NewSpring en Casa los Domingos

We were all designed for an everyday We were all designed for an everyday relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's word, let's open Romans [music] word, let's open Romans [music] word, let's open Romans [music] together. As we journey through this together. As we journey through this together. As we journey through this book, we'll uncover fundamental theology book, we'll uncover fundamental theology book, we'll uncover fundamental theology about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss complex concepts like We'll discuss complex concepts like We'll discuss complex concepts like justification and predestination and justification and predestination and justification and predestination and talk about topics Paul noticed in the talk about topics Paul noticed in the talk about topics Paul noticed in the first century church that are still first century church that are still first century church that are still relevant to us today, like politics, relevant to us today, like politics, relevant to us today, like politics, race, and disagreements with fellow race, and disagreements with fellow race, and disagreements with fellow Christians. Each week you'll hear from Christians. Each week you'll hear from Christians. Each week you'll hear from different voices through short videos different voices through short videos different voices through short videos that highlight key themes from Romans that highlight key themes from Romans that highlight key themes from Romans and unpack [music] what Paul is and unpack [music] what Paul is and unpack [music] what Paul is teaching. Each week will help you move teaching. Each week will help you move teaching. Each week will help you move from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to understanding what it means and understanding what it means and understanding what it means and ultimately to living [music] it out in ultimately to living [music] it out in ultimately to living [music] it out in your everyday life. Discipleship was your everyday life. Discipleship was your everyday life. Discipleship was never meant to happen alone and Romans never meant to happen alone and Romans never meant to happen alone and Romans has so much for us to discover. So let's has so much for us to discover. So let's has so much for us to discover. So let's dive in together.

Good morning, church. Good morning. If Good morning, church. Good morning. If you guys want to stand [music] to your you guys want to stand [music] to your you guys want to stand [music] to your feet, if you're out in the atrium, head feet, if you're out in the atrium, head feet, if you're out in the atrium, head on in. We're going to be singing a new on in. We're going to be singing a new on in. We're going to be singing a new song this morning [music] all about how song this morning [music] all about how song this morning [music] all about how God has given us freedom. And it says in God has given us freedom. And it says in God has given us freedom. And it says in Galatians 5:1, it is for freedom that Galatians 5:1, it is for freedom that Galatians 5:1, it is for freedom that [music] Christ has set us free. So I [music] Christ has set us free. So I [music] Christ has set us free. So I encourage you, you may not know the song encourage you, you may not know the song encourage you, you may not know the song yet, but the words [music] are going to be yet, but the words [music] are going to be yet, but the words [music] are going to be on the screen. The melody will be on the screen. The melody will be on the screen. The melody will be picked up sooner or later. Let's command picked up sooner or later. Let's command picked up sooner or later. Let's command our souls and ask God help me to our souls and ask God help me to our souls and ask God help me to remember where you have set me [music] remember where you have set me [music] remember where you have set me [music] free. Come on yall. Come on. Come on. I'm shaking off the heaviness. I'm shaking off the heaviness. I'm shaking off the heaviness. Come on. I'm dancing out of my [music] Come on. I'm dancing out of my [music] Come on. I'm dancing out of my [music] regs. regs. regs. I'm throwing caution to the [canto] I'm throwing caution to the [canto] I'm throwing caution to the [canto] No, I am not as to praise like this. No, I am not as to praise like this. No, I am not as to praise like this. [music] [music] [music] Someone says it's wish Someone says it's wish Someone says it's wish but I say it's worth the risk.

but I say it's worth the risk. but I say it's worth the risk. I can't forget [music] what Jesus did. I can't forget [music] what Jesus did. I can't forget [music] what Jesus did. I'll never be ashamed to [music] praise I'll never be ashamed to [music] praise I'll never be ashamed to [music] praise like this. Where are those shades that you like this. Where are those shades that you like this. Where are those shades that you want? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm want? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm want? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm it be? [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm it be? [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord has done. I'm never [music] going back has done. I'm never [music] going back has done. I'm never [music] going back to the way I was. to the way I was. to the way I was. I'll sing I'll dance I'll [music] be I'll sing I'll dance I'll [music] be I'll sing I'll dance I'll [music] be I'm free. I'm free. Thank God [singing] I'm free. I'm free. Thank God [singing] I'm free. I'm free. Thank God [singing] I'm free. I found pray [music] that never I found pray [music] that never other is good [music] like this. other is good [music] like this. other is good [music] like this. I can't understand what Jesus said. I can't understand what Jesus said. I can't understand what Jesus said. I'll never be ashamed [music] to praise I'll never be ashamed [music] to praise I'll never be ashamed [music] to praise my my my Where are those I [music][singing] want?

Where are those I [music][singing] want? Where are those I [music][singing] want? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin [music] is gone. How can it be? My sin [music] is gone. How can it be? My sin [music] is gone. How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] [music] [music] Look you the Lord I said. I'm never Look you the Lord I said. I'm never Look you the Lord I said. I'm never going [music] back to the way out. going [music] back to the way out. going [music] back to the way out. I'll sing death because I [music] need I'll sing death because I [music] need I'll sing death because I [music] need this is the gospel. this is the gospel. this is the gospel. You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your body. body. body. You shed your blood. Now the sinner You shed your blood. Now the sinner You shed your blood. Now the sinner can't can't can't my debt is paid and my record is good. I my debt is paid and my record is good. I my debt is paid and my record is good. I couldn't do it. So you did it couldn't do it. So you did it couldn't do it. So you did it for me. You took the cross and you broke for me. You took the cross and you broke for me. You took the cross and you broke your body. your body. your body. You shave your blood. [music] Now the You shave your blood. [music] Now the You shave your blood. [music] Now the can can can my de is my rec. my de is my rec. my de is my rec. I [music] couldn't do it. So you did I [music] couldn't do it. So you did I [music] couldn't do it. So you did you took the cross. You took the cross. you took the cross. You took the cross. you took the cross. You took the cross. You sh your blood.

You sh your blood. You sh your blood. [music] [music] [music] My dad is my dad is I couldn't do it so you did it for I couldn't do it so you did it for I couldn't [music] do it so you did it I couldn't [music] do it so you did it I couldn't [music] do it so you did it for for for I couldn't do it so you did it for where they are [music] those I want to tell where they are [music] those I want to tell I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. My sin is going. I'm free. My sin is going. I'm free. My sin is going. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. Look what the Lord [music]. I'm free. Look what the Lord [music]. I'm free. Look what the Lord [music]. I'm never going back to the I'm never going back to the I'm never going back to the sing [music] sing [music] sing [music] I'llee. [music] [music] You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your mind. mind. mind. You sh your blood. [music] My is paid and my is good. I couldn't do My is paid and my is good. I couldn't do it. So you did it.

it. So you did it. it. So you did it. You took the and you brought your [music] and my is [music] and my is I could do I could do I could do Jesus. [music] Jesus Jesus only God can do it. [music] Only God only God can do it. [music] Only God only God can do it. [music] Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Come on. can do it. Only God can do it. Come on. can do it. Only God can do it. Come on. And look at what the Lord has I'm never And look at what the Lord has I'm never And look at what the Lord has I'm never going back to the way [music] out. going back to the way [music] out. going back to the way [music] out. Look at what the Lord said. I've never Look at what the Lord said. I've never Look at what the Lord said. I've never [music] going back to the way. Looking to [music] going back to the way. Looking to [music] going back to the way. Looking to the Lord. Looking at what the Lord. the Lord. Looking at what the Lord. the Lord. Looking at what the Lord. I'm never going [music] back to the way I'm never going [music] back to the way I'm never going [music] back to the way looking what the looking the looking what the looking the looking what the looking the never going back to the [music] Come on. Can anyone testify [music] Come on. Can anyone testify [music] that the Lord has changed you? Can that the Lord has changed you? Can that the Lord has changed you? Can anyone testify for the fact that the anyone testify for the fact that the anyone testify for the fact that the Lord has set you free? He's giving you a Lord has set you free? He's giving you a Lord has set you free? He's giving you a new name, a new story. Look what the new name, a new story. Look what the new name, a new story. Look what the Lord has done. I am never going back to Lord has done. I am never going back to Lord has done. I am never going back to the way I was. Can I get a good amen to the way I was. Can I get a good amen to the way I was. Can I get a good amen to that this morning? Yeah. Come on. Thank that this morning? Yeah. Come on. Thank that this morning? Yeah. Come on. Thank you, Jesus. There's so much that we get to you, Jesus. There's so much that we get to you, Jesus. There's so much that we get to testify of this morning because God testify of this morning because God testify of this morning because God has changed us. [music]

