Introduction. Creation is waiting for the children of God to be glorified. Rom 8:18-30
|
|
- Darrell Alexander
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 Introduction Creation is waiting for the children of God to be glorified Words: 2800/500 Rom 8:18-30 St Stephens Belrose May 15, The idea I hope to get across today is this: Creation is waiting for the children of God to be glorified. This was supposed to be a message about vocation. About how everyday work relates to the call to ministry. How sacred and secular work relate to each other. And I hope to get close to that subject. But I have been working very hard through Romans 8 in the past two months and so my thinking has been very much dominated by this chapter. And it seemed to me that Paul s breath-taking treatment in Rom 8 of the future of both creation and the people of God creates all kinds of wonderful new perspectives on the way we relate to the world in which God has placed us. So hopefully I will find my way back to the question of work and vocation when I come to apply what we discover in Romans 8. Let me say a word though about work and this might help to make the connection with Rom 8 clearer. I see work in terms of Gen 1 and 2. In six days God makes the entire wonderful universe. And at the climax of his creative work he makes human beings. Why the climax? Because only humankind is made in the image of God. Now what does it means to be created in God s image? Well it seems to me that God pretty much explains that immediately. He says Let us make man in our
2 2 image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground (Gen 1:26). In Gen 2:15 we read that God took the first man Adam and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (2:15). God appoints human beings to act as his representative rulers reflecting His image into the world in the wise and gracious way they take charge of His excellent creation. Work then is what we do as God s representatives with the creation he has entrusted to us. Some of us are entrusted with a large part of the creation. Others much smaller parts. And over the course of our lives the size of the space entrusted into our care varies: only a very little as a baby, much more as a mature adult, and a declining share as we age. This means that we are all workers from the cradle to the grave. We are all shaping and changing and modifying that part of the Creation which God has entrusted to us. But the Bible story also tells us that something has gone seriously wrong between us and the created order. Our failure to worship our Creator, to trust Him and to obey His good and gracious rule has poisoned our relationship with God, with each other and with the Creation itself. Sin has given rise to death and these two enemies of humanity have enslaved us and have corrupted the whole of creation. The ground itself is under a curse and our daily work has become trying and painful (Gen 3:17-19). You might think then that Creation would resent humanity and sullenly seek to destroy us. It might sound ridiculous but that is a theme in much contemporary story-telling. The Nature Bites Back theme provides the substance of movies such as Jaws, King Kong, Godzilla. Or you might think that Creation would do better without us. Some environmentalists take this view in which humanity is always the enemy and Nature would get along quite happily without us. But that is not how Paul understands things. In fact his view is quite the opposite. In Rom 8 Paul teaches that Creation is waiting for the children of God to be glorified. The summary verse in this section of Rom 8 is v19. Read. My message today is built around the two halves of that verse. So let me show you how Paul develops this theme in Rom 8 and let s begin with the waiting creation.
3 3 1. Creation waits in eager expectation (19a) Explanation Creation is waiting. But why? Paul explains in v20: The Creation was subjected to frustration The creation longs to achieve something which it cannot achieve. It longs to be liberated from its bondage to decay (21). Death has been set abroad within creation and with it disintegration and corruption. Creation is not how it should be and it longs to be free. Paul describes this longing as a kind of groaning (22). The whole of the created order groans under the weight of this tension between what it was made to be and what it has become. And we too share in that groan (23): we ourselves groan inwardly As part of the created order we also experience this frustration. We too can conceive of a better world: a fairer, safer, purer, healthier, wiser world. And at a deep level we long for that better world. But this groaning frustration is not black pessimism. The opposite in fact. It is a hopeful anticipation. The groan is like the groan of a woman in labour. It arises from pain but it is a pain which leads to life and new possibilities. There is hope in the midst of the frustration. Which is why in v 19 The creation waits in eager expectation The whole of creation is on the edge of its seat full of anticipation for what is about to happen. This waiting is hopeful and positive, eager and expectant. Illustration We often have to wait for things don t we? We wait at the traffic lights. We wait for the bus and the train. We wait for someone else to be ready. Or they wait for us. But this is a particular kind of waiting. It is waiting with a sense that the event is just about to happen. We say I can hardly wait.. for such and such to happen. It s like children on Christmas Day searching under the Christmas tree well before the sun comes up. It s like grand final day when your team is playing for the premiership and you can hardly wait until kick-off. It s like those last few hours before your final exam. You are torn between needing the time to prepare and just wanting the whole ordeal to be over. It s like those long hours of labour where every contraction brings you one step closer to the event you have been waiting for all those months: the birth of a child.
