The Appointed Son

Introduction

Well, good morning…Merry Christmas! It’s crazy to think about just how quickly Christmas came this year. Between the weather and the busyness, I didn’t even get my lights up. But listen, I’m excited for this week. I just love celebrating Christmas, I love talking about the Christmas story…which I get to do like three times this week. I hope you’ll join us on Christmas Eve and on Christmas day as we come together as God’s people.

If you have a Bible and I hope that you do, open it up with me to Romans chapter 1. We’re gonna look a passage this morning that’s rarely used at Christmas time. Most often, we go to places like Luke or Matthew, we looked at John last year. But listen, I think it’s important to understand what Christmas is…Christmas, its not a season…its not just a singular time of the year…its not a holiday. Christmas, it’s a message…a message about God’s intentions or God’s plan for human redemption.

You see, Christmas isn’t something we should only reflect on once a year…Christmas is the start of the gospel story to us…and listen, we’re called, we’re commanded, to communicate that same message to those around us. And in doing so, it’s important to understand, when we’re communicating this story, Christmas might be the start of the gospel message to us…but its not the start of the gospel message to God.

We know the story…in Genesis chapter 1, God created all there is, He placed man in the midst of His creation…and at the end of it, He said it was all good, right? In fact, He said it was very good. There was no sin…there was no pain…there was no illness…there was no death. Of course, over time, as we see in Genesis chapter 3, mankind, they made the decision to rebel against God…and what was once good, it became evil and separate from God. And in that very chapter, God says to the serpent, the one who tempted Eve, causing her to fall into sin…He says to the serpent in Genesis 3:15:

Genesis 3:15 (ESV)

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

From the third chapter of the Bible, we see the very first announcement of a Savior. We see God’s plan to bring about human redemption through His promised Messiah.

But listen, understand, Genesis 3:15, it’s also not the beginning of the gospel for God.

You see, we know who God is, we know His nature…He’s omnipresence…He’s all knowing…all powerful, right? Meaning even before He created mankind, He knew the conclusion…He knew man would fall into sin…and according to Paul in Ephesians chapter one (where it says God choose us or elected us at the foundations of the world), the point there…what Paul’s communicating to us, it’s that the beginning of the gospel, it began before creation.

Guys, communicating the gospel message to those around us, its communicating to them that Jesus was appointed long before there was even ever a problem. The birth of Jesus, it wasn’t plan B…it was always God’s plan A. You see, the Christmas story, the birth of Jesus…its about the gospel…it’s about human redemption…its not just God coming to us, it’s about God dying for us…it’s about His resurrection…it’s about His glory. That’s why the angels were in awe in Luke chapter 2 when they announced that Jesus had come. Even they couldn’t believe the lengths God went to redeem mankind…and it caused them to worship even before His work on the cross.

You see, Jesus was appointed, not just for birth…but for death…all for His glory! He was appointed long before man was ever created for man’s redemption. And guys, that’s the point of our passage this morning.

This passage, its the start of a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church. Paul at this point, he’s never actually visited the church in Rome…it was his desire to at some point. In fact, if you read the whole letter, you’d see that a couple of times throughout it. He wanted to set Rome up as a hub for his missionary journeys to Spain. That was his desire.

And listen, there’s a ton of things Paul does through this letter. It’s one of the most theologically rich books there is in the Bible. But let me ask you this, what do you do when you’re introducing yourself for the very first time? Typically, you want people to know who you are, right?…And you wanna ‘em to know what you’re about?

Guys, that’s what Paul does in these first seven verses. And in doing that, Paul, because his identity’s rooted in Christ, in introducing himself…he actually gives us the Christmas story…he tells us a great deal about the gospel before he even makes a case for the gospel.

And so, if you’re there with me this morning, let’s stand together and read…starting in the verse 1:

Romans 1:1–7 (ESV)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you, you can be seated.

[Prayer]

If you’re taking notes this morning, I have four points for us…number 1, we see “the message of Christmas” here in this text…number 2, we see “the centrality of Christmas”…number 3, “the purpose of Christmas”…and then finally, number 4, “the benefit of Christmas.”

And so, if you’d keep your Bible open there to Romans chapter 1, let’s look at this first point together.