has changed us. [music] has changed us. [music] The gospel is so clear. The fact that he The gospel is so clear. The fact that he The gospel is so clear. The fact that he has on the cross for my sins and for has on the cross for my sins and for has on the cross for my sins and for yours, too. And because of that, we get yours, too. And because of that, we get yours, too. And because of that, we get to be free, everybody. free. Thank you, to be free, everybody. free. Thank you, to be free, everybody. free. Thank you, Lord. Well, hey, look. We are so excited Lord. Well, hey, look. We are so excited Lord. Well, hey, look. We are so excited [music] that you are here at church [music] that you are here at church [music] that you are here at church this morning. If I haven't had the this morning. If I haven't had the this morning. If I haven't had the chance to meet you yet, my name is chance to meet you yet, my name is chance to meet you yet, my name is Justin and I'm our student ministry Justin and I'm our student ministry Justin and I'm our student ministry pastor here [music] at our Anderson pastor here [music] at our Anderson pastor here [music] at our Anderson campus. And look, if you're new here to campus. And look, if you're new here to campus. And look, if you're new here to New Spring, we want to say a welcome. In New Spring, we want to say a welcome. In New Spring, we want to say a welcome. In fact, why don't we all put our hands fact, why don't we all put our hands fact, why don't we all put our hands together and welcome in the new folks together and welcome in the new folks together and welcome in the new folks that are here to church this morning? that are here to church this morning? that are here to church this morning? Yes, if you're new here, we would love to Yes, if you're new here, we would love to Yes, if you're new here, we would love to get to connect with you. So, at the get to connect with you. So, at the get to connect with you. So, at the end of this gathering, if you want to go end of this gathering, if you want to go end of this gathering, if you want to go out these doors and the right, you'll out these doors and the right, you'll out these doors and the right, you'll see a new here are where we love to get see a new here are where we love to get see a new here are where we love to get to shake your hand, get to know your to shake your hand, get to know your to shake your hand, get to know your name, and connect with you a little name, and connect with you a little name, and connect with you a little further. Well, hey, we all know that it further. Well, hey, we all know that it further. Well, hey, we all know that it takes a good bit to get ready for church takes a good bit to get ready for church takes a good bit to get ready for church on Sunday morning, right? You got to get on Sunday morning, right? You got to get on Sunday morning, right? You got to get the kids ready. You got to get [music] the kids ready. You got to get [music] the kids ready. You got to get [music] your outfits ready and all the things. your outfits ready and all the things. your outfits ready and all the things. Why don't you look at someone next to Why don't you look at someone next to Why don't you look at someone next to you and tell him, "Hey, I'm glad you you and tell him, "Hey, I'm glad you you and tell him, "Hey, I'm glad you made it this morning. I'm glad you made made it this morning. I'm glad you made made it this morning. I'm glad you made it this morning.

I'm glad you made it this morning." All I'm glad you made it this morning." All right, I'm going to need some right, I'm going to need some right, I'm going to need some participation from everybody with this participation from everybody with this participation from everybody with this to see what it took for you to get ready to see what it took for you to get ready to see what it took for you to get ready for church this morning. [music] All for church this morning. [music] All for church this morning. [music] All right. So, if you're one of the folks right. So, if you're one of the folks right. So, if you're one of the folks who like puts out your outfit the night who like puts out your outfit the night who like puts out your outfit the night before, wave your hand in the air at me. before, wave your hand in the air at me. before, wave your hand in the air at me. Wave your hand. Yep. There's some folks. Wave your hand. Yep. There's some folks. Wave your hand. Yep. There's some folks. If you're one of those folks like me If you're one of those folks like me If you're one of those folks like me where you figured out Sunday morning, where you figured out Sunday morning, where you figured out Sunday morning, maybe rushing a little bit. Yeah. Yep. maybe rushing a little bit. Yeah. Yep. maybe rushing a little bit. Yeah. Yep. There it is. There it is. All right. There it is. There it is. All right. There it is. There it is. All right. What about my folks that you already What about my folks that you already What about my folks that you already have the food ready at the house or you have the food ready at the house or you have the food ready at the house or you know exactly what restaurant you're know exactly what restaurant you're know exactly what restaurant you're going to after church? Wave your hand. going to after church? Wave your hand. going to after church? Wave your hand. Wave your hand. Wave your hand. I love Wave your hand. Wave your hand. I love Wave your hand. Wave your hand. I love it. it. it. Raise your hand if you got to go to the Raise your hand if you got to go to the Raise your hand if you got to go to the grocery store or you have no idea and grocery store or you have no idea and grocery store or you have no idea and you hadn't thought that far just yet. you hadn't thought that far just yet. you hadn't thought that far just yet. [laughs] Look, there's so much that we do to get Look, there's so much that we do to get ready for church on Sunday morning. ready for church on Sunday morning. ready for church on Sunday morning. [music] Whether it's grabbing our [music] Whether it's grabbing our [music] Whether it's grabbing our coffee on the way out or getting our coffee on the way out or getting our coffee on the way out or getting our Bibles and our journals, picking Bibles and our journals, picking Bibles and our journals, picking [music] picking the Sunday best [music] picking the Sunday best [music] picking the Sunday best outfit, maybe the one you thought about the outfit, maybe the one you thought about the outfit, maybe the one you thought about the most all week long. most all week long. most all week long. Hey, but look, we can do all of those Hey, but look, we can do all of those Hey, but look, we can do all of those things, but yet miss that there is things, but yet miss that there is things, but yet miss that there is something that is so important for us to something that is so important for us to something that is so important for us to prepare, even more than any of that. And that prepare, even more than any of that. And that prepare, even more than any of that. And that 's our expectant hearts.

's our expectant hearts. 's our expectant hearts. So, I ask you this morning like, how's So, I ask you this morning like, how's So, I ask you this morning like, how's your heart? your heart? your heart? Like, maybe you got on your favorite Like, maybe you got on your favorite Like, maybe you got on your favorite outfit. Maybe you checked all the boxes outfit. Maybe you checked all the boxes outfit. Maybe you checked all the boxes this morning, but like how is your this morning, but like how is your this morning, but like how is your heart? Has it been inspected? Is it heart? Has it been inspected? Is it heart? Has it been inspected? Is it ready? Is it knowing that there is a ready? Is it knowing that there is a ready? Is it knowing that there is a peace that is found in his presence that peace that is found in his presence that peace that is found in his presence that surpasses all understanding? Is it one surpasses all understanding? Is it one surpasses all understanding? Is it one that is that is ready to praise because that is that is ready to praise because that is that is ready to praise because you know that God has set you free? How you know that God has set you free? How you know that God has set you free? How is your heart? is your heart? is your heart? And the way that you prepare your heart, And the way that you prepare your heart, And the way that you prepare your heart, we simply see it here in Psalm chapter we simply see it here in Psalm chapter we simply see it here in Psalm chapter 100 verse 4. Here's what it says. It 100 verse 4. Here's what it says. It 100 verse 4. Here's what it says. It says, "Enter his gates with coffee." No, says, "Enter his gates with coffee." No, says, "Enter his gates with coffee." No, I'm sorry. That's not what it says. I'm sorry. That's not what it says. I'm sorry. That's not what it says. [laughs] [laughs] [laughs] It says, "Enter his gates with what? It says, "Enter his gates with what? It says, "Enter his gates with what? Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name." Give thanks to him and bless his name." Give thanks to him and bless his name." So you prepare your heart by thinking So you prepare your heart by thinking So you prepare your heart by thinking and remembering and being thankful for and remembering and being thankful for and remembering and being thankful for all the things that he's done and who he all the things that he's done and who he all the things that he's done and who he is.

is. is. So I want to ask you, what has God done So I want to ask you, what has God done So I want to ask you, what has God done for you today? for you today? for you today? Like what are you thankful for today? Like what are you thankful for today? Like what are you thankful for today? Maybe it's the simple fact that you Maybe it's the simple fact that you Maybe it's the simple fact that you still have breath in your lungs this still have breath in your lungs this still have breath in your lungs this morning and that's enough to give him morning and that's enough to give him morning and that's enough to give him praise. Or maybe you have tried praise. Or maybe you have tried praise. Or maybe you have tried your way time and time again, but yet your way time and time again, but yet your way time and time again, but yet God has saved you and changed you and God has saved you and changed you and God has saved you and changed you and made you whole again. made you whole again. made you whole again. What is it that you're thankful for What is it that you're thankful for What is it that you're thankful for [music] [music] [music] today? today? today? As we get ready to continue to As we get ready to continue to As we get ready to continue to respond and in and worship by singing respond and in and worship by singing respond and in and worship by singing and bringing forward our ties and our and bringing forward our ties and our and bringing forward our ties and our offerings, like let's be thinking about offerings, like let's be thinking about offerings, like let's be thinking about those things, those things, those things, reminding ourselves of what God has done reminding ourselves of what God has done reminding ourselves of what God has done and how faithful he is to us, knowing and how faithful he is to us, knowing and how faithful he is to us, knowing that we are entering his gates with that we are entering his gates with that we are entering his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise thanksgiving and his courts with praise thanksgiving and his courts with praise and everything that we need is found in and everything that we need is found in and everything that we need is found in his presence. Everything. his presence. Everything. his presence. Everything. So, as we get ready to continue in So, as we get ready to continue in So, as we get ready to continue in worship, let's pray this prayer worship, let's pray this prayer worship, let's pray this prayer together. together. together. Almighty God, everything we have comes Almighty God, everything we have comes Almighty God, everything we have comes from you. You are our source, our from you. You are our source, our from you. You are our source, our strength, [music] and our provider.

