Published: Nov 3, 2019 | Tags:
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” In Romans 2:12-29, the apostle Paul illustrates that all of humanity – those without the “law” and those with the “law” – are judged by God. The “law” is God’s divine standard of righteousness, first revealed to the Jewish people and found in the Old Testament scriptures. People who reject God’s law, choosing instead to determine for themselves standards of right and wrong, practice relativism. Those who claim to be righteous because of their security in God’s law practice a form of moralism. Ultimately, both systems of ethics will fail us on judgment day because we cannot live up to our own standards, let alone God’s law. Humanity’s only hope is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
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Published: Oct 27, 2019 | Tags:
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” In Romans chapter 1, the apostle Paul traces the downward spiral of the human race, showing the Gentiles (non-Jews) their immoral lifestyle and guilt before a holy God. In chapter 2:1-11, Paul is dealing with the Jews who saw themselves as better than the Gentiles. Even though Paul is addressing the self-righteous Jews, we can all learn from this. Scripture reveals that God will judge self-righteousness, legalism and hypocrisy. He judges according to the truth, according to our deeds, and according to impartiality. God wants to be our Savior; but if we reject the free gift of eternal life through Christ, we will stand before Him as Judge.
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Published: Oct 20, 2019 | Tags:
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” In Romans 1:18-32, we see that the downward spiral of humanity’s “fall” has resulted in idolatry of all kinds. God’s wrath – that is, His settled, fair and righteous disposition toward sinful humanity – is deserved and revealed. Each of us desperately needs to receive the righteousness of God. Why? Scripture states that we exchange the truth about God for a lie. We exchange the worship of God for worship of idols. We also exchange obedience to God for obedience to our desires. All of humanity stands guilty before our divine judge. Only the gospel has the power to break the fall!
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Published: Oct 13, 2019 | Tags:
A message from the series “Romans Part 1: The Problem.” The Apostle Paul headlines his letter to the Romans with its theme of good news; this is the meaning of the word “gospel.” In Romans 1:1-17 Paul introduces himself to his readers and his message. We learn that Paul is proclaiming “good news” about: a promised savior; the God-man, Jesus; grace; a message for all people; and about a saving power. This sermon challenges us to ask ourselves if the gospel has become real to us personally.
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Published: Oct 6, 2019 | Tags:
A message from the series “Work as Worship.” Although work is clearly important to God, we must not make our occupation an idol; that is, something to which we give too much weight or devotion. The scripture verses in Psalm 127:1-2 and Matthew 6:9-24 provide indicators that our work may be an idol – that our worship is misplaced. One, our work is in vain. Two, our hope is in wealth. Three, our identity is in our occupation. Pastor Matthew provides a simple question to ask ourselves in determining if our work has become an idol. He also gives steps to take if work is an idol.
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