4 4 In the same way creation is at the cusp of the new age. Eager and expectant. It can hardly wait. Application What does this mean for us? The first thing to say is that we are all workers. We are all descendants of Adam and Eve. We all have this drive to shape and craft our worlds as we see fit. And we all experience this groaning frustration of the created order. So if we are asking ourselves how sacred and secular work relate to each other then this is an important starting point. We are all placed by God in the world and are put to work. Even clergy and missionaries are engaged in this same struggle. Even if we have a special call of God on our lives none of us escapes the tense drama of struggling to carve out a living in the world God has made. Which means then that the expression secular work is not so helpful. There is no work which lies outside God s ordering of our world. All work is undertaken in full view of God and only within the parameters allowed by Him. It may be done with God in mind, with gratitude and obedience. Or it may not. But either way it is not ever secular. The second thing to say is that creation has a future. Paul tells us that it is waiting expectantly for something wonderful to happen. The tension of the current order of things will soon give way to an entirely new order. This present age will give way to the age to come. And the created order will have a place in that new age. Jesus called this transition the renewal of all things (Matt 19:28). And this transition, this renewal has already begun. When did it begun? It began when Jesus was raised from the dead. Just as Jesus was raised a real flesh and blood human being so the entire created order will be raised, renewed, transformed. This world will not disappear. It will not dissolve like snow. Yes the change to come will be so extraordinary that we need to use extreme language to express it. But in the Biblical worldview time and space and matter will not cease to exist. We will not fly away like ghosts from a disintegrating world. The created order will be transformed so thoroughly that we can speak of the coming of a new heavens and a new earth. But that is yet to come. For the moment we live in this groaning, straining world. Here is the third thing we can draw from this text. We have the firstfruits of the Spirit living already within us. This Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within our very bodies as a sign and a guarantee of what is yet to come. And this Spirit moves within us to inspire a prayer. A very strange wordless prayer. More a groan than a prayer. Read 23a; 26-7.
5 5 By the power of the Spirit we kneel on the groaning planet beside the struggling, suffering, groaning human race and we groan with the agony of the Spirit. We groan as we kneel between the painful reality of life in this age and the glorious life of the age to come. You see the work of the Spirit drives us into a prayerful engagement with the sufferings of the world. This is the context in which to understand the intercessory ministry of the Spirit who helps us in our prayer. Many people see this wordless prayer as the gift of tongues. And I am sure it includes that wonderful kind of prayer. But see where this gift takes us. Not away into some kind of ecstatic state. Not lifting off and detaching from the reality of everyday life. It is the opposite. This wordless prayer takes us to the very heart of the suffering world. We could think of it as compassionate prayer. Praying with the pain of others at heart. And our own pains as well. But it is hopeful as well. This is not just sadness and gloom in a dying world. It is prayer inspired by the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. It is prayer straining towards God s extraordinary future. It is therefore prayer which is in tune with the eager expectation of the created world. On the edge of our seats eagerly awaiting what God has in store for the universe. So that s a little on the future of the world. What about us? What is in store for us? 2. For the children of God to be revealed (19b) Explanation Let s go back to our key verse again (19). Read. This verse anticipates a moment when the true identity of the sons and daughters of God will be revealed. Unveiled. In a moment I want to run through a handful of expressions in our reading which help us grasp what this will be like. But first let s clarify who these children of God are. Paul speaks of us in the previous verse. And later of we and we ourselves. Who is he referring to? He is speaking about those who are in Christ Jesus. These are the people who have been released from condemnation (8:1) and who have been set free from the law of sin and death (2). These are the people in whom the Spirit dwells; the Spirit who inspires the Abba, Father (15) prayer and who assures us that we are children of God (16). And who are those who are in Christ? They are the people who by public confession of faith (10:9) and baptism (6:4) have fused themselves with Christ. That s us. Ordinary Christians. So the whole of creation is waiting for something to happen to us. For something to be revealed about us. What is it? Paul puts this wonderful truth in a variety of ways. Let s run through them quickly.