strength, [music] and our provider. strength, [music] and our provider. With open hands and expectant hearts, we With open hands and expectant hearts, we With open hands and expectant hearts, we bring our tides and offerings not out of bring our tides and offerings not out of bring our tides and offerings not out of duty, but out of delight. Use them to duty, but out of delight. Use them to duty, but out of delight. Use them to bless others, to fuel your mission, to bless others, to fuel your mission, to bless others, to fuel your mission, to shine your light in dark places, and to shine your light in dark places, and to shine your light in dark places, and to move your kingdom forward. You are move your kingdom forward. You are move your kingdom forward. You are worthy of our trust, our resources and worthy of our trust, our resources and worthy of our trust, our resources and our praise [music] in Jesus name. Amen. Yes, Jesus, we bring you all of Yes, Jesus, we bring you all of ourselves right now [music] out of ourselves right now [music] out of ourselves right now [music] out of delight. delight. delight. So come on church, brothers, sisters, So come on church, brothers, sisters, So come on church, brothers, sisters, let's sing together every generation. falling [music] down in worship falling [music] down in worship to sing the song of [singing] ages to sing the song of [singing] ages to sing the song of [singing] ages [music] to the lamb. And all who have gone before us and And all who have gone before us and all who will believe all who will believe all who will believe will sing the song will sing the song will sing the song of ages to the lamb.

of ages to the lamb. of ages to the lamb. [music] [music] [music] Your name. Come on. Your name is the Your name. Come on. Your name is the Your name. Come on. Your name is the highest. [singing] highest. [singing] highest. [singing] Your [music] name is the greatest your Your [music] name is the greatest your Your [music] name is the greatest your name. It stands [music] name. It stands [music] name. It stands [music] [singing] above them all. [singing] above them all. [singing] above them all. Above all [music] thrones and [singing] Above all [music] thrones and [singing] Above all [music] thrones and [singing] dominion, all powers and [music] dominion, all powers and [music] dominion, all powers and [music] positions, your name positions, your name positions, your name stands above the all and the angels stands above the all and the angels stands above the all and the angels [music] [music] [music] cry. cry. cry. Holy Holy Holy Christ, all creation. Christ, all creation. Christ, all creation. Holy, Holy, Holy, you are lifted high. you are lifted high. you are lifted high. Holy, holy [music] forever. holy [music] forever. There's no one like you. If you've been [music] forgiven, oh If you've been [music] forgiven, oh [singing] if you've been [singing] if you've been [singing] if you've been singing the song forever [music] to the singing the song forever [music] to the singing the song forever [music] to the land.

Oh, and [music] if you walk in freedom, Oh, and [music] if you walk in freedom, if you sing a song [music] forever to the sing a song [music] forever to the forever forever forever song [music] forever and song [music] forever and song [music] forever and the angels cry, the angels cry, the angels cry, holy holy holy all of creation [music] all of creation [music] all of creation [music] Christ. Christ. Christ. Hol Hol Hol [music] you are living high your chur sing now your people sing your chur sing now your people sing holy holy holy to the king of king to the king of king to the king of king Holy, Holy, Holy, you will [music] always be holy you will [music] always be holy The name that is above every name we The name that is above every name we sing Jesus.

sing Jesus. sing Jesus. Your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name stands above him all. stands above him all. stands above him all. Above all [music] thrones and dominion Above all [music] thrones and dominion Above all [music] thrones and dominion all all all and positions [music] above him. Come on. Everything [music] above him. Come on. Everything is under his feet. Your name [music] is is under his feet. Your name [music] is is under his feet. Your name [music] is the highest. Your name is the greatest the highest. Your name is the greatest the highest. Your name is the greatest your name [music] stands above the your name [music] stands above the your name [music] stands above the above all the is above all the is above all the is of [music] of [music] of [music] and position your and position your and position your s above the and the [music] angels holy holy all creation all creation all creation Christ Christ Christ holy, holy, holy, you are [music] you are [music] you are [music] high high high holy holy holy [music] [music] [music] holy forever.

Holy Holy to the king of to the king of to the king of holy holy holy you will always be you will always be you will always be holy You [music] will always be holy Staying right here in this posture of Staying right here in this posture of worship, [music] knowing that singing worship, [music] knowing that singing worship, [music] knowing that singing is praying. I want to invite everyone is praying. I want to invite everyone is praying. I want to invite everyone to look up for a second to look up for a second to look up for a second and ask for your participation in this and ask for your participation in this and ask for your participation in this moment just as a gathered body together. moment just as a gathered body together. moment just as a gathered body together. If there is something in your life right If there is something in your life right If there is something in your life right now that you need God to come through on now that you need God to come through on now that you need God to come through on for you, maybe his provision, come on, for you, maybe his provision, come on, for you, maybe his provision, come on, his [music] deliverance, his power, his his [music] deliverance, his power, his his [music] deliverance, his power, his answer, would you just raise your hand answer, would you just raise your hand answer, would you just raise your hand just acknowledging that we need him this just acknowledging that we need him this just acknowledging that we need him this morning? Come on. This is [music] morning? Come on. This is [music] morning? Come on. This is [music] probably all of us in this room. Let's probably all of us in this room. Let's probably all of us in this room. Let's acknowledge that right now. You can put your acknowledge that right now. You can put your acknowledge that right now. You can put your hands back down. Let's acknowledge hands back down. Let's acknowledge hands back down. Let's acknowledge [music] right now that is the gospel of [music] right now that is the gospel of [music] right now that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. is the power of God for all of us who is the power of God for all of us who is the power of God for all of us who believe. Our hope. [music] The real believe. Our hope. [music] The real believe. Our hope. [music] The real place that we put our hope is in the place that we put our hope is in the place that we put our hope is in the gospel. The good news that Jesus died, gospel. The good news that Jesus died, gospel. The good news that Jesus died, buried, [music] and rose again so that buried, [music] and rose again so that buried, [music] and rose again so that we might have life. So this morning, can we might have life. So this morning, can we might have life. So this morning, can we put our hope back in that we put our hope back in that we put our hope back in that morning? For every [music] request that morning? For every [music] request that morning? For every [music] request that we bring, let's sing this part again. we bring, let's sing this part again. we bring, let's sing this part again. Just putting our hope in his name again. Just putting our hope in his name again. Just putting our hope in his name again. Your name is the [music] highest. Your name is the [music] highest. Your name is the [music] highest. Everybody sings. Everybody sings. Everybody sings. Jesus, your name is the highest. Jesus, your name is the highest. Jesus, your name is the highest. [music][singing] [music][singing] [music][singing] Your name is the greatest your [singing] Your name is the greatest your [singing] Your name is the greatest your [singing] name name name stands above them all stands above them all stands above them all above all thrones and dominating all [music] above all thrones and dominating all [music] above all thrones and dominating all [music] position [singing] position [singing] position [singing] your name your name your name stands above the [music][singing] Come on [music] every voice we remember Come on [music] every voice we remember what he's done.

what he's done. what he's done. Let's sing this together. I hear the Let's sing this together. I hear the Let's sing this together. I hear the savior say, savior say, savior say, I [singing] hear [music] I [singing] hear [music] I [singing] hear [music] the savior say, the savior say, the savior say, thy strength indeed is small. thy strength indeed is small. thy strength indeed is small. Child of [singing] weakness, Child of [singing] weakness, Child of [singing] weakness, watch [music] and pray. watch [music] and pray. watch [music] and pray. Finding me the all in all. Jesus paid. Finding me the all in all. Jesus paid. Finding me the all in all. Jesus paid. [music] Jesus [singing] [music] Jesus [singing] [music] Jesus [singing] paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. All to him I All to him I All to him I without [music] had left the crimed state without [music] had left the crimed state without [music] had left the crimed state he was it white as snow Lord [singing][music] now indeed I find Lord [singing][music] now indeed I find thy power [music][singing] thy power [music][singing] thy power [music][singing] alone alone alone can change [music][singing] the lever can change [music][singing] the lever can change [music][singing] the lever spots spots spots and melt the heart of stone. [music] Jesus [singing] Jesus [singing] paid it all.

paid it all. paid it all. [music][singing] [music][singing] [music][singing] to him I know to him I know to him I know without [music][singing] had left the crimson without [music][singing] had left the crimson without [music][singing] had left the crimson he was in white s come on let's think about [music] that come on let's think about [music] that day And when And when the throne, the throne, the throne, I stand in him complete. I stand in him complete. I stand in him complete. Jesus died my soul to say [music] Jesus died my soul to say [music] Jesus died my soul to say [music] my lip [singing] my lip [singing] my lip [singing] shall still with. Come on, every voice. shall still with. Come on, every voice. shall still with. Come on, every voice. Sing it. Jesus Sing it. Jesus Sing it. Jesus paid [music] it [singing] all. paid [music] it [singing] all. paid [music] it [singing] all. All to him I All to him I All to him I sin [canto] sin [canto] sin [canto] had left the crim stain. [music] had left the crim stain. [music] had left the crim stain. [music] He washed it as snow.

He washed it as snow. He washed it as snow. Jesus [music][singing] Jesus [music][singing] Jesus [music][singing] paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. Oh [music] Oh [music] Oh [music] to my to my to my sin [music] sin [music] sin [music] [singing] I left the crimson say he was [singing] I left the crimson say he was [singing] I left the crimson say he was [music] the wi s [music] the wi s [music] the wi s he was he was he was snow snow snow he [music] was he [music] was he [music] was white as snowing Jesus has done all the work. Jesus has done all the work. It is completed. It is completed. It is completed. We give him all of our praise. Praise We give him all of our praise. Praise We give him all of our praise. Praise the the the Oh, praise the one who my Oh, praise the one who my Oh, praise the one who my raises [music] his life up from the dead. raises [music] his life up from the dead. raises [music] his life up from the dead. Oh, praise the world who my dead.