I. The Message of Christmas (vv. 1-2)

In Paul’s opener here, we see the message of Christmas.

Look at verse 1 and 2 with me again. It says:

Romans 1:1–2 (ESV)

Paul (he introduces himself by name…the Jews here, they would’ve known him as Saul of Tarsus, that’s how he’s introduced in the Book of Act. That’s his Jewish name. Paul was his Greek name…that’s how the Greeks came to know Paul.) He says, Paul , a servant of Christ Jesus…(now, that’s a big difference from how Paul started out, right? As Saul, he was very zealous for the law. If you know the story, at first he didn’t believe in Jesus…He didn’t believe that Jesus was the rightful king over Israel. The Book of Acts shows us that he was there the day Stephen was stoned to death. Paul stood in contrast and in opposition to the church. In fact, he was so zealous about the traditions of his fathers that he was on his way to Damascus, he was hunting Christians, to round them up…But on his on his way to Damascus, you know the story, Saul was encountered by the risen Christ…the Christ whom he thought had been put to death…the Christ whom he thought the disciples had lied about when they said He’s been raised.

And so now, Saul found himself face to face with Christ. And Jesus’s light’s so bright that it actually blinds Saul. Saul hears a voice from heaven, and Jesus says, “Why are you persecuting me? I have set you apart and you will be my servant. You’re gonna be my messenger to the nations.” And so, Paul was converted that day…He was miraculously and sovereignly saved that day. And because of Jesus, everything about Paul’s life from that point on, it changed. That’s what the gospel does. He became a servant of Jesus.) Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus…(That word servant, its the word “doulos” (do-los)…it means slave, it means servant. But listen, the importance of that phrase there “servant of Christ Jesus,” he’s referring to something that the the Old Testament prophets had claim to…Abed Yahweh…servants of the Lord. And so, he’s announcing himself no differently than the prophets of the Old Testament. The only difference now…he gets to announce the fullness of the gospel plan…the fullness of God’s redemptive work, now to the nations.

Paul, a servant (a slave, a messenger) of Christ Jesus. To be a slave, that doesn’t speak much of privilege, right? It’s not the same as being called a son or a daughter of Christ. Paul’s speaking to his obligation. He’s obligated to the Lord…to Christ Jesus. He saying, “I’m His!”

But not only that…not only does he feel obligated…look at what else he says:

called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

The word “called,” its the word “klétos” (Klay-tos)…and it means to be summoned by God to an office or to salvation…Paul, when he uses this word here, and if you were to read the rest of this letter, he uses this word for a very specific purpose. He’s not talking about some kind of general call…What I’ll do at the end of the service, I’ll issue a general call, right? To all people…, “Believe in the Lord Jesus…give your life over to Him…receive everlasting life.” That’s a general call. But that’s not what Paul’s talking about here. Paul, he’s talking about the sovereign, effectual call to a person to come and follow Him. You see, the preacher, they may make a call for people to give their lives over to Jesus…but when God calls a person, He saves them. God doesn’t issue ineffective calls. That’s what Paul’s referring to here when he uses that word.

He’s saying, “God effectively…according to His sovereign plan and design…He called me to be His apostle, His messenger.” God called Paul to be an ambassador to the nations. His messenger to take the gospel to non-Jewish people.

called to be an apostle, set apart…(brought out of the masses, set apart as holy for a specific purpose…which was what? Look at what he says at the end of verse 1...for the gospel of God.

He says, “I’m Paul…I’m a servant of Jesus…I’m His special envoy…I’m His messenger and I’m carrying His message.” And so, what’s Paul doing here? He’s not just introducing Himself, he’s establishing his authority as an apostle. The purpose here, he’s saying, “This gospel message I’m about proclaim…its not from me…its not my message.” In fact, that’s what verse 2 establishes, right? This message it was promised beforehand (before there was Paul…before there was the church…before Jesus became flesh)…it was established beforehand through other people he CALLED in the Old Testament, as evidenced through the writings they wrote.

Listen, this is what Paul’s showing us from the get go of his letter…the message of Christmas…or the message of the gospel, it was declared by man…it was proclaimed by man…but guys, it was authored and it was given by God. It was all planned out in the mind of God from eternity past…it was accomplished by the Son of God by His righteous life and His atoning death…and it was accomplished by the Spirit of God in raising Christ from the death and calling people to believe in Jesus.