6 6 He speaks of freedom. See v 21. Read. What freedom is this? It is freedom from sin and death (8:2). Freedom from corruption and decay. It is the freedom of the resurrection. We have it already because the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is in us. And yet we and the whole of creation await the moment when we enter this state of freedom completely. Our freedom will then be revealed. In v23 he uses two expressions. Read. He speaks of adoption as sons/children (23). We already have this status as the children of God. But the creation is waiting for this truth about us to be unveiled. Jesus was the Son of God. This truth about him was revealed in the resurrection (1:4). And we who are in him have also been included in his Sonship. That s why Paul refers to Jesus as the firstborn among many brothers (29). We are already the brothers and sister of Christ. Creation waits for this truth about us to be revealed. Redemption of our bodies (23). The setting free of our bodies. Like the rest of creation we struggle on with bodies which are still destined to deteriorate and die. But there will come a day when he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies (11). Creation waits for our bodies to be set free from sin and death. In that moment it too will be set free from decay. Being conformed to the likeness of (the) Son (29). Jesus, the resurrected man, has restored the image of God to humanity. And those who are in Him will be made like him. And this has been the purpose of God all along: to recreate humanity to live as his children bearing the family likeness and getting on with the family business. Creation awaits the fulfillment of this purpose in us. And lastly glory. This idea runs all the way through the chapter. It s there at the end in v30: those he justified, he also glorified. The freedom we considered earlier is a glorious freedom (21). And in v 20 Paul speaks of the glory that will be revealed in us. And to jump back a verse (19) the whole section springs out of Paul s extraordinary idea of sharing in Christ s inheritance, sufferings and glory. Creation waits for us to share in Christ s glory. This is what it means then for the children of God to be revealed (19). And this is what the entire created order is waiting for. Illustration A clergyman went to visit an old man in his home. The man was a keen gardener and took his Pastor for a walk through his wonderful garden. The Pastor enjoyed the walk very much and was very impressed. What a beautiful garden our good Lord has blessed you with he said as they ended their stroll. With respect said the old man You
7 7 should have seen it when the good Lord had it to himself! That might sound irreverent. But it points to the idea we find here in Rom 8. God intends for human beings to tend his garden, to take care of his world. And the world itself needs our care. Application What then might this mean for us? It means that we have had too narrow a conception of the gospel. We have thought of the gospel as the answer to the following question: how can a sinner get to heaven? But the gospel in the Bible answers a much bigger question: how will God rescue creation from sin and death? That is not to say that our individual relationship with God doesn t matter. It does very much. How we are each reconciled to our Creator matters greatly. But the Bible puts this individual reconciliation with God into a much larger picture. And that picture includes the earth. How to get a sinner to heaven implies that what God is doing is rescuing us from the world. And it goes well with the idea of the future which many of us have that we will one day fly away like ghosts while the earth disintegrates behind us. But this passage could not be clearer. God is not rescuing us from the world. He is rescuing us for the world. The whole created order has an intense interest in what God is doing in us. Why? Because its future is intimately connected to ours. God is making a new kind of human being in the image of his Son. Just as Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth so God will send us out into the world as the brothers and sisters of Jesus to rule the world. Not in willful disobedience as Adam and Eve did. But in wisdom and godliness, in gratitude and worship. To work in the world and to take care of it. That s the future the gospel opens up for us. But what about the present? Friends we should be much more concerned about the health of the earth than we currently are. Sadly our narrowly conceived gospel has meant that we have not taken our environmental responsibilities seriously. We Christians ought to be the world s leading environmentalists. We should be the ones who hear the sighs and groans of the earth as it longs to be set free. We should be the ones speaking long and loud about God s good earth and our duties both to work in it and to take care of it. We should be instinctive environmentalists. The fact that we are not should also give us pause. What has been so valuable to us that we have failed to pay attention to the earth God has entrusted to us?
