful children with a glorious body and a glorious creation, neither of which will ever decay or perish again.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:19 – Eagerly Anticipated Revelation

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Will

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Truth to Learn

All of God’s physical creation is anticipating the glory that we will receive one day from our Heavenly Father.

Behind the Words

The words translated, “earnest expectation” are translated from the Greek word apokaradokia. This is a double compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “before,” kara, meaning “the head,” and a form of dokeō, meaning “to think, suppose, or watch.” Putting these all together we see that it literally means “to watch or look forward with the head.” Thus we can see why this word has the meaning of “intense anticipation” as one would strain the neck forward looking intently into the distance expecting to see something very soon.

“Creation” is a translation of the Greek word ktisis. This word means “a thing created,” but it can be taken to mean a single created thing (creature) or the singular collection of all created things (creation).

The word translated “revealing” is apokalupsis. This is a noun form of apokaluptō, which we looked at in yesterday’s verse. It refers to that thing which is “uncovered” or “revealed.”

Meaning Explained

Here, once again, we have a verse of Scripture that has been highly debated for centuries. The controversy revolves primarily around the word translated “creation.” Without going into an extensive exposition of this word, let me simply state that I’m in the camp of those who believe it refers to all of creation (apart from mankind and angelic creatures). Others who believe that it refers to Christians as “a created thing” (for we are a “new creation” according to 2Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 6:15) have a valid a reason to believe that as the correct interpretation. However, Paul uses this word repeatedly in this and the following few verses, and in verse twenty-two he refers to “the whole creation,” literally “all the creation (singular).” Therefore, since he uses the same word throughout and makes no obvious distinction, it is reasonable to assume that he uses the term the same in all of these verses.

One could reasonably ask why this would refer to all of creation apart from mankind and angelic creatures rather than all of creation including mankind and angelic beings. Much of mankind (those who are not saved) clearly is not eagerly waiting for the revealing of the sons of God, and angelic beings were not subjected to futility as declared in the next verse.

In the previous verse Paul stated that our present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us some day (when our salvation is consummated and we receive our glorified bodies). In this verse I believe he is saying that all of physical creation is eagerly anticipating this revealing of the true sons of God in our revealed glory.

Application

If all of creation is figuratively straining its neck in eager anticipation of the revelation of the glorified sons of God, how much more should we be eagerly anticipating it, we who will receive that glory. When we Christians suffer for our witness, we need to keep in mind that we will receive such marvelous glory from our Heavenly Father that the revelation of that glory is eagerly anticipated by all of creation. That’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Will

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed in us.

Truth to Learn

Our future glory is far greater than our current suffering.

Behind the Words

The expression “I consider” is from the Greek word logidzomai, meaning “to count, to impute, to estimate, or to reckon.”

“Sufferings” is translated from pathēma, a noun form of the verb paschō, meaning “to feel strong emotion or sensation, to suffer, or to experience.” It is most often used to refer to painful suffering either physically or emotionally.

The words “not worthy” are translated from ouk axia. As we have discussed before, ouk refers to the absolute negative. The word axia is a form of axios which is a reference to two items placed on a balance scales which are of comparable weight, causing the scales to balance perfectly. This perfect balance indicates the relative worth of one of the items on the scales. Hence, the word has come to refer to the comparable worth of an item.

The word “revealed” is from apokaluptō. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Thus, we see that apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to reveal.” This is the word that is translated “Revelation” as the name of the last book in the New Testament.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that since we are joint heirs with Christ, as members of God’s family, we can also expect to suffer with Him. Whenever we suffer because of being Christians, we are suffering with Christ. We are sharing in the pain of rejection, misunderstanding, betrayal, false accusation, persecution, and physical torture that Christ knew before and during his crucifixion.

But Paul now gives us a glimmer of hope that we can hang on to whenever we are going through those times of suffering. He starts off with the expression, “For I consider.” It is Paul’s belief that whatever sufferings we might have to go through in this life, they are of little value or consequence when compared with the incredible glory that we will receive in Heaven.

In verse seventeen Paul said that if we suffer with Christ, we may also be glorified with Him. Well, now Paul says that the present suffering that we are going through for Christ’s sake is in no way comparable to that glory that we are going to share with and from Christ. This is something that we should all hold dear to our hearts.

Application

The next time you feel like you are being persecuted, mistreated, or attacked because you are a witness for Christ, remember that you are suffering for His sake, and some day you will be glorified with Him and for His sake. No matter how much physical pain or mental anguish you may have to endure now, it is temporary and insignificant compared to the glory He will give to you for eternity.

It just makes the suffering a little more bearable now, doesn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:17 – Suffering Heirs

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Will

and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer together with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Truth to Learn

We are God’s heirs and we will suffer for it.

Behind the Words

The word translated “heirs” is the Greek word klēronomos, which means “one who is receiving an inheritance.”

“if indeed” is translated from the Greek word eiper, which carries with it the notion of “if it is so, and it probably is.” By implication it means “since.” So, Paul is saying “since we suffer together …”

The word translated “glorified together” is sundoxadzō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and doxadzō, meaning “to give honor” or “to make glorious.” It is expressed in the passive voice indicating that it will be done to us.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we saw that it is the Spirit of God who gives witness to our spirit that we are the children of God (if we have been saved). Now Paul goes on to say that if we are children of God (as confirmed by the Holy Spirit of God living in us), then we are heirs.

Note here that only legitimate children can be heirs, and under the Jewish laws of the times adopted children were legitimate children. In fact, an adopted child could not be disowned or dis-inherited the way a natural born child could be. So the fact that we are adopted children means that our inheritance is guaranteed!

