Living Hope Family Church Marana Sermons

Paul ended last week by saying that as sin increased, grace abounded all the more. However, so that this would not be misconstrued as a reason to continue sinning and helping God's "grace to abound", Paul makes it clear that we are dead to sin and should live lives obedient and glorifying to God.

Paul looks at the Adam and Jesus today to explain how Jesus could take our place on the cross. Because of Adam, all sinned and all have died. In Christ, for those of us who put our trust in Him, sin is paid for, and we are given life!

Last chapter, Paul showed that righteousness has always been the result of faith. This was true with Abraham before the law was given, and this was true with David after the law was given. And given the fact we are justified by faith, there are some things other that are a given as well. We have peace with God. We have gained access. We have the Holy Spirit. We have been reconciled. We are saved from God’s wrath.

The Promise, that Abraham would be the father of many nations is guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus (vs 25). Paul continues explaining why faith, based on the gift of grace, guarantees that the same faith Abraham has is for everyone. The availability of inclusion into Abraham's "family" is open to Jew and Gentile simply by believing God's promise. That credits us as righteous, keeping in mind that God is the originator.

This week, Paul is going to take a look at the Old Testament and demonstrate that both Abraham and David were no different than us. They were considered righteous because of their faith.

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 doing.

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.