8 8 Conclusion The creation then waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. I m not sure if I have fully addressed the question of sacred and secular work. I have suggested that secular work is not a very helpful expression since all work is done in the presence of God and can be done to his glory. All work can and should be sacred. And I have told a story which made a clergyman look silly and a gardener sound wise. I have spoken of the work we will do in the new earth. Is there no place then for Pastors and Evangelists, Missionaries and Bishops, prophets and visionaries? I believe there is. In fact that their labours are absolutely essential in this present age. And that is because we are still living in this mixed state. What creation longs for has not yet occurred. And yet the Spirit is at work building his Church, preparing the world for this coming age and even now giving glimpses and tastes and inklings of it. In fact what the Spirit is doing in the world he is doing in and through the Church. The Church then needs leaders and the Spirit gives leaders in every generation. And their role is absolutely vital to prepare the children of God for their work in the world. In this age and the next.
9 9
ROMANS 8, English Standard Version. 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
ROMANS 8, English Standard Version 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and
More informationTHE SPIRIT CREATES RELATIONSHIPS
THE SPIRIT CREATES RELATIONSHIPS Speaker: Winston Smith Lord, where are you going? Jesus replied, Where I am going you cannot follow now, but you will follow later. Peter asked, Lord, why can t I follow
More informationRomans 8 - New International Version (NIV)
Romans 8 - New International Version (NIV) Life Through the Spirit 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who
More informationRomans 8 Verse by Verse Preservation/Glorification John Hepp, Jr.
Romans 8 Verse by Verse Preservation/Glorification John Hepp, Jr. www.kingdominbible.com As I show in my Survey of Romans, that Epistle consists mostly of Paul s treatise on how and why the gospel works.
More informationThe Fire of the Spirit
The Fire of the Spirit Exploring St Paul (ii) Spirituality Welcome Contexts Experience (1 Thess and Gal 3 and 4) Experience (Gal 5) Belonging (1 Cor 12) Spirituality (Rom 8) Spirituality (Rom 8) Presentation
More informationROMANS 8 SCRIPTURE MEMORY WORKBOOK.
ROMANS 8 SCRIPTURE MEMORY WORKBOOK www.tnbaptist.org/godisciple Romans 8 Life in the Spirit 8:1 There is therefore now no for those who are in Christ. 8:2 For the law of the of life has set you in Christ
More informationHoly Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN
Holy Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN Lesson 5 When Jesus poured out the Spirit on all flesh on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit started His ministry in the life of the Christians.
More informationCLASS 8: VICTORY THROUGH THE SPIRIT (Romans 8)
CLASS 8: VICTORY THROUGH THE SPIRIT (Romans 8) 5. From justification to glory, ch. 8 Paul does not conclude on a negative note. While sin does continue to exert its power, we have a greater power within
More informationGroaning for Glory Romans 8:18-27
Groaning for Glory Romans 8:18-27 As I am getting older I find myself groaning much more than I used to. I grown when I stand up after sitting for awhile. I groan when I sit after I ve been standing for
More information1014(1) Romans
1014(1) Romans 5.5-11 Justified by his blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath of God. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint us,
More informationTHE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD GOD S UNLIMITED POWER
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD GOD S UNLIMITED POWER The Sovereignty of God. 1 Nelson s Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes God s sovereignty as a theological term, which refers to the unlimited power of God,
More informationWhy God Created The Universe
Why God Created The Universe God Created Everything! Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Revelation 4: 11 Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and
More informationSecond Reading from the New Testament Romans 5:5-11. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Romans 5:5-11 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
More informationSUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST
AWED BY GREATNESS / Sunday School- February 3, 2013 Unifying Topic: THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST Lesson Text I. The Image Of The Invisible God (Colossians 1:15-17) II. The Fullness Of God (Colossians
More information4. Adoption: You are a Son of God
4. Adoption: You are a Son of God If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God s child, and having God as his Father. If this
More informationA reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 5:5-11
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 5:5-11 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For
More informationbad news of the Gospel
The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction Chapter 2: God s Broken Image I. What is sin? II. III. The Effects of Sin A. The image of God defaced B. Man under the dominion of sin and death C. Man guilty
More informationA reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
E-1 Romans 5:5-11 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given
More informationRomans Session 114 The Holy Spirit Guarantees Our Glory The inexpressible Groans For Glory 3
Romans Session 114 The Holy Spirit Guarantees Our Glory The inexpressible Groans For Glory 3 Romans 8:23-2 (NASB) 23 And not only this, but also, we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even
More informationROMANS 8, New King James Version
ROMANS 8, New King James Version 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit
More informationHope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the
C Selections: Second Readings from the New Testament C-1. Book: Romans, Chapter: 5, Verse: 5-11 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
More informationRomans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
Romans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
More information17 How do I become Immortal?
