Romans 1a: Wk 28

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Cornerstone exists to “Bring Hope to Find and Follow Jesus.”

Thus, you will see us use a hashtag that says #hopeishere.

We believe that together—we can live stronger lives and change the World we live in through Jesus.

Thank you again for joining us today.

TODAY WE CELEBRATE GOD AND HIS WORD: WITH A FOCUS ON ROMANS

Martin Luther said,

Romans was the most important part of the New Testament, and that the central point, justification, alone was the doctrine that the church rises and falls.

The study of Romans has been behind almost every major awakening in History...

16th century Reformation (Martin Luther and John Calvin)

the Great awakening with Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley

even into the era of modern missions

Paul’s argument in defending and presenting the Gospel is so meticulous, this book was studied by Harvard Law Students.

Main Idea:

We should be unashamed to spread the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation.

Head Change:

To know that righteousness—right standing with God—comes through faith in the gospel.

Heart Change:

To feel unashamed of the gospel and excited to share it.

Life Change:

To spread the gospel eagerly to those who have not yet received it.

Who is Paul Writing to?

Read Romans 1:1–7.

Paul opens the book of Romans with a lengthy greeting. Who is Paul addressing his letter to? Why is it important for us to recognize that Paul is writing to Christians?

This is where many Christians miss it— Romans isn’t just how to jump in the pool of salvation, it is also the Power for our Christian life to keep swimming in the saving power of Jesus.

“The good water is at the deep depths of the well” Martin Luther

What is the Gospel

Early in this passage, Paul introduces readers to the word “gospel.” In verses 2–3, he refers to the gospel as “the gospel of God . . . concerning his Son.”

Paul says,

“I am eager.”

Romans 1:15 NLT

15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.

Paul preached...

Jesus Christ, “King of kings and Lord of lords” but this was also Caesars claim to fame.

“I am a debtor (NKJV) or Obligated.”

Romans 1:14 NLT

14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike.

J.D. said “with the privilege of hearing the gospel comes the responsibility of spreading the gospel. To not do that is robbing Jesus of what [we] owe to him and depriving others of what [we] owe to them as well.” Why is hearing the gospel such a privilege? To what extent are we called to share that privilege with others?

Who are you indebted to? Who do you need to share the gospel with?

To receive the gospel is, indeed, a privilege. It is an act of God’s grace that he chooses to deliver such great news to us. And having received such good news we are “under obligation” to share it with those whom we encounter.

“I am Unashamed.”

Romans 1:16 NLT

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

LAST WORD

The book of Romans is a clear, in-depth look at the gospel.

It contradicts our worldly assumptions,

telling us not of how we can achieve righteousness, but of how we receive righteousness from God through faith.

The gospel is not a message that we receive and then move on from;

it’s a message we receive and are transformed by throughout our lifetime.

The transformational power of the gospel creates an eagerness in us to spread this good news to all who have not received it.

Let’s commit ourselves to go and tell the world the good news of the gospel.

amen!

Generosity and updates

Offering:

Why do we give?

prayer

cafe hope (a place to meet a friend, not just wet your whistle)

Worship Wednesday (MidWeek encouragement looking at the songs we sing)

New series, “Unplugged: More Than a Song”.

Remember: one of our 5 Distictives is Reaching the Unchurched.

We are a safe place where people can bring their past and discuss ways to get connected to a community of hope. A place to find a connection that goes beyond today.

We are not a club. We are a growing force to bring the Gospel of Jesus to those around us.

We don’t live to ourselves. We live to give glory to God by loving him and loving others and we do that by serving others.