Oh, praise the world who my dead. Oh, praise the world who my dead. [music] my my rais rais rais of the Oh, praise the world [music] of the Oh, praise the world [music] of the Oh, praise the world [music] my day. my day. my day. Raise this life Raise this life Raise this life from the dead. [music] Jesus paid Jesus paid Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] paid it [song] all all paid it [song] all all paid it [song] all all to him I to him I to him I sin [music] left [song] a c sin [music] left [song] a c sin [music] left [song] a c he was it one more time just voices come he was it one more time just voices come he was it one more time just voices come on Jesus [song] on Jesus [song] on Jesus [song] paid it all paid it all paid it all [music] [music] [music] to him I sin [song] sin [song] had left the crimson state he

with all with all our locations and acknowledge that our locations and acknowledge that our locations and acknowledge that you have paid our debt. We had bills we couldn't pay, we just We had bills we couldn't pay, we just couldn't pay them. Jesus, thank you for couldn't pay them. Jesus, thank you for couldn't pay them. Jesus, thank you for coming, to live perfectly coming, to live perfectly coming, to live perfectly in a satisfactory way, in a satisfactory way, in a satisfactory way, satisfying our debt on the cross. satisfying our debt on the cross. satisfying our debt on the cross. Thank you for making us as white as Thank you for making us as white as Thank you for making us as white as snow. snow. snow. Thank you for us, those of us who don't feel like those of us who don't feel like our debt has been paid, who don't our debt has been paid, who don't our debt has been paid, who don't feel like white snow. white snow. The gospel is about grace, about The gospel is about grace, about The gospel is about grace, about mercy, about being new, about being mercy, about being new, about being mercy, about being new, about being regenerated, born again, filled with regenerated, born again, filled with regenerated, born again, filled with the spirit of God, and that is our the spirit of God, and that is our the spirit of God, and that is our identity in Christ. We recognize that in identity in Christ. We recognize that in identity in Christ. We recognize that in all our locations. Jesus, King all our locations. Jesus, King all our locations. Jesus, King Jesus, come. We ask your spirit to Jesus, come. We ask your spirit to Jesus, come. We ask your spirit to come to us, to correct us and come to us, to correct us and come to us, to correct us and guide us so that your name may be guide us so that your name may be guide us so that your name may be glorified and magnified on earth.

glorified and magnified on earth. glorified and magnified on earth. We say together, amen and amen. Get up, get up so we can read Get up, get up so we can read this book of Romans, this series of this book of Romans, this series of this book of Romans, this series of Romans. Romans. Romans. We are going to read We are going to read We are going to read the book of Romans on our feet. the book of Romans on our feet. the book of Romans on our feet. I have a welcome for my wife Cory, I have a welcome for my wife Cory, I have a welcome for my wife Cory, who will be reading who will be reading who will be reading the Bible today. the Bible today. the Bible today. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Okay, my love. I am so honored to read Okay, my love. I am so honored to read Okay, my love. I am so honored to read God's word on this day from Romans 1: God's word on this day from Romans 1: God's word on this day from Romans 1: 1-17. Paul, a servant of Christ 1-17. Paul, a servant of Christ 1-17. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he for the gospel of God, which he for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through promised beforehand through promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, his prophets in the holy scriptures, his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who descended from concerning his Son, who descended from concerning his Son, who descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the David according to the flesh and was declared to be the David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God. Son of God. Son of God. In power according to the Spirit of holiness, In power according to the Spirit of holiness, In power according to the Spirit of holiness, through his resurrection from the dead, through his resurrection from the dead, through his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Jesus Christ our Lord, through Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship whom we have received grace and apostleship whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience to bring about the obedience to bring about the obedience of faith for his name's sake among of faith for his name's sake among of faith for his name's sake among all the Gentiles, including all the Gentiles, including all the Gentiles, including you who are called to belong you who are called to belong you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in to Jesus Christ, to all those in to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are Rome who are Rome who are loved by God and called to be loved by God and called to be loved by God and called to be saints. Thank you and peace from saints. Thank you and peace from saints. Thank you and peace from our God the Father and the Lord Jesus

our God the Father and the Lord Jesus our God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my Christ. First, I thank my Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of God through Jesus Christ for all of God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed you, because your faith is proclaimed you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. God is my witness, throughout the world. God is my witness, throughout the world. God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the whom I serve with my spirit in the whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his son, that I gospel of his son, that I gospel of his son, that I constantly mention you in my prayers, constantly mention you in my prayers, constantly mention you in my prayers, asking that somehow by asking that somehow by asking that somehow by God's will I may now finally God's will I may now finally God's will I may now finally succeed in coming to you because I succeed in coming to you because I succeed in coming to you because I long to see you in order to impart some spiritual gift long to see you in order to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, so that we to strengthen you, that is, so that we may be mutually encouraged by may be mutually encouraged by may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and each other's faith, both yours and each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to that I have often intended to come to that I have often intended to come to you, but have been prevented from doing so until now, so that I may not you, but have been prevented from doing so until now, so that I may not reap any fruit among reap any fruit among you also, as among the rest you also, as among the rest you also, as among the rest of the Gentiles. This is mandatory whether of the Gentiles. This is mandatory whether of the Gentiles. This is mandatory whether going with Greeks or going with Greeks or going with Greeks or barbarians, whether wise or barbarians, whether wise or barbarians, whether wise or foolish.

foolish. foolish. So I am eager to preach the So I am eager to preach the So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in gospel to you also who are in gospel to you also who are in Rome, for I am not ashamed of the Rome, for I am not ashamed of the Rome, for I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God gospel, because it is the power of God gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the for salvation to everyone who believes, to the for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, Jew first and also to the Greek, Jew first and also to the Greek, for in it the righteousness of God is for in it the righteousness of God is for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “ revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “ revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “ The righteous will live by faith.” The word of The righteous will live by faith.” The word of The righteous will live by faith.” The word of God for God's people. Thanks be God for God's people. Thanks be God for God's people. Thanks be to God. You to God. You to God. You did very well. You can sit down, did very well. You can sit down, did very well. You can sit down, church. church. church. Good morning on all occasions. Good morning on all occasions. Good morning on all occasions. It's good to see them. We are starting a It's good to see them. We are starting a It's good to see them. We are starting a new series in Romans and this series will new series in Romans and this series will new series in Romans and this series will run from now until run from now until run from now until Thanksgiving. We Thanksgiving. We Thanksgiving. We as staff are excited about as staff are excited about as staff are excited about this. We've prepared the groups for this. We've prepared the groups for this. We've prepared the groups for that too. Whether you're in a group of that too. Whether you're in a group of that too. Whether you're in a group of men, women, or men and women, men, women, or men and women, men, women, or men and women, it's good to be in groups. Take it's good to be in groups. Take it's good to be in groups. Take advantage of those.

There is a revival that needs to There is a revival that needs to happen. The book of Romans has done happen. The book of Romans has done happen. The book of Romans has done many things in the history of the many things in the history of the many things in the history of the church. I can stand here and stay for a church. I can stand here and stay for a church. I can stand here and stay for a long, long time, spend a lot of time long, long time, spend a lot of time long, long time, spend a lot of time doing, explaining what the Romans doing, explaining what the Romans doing, explaining what the Romans did. The expectation I want did. The expectation I want did. The expectation I want is, there is is, there is is, there is someone who wrote this, FF someone who wrote this, FF someone who wrote this, FF Bruce said this about the book of Bruce said this about the book of Bruce said this about the book of Romans. It is impossible to say what might Romans. It is impossible to say what might Romans. It is impossible to say what might happen when people begin to happen when people begin to happen when people begin to study the letter to the Romans. What study the letter to the Romans. What study the letter to the Romans. What happened with Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and happened with Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and happened with Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and Bart launched great Bart launched great Bart launched great spiritual movements that have left their mark on spiritual movements that have left their mark on spiritual movements that have left their mark on world history, but world history, but world history, but similar things have happened much more similar things have happened much more similar things have happened much more frequently. frequently. frequently. to very ordinary men and women to very ordinary men and women to very ordinary men and women when the words of this letter when the words of this letter when the words of this letter reached them with power. So reached them with power. So reached them with power. So those who have read this far should be those who have read this far should be those who have read this far should be prepared for the consequences of prepared for the consequences of prepared for the consequences of reading further; they have been warned.