17 How do I become Immortal? Adam was created with a nature that would have been made immortal if he had been obedient, but everything went wrong. The result was that he and his wife became subject to
More informationA reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Romans 5:5-11 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
More information*this is an additional option. It can be noted as First Peter in your choices. Peter 4:8-11
*this is an additional option. It can be noted as First Peter in your choices Peter 4:8-11 A reading from the Book of First Peter Most importantly, love each other deeply, because love will cause many
More informationNew Testament Reading Selections
New Testament Reading Selections God has appointed Jesus to judge everyone, alive and dead. Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter proceeded to address the people in these
More informationvision Jesus who God is and what He does Who we are and what we do identity
IDENTITY vision Jesus identity who God is and what He does Who we are and what we do GOSPEL who God is and what He does CREATION FALL NEW CREATION REDEMPTION GOSPEL IDENTITY CREATION OUR IDENTITY So God
More informationSecond Reading Please choose one and select a reader
Second Reading Please choose one and select a reader Romans 5:5-11 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
More informationGOD WANTS A RELATIONSHIP Not a Performance
Bible Teaching Resources by Don Anderson Ministries PO Box 6611 Tyler, TX 75711-6611 903.939.1201 Phone 903.939.1204 Fax 1.877.326.7729 Toll Free www.bibleteachingresources.org www.oneplace.com/ministries/persevering_and_pressing_on
More informationA STUDY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Holy Spirit in the Gospels:
The Holy Spirit in the Gospels: 1. Jesus became flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit a. Matthew 1:18 b. Matthew 1:20 c. Luke 1:35 2. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit a. Luke 1:41 3. Zechariah
More informationRomans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
Romans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
More information2 Corinthians 5:14-21 The Global Mission of Christ
2 Corinthians 5:14-21 The Global Mission of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died
More informationGleanings of Grace. Romans 8
Gleanings of Grace Romans 8 Lesson 6 The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul to Christians residing in Rome while he was ministering in Corinth. The emphasis of the book is the gospel of Jesus
More informationLeaders notes...1 Things to think about...1
Leaders notes...1...1 Sharing in the Life of Christ...2 Sunday 19 June. No condemnation!...2 Monday 20 June. Life in the Spirit...4 Tues 21 June. Our obligation...6 The Certainty of God s Love...8 Wed
More informationStart the New Year right by reading the Bible every day
Ps 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. KJV This short verse from the Psalms can be set forth as a prayer each time before we open the Bible to read. It asks God
More informationReader: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Acts 10:34-43 (Long Form) Reader: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter proceeded to speak, saying: In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and
More informationTHE 10 COMMANDMENTS THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS Series: The 10 Commandments Setting... God delivers his people from Egyptian slavery Great miracles and God s power displayed People gather at the foot of Mount Sinai Amidst fire and
More informationReadings from the New Testament
Readings from the New Testament A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 5:5-11 Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our
More informationSecond Readings From The New Testament
Second Readings From The New Testament From the Lectionary for Mass, no. 1014; and supplemental NT readings* Romans 5:1-5* Faith, Hope, and Love.... 58 Romans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood,
More informationThree Groanings Creation Groans We Groan The Holy Spirit Groans Everybody do a sample groan for me ready? 1,2,3, groan!
