This past Sunday you heard: "The words, 'he was counted righteous' were written not only for Abraham but also for [you]. God had in mind already then to count [you] righteous on the basis of [your] believing in Him Who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead." (Romans 4:23-24) [pronouns altered].
During these summer Sundays the sermon themes are drawn from the book of Romans. The last three weeks the overarching theme has been: The Righteous by Faith in Jesus Christ Shall Live.
The next several weeks the big idea, drawn from Romans 5 - 8, is: Alive to God.
There is no freedom for anyone until God's wrath ends, and the end of wrath comes only through preaching Abraham's promise "guaranteed to all his descendants" (Romans 4:16). Once the promise is communicated, St. Paul can say: "Therefore, since we are justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:1).
Peace. Access. Incredible words; and this is the reality of what Christ Jesus accomplished for you and me at just the right time. So as you prepare to hear the word this Sunday you are encouraged to read: Exodus 19:2-8; Psalm 100; Romans 5:6-15; Matthew 9:35-10:8.
Until Sunday.
In God's love and mine, --Pastor Greg
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