reading further; they have been warned. reading further; they have been warned. A warning of expectation. Martin A warning of expectation. Martin A warning of expectation. Martin Luther also mentions the book of Luther also mentions the book of Luther also mentions the book of Romans. He mentions that he was not a Romans. He mentions that he was not a Romans. He mentions that he was not a Christian, he was a religious king, a Christian, he was a religious king, a Christian, he was a religious king, a monk. And it wasn't until he read the book of Romans And it wasn't until he read the book of Romans that he understood that faith was a gift that he understood that faith was a gift that he understood that faith was a gift from God. from God. from God. That regeneration and being born again That regeneration and being born again That regeneration and being born again is something you had to receive, not is something you had to receive, not is something you had to receive, not work for, but receive. work for, but receive. work for, but receive. Encouraging us in a code of says Encouraging us in a code of says Encouraging us in a code of says Martin Luther. I do n't know if it's an exaggeration or not, you can n't know if it's an exaggeration or not, you can judge that. This epistle is truly, judge that. This epistle is truly, judge that. This epistle is truly, this letter is truly the this letter is truly the this letter is truly the main part of the New Testament and is main part of the New Testament and is main part of the New Testament and is truly the purest gospel. not truly the purest gospel. not truly the purest gospel. not only that every Christian only that every Christian only that every Christian knows it word for word by heart, knows it word for word by heart, knows it word for word by heart, hey, but also that he takes care of hey, but also that he takes care of hey, but also that he takes care of it every day as the daily bread of the it every day as the daily bread of the it every day as the daily bread of the soul.

soul. soul. This made such a great impact on This made such a great impact on This made such a great impact on Luther that he said, "We must put that Luther that he said, "We must put that Luther that he said, "We must put that in our hearts." in our hearts." in our hearts." On Thursday I spoke in Greenville and at On Thursday I spoke in Greenville and at On Thursday I spoke in Greenville and at 9:15 I also spoke this. If someone 9:15 I also spoke this. If someone 9:15 I also spoke this. If someone memorizes all 15 chapters, I'll memorizes all 15 chapters, I'll memorizes all 15 chapters, I'll give them 000. She has Romans 12 memorized. She has Romans 12 memorized. There's someone else in, There's someone else in, There's someone else in, uh, get ready to write me a check. uh, get ready to write me a check. uh, get ready to write me a check. Leave this in your heart, and I want you to Leave this in your heart, and I want you to Leave this in your heart, and I want you to put this word in your heart. put this word in your heart. put this word in your heart. I'm going to write you a check for 000. Jerome. I have a picture of Jerónimo Jerome. I have a picture of Jerónimo in my office. The scriptures are in my office. The scriptures are in my office. The scriptures are shallow enough for shallow enough for shallow enough for a baby to come and drink without fear of a baby to come and drink without fear of a baby to come and drink without fear of drowning, and deep enough drowning, and deep enough drowning, and deep enough for a theologian to swim in them without for a theologian to swim in them without for a theologian to swim in them without ever touching the bottom.

ever touching the bottom. ever touching the bottom. When we talk about Romano's book, that's what we When we talk about Romano's book, that's what we When we talk about Romano's book, that's what we 're talking about. If 're talking about. If 're talking about. If you are new to the faith, you can enter without you are new to the faith, you can enter without you are new to the faith, you can enter without fear. fear. fear. Perhaps you have walked with the Lord for Perhaps you have walked with the Lord for Perhaps you have walked with the Lord for decades. We do n't want it to become n't want it to become normal, we want to create normal, we want to create normal, we want to create expectations. I want to write this. expectations. I want to write this. expectations. I want to write this. The antecedent of the Romans. I want you to The antecedent of the Romans. I want you to The antecedent of the Romans. I want you to write that. Background of the write that. Background of the write that. Background of the Romans. Write that in your notes. There are people who like to watch TV series or TV series or TV programs that are about cooking. I like it when the judges start, I like it when the judges start, whether it's barbecue or whether it's barbecue or whether it's barbecue or French cuisine, it doesn't matter what it is. When French cuisine, it doesn't matter what it is. When French cuisine, it doesn't matter what it is. When the judge tastes the food and starts the judge tastes the food and starts the judge tastes the food and starts giving feedback, what they talk about most is the giving feedback, what they talk about most is the giving feedback, what they talk about most is the level of salt in the food.

level of salt in the food. level of salt in the food. They can talk about culinary techniques and They can talk about culinary techniques and They can talk about culinary techniques and presentation. And if you take it, presentation. And if you take it, presentation. And if you take it, and if you take it and if you take it and if you take it and if, and if it's very little alcohol, you can and if, and if it's very little alcohol, you can and if, and if it's very little alcohol, you can come out and scold yourself, salt come out and scold yourself, salt come out and scold yourself, salt is magnificent is magnificent is magnificent and increases the flavor of the vehicle so that and increases the flavor of the vehicle so that and increases the flavor of the vehicle so that the other ingredients often taste, the depth of flavors, taste, the depth of flavors, notes and flavors, salt is so notes and flavors, salt is so notes and flavors, salt is so important. I believe many Christians important. I believe many Christians important. I believe many Christians have read the book of Romans, but because they have have read the book of Romans, but because they have have read the book of Romans, but because they have n't seen the background, they've n't seen the background, they've n't seen the background, they've missed out on the flavors and depth missed out on the flavors and depth missed out on the flavors and depth of meaning that are there. There are many things I of meaning that are there. There are many things I of meaning that are there. There are many things I want you to take note of want you to take note of want you to take note of from the book of Romans for the next few from the book of Romans for the next few from the book of Romans for the next few moments. I want you to see that. moments. I want you to see that. moments. I want you to see that. This is not rhetoric. A non- This is not rhetoric. A non- This is not rhetoric. A non- rhetorical question. Who wrote it? Who rhetorical question. Who wrote it? Who rhetorical question. Who wrote it? Who wrote it? Brother Paul. Pablo wrote it? Brother Paul. Pablo wrote it? Brother Paul. Pablo wrote to him.

wrote to him. wrote to him. Where was Paul when he wrote this Where was Paul when he wrote this Where was Paul when he wrote this letter? It's a famous city. It's a famous city. Where was Pablo? And he was there for about 18 Where was Pablo? And he was there for about 18 Where was Pablo? And he was there for about 18 months and wrote the letter to the months and wrote the letter to the months and wrote the letter to the Romans of that city. Romans of that city. Romans of that city. Corinthian. Maroon. Maroon. David lo Corinthian. Maroon. Maroon. David lo Corinthian. Maroon. Maroon. David lo corino. He was there and he corino. He was there and he corino. He was there and he wrote it. wrote it. wrote it. And I went on a seminary trip And I went on a seminary trip to the port of Corinth to the port of Corinth where the city was located. where the city was located. My wife says she likes my My wife says she likes my mustache better because I have one. You've mustache better because I have one. You've mustache better because I have one. You've already seen it. He likes her more already seen it. He likes her more already seen it. He likes her more than the beard. He had a than the beard. He had a than the beard. He had a really long beard there. really long beard there. really long beard there. Sencría is the village where this is located and it is Sencría is the village where this is located and it is Sencría is the village where this is located and it is where Paul would have written the letter. She wasn't there where Paul would have written the letter. She wasn't there where Paul would have written the letter. She wasn't there , she wasn't in prison, she was at , she wasn't in prison, she was at , she wasn't in prison, she was at peace, and he sent her from Corinth to a city peace, and he sent her from Corinth to a city peace, and he sent her from Corinth to a city that wasn't there in Rome.

that wasn't there in Rome. that wasn't there in Rome. But he knew there were believers there But he knew there were believers there But he knew there were believers there and he wrote it and he wrote it and he wrote it on a papyrus; it on a papyrus; it on a papyrus; it wasn't 16 chapters, it was a large papyrus wasn't 16 chapters, it was a large papyrus and he was a deacon. Does and he was a deacon. Does anyone know the name of that deacon? anyone know the name of that deacon? anyone know the name of that deacon? Her name is Phoebe. Her name is Phoebe. Her name is Phoebe. Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe, I want to bring that to you. I want to bring that to you. I want to bring that to you. The reason I invited Cory, The reason I invited Cory, The reason I invited Cory, one of Febe's jobs, was that they didn't one of Febe's jobs, was that they didn't one of Febe's jobs, was that they didn't meet in meet in meet in large churches like that. 300 years large churches like that. 300 years large churches like that. 300 years later they had basilicas there. It was later they had basilicas there. It was The first time it was The first time it was read, it was a woman who read it. Phoebe read, it was a woman who read it. Phoebe read, it was a woman who read it. Phoebe knew some parts of this to knew some parts of this to knew some parts of this to answer questions and provide context about it.

answer questions and provide context about it. answer questions and provide context about it. She went to about five house She went to about five house She went to about five house churches that were in houses and churches that were in houses and churches that were in houses and she would arrive at the meetings, read the she would arrive at the meetings, read the she would arrive at the meetings, read the letter in about letter in about letter in about an hour. I was reading it. It was a was a very expensive letter that had to be very expensive letter that had to be very expensive letter that had to be read. Keep Feb in mind there. They Keep Feb in mind there. They board a boat in Sencrea and arrive in Rome. board a boat in Sencrea and arrive in Rome. board a boat in Sencrea and arrive in Rome. And Rome wasn't a city, it was an And Rome wasn't a city, it was an And Rome wasn't a city, it was an empire. empire. empire. Leave that in your head. The Leave that in your head. The Leave that in your head. The Roman Empire, Roman Empire, Roman Empire, Augustus, Julius, the Republic, the centurions, the glory, the centurions, the glory, the navy, the power of Rome in the the navy, the power of Rome in the the navy, the power of Rome in the empire. She would arrive in Rome by boat empire. She would arrive in Rome by boat empire. She would arrive in Rome by boat and see the infrastructure of Rome and see the infrastructure of Rome and see the infrastructure of Rome and her eyes would have seen the Colosseum and her eyes would have seen the Colosseum and her eyes would have seen the Colosseum like this.