Romans: Grace and Faith Romans 8:22-27 Three Groanings Review last few weeks I am a child of God, an heir with Christ, a citizen of heaven, an ambassador to earth, with authority and power delegated to
More informationA reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Romans 5:1-11 E1 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath. A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of
More informationHe commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
New Testament Readings NT 1 A Reading from The Acts of the Apostles Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears Him and
More informationSt. Cecilia Church New Testament Readings for Funerals (Second Reading Choose One)
St. Cecilia Church New Testament Readings for Funerals (Second Reading Choose One) New Testament Reading 1 [1014-1] Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
More informationNew Testament Readings (Second Reading)
New Testament Readings (Second Reading) 1. Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43 or 10:34-36. 42-43 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (long form) Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In truth, I see that
More informationGrace Expectations! God s Grace & My Pain 1/13/19 Pastor Randy
Last week we started talking about the expectations we should have as a church, as the children of God, living in between the first and second coming of Christ. What should we expect as people who have
More informationJuly 3, 2016 Colossians 1:13-23 Pastor Larry Adams Remember Our Redeemer
July 3, 2016 Colossians 1:13-23 Pastor Larry Adams Remember Our Redeemer Hi Everyone. My name is Larry Adams and I want to take a moment to thank you for reading this message. At Golden Hills we are committed
More informationTHE STORY OF THE BIBLE: LESSON SEVEN Act Six: New Creation
THE STORY OF THE BIBLE: LESSON SEVEN Act Six: New Creation I. INTRODUCTION The Storyline The biblical story begins by introducing the setting, main characters, and initial plot. In the first act of the
More informationSpirituality flourishes St Paul on the Holy Spirit. Rome at the time? Justification by faith. Roman Christians? Participation in Christ
Lang,age'for'God Romans'8 Spirituality flourishes St Paul on the Holy Spirit Prayer v. prayers The prayer thing 1 2 Spirit'in'Paul Rome'and'its'Christians Rome at the time? Justification by faith Roman
More informationVANTAGE POINT: ROMANS
INTRODUCTION Last time we looked at the battle between the law of the mind (conscience) and the law of sin (the law of Moses) This battle is raging in this body of death, referring to our human body which
More informationE-1 Romans 5:5-11 A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans
E-1 Romans 5:5-11 A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
More informationGOD S STORY The four major categories
GOD S STORY The four major categories Why Study the Narrative of Scripture, God s Story? 1. It helps us make sense of the world God s stage of redemption, though fallen, there is an unfolding drama Answers
More informationGOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE: CHRIST & HIS BRIDE
I. INTRODUCTION GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE: CHRIST & HIS BRIDE (No. 1104 11/1/15 - NLC) A. God is eternal 1. Deut. 33:27: The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. 2. Isa. 57:15:
More informationAfter the sung Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading 1 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and
More informationGod and Vocation. How Faith Affects All We Do in Life 8. THE REDEMPTION OF WORK
God and Vocation How Faith Affects All We Do in Life 8. THE REDEMPTION OF WORK Creation Story God creates all things, with humans as his royal priests. Significance God is the creator, separate from but
More informationWho hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in ou
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation
More informationThe Christ Powered Life (Romans 5 8) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
The Christ Powered Life (Romans 5 8) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Appendix 4. Participant Handouts for Groups and Classes If you're working with a class or small group, feel free to duplicate the following handouts
More informationSECOND READING NEW TESTAMENT
SECOND READING NEW TESTAMENT 1. Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles God has appointed Jesus to judge everyone, alive and dead. Then Peter proceeded to address the
More informationSECOND READING Please choose one
SECOND READING Please choose one B-1 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 5:5-11 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy
More informationA Biblical View of Humanity
A Biblical View of Humanity I. What is Man? June 26, July 3 A. The Biblical Witness: Psalm 8 Genesis 1-3 Matthew 19:ff Ephesians 5 B. Humanity Unplugged: Reimagining the Image 1. Biblical Warning: Romans
More informationKey Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest
Hebrews - A Letter Addressed to Modern-Day Christians Part 2 Key Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest Before we start into a verse by verse
More informationWhat is Salvation? #1 Ascent Spring Session, Lesson 3
Introduction/Review What is Salvation? #1 Ascent Spring Session, Lesson 3 Anthropology (Study of Mankind), leads to Hamartiology (Study of Sin), which leads to Soteriology (Study of Salvation) Definition:
More informationNew Series - discover what scripture teaches - engage in a new way Scripture calls us: - ambassadors 2 Cor. 5: light to the world Matt.