You see, the gospel message…now persevered in His inspired Word…it’s applied to His people, as the Spirit regenerates the hearts of His people. Man might be tasked with sharing this message, but this message, it doesn’t belong to man…it’s not man’s to manipulate…its not man’s to change. It’s God’s message…It’s His work that He set in motion before time began.

And so, why’s this so important for us to understand? If the Christmas story was God’s plan even before creation, can’t you see His heart for those He’s called? Can’t you see that you’re loved…that you’re desired? And listen, not just by anyone…but guys, by the Creator of all things…the Sustainer, as Hebrews says. You’re loved, you’re cared for…Before time began, He knew you…He knew me…and He devised a plan to redeem us before He ever created us.

You see, the gospel message to us…why the Christmas accounts are so important…why it’s important to understand the origins and the beginnings of the gospel…it’s because it’s not only about our salvation…it’s about God’s glory as He demonstrates His great love for those He’s redeemed. You see, Paul, in writing to the Galatians…he actually says the same thing about himself…but it gives us a little more clarity. Galatians 1:14…this is Paul writing…in the CSB translation:

Galatians 1:14–16 (CSB)

I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who from my mother’s womb (or before I was born) set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles.

Pay attention to what Paul says…, “Before I was born…God called me.” God’s always known that Paul would be set apart for His work. Paul just doesn’t find out about it until Acts chapter 9…It’s the same for us…At the foundations of the world, God chose us and He made a plan to save us…before we were ever born…He’s always known us and He’s always loved us…we just didn’t find out about it until later on…some of us, we’re still trying to understand this great love God has for us.

John chapter 1…it says that Jesus, not only was He God…not only was Jesus in the beginning…not only did He create all things that were, through His power…but in verse 14, it says that Jesus, being God, became flesh…He became man and He dwelt with us. And what’s remarkable…knowing how Jesus’s earthly life ends…that was always Jesus’s plan. He was born to die.

Listen, we might be born with the understanding that we will die…but its much different to be born with the purpose of dying. That was the purpose of the first Christmas. He was born as a man…He who’s existed eternally, was born to man, to be man…to live as man…to die for man…all so that some might come to know Him.

What amazing love.

Which moves us to the next point.

II. The Centrality of Christmas (vv. 2-4)

The centrality of Christmas…(I got a little ahead of myself there, but I just love talking about the gospel.)

Look at verses 2 through 4 with me again. What is the center of this Christmas story…the center of the Gospel? It’s Jesus…it’s always been Jesus! He is the subject.

And so Paul’s introduced himself…he’s introduced the gospel…he says he’s set apart for the gospel of God…

Romans 1:2–4 (ESV)

which [God] promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,…

When did God announce the gospel? Paul says here, its not with him…God began to announce this good news that He saves sinners…He began to announce this far before Paul ever existed…before Paul was ever born! He began to announce Christian truths in the Old Testament.

Now, I just wanna pause here for just a second. There’s some pastors out there…in fact, there’s a very prominent preacher out there that’s teaching that Christians (quote) need to unhitch the church from the Old Testament.

Guys, let me just say this as simply as I can…that’s heresy. The entire counsel of God’s Word, its breathed out by God (its inspired)…it’s profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. That’s Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16. And if you pay attention to Paul’s words here, back in Romans…you unhitch the Old Testament from the church…you don’t have a church. Because listen, the gospel, its not just contained to the New Testament…it started…it was first proclaimed, in the Old Testament, through the prophets. And what the Old Testament conceals, the New Testament reveals.

You see, it’s all one story…one story, that all points to Jesus Christ. The entirety of God’s Word, it’s Christian literature. And let me just say this…if you’re visiting or if you’re looking for a church, it’s the preacher’s responsibility to explain, to teach how the Old Testament declares Christ…it’s not to dismiss it. All Scripture points to Jesus…if you’re listening to a preacher and they don’t point that text to Jesus…it’s not preaching at all. Every single verse, every single chapter, it was inspired with the purposes of getting us to Jesus.

I mean, haven’t we seen that through the story of Abraham over the past several months?…How God was using Abraham, even then, to get us to Jesus?