One year later, the coliseums were still there, One year later, the coliseums were still there, the power and glory and honor and the power and glory and honor and the power and glory and honor and strength of Rome, strength of Rome, strength of Rome, and this and this and this message of the gospel came to five or six message of the gospel came to five or six message of the gospel came to five or six houses full of people. There houses full of people. There houses full of people. There were no more than 200 people in the were no more than 200 people in the were no more than 200 people in the church in Rome church in Rome church in Rome and I see opposite directions. The Christian church has never looked The Christian church has never looked back from that point on. back from that point on. back from that point on. Billions of people have responded to the Billions of people have responded to the Billions of people have responded to the gospel. gospel. gospel. The kingdom that God has built and the The kingdom that God has built and the The kingdom that God has built and the Roman Empire is only Roman Empire is only Roman Empire is only a city that we are going to visit, not a city that we are going to visit, not a city that we are going to visit, not Caesar, not Republic, Caesar, not Republic, Caesar, not Republic, ruins. ruins. ruins. I want you to see something in this letter, the I want you to see something in this letter, the I want you to see something in this letter, the power of the gospel that was there in chapter 1, verses 16 and 17. This chapter 1, verses 16 and 17. This final image is in the coliseum. You final image is in the coliseum. You final image is in the coliseum. You recognize the pastor and professor Dr.

recognize the pastor and professor Dr. recognize the pastor and professor Dr. John Dixon. He preached with us here John Dixon. He preached with us here John Dixon. He preached with us here in the church. in the church. in the church. This is the place where This is the place where This is the place where they martyred Christians because they refused to kneel before refused to kneel before Caesar because they had a greater God. When you see this letter, before When you see this letter, before that moment occurs, I want you to see that that moment occurs, I want you to see that that moment occurs, I want you to see that the persecution by Nero and Mus and the the persecution by Nero and Mus and the the persecution by Nero and Mus and the leaders of Rome when they arrived, this leaders of Rome when they arrived, this leaders of Rome when they arrived, this letter is the first thing God uses to letter is the first thing God uses to steal steal the pillar of his people, the pillar of his people, the pillar of his people, and it was what occupied their hearts, their and it was what occupied their hearts, their and it was what occupied their hearts, their chests, their minds so that they would not chests, their minds so that they would not chests, their minds so that they would not kneel before the king, but rather have a kneel before the king, but rather have a kneel before the king, but rather have a greater king to know, then know, then compassion and hospitality to compassion and hospitality to compassion and hospitality to welcome everyone. Everyone was welcome everyone. Everyone was welcome everyone. Everyone was welcome. You heard it: encouragement and compassion. This encouragement and compassion. This duo of powerful and merciful. That's what we're going to and merciful. That's what we're going to experience as we go into the experience as we go into the experience as we go into the book of Romans.

book of Romans. book of Romans. This is the idea I want you to remember, it is This is the idea I want you to remember, it is This is the idea I want you to remember, it is this idea of this idea of this idea of Christophority, an idea of Christophority, an idea of Christophority, an idea of Christophority. It's a keyword, a Christophority. It's a keyword, a Christophority. It's a keyword, a key idea. key idea. key idea. I want you to say it with me. I want you to say it with me. I want you to say it with me. Cristofority. This is what Paul is pursuing. There is the This is what Paul is pursuing. There is the thesis and the topic of the letter. and it begins thesis and the topic of the letter. and it begins thesis and the topic of the letter. and it begins at the beginning at the beginning at the beginning with a phrase about that. with a phrase about that. with a phrase about that. Romans 1, verses 16 and 17 says, " Romans 1, verses 16 and 17 says, " For I am not ashamed of the For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God gospel, because it is the power of God gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, for salvation to everyone who believes, for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, for in it the righteousness of God is for in it the righteousness of God is for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ' revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ' revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ' The righteous will live by faith.'" The righteous will live by faith.'" The righteous will live by faith.'" Let it go for a moment. I want you to Let it go for a moment. I want you to see some things with your own eyes and be able to see some things with your own eyes and be able to underline them.

underline them. underline them. Someone knows what it's like to be ashamed, Someone knows what it's like to be ashamed, Someone knows what it's like to be ashamed, but the gospel doesn't shame you. You will but the gospel doesn't shame you. You will but the gospel doesn't shame you. You will not be ashamed in eternity. not be ashamed in eternity. not be ashamed in eternity. Some who follow the gospel Some who follow the gospel Some who follow the gospel have to stand with the have to stand with the have to stand with the iron pillar. iron pillar. iron pillar. without being ashamed of your community, of without being ashamed of your community, of without being ashamed of your community, of the school, of talking about Jesus. the school, of talking about Jesus. the school, of talking about Jesus. The word power, The word power, The word power, the gospel is power. Say power. Say power. It is the power of God. I do It is the power of God. I do It is the power of God. I do n't know n't know n't know how many are like me, but it's really how many are like me, but it's really how many are like me, but it's really hot right now. Sometimes we have to send the kids Sometimes we have to send the kids outside, we're honest.

We sent him outside for We sent him outside for a while and closed the door a while and closed the door a while and closed the door to the three older ones, to the three older ones, to the three older ones, so they could play basketball, so they could play basketball, so they could play basketball, soccer, and let them fight, fight with water in and let them fight, fight with water in there. We don't have a swimming pool. And they've invented something. And they've invented something. These balls can be filled, These balls can be filled, These balls can be filled, 100 balls at a time. 100 balls at a time. 100 balls at a time. It's surprising, there are It's surprising, there are It's surprising, there are two at once. The water fight starts two at once. The water fight starts two at once. The water fight starts and the water guns get and the water guns get and the water guns get intense, intense, intense and someone comes along and grabs the hose with and someone comes along and grabs the hose with the water.

The gospel is power, that image of The gospel is power, that image of bending the hose bending the hose bending the hose and you don't feel so powerful sometimes and you don't feel so powerful sometimes and you don't feel so powerful sometimes when you come to church and walk with when you come to church and walk with when you come to church and walk with the Lord, but I don't feel powerful. What the Lord, but I don't feel powerful. What the Lord, but I don't feel powerful. What I want, what I believe, what I believe I want, what I believe, what I believe I want, what I believe, what I believe the Lord wants, wants to do is the Lord wants, wants to do is the Lord wants, wants to do is let that hose flow so that His power can flow. let that hose flow so that His power can flow. let that hose flow so that His power can flow. I believe that the gospel allows us, I believe that the gospel allows us, I believe that the gospel allows us, through the power of its salvation, its through the power of its salvation, its through the power of its salvation, its good news flowing into your life, and good news flowing into your life, and good news flowing into your life, and this idea of ​​Christ-likeness. I'm this idea of ​​Christ-likeness. I'm this idea of ​​Christ-likeness. I'm going to show you where it is in the text, going to show you where it is in the text, going to show you where it is in the text, and we're going to get a taste of this in the and we're going to get a taste of this in the and we're going to get a taste of this in the 16 chapters. It is the power that begins to 16 chapters. It is the power that begins to 16 chapters. It is the power that begins to flow. What he mentions here is Jewish and flow. What he mentions here is Jewish and flow. What he mentions here is Jewish and Gentile, Jewish and Greek. Why is it so Gentile, Jewish and Greek. Why is it so Gentile, Jewish and Greek. Why is it so important to mention it at the beginning? important to mention it at the beginning? important to mention it at the beginning? History tells us, and there is a note History tells us, and there is a note History tells us, and there is a note about this in Acts 18, about this in Acts 18, about this in Acts 18, that the Christian Church in Rome—we don't that the Christian Church in Rome—we don't that the Christian Church in Rome—we don't know who started it, but it wasn't know who started it, but it wasn't know who started it, but it wasn't Paul. Pablo wrote this and he hadn't Paul. Pablo wrote this and he hadn't Paul. Pablo wrote this and he hadn't been there. This been there. This been there. This letter was written letter was written in in 56-57 AD, after Christ had been born into the church, when had been born into the church, when Jesus ascended and rose.