So what are we inheriting? Some say we are inheriting heaven, but that’s not all we will inherit. This verse says we are heirs (inheritors) of God himself. That is not to say that we will become gods as some religions believe. It simply means that we are heirs of the eternality of God. Just as Jesus (the man) received an eternal body and shares in eternal fellowship with God the Father, we also will receive an eternal body as God’s heirs and will share eternal fellowship with Him.

Paul now throws a bit of a wrinkle in here. He says “since we suffer together with Him, we also may be glorified together (with him).” This should be both a challenge and an encouragement to us all. It says that we will suffer as Christians! But it also says that Jesus Christ suffers with us when we suffer. Here is another verse from Paul’s second letter to Timothy that talks about that suffering:

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2Timothy 3:12)

We should be prepared to suffer because we will if we are His children and we are pursuing a godly life. But when we do, He is right there with us. He knows the most intimate details of the trials that we’re going through because He is suffering with us.

Application

If you are a Christian then you have been legally adopted into God’s family, and you are an heir to all that God has to offer. Because you are in His family, however, his enemies will hate you like they hate Him and you will suffer for it. Are you ready for that? Consider this: He suffered to pay for your sins. Are you willing to suffer for Him?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:16 – The Holy Witness

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Will

The Spirit Himself witnesses together with our spirit that we are children of God,

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit is the true witness of our salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “witnesses together” is from summartureō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” or “with” and martureō, which means “to testify” or “to give witness.” Hence summartureō means “to testify jointly” or “to give witness together.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we were told that we who are saved have the Spirit of adoption and because of this adoption we can call God the Father our “Daddy.” In the secular world today it is often said that we are all brothers and sisters because all people are God’s children. According to the Bible this is not true. Also, there are many supposed Christians who claim that God is their father when He is not. This was also true in Jesus’ day. As He taught in the temple, this is what He had to say to those who claimed to be believing Jews:

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came forth from God; for I have not come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you want to do. (John 8:42-44a)

So, if there were so many deceived ones then, and many today who think that God is their Father, how can we tell for sure that we are saved and God is our Father? The current verse tells us how. We know that we are saved, that we have been adopted by God the Father, because He has given the Holy Spirit exclusively to His children. The Spirit is not only our seal and the guarantee of our inheritance; He is also the only true witness of our salvation and adoption by God. That’s what the current verse says.

So exactly how does the Holy Spirit “witness together with our spirit?” The Holy Spirit witness together with our spirit in those still, quiet moments, when we sense the peace that only He can give. A peace that passes all understanding, a peace that exists in the midst of trials and tribulation. It is that calm assurance that we have submitted to the Father and we have committed to do His will above our own. We have accepted His grace in the form of the blood of Christ because we believe that Jesus died to pay for our sins, and He rose again from the grave. It’s that assurance that we are saved! It’s the Spirit’s witness.

Application

Do you know for sure that you are saved? Have you experienced the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your spirit?

If so, you are a genuine, guaranteed child of God. If not, then perhaps it’s time to fall on your knees before the God of all creation, confessing your sinfulness, and asking Him for salvation, submitting yourself to your Lord and Savior:

Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.(Romans 10:9, 10)

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:15 – Blessed Adoption

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Will

For you did not receive a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption by which we cry, "Abba, Father."

Truth to Learn

Christians have been adopted into God’s loving family forever!

Behind the Words

“Bondage” is from the Greek word douleia, which is derived from the verb douleuō, meaning “to be a slave” or “to serve.” This, in turn, is derived from the noun doulos, meaning “a slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the owner.” So, douleia refers to the condition of being a slave, or being in bondage.

The word “abba” is a transliteration; it is brought over from the original language letter for letter, or sound for sound. This is an Aramaic word that means, “father” as a term of endearment, similar to how we might call our earthly father “dad,” “daddy,” or “papa.”

“Adoption” is from huiothesia, which is made up of huios, meaning “a son” and a form of tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Hence, huiothesia refers to a son who has been placed in another family. According to the Jewish laws, an adopted child could not be disinherited; it was a permanent placement.

Meaning Explained

In the previous two chapters Paul spent considerable time showing that before we were saved, we were slaves to sin and the condemnation of the Law. In this chapter he has been showing us that we are free from the bondage of the Law and slavery to sin. We who are saved have a free will to sin or not to sin. In other words, we are not forced to sin due to our being ruled by our sin nature. Instead, we are free to resist that temptation to sin. The reason for this freedom is shown to us in the current verse. The Spirit that we have dwelling in us (according to verse 11) is the Spirit of God. What Paul now tells us is that this Spirit is not a Spirit of bondage. Paul has been showing us throughout this letter that there are two states of being: bondage and submission. Bondage implies a condition that is forced on us, whereas submission is a condition we choose. If we are not saved, we walk according to the flesh and we are under bondage to sin. If, on the other hand, we walk according to the Spirit it is because we are saved and have chosen to submit ourselves to God. The Holy Spirit does not hold us in bondage against our will; we received the Spirit because we willingly submitted ourselves to God.

Now for another of the most precious truths of the New Testament! The Spirit that we have received, the Holy Spirit of God, is one of adoption. In other words, when we accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins, we also willingly submitted ourselves to His Lordship (He is our master now, our sin nature is no longer our master). In response to this we were adopted by God as His child. And, as a seal of that adoption He gave us the Holy Spirit. Once God has adopted us, He cannot un-adopt us because of that sealing Spirit. He is our Spirit of adoption and because of this we can refer to God as our Father, and we can call him papa or daddy.

One of the primary benefits of our adoption by God is that we now can have a close personal relationship with our Heavenly Father because He has chosen to adopt us.

Application

Do you experience that close personal relationship with your Heavenly Father? Do you converse with Him regularly? Do you share your deepest desires and fears with Him? Do you listen to his wise advice? Or … is He more of a stranger than “daddy?”

In God's service, for His glory,