New Series - discover what scripture teaches - engage in a new way Scripture calls us: - ambassadors 2 Cor. 5:18-21 - light to the world Matt. 5:14, Phil 2:15 - clear evidence of God s love John 15 - witnesses
More informationLOOKING BACK AT THE CREATION OF MAN
The Whole Counsel of God Study 11 LOOKING BACK AT THE CREATION OF MAN If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, The first MAN, Adam, became a living soul. The last
More informationCHAPTER 3: HUMAN HABITAT
CHAPTER 3: HUMAN HABITAT Because humans are intimately connected to our earthly habitat, Creation suffers in response to human sin. Based on the love of Christ, a Christian environmental ethic approaches
More informationWhile the video is pre-recorded, the word of God is fresh and so are the bagels and coffee you re about to enjoy :)
Series: CREED Title: Article Three; The Human Condition While the video is pre-recorded, the word of God is fresh and so are the bagels and coffee you re about to enjoy :) As we continue in our Series
More informationThe Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, and the Road to Emmaus
The Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, and the Road to Emmaus While linguists are debating over decades for a persuasive theory, Bible has much to say even at the very beginning of the book of Genesis
More informationAdam and Eve - Genesis 2:4-3:24 The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Preteen www.calvarywilliamsport.com
More informationPeter proceeded to address the people in these words:
#1 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Long Form) 10:34-43 Peter proceeded to address the people in these words: "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears
More informationGrowth Group Material
Growth Group Material 1 2 A STUDY OF ROMANS 8 A Study of Romans 8 Romans 8 is a treasure trove of life-changing truth. It begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation. Nowhere else in the Bible
More informationQuestions. Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 7 Recipe for Faith Romans 5
Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 7 Recipe for Faith Romans 5 Questions Read Romans 5:1-11. PLEASE DON'T READ THESE NOTES UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR LESSON. HEARING GOD FOR YOURSELF
More informationHUMAN AS GOD INTENDED. Bob Mumford. Human As God Intended (c) 2013 Lifechangers 1
HUMAN AS GOD INTENDED Bob Mumford Human As God Intended (c) 2013 Lifechangers 1 Five Things: We Are Unprepared 1. The Increase of His Kingdom; No End. 2. Discoveries of Science; God Speaks. 3. Technology
More informationSecond Reading. Funerals
Funerals Acts 10:34-43... Page 1 Revelation 14:13... Page2 Revelation 20:11-21:1... Page 3 Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7... Page 4 Romans 1:8-17... Page 5 Romans 5:5-11... Page 6 Romans 5:17-21... Page 7 Romans
More informationBible overview: basics and introduction Part 1 of 3
Bible overview: basics and introduction Part 1 of 3 The goal of the series is to be able to gain the basics of handling the bible for yourself. What do you want to know about the Bible? 2 JUNE 18 BIBLE
More informationForgotten God. a study of the holy spirit
` Forgotten God a study of the holy spirit What things should be a part of our lives when we have the Holy Spirit? How do we gain more of those qualities? What father among you, if his son asks for a fish,
More informationProblem/Solution. A Theology of Sin and Salvation
Problem/Solution A Theology of Sin and Salvation Are We Sick of Sin? No One is Righteous before God Romans 3:9-20 But God! Romans 3:21-24 Ephesians 2:1-5 Salvation! God Rescues and Restores The righteousness
More informationIntroduction...9. Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture Chapter 2: The Life of Christ...31 Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ...
contents Introduction...9 PART 1: THE HISTORY OF THE GOSPEL Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture..................... 17 Chapter 2: The Life of Christ....31 Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ...37
More information7. Reconciliation Why We Need Reconciliation. Pauline Theology
7. Reconciliation 7.1. Why We Need Reconciliation We need reconciliation because we are in a state of alienation from God. There is a broken relationship between God and the world. God made man to have
More informationColossians Series. Home Group Curriculum. Week 7: April 18th (Sermon Subject: Affliction and the Coming Glory)
Colossians Series Home Group Curriculum Week 7: April 18th (Sermon Subject: Affliction and the Coming Glory) The Hope: our hope is that the Spirit would settle in our hearts the sufficiency and peace found
More information2. THE BODY YOU WILL HAVE IN THE RESURRECTION
2. THE BODY YOU WILL HAVE IN THE RESURRECTION We are looking at the topic of Life after Death from the Bible s perspective. So far in this series we have seen that people s spirits live on after death,
More informationWhat is Union with Christ
What is Union with Christ a sermon in the series Saved by His Life: Union with Christ A sermon delivered Sunday Morning, November 24, 2013 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Paducah, Ky. by S. Michael Durham
More informationnostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work and take
New City Catechism Question 14 Did God create us unable to keep his law? No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt,
More informationTHE BELIEVER S EXPECTATION! II Cor. 5:8 absent from the body, and present with the Lord.