Paul says, “Where you first get your understanding of Jesus…of the gospel…it’s in the Old Testament…its in the prophets.” He says, “It’s chief character…it’s main subject, it’s center, it concerns His Son!”

which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son…

Listen, to drive his point home, that the Scripture’s center is Jesus…Paul makes three statements about Jesus here in these three verses.

The first one, its right here when he writes, “Concerning his Son.” Commentators agree, almost unanimously, that Paul’s talking about Jesus in His eternally existent state, pre-incarnation. Meaning, when Paul says, “The gospel, written about in the Old Testament…it concerns the Son of God….” He’s always been the Son of God. He didn’t get the name Jesus until He was born in Bethlehem when He was born to Mary and Joseph. That was the command of the angel…”You will call His name Jesus.” But listen, He’s always been the Son of God…He’s eternally existent, even before His incarnation or His birth at the first Christmas. That was Him putting on flesh.

And so this first thing Paul shows us, Jesus…He’s eternal.

He says, “This gospel, it concerns the eternal Son of God…

who was descended from David according to the flesh

Here’s the second thing…Jesus was descended.

Listen, if you unhitch the Old Testament from the church…this would never make sense.

You see, Paul’s saying…Jesus, He’s the Son of God, according to divinity…but He’s also the Son of man, according to humanity…according to the flesh. Ever since the foundations of the world, God was working all things together to bring about His Son Jesus, His eternal Son, through the line of His chosen people…which qualifies Him to be king over Israel, physically and eternally. Meaning, Jesus has authority, again…physically through the flesh…and eternally through His divinity.

Now, there’s a whole lot more we could talk about here but let’s move on.

And so, Jesus descended from David…and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

This last thing Paul says about the subject of the gospel….its that Jesus’s divinity, it’s proven through His resurrection. Again, there’s a ton we could talk about with this statement…But listen, Paul’s making the case here that Jesus is the main point of the gospel…of God’s Word. Jesus is divine, He’s not just flesh…because only God can live after death, right?

You see, here’s what we need to know about the Christmas story…its not about us…its not really even about our salvation. It’s about the Son of God…all of it, it all concerns the Son of God.

We have this really nasty habit of reading the Bible and then immediately applying it all to us, right? Like, yea…we benefit from it, from this story…we’ll talk about that in just a moment. But none of it’s about us.

Like, we’ll the read story of Israel and Moses in the wilderness…when they’re grumbling with Moses about food. We think, “Oh yea, I’m like Moses…the world’s just always against me…and God’s showing me how Moses responded and how I’m supposed to respond to the world.”…NOO! You’re Israel…you’re the one’s grumbling….Moses is a picture of Jesus and Israel’s a picture of the church. You’re not the hero of the story…Jesus is.

The centrality of the gospel story…its about Jesus. It’s all about Jesus…it’s always been about Jesus. From the moment we read the words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” From that moment on, the Holy Spirit, through His inspiration of Scripture, He’s been trying to get us to Jesus…that’s His purpose, to exalt the Son of God.

Which moves us to the next point.

III. The Purpose of Christmas (vv. 5-6)

The purpose of Christmas…or the purpose of the gospel. Again, it’s not our salvation. What does Paul say here? Look at verses 5 and 6 with me again.

Romans 1:5–6 (ESV)

[Jesus Christ our Lord] through whom we have received grace and apostleship

And so, we’ve received this role…we’ve been appointed…we’ve received something we don’t deserve…for what reason? Look at what Paul says:

to bring about the obedience of faith

And so, either the kind of faith that allows obedience or the kind of obedience that proves faith…I think it’s both and so do most scholars.

What’s the purpose of Paul’s apostleship? The purpose of Paul’s apostleship is to tell people, “You must begin to be obedient to God.” That’s one of the purposes of the gospel. It’s not the purpose…but its a purpose.

