The law makes no one perfect. You can't become righteous by your actions. If that were all there was to it, we would be in a bad state. But the good news is we don't need to do it on our own. We are not left hopeless and in despair. God made a way in Jesus!
Paul continues his thoughts on the status of mankind concerning God's standards. The Jewish people are privileged to have been entrusted with the Holy Scriptures. However, Paul shows from the Scriptures that no one is justified by their own efforts. He refutes the idea that it is unjust to judge sin, and the more we sin the greater God is honored because He can forgive much more. Paul concludes, "Their condemnation is just." (v. 9)
The Jews had an expectation and responsibility that they were not living up to. As a result, they were being hypocritical and causing the gentiles to blaspheme the name of God. They were also convinced that their identity as Jews and their symbol of the covenant with Abraham, circumcision, would save them. But as we will see, circumcision of the flesh is not what makes you right with God. You need a heart transplant.
As we begin chapter 2, Paul spends his time in here showing that Jews and gentiles are seen alike by God. There is not one set of requirements for Jews and a different set for gentiles. The requirement for both is perfection.
As we continue our series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul begins explaining where mankind wandered off course by refusing to acknowledge and honor the Creator. As a result, idolatry took over their minds. It's the sad situation of the world today and the basis for Paul's explaining the plan of salvation. "You need this medicine, so you don't die!" is one way to put it.
As we begin a new series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself with the authority given to him by Jesus. Instead of boasting, he expresses the desire to be encouraged by sharing their mutual faith. Then he establishes the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
Most people identify themselves with what they do for a living. They are a cook or carpenter. But Christians are not so because of what they do. It is actually the opposite. We understand who we are and "do" accordingly. But to "do" accordingly, we have to know who we are.
We serve a powerful, living Lord. He is able to perform all that He has promised, especially reaching out to us in love and peace. Because Jesus lived in a human body, He knows what we go through. Therefore, as we respond to His gentle leading, we can have confidence that He will lead us to an eternal, incorruptible inheritance. Meanwhile, we are assured of ". . . grace to help in time of need . . ." during our pilgrimage on earth.
There are a couple of prevailing ideas going on in this world that are setting people up for failure. The first is nothing is my fault, and the second is the idea of entitlement. But the scripture teaches that we are to take responsibility for our own actions. Today we look at the practical application of being personally responsible.
It is becoming more and more common to see people proclaim it is not my fault, or they are owed something. But the scripture teaches that we are to take responsibility for our own actions. Today we see what the Bible says about personal responsibility.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand in each local congregation there are opportunities to be of service. Our goal as a body of believers is to train fellow members to fulfill their God-given destiny in the kingdom of God. We believe that ministries will be launched from our church. In the meantime, as we serve where we are, we will be faithful in the least and faithful in much.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand Jesus Christ has given to believers people in leadership to build up the worldwide Church as well as the local Church in order to equip every believer with a part in working in the kingdom of God. We are ambassadors for Christ.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, our mission statement is to evangelize the lost, equip the saints, and empower them to step out into what God has called them to do. The first step is to evangelize. There is a world full of people who are living their life with no hope. It is our responsibility to share the gospel with them.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a generous people. God has generously paid the full price for mankind's redemption by giving us His only Son. By receiving that gift God has changed everything for us. We are now living a life that demonstrates His generosity in our giving of time, love, and finances. Generosity displays the nature of God deposited in us through the "new birth". Let's continue in well ...
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a family. We respect and honor one another. Family perseveres through difficulties and family loves unconditionally.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a people who pray. You cannot have a relationship without communication. If we want to be successful, we are going to have to make prayer a focus in our own life, but we are also going to have to make prayer a priority as a church as well.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana we believe in the gifts of the Spirit and that they are for today. The Holy Spirit of God desires to dwell in us and express Himself through us in order to build the kingdom of God as we prepare for Jesus's return. The Holy Spirit equips us to bear "fruit" as His visible manifestation. God hasn't forgotten His promise to pour out His Spirit "on all flesh".
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana we are worshipers. Worship is an integral part of a believer's life. It is not just a block of time on Sunday.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead validates the absolute success of His mission, which guarantees our privilege to obtain mercy and forgiveness. It's the most important event in the history of the world because it provides genuine hope which will not disappoint. It truly is a Great Salvation!
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand that life is lived by faith. We may not see all the details, but we have an assurance of hope that is our faith.
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. Today we begin our "Who We Are" series with a look at being "Saved by Grace" and how it's foundational to knowing our status with God.
As the body of Christ transitions into Kingdom thought and lifestyle, there will be a manifestation. The Father desires for all the world to see Him in us as we have seen Him working through Christ.
So, what does having compassion for the lost look like and how do we put in that into action? One of the ways is sharing the gospel. Not only corporately, but as individuals. But, to share the gospel, we have to know what it is. That is what we will look at today.
How do you see the lost? How does God see them? If you don't see them as God does, it is time to change your perspective. It is time to recognize how valuable the harvest really is.
God has made a way for our salvation to be a restoration to Himself in the face of the worst failures. We will survey Peter's failure and restoration. How could someone who walked and talked with Jesus fail? Why didn't Jesus give up on Peter? This shows us that He won't give up on us.
Last week, Paul and the rest of the crew washed up on the shores of Malta. The local inhabitants showed them great kindness and made sure they were warm. While putting wood on the fire, Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake. However, when he did not die, they decided he was a god. Afterwards, God healed many people through Paul, and when they prepared to leave, the local people made sure they had what they needed. After 3 months in Malta, they set sail for Rome, and that is where we find ourselves...
Everyone survived the shipwreck and find out they're on Malta. The natives kindly light a fire and when Paul throws some sticks in a snake tries to kill him. When he doesn't die, they think he's a god. Paul prays for the "Governor" of the island's father and the rest of the people come for healing. After 3 months they sail away and meet other Christians along the way. Finally arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to continue under house arrest instead of prison.
Last week an angel came and told Paul that not only would he live, but all the people on board would live as well. There would only be loss of the ship, but they had to run aground on some island. Today, we see them wreck on that island. The ship runs aground and begins breaking apart of the coast of Malta. However, all 276 people survive and are able to swim successfully to the shore. It happened just as Paul had said it was, and his faith was rewarded with his own life and the life of the peop...
Once again, the conclusion is reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death and that had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then. Today we see the journey to Rome begin in probably October of 59. This was too late in the fall to be on the open seas, and wouldn’t you know that things get a little rough. Paul understood there was real danger ahead and encouraged the crew to find safe harbor for the winter. However, the leaders of the voyage decided to press on. But d...
Paul had begun to make his defense before King Agrippa last week as we left off on a cliff hanger once again. Today, we will see Paul continue to make his defense, describing his experience with Jesus on the Damascus Road. Finally, Paul demonstrates that he was just being obedient to Jesus in sharing Him as a light to both Jews and Gentiles alike. And just as before, the conclusion reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death Had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right...
