Opening Hymns:
374 Standing on the Promises http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh374.sht
Scripture Reading:
Romans 4:13-25
13 It was not through the law that Abraham
and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but
through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs,
faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings
wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.Romans 4:13-25
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against
all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,
just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact
that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and
that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding
the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
21 being fully persuaded
that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
23 The words “it was
credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom
God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our
Lord from the dead. 25 He
was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our
justification.
Message:
I feel as though I’ve struggled to truly grasp an understanding of this scripture. I understand that Paul is using Abraham as an example for how a person comes into a right relationship with God not through works of the law, but through faith. But it’s been hard for me to explain how and why it is important.
Message:
I feel as though I’ve struggled to truly grasp an understanding of this scripture. I understand that Paul is using Abraham as an example for how a person comes into a right relationship with God not through works of the law, but through faith. But it’s been hard for me to explain how and why it is important.
As I was singing in church yesterday I
realized that the song “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” was saying
everything that I wanted to say:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Jesus’ love and sacrifice calls us to do more than follow the laws, it demands more of us than the structure of the law. His love calls us to give our whole self.
In singing and reading this song it is clear what Paul was telling the early Christians in Rome. Belief and faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, not the law, will save.
Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we owe you more than we ever could repay. Let us then remember that You have paid the price for us. Forgive us our sins. Let us never forget the love that You have for us, and the sacrifice You made. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
298 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh298.sht
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
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