People who think that the gospel gives them the ability to do whatever…I hate to burst that bubble, but to be impacted by the gospel means to be different because of the gospel…and it’s purpose, its to enable obedience…to what end, according to what Paul says?

for the sake of his name among all the nations (whose name? Jesus’s name!), including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

And so, real quickly…what’s the ultimate purpose of Christmas…of the gospel? It’s the glory of Jesus Christ. Paul says, “For the sake of Jesus’s name!” And notice, whose it say we belong to? We’re called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Why did Jesus come? Dear friend…you were the beneficiary of what Jesus did…but you weren’t the purpose. The purpose was His exaltation. Look at what Paul says in Philippians chapter 2:

Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

It’s all about the glory of Jesus!

Guys, we have to understand…God didn’t create us because He needed us…and likewise, He didn’t save us because He needed us. He did those things all for His glory.

You see, sin, it makes us think that everything’s about us, right? It’s about what makes us happy…what brings us pleasure…what’s best for us. But guys, the thing God cares most about…it’s His glory! It’s His exaltation.

And you can say, “Well, hey…I wanna be worshipped…I want things to be about me.” Well, when you can speak things into existence by the sound of your voice, and when you can bring salvation to those that’s brought death to themselves…then we can worship you too, right?

God deserves it…He’s worthy of all praise and honor.

And so, my challenge to you this season…how you making things about Jesus? One of the things my wife and I do with our kids…we choose to do our gift exchanges on Christmas eve instead of Christmas day. Why? Because Christmas isn’t about us…its about the greatest gift that’s been given? It’s about God gifting Himself to us.

Guys, Christmas isn’t about Santa Claus…it’s not about all the traditions and all the things we’ve made it up to be…Christmas is about Jesus and it’s purpose, it’s aim, it’s the glory of God. You know, there might just be a whole lot less stress around the Christmas season if we just focused on the actual reason for the season instead of everything else.

And so, what are you doing this Christmas season to make it about the glory of God and not about yourself or those around you? It’s another reason why I’ve chosen to have a communion service on Christmas day. Someone asked me why were having one and not just canceling church…ON CHRISTMAS DAY?! Because it’s not about us…it’s purpose is the glory of God.

Which moves us into this last point.

IV. The Benefits of Christmas (v. 7)

How is God glorified? Why does this Christmas story bring God glory? Because of what it demonstrates to the rest of creation…it’s about how His people benefits from the gospel message.

Paul’s saying, “I’m especially chosen…I’m a chosen messenger of God Himself…I was chosen by Jesus to tell you the message that God has for you. And listen, God’s message for you, it concerns His Son…who is deity…who is humanity…who has the right to rule over you, and God has indeed anointed Him as king over the world. And now, God’s message to you, concerning His Son, Jesus…it’s that you bow your knee in allegiance to Him…that you bow the knee in obedience to Him. That’s what it means to repent and believe in Jesus.”

Listen, when you read verses 1 through 6, people, they say, “Well, that’s just an introduction…That’s just how Paul typically starts his letters off,” Right? “It’s very quick, very beautiful.” They say those sorts of things and kind of dismiss it, like they wanna move on to the meat.

Listen to me guys, this is the meat. The message of the gospel, the center of the gospel, the purpose of the gospel. He’s saying, “All people everywhere, bow their knee to Jesus, the risen Savior.”

Now listen to verse 7…what’s the first message to those he was writing to in Rome?

Romans 1:7 (ESV)

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Listen, when I read that…I’ve been studying this all week…I’ve practiced my sermon a couple of times so far already…Guys, I still get goosebumps when I read that.

We’ve got the messenger of God, telling us to bow the knee to the King of glory…telling us to obey His rule and submit to His right to reign…And listen, the first thing that comes out of the messenger’s mouth to us…, “Grace, peace…from God OUR Father.”

You’re not just a servant of God…if you’re called to be a saint, you’re not just a servant, you are a child of God. You are joint heirs with Christ. I mean think about that. Jesus is no longer God’s only Son.

He says, “Grace to you!…God wants to give you all these things you don’t deserve!” That’s what God wants for you…that’s the benefits of the gospel…that was the benefits of the Christmas story. That’s why the Angels praised him in the highest…its why the shepherds dropped everything in their fields, its why they left their flocks and ran to Jesus (in haste it says)…Its why the wise men came searching for this child.

Grace to you…God wants to give good things to you, in abundance…forever! Grace and peace to you! Those of you who were enemies of God, dead in your sins, dead in your trespasses…alienated from the life of God…hostile to Him in mind…you’re now reconciled to Him…you’re at peace with Him. And listen, you get to go before, not an angry judge…you go before your Father!