Jesus ascended and rose. Jesus ascended and rose. When Peter was speaking at When Peter was speaking at When Peter was speaking at Pentecost, three Pentecost, three Pentecost, three thousand people were saved. Do they thousand people were saved. Do they thousand people were saved. Do they remember Pentecostalism? Some of those who founded the church Some of those who founded the church were probably there and took the were probably there and took the were probably there and took the gospel to Roman and started the gospel to Roman and started the gospel to Roman and started the meetings and all that. In meetings and all that. In meetings and all that. In the year 49 the year 49 the year 49 there was an emperor named there was an emperor named there was an emperor named Claudius and Claudius became frustrated Claudius and Claudius became frustrated Claudius and Claudius became frustrated with some followers of this man with some followers of this man with some followers of this man called Christ. called Christ. called Christ. There are people who study the word, the There are people who study the word, the There are people who study the word, the Jews who are guided by Torah who had Jews who are guided by Torah who had Jews who are guided by Torah who had heard the gospel, heard the gospel, heard the gospel, that Jesus had arrived. that Jesus had arrived. that Jesus had arrived. The idea was like, how to get The idea was like, how to get The idea was like, how to get all the Jews out of Rome. In the year 49, if you were a young church, the year 49, if you were a young church, all the Jews who were part of your all the Jews who were part of your all the Jews who were part of your church were taken out of Rome and there were church were taken out of Rome and there were church were taken out of Rome and there were Gentiles who led the church from Gentiles who led the church from Gentiles who led the church from 49 until 56, 57. A change of 49 until 56, 57. A change of 49 until 56, 57. A change of culture in the church culture in the church culture in the church when Claudius died and Nero came. There were when Claudius died and Nero came. There were when Claudius died and Nero came. There were no things that were good.

no things that were good. no things that were good. The Jews could then return to The Jews could then return to The Jews could then return to Rome again, and that was a good thing. And there were Rome again, and that was a good thing. And there were Rome again, and that was a good thing. And there were cultures that mixed, cultures that mixed, cultures that mixed, Gentiles who believed, and now the Jews Gentiles who believed, and now the Jews Gentiles who believed, and now the Jews who arrived 5, 6, 7 years later and who arrived 5, 6, 7 years later and who arrived 5, 6, 7 years later and learned to work together as the learned to work together as the learned to work together as the body of Christ. It will help you body of Christ. It will help you body of Christ. It will help you understand the flavors of the book of understand the flavors of the book of understand the flavors of the book of Romans, Christ-likeness. I also Romans, Christ-likeness. I also Romans, Christ-likeness. I also want to encourage you, I want to encourage you, I want to encourage you, I want you to read it, I want you to read it, I want you to read it, I want you to read it backwards. It is so want you to read it backwards. It is so want you to read it backwards. It is so theological and has so much depth. There were theological and has so much depth. There were theological and has so much depth. There were people who were ordinary people like you and me in the were ordinary people like you and me in the Church of Rome. Church of Rome. Church of Rome. There were free, serious people. It Academy agent was for us Academy agent was for us too. Read it too. Read it too. Read it backwards. The Roman in reverse.

backwards. The Roman in reverse. backwards. The Roman in reverse. Consider the science that is Consider the science that is Consider the science that is faith; it is a living faith. faith; it is a living faith. faith; it is a living faith. The faith that we are going to see will shape The faith that we are going to see will shape The faith that we are going to see will shape individuals. individuals. individuals. A living faith forms individuals in the image A living faith forms individuals in the image A living faith forms individuals in the image of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. To form you and me in the image of God. He will To form you and me in the image of God. He will To form you and me in the image of God. He will not dwell in us not dwell in us not dwell in us if we believe the gospels and let it if we believe the gospels and let it if we believe the gospels and let it grow in our hearts about grow in our hearts about grow in our hearts about sexuality, about the being of one; He will sexuality, about the being of one; He will sexuality, about the being of one; He will dwell in us by the power of Christ so dwell in us by the power of Christ so dwell in us by the power of Christ so that we may form, in the spirit, the that we may form, in the spirit, the that we may form, in the spirit, the word of God, so that we may be formed in word of God, so that we may be formed in word of God, so that we may be formed in the image of the Son. the image of the Son. the image of the Son. Romans 8:28-29, which is so famous. Don't take Romans 8:28-29, which is so famous. Don't take Romans 8:28-29, which is so famous. Don't take my word for it, but let's listen to Pope Paul my word for it, but let's listen to Pope Paul my word for it, but let's listen to Pope Paul who says, "And we know that in who says, "And we know that in who says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his have been called according to his purpose." Verse 29 says, "For those purpose." Verse 29 says, "For those purpose." Verse 29 says, "For those whom he foreknew, whom he foreknew, whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be he also predestined to be he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son."

I want you to see that. God's heart, I want you to see that. God's heart, God's purpose, God's dream God's purpose, God's dream God's purpose, God's dream for you, Christian, is that you be for you, Christian, is that you be for you, Christian, is that you be conformed to the image of Jesus. We are supposed to become like conformed to the image of Jesus. We are supposed to become like conformed to the image of Jesus. We are supposed to become like Jesus through the Jesus through the Jesus through the gospel, so that gospel, so that gospel, so that the Holy Spirit causes us to become like the Holy Spirit causes us to become like the Holy Spirit causes us to become like Jesus. That is God's goal Jesus. That is God's goal Jesus. That is God's goal . It's the positive one. . It's the positive one. . It's the positive one. Romans 12 says, Romans 12 says, Romans 12 says, a negative passage. Therefore, I urge you, a negative passage. Therefore, I urge you, a negative passage. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a offer your bodies as a offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. God—this is your true and proper worship. God—this is your true and proper worship. How do we do that? How do we do that? How do we do that? Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans mind. Romans mind. Romans eight, be conformed, eight, be conformed, eight, be conformed, conformed to the image of Christ. And conformed to the image of Christ. And conformed to the image of Christ. And this says, "Do not be conformed to this this says, "Do not be conformed to this this says, "Do not be conformed to this world.

world. world. The world has a molding plan for The world has a molding plan for The world has a molding plan for your life. Desperately, it tries your life. Desperately, it tries your life. Desperately, it tries every day—your economic world, your every day—your economic world, your every day—your economic world, your educational world, your educational world, your educational world, your religious spaces. religious spaces. religious spaces. The world wants you to conform to The world wants you to conform to The world wants you to conform to death, and if you're not careful, you follow that death, and if you're not careful, you follow that death, and if you're not careful, you follow that plan of the world. What we want, with the plan of the world. What we want, with the plan of the world. What we want, with the Spirit of God within Spirit of God within Spirit of God within us, in our hearts, is to us, in our hearts, is to us, in our hearts, is to allow the Lord to conform us to allow the Lord to conform us to allow the Lord to conform us to the image of Christ. If you receive that, say amen, that's what If you receive that, say amen, that's what God has for us. He wants God has for us. He wants God has for us. He wants us to be conformed, to us to be conformed, to us to be conformed, to have the form, to be changed. Is have the form, to be changed. Is have the form, to be changed. Is n't it interesting that he sends n't it interesting that he sends n't it interesting that he sends this message this message this message and says at the beginning, 'That's for the and says at the beginning, 'That's for the and says at the beginning, 'That's for the church, for the saints'? church, for the saints'? church, for the saints'? But I believe But I believe But I believe that just that just that just like Billy Graham, like Clayon, who like Billy Graham, like Clayon, who like Billy Graham, like Clayon, who preach the gospel, preach the gospel, preach the gospel, if you've been doing it for 10, for 20 years, if you've been doing it for 10, for 20 years, if you've been doing it for 10, for 20 years, we need the truth of God's gospel we need the truth of God's gospel we need the truth of God's gospel .

I want you to see that. It's in the book of I want you to see that. It's in the book of Romans for us too. Romans for us too. Romans for us too. This is living. The second thing, number two, that I want you to The second thing, number two, that I want you to see is that a living faith see is that a living faith see is that a living faith shapes individuals into..." The body of shapes individuals into..." The body of shapes individuals into..." The body of Christ. Christ. Christ. The body of Christ, I'll show you in the The body of Christ, I'll show you in the The body of Christ, I'll show you in the text, text, text, in Romans 12:38, also in Romans 12:38, also in Romans 12:38, also sees us as individuals. It places us sees us as individuals. It places us sees us as individuals. It places us in a collective, brothers of two or three, in a collective, brothers of two or three, in a collective, brothers of two or three, because by the grace given to me I because by the grace given to me I because by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you say to everyone among you say to everyone among you not to think of himself more not to think of himself more not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to highly than he ought to think, but to highly than he ought to think, but to judge each one judge each one judge each one according to the measure that God has according to the measure that God has according to the measure that God has assigned to him. For just as in one assigned to him. For just as in one assigned to him. For just as in one body we have many members, body we have many members, body we have many members, [breathes] the members do not all have [breathes] the members do not all have [breathes] the members do not all have the same function. So we, though the same function. So we, though the same function. So we, though many, are one body of Christ, many, are one body of Christ, many, are one body of Christ, individually members one of individually members one of individually members one of another, and it's going to talk about these another, and it's going to talk about these another, and it's going to talk about these individuals, having gifts that differ individuals, having gifts that differ individuals, having gifts that differ according to the grace that has been given to us, let us according to the grace that has been given to us, let us according to the grace that has been given to us, let us use them.

use them. use them. If prophecy, If prophecy, If prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if in proportion to our faith; if in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who service, in our serving; the one who service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes in his exhortation; the one who contributes in his exhortation; the one who contributes generously; the one who leads with zeal. generously; the one who leads with zeal. generously; the one who leads with zeal. I'm trying I'm trying I'm trying to give you all the zeal I can to give you all the zeal I can to give you all the zeal I can have. have. have. The one who performs acts of mercy with The one who performs acts of mercy with The one who performs acts of mercy with cheerfulness. cheerfulness. cheerfulness. Look at this. Look at this. Look at this. Christophory doesn't just mean that Christophory doesn't just mean that Christophory doesn't just mean that the Holy Spirit works in us, the Holy Spirit works in us, the Holy Spirit works in us, that it's about us being the body of that it's about us being the body of that it's about us being the body of Christ collectively. What's been Christ collectively. What's been Christ collectively. What's been happening in our church in recent happening in our church in recent happening in our church in recent years is that we've done a good job, that that other people's faith—your wife's, other people's faith—your wife's, other people's faith—your wife's, your coach's— your coach's— your coach's— their faith is very good, but that we need to their faith is very good, but that we need to their faith is very good, but that we need to have a personal relationship have a personal relationship have a personal relationship with Jesus. The negative side of that is that many of negative side of that is that many of us negatively believe that I us negatively believe that I us negatively believe that I am a follower of Christ and am a follower of Christ and am a follower of Christ and that in heaven someday there's no that in heaven someday there's no that in heaven someday there's no encouragement for me to be part of Christ.