THE BELIEVER S EXPECTATION! II Cor. 5:8 absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In my own quiet time, I ve been studying the first three verses of Rev. 14, v.1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb standing
More informationWAS ADAM CREATED AT THE END OF THE WORLD? By Paulin Bédard
WAS ADAM CREATED AT THE END OF THE WORLD? By Paulin Bédard Was Adam created at the beginning of the world or at the end? This question may seem awkward, since the church has always considered Adam as the
More informationOUR GOSPEL. Sovereign Grace Church (Rev. 08/2018)
1 OUR GOSPEL Gospel means good news. The good news of Christianity comes from God. It details His actions. It contains what we need to experience life with God. It nurtures and shapes the lives of Christians.
More informationAdam and Eve - Genesis 2:4-3:24 The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Early Elementary www.calvarywilliamsport.com
More informationBRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH
BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 2013 BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2013 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE CONTENTS OCTOBER 6 TRIUMPH OVER TRIBULATIONS... 3 By the help of God s Spirit, we can
More informationTHE ISAIAH PROJECT. By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor
THE ISAIAH PROJECT By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor Disregarding man's philosophy and their theories, the Bible says God created the earth and all on it. Everything was to be a perfect place for man to dwell,
More informationRomans (20): Our Father Abraham (part 4) II. Abraham is the father of all who have true faith, whether Jewish or Gentile (4:9-12)
Pastor Lars Larson, PhD FBC Sermon #683 First Baptist Church, Leominster, MA October 28, 2012 Words for children: faith, law, Abraham Text: Romans 4:9-12 Introduction: Romans (20): Our Father Abraham (part
More informationTORAH, GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS LEVITICUS 23 GOD S HOLY DAYS PENTECOST PART 3 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
TORAH, GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS LEVITICUS 23 GOD S HOLY DAYS PENTECOST PART 3 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE Say - Welcome to Sabbath School class. Let's bow our head and ask God for understanding as we continue our
More informationHeirs of God Page -3-
Heirs Of God Intro: As a basis for our study let us turn to Rom. 8:14-17 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again
More informationThe Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:14-17
1 The Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:14-17 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel July 26, 2015 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back
More informationHow He Loves Us Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would
More informationRomans 5:1-11 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Power Hour Lesson Summary for July 24, 2016 Unwavering Hope Lesson Text: Romans 5:1-11 Background Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Devotional Reading: Psalm 42 Romans 5:1-11 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we have been
More informationWhat Will Be Your Eternal Destiny?
Presenting the Study Sheet: What Will Be Your Eternal Destiny? This study sheet, What Will Be Your Eternal Destiny? may be used after almost any study sheet. Perhaps it is best not to present this study
More informationWHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED
*** AUGUST *** WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED A common Christian term Many believers around the world would commonly say I am saved. Many Christians even would ask others Are you saved? It has become a
More informationTHE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST (2 Thess 1:7-10) A. Jesus was the spiritual Rock that followed the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Cor 10:4).
THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST (2 Thess 1:7-10) A. We want to consider a subject that is of vital importance to Daily Disciples. 1. What is the first thought, the motivation behind your desire to follow Christ?
More information2. God declares that your spirit will receive a new & immortal body to reside in heaven. RESURRECTION FACTS (1 Cor 15:35-53)
RESURRECTION FACTS (1 Cor 15:35-53) 2. God declares that your spirit will receive a new & immortal body to reside in heaven. A few years ago there was an ad where a child began to talk about all the health
More informationJohn 6:52-58 "Dine On Me, And With Me"
John 6:52-58 "Dine On Me, And With Me" JOH 6:51-58 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the
More informationGrowing in the Grace of God. Lesson 5 Grace for Knowing God. Blue Letter Bible
Growing in the Grace of God Lesson 5 By Bob Hoekstra Brought to you by Blue Letter Bible BlueLetterBible.org Opening Prayer Lord, we humbly come needing You, hungry for You, and thirsty for Your truth.
More informationAssurance of the Resurrection
Session 5 Assurance of the Resurrection Believers find assurance for this life and the life to come through the resurrected Lord. JOHN 20:3-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-28 Life in the twenty-first century has
More information