Guys, I don’t know about you…but that’s good news, right? To be reconciled with the King of glory…that’s the good news, that’s the gospel…that’s what Christmas is all about.

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

You see, the benefits of Christmas, its given to those called to be His.

The benefits of Christmas, the benefits of the gospel…they’re given to those called to be His.

Now listen, I just you to let that sink in for just a second. Because if the benefits of the gospel is given to those called to be His…the opposite of this…its that the benefits of the gospel, its not for those that aren’t called to be His. No grace…no peace…justice (not from God your Father, but from God your judge. Not from Jesus your Savior, but from Jesus, resurrected King…who demanded your allegiance but you refused to give it.)

The benefits of the gospel, its for those called to be His saints.

And listen, I’m here…in real time with you, right now, to say this, “God has a call on your life. God is calling you today to be numbered among the people in His kingdom. And you become part of His kingdom, when you say, “Jesus, you’re Lord over me…and I believe that you are the Son of God, I believe you came to die the sin death that I deserve, I believe that God raised you up from the dead because you are holy and He’s exalted you to the right hand of God…I believe that you will come again and that you’re king over my life even now. That’s what I believe…I bow my knee before the King…the King born to us on that first Christmas. The eternal king that stepped into the world and took on flesh”

Listen, you do that…(which I’ll give you a moment in just a second), you do that…and verse 7, its for you…, “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Closing

Would you bow your head and close your eyes with me?

Listen, for those that’s turn to Christ…that’s included in this benefit of the gospel…for those of us that’s received grace and peace. My charge to you this morning, remember the reason you’ve been set apart…remember the reason you have this grace and peace. Part of allegiance, part of obedience, its giving God what He deserves.

This Christmas season…make it about Him! Maybe start some traditions that point to Jesus and not ourselves. Use the time He’s given you with family and friends all for His glory. See Christmas for what it is.

But listen, if you’re here…and you’re still fighting this call of God. Understand the message Paul’s giving us. Everyone of us, we’re all sinners…sinners that deserve death and separation…because of how we’ve responded to a good and righteous God. And listen, because Jesus has authority over all the world…because He’s just…if you’re found outside of the family of God, you’re sins won’t be overlooked. They will be dealt with…and you’ll get what’s deserved.

Jesus came to us on this first Christmas…as God, as man…to bring glory to God…and as a result to bring about grace and peace to those that were once enemies of God. Listen, I have no idea the things you’ve struggled with…I don’t know the things you’ve done…but let me say this with all certainty…there’s nothing that Jesus can’t redeem in your life…All you have to do is turn to Him.

And so this morning, I just wanna help you do that…I’m gonna say a prayer…and all I want you to do (every head’s bowed, no one’s looking around) all I want you to do is repeat after me. Now these words, they don't save you, they don't really mean anything...they're just words…it's more about what's going on in your heart…and all I wanna do is help you process that feeling you have and I wanna help you turn to Jesus. And so, if that's you, if you would you just repeat after me?

"Lord Jesus...I believe you are who you say you are....I believe you are the Son of God and that you are King over all creation…I believe you came into the world and I believe you lived a perfect, sinless life...I believe you went to a cross and that you wore the weight of my sin....I believe you experienced the punishment met for me...I confess to you now that I’m a sinner...I’m in need of grace and mercy and forgiveness...Jesus come into my life, fill me with your Spirit....Help me live in your ways…grow me to be more like you…and guide me all the days of my life…I pray this in Jesus's name...Amen!"

Listen, if you prayed that and met those things in your heart...The Bible says that you've been given a new life...and you now have hope in your salvation and hope in death. It tells us that the Spirit of God, He’s now taken up residence in you. And listen, as a believer, you’re a saint…you’re a member of God’s family…and Romans chapter 1, verse 7, it’s now true of you too.

But listen, if you said that prayer with me this morning and you meant it, I want you to tell someone before you leave…because this is where your walk begins.

And so listen, we’re gonna worship…if that was you, I challenge you, come talk to me…I’ll be in the back…let someone know. For everyone else, you take this time to respond and I’ll close us in just a moment.

[Prayer]