How can God justly forgive lawbreakers?
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Pastor Tom
September 27, 2009
Romans 3:21–26
We are studying the letter to the Romans. Two weeks ago, we saw Paul declare “I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; the Jew first and also the Gentile.” We learned Gospel means good news. The Gospel is good news because it provides the means for our salvation from sin. God saves Christians from the penalty of sin at the moment of their conversion. That’s Justification. He is saving Christians today from the power of sin through the Holy Spirit’s work in us. That’s sanctification. He will save us on Judgment Day through our glorification. We will receive our resurrection bodies and rewards from Him. So the Gospel contains and delivers all this good news. But then last week, Paul gave us the bad news. God’s attributes include holy wrath. Both immoral and moral people are under sin and under God’s wrath. In light of the bad news, how can God actually deliver the good news? How can He forgive us without compromising His justice? That’s what Paul explains in the next part of his letter.
Bad News can make Good News sweeter
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Pastor Tom
September 20, 2009
Romans 1:18–3:20
Today as we continue our study on Romans, we get to hear the Bad News. There will be some tough things in this bad news. But I want you to remember throughout that this bad news will sweeten the good news. So if you’ve heard the Gospel many times and perhaps its gone a little stale, this review of the bad news might rekindle your joy in your salvation. Or if you’ve heard the Gospel is good news but never saw how it might be good news for you, the bad news might put that into perspective. Or if you’ve never heard of the Gospel – we’re starting at the beginning. You came at a great time. So I invite you to come along today to hear the bad news which may dramatically sweeten the good news.
We need not be ashamed
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Pastor Tom
September 13, 2009
Romans 1:1–17
Christians sometimes have to deal with the shame caused by someone or something else. Sometimes, we’re ashamed because of the way another Christian acts. Their bad actions reflect on us. Sometimes, we have to deal with the shame cast upon Christianity because of something in history. Sometimes, we deal with shame because of the message of the Gospel.
Imagine yourself going about a normal activity on a weekday: at the office or job site, in class or hanging out with friends, at the playground, at a community meeting or sports event. Someone says “the Christian gospel is racist and intolerant.” Would you speak up? Would you identify yourself as a Christian?
Above all else, Love
1 Corinthians 13 - Love
Pastor Tom
September 6, 2009
1 Corinthians 13:13
We conclude our study on First Corinthians 13 today with another well known phrase about love. It is widely quoted, cross-stitched and graphically designed. But a closer look reveals this phrase is filled with difficulties as we attempt to grasp its meaning.