encouragement for me to be part of Christ. encouragement for me to be part of Christ. It's countercultural to the message It's countercultural to the message It's countercultural to the message that was sent to the that was sent to the that was sent to the Romans: an expectation that we are Romans: an expectation that we are Romans: an expectation that we are in the body of Christ. I don't want you to in the body of Christ. I don't want you to in the body of Christ. I don't want you to just be a just be a just be a podcast or YouTube Christian. I want you to be podcast or YouTube Christian. I want you to be podcast or YouTube Christian. I want you to be encouraged, to fight to be the body of encouraged, to fight to be the body of encouraged, to fight to be the body of Christ. Don't be an individual. Christ. Don't be an individual. Christ. Don't be an individual. That's antagonistic to the gospel. It's not just about That's antagonistic to the gospel. It's not just about fishing, hunting, fishing, hunting, being on vacation— being on vacation— being on vacation— the regular rule of Christianity. the regular rule of Christianity. the regular rule of Christianity. Preach the gospel when you make it a Preach the gospel when you make it a Preach the gospel when you make it a priority, whether it's hot or not. Whether priority, whether it's hot or not. Whether priority, whether it's hot or not. Whether it's normal or not, it's normal or not, it's normal or not, I'm going to be part of the I'm going to be part of the I'm going to be part of the body meeting. I can be a member of it body meeting. I can be a member of it body meeting. I can be a member of it using using using my gifts, because we are members of one my gifts, because we are members of one my gifts, because we are members of one another. another. another. Amen to that if you believe it.

Last time we had the biggest membership class we Last time we had the biggest membership class we 've ever had. I want to 've ever had. I want to 've ever had. I want to encourage you. We help you use your gifts, help you use your gifts, find the role you have to find the role you have to find the role you have to fulfill. fulfill. fulfill. One more thing before anything else. One more thing before anything else. One more thing before anything else. We went on a month-long medical mission trip We went on a month-long medical mission trip We went on a month-long medical mission trip . It was a young pastor. We had never . It was a young pastor. We had never . It was a young pastor. We had never been to Africa. been to Africa. been to Africa. A friend had never traveled. Miss A friend had never traveled. Miss A friend had never traveled. Miss Julie Julie Julie is a lady who is a lady who is a lady who was shaking and she grabbed my hand like this, she was shaking and she grabbed my hand like this, she was shaking and she grabbed my hand like this, she squeezed my hand. I didn't go to Kenya on a squeezed my hand. I didn't go to Kenya on a squeezed my hand. I didn't go to Kenya on a mission trip to find mission trip to find mission trip to find Christian community Christian community Christian community and I found one of the best friends I and I found one of the best friends I and I found one of the best friends I 've had in ministry here. 've had in ministry here. 've had in ministry here. I need Christian community, I need I need Christian community, I need I need Christian community, I need Christian friends.

Christian friends. Christian friends. If you aim for Christian community, If you aim for Christian community, If you aim for Christian community, sometimes Christianity, Christian community is working Christian community is working together and the end product is together and the end product is together and the end product is Christian community. When we work Christian community. When we work Christian community. When we work together, when you are part of the body of together, when you are part of the body of together, when you are part of the body of Christ, when you love the Christ, when you love the Christ, when you love the students at FUS or go on a trip From students at FUS or go on a trip From students at FUS or go on a trip From missions, when you come back after missions, when you come back after missions, when you come back after serving in Glet, you come back with a mission, serving in Glet, you come back with a mission, serving in Glet, you come back with a mission, with a family, you come back with community. with a family, you come back with community. with a family, you come back with community. The design of Scripture is that The design of Scripture is that The design of Scripture is that Christ-conformity is what makes us one body Christ-conformity is what makes us one body Christ-conformity is what makes us one body of Him. of Him. of Him. If you look, If you look, If you look, if you look at my wedding picture, everyone if you look at my wedding picture, everyone if you look at my wedding picture, everyone who [clears throat] is there has been who [clears throat] is there has been who [clears throat] is there has been ministering here with me. I want to find my people, where are they? I want to find my people, where are they? And we end up doing ministry together And we end up doing ministry together And we end up doing ministry together and we have such great friendships, they're with and we have such great friendships, they're with and we have such great friendships, they're with you through thick and you through thick and you through thick and thin, and that's what you have an offer for thin, and that's what you have an offer for thin, and that's what you have an offer for yourself. I want to encourage you yourself. I want to encourage you yourself. I want to encourage you that it's not enough just to that it's not enough just to that it's not enough just to sit back, be part of the body. Third and sit back, be part of the body. Third and sit back, be part of the body. Third and last, a living faith last, a living faith last, a living faith shapes individuals shapes individuals shapes individuals into the mission of Christ.

into the mission of Christ. into the mission of Christ. You're going to see that in the book of Romans. You're going to see that in the book of Romans. You're going to see that in the book of Romans. We're called to be We're called to be in drive, not in neutral, but in drive, not in neutral, but forward, moving forward. A famous passage of Scripture A famous passage of Scripture says Romans 10:14, "How then can they says Romans 10:14, "How then can they says Romans 10:14, "How then can they call on him call on him call on him in whom they have not believed?" in whom they have not believed?" in whom they have not believed?" And how can they believe in him of whom they have never And how can they believe in him of whom they have never And how can they believe in him of whom they have never heard, and how can they be without someone preaching to them? heard, and how can they be without someone preaching to them? heard, and how can they be without someone preaching to them? How can they preach unless they How can they preach unless they How can they preach unless they are sent, as it is written, "How are sent, as it is written, "How are sent, as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who beautiful are the feet of those who beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" angry sometimes when I see what's angry sometimes when I see what's happening in the world, I see that it doesn't matter what happening in the world, I see that it doesn't matter what happening in the world, I see that it doesn't matter what day it is, no matter the time, and it frustrates me day it is, no matter the time, and it frustrates me day it is, no matter the time, and it frustrates me and makes me angry. What's happening?

and makes me angry. What's happening? and makes me angry. What's happening? What is it that happened ? ? something something something the Lord has been telling me. You can't the Lord has been telling me. You can't the Lord has been telling me. You can't reach the world and hate the reach the world and hate the reach the world and hate the world at the same time. There are things on earth that are broken. There are things on earth that are broken. And you know what, we are called, we are called as a church, not to be we are called as a church, not to be just isolated in this thing just isolated in this thing just isolated in this thing called church. That breaks God's heart called church. That breaks God's heart called church. That breaks God's heart . That's not God's way. . That's not God's way. . That's not God's way. We have to live We have to live We have to live on a mission with our vehicles moving forward on a mission with our vehicles moving forward on a mission with our vehicles moving forward . . . No, you won't find yourself in another No, you won't find yourself in another No, you won't find yourself in another promotion, promotion, promotion, no more letters in your degree, a no more letters in your degree, a no more letters in your degree, a car, a new husband, a new car, a new husband, a new car, a new husband, a new wife, a new thing in the wife, a new thing in the wife, a new thing in the picture projection, or you can live on a mission. I have been picture projection, or you can live on a mission. I have been picture projection, or you can live on a mission. I have been encouraged in the 20 years I have been encouraged in the 20 years I have been encouraged in the 20 years I have been here seeing men and women, seeing here seeing men and women, seeing everyday work, living on a mission, they know what everyday work, living on a mission, they know what life is about. When you see life is about. When you see life is about. When you see the image of Christ formed in you, the image of Christ formed in you, the image of Christ formed in you, you are the body of Christ. Oh, now you are the body of Christ. Oh, now you are the body of Christ. Oh, now I have clarity about what I want. I'm going back I have clarity about what I want. I'm going back to university, to work.

to university, to work. In the work I do, In the work I do, In the work I do, every Christian is called, is called to every Christian is called, is called to every Christian is called, is called to be on mission, not just pastors. be on mission, not just pastors. be on mission, not just pastors. I want to tell you this many times, I want to tell you this many times, I want to tell you this many times, and we all need to be aware of and we all need to be aware of and we all need to be aware of it. We are the body of Christ We are the body of Christ and I work with zeal in what I do. and I work with zeal in what I do. and I work with zeal in what I do. The church is going to The church is going to The church is going to leave the building to go on a leave the building to go on a leave the building to go on a mission. Some have already started. You're going to Some have already started. You're going to go on missions, to college training, to your go on missions, to college training, to your go on missions, to college training, to your 9-to-5 job. You're going to be on a 9-to-5 job. You're going to be on a 9-to-5 job. You're going to be on a mission, that kind of training that mission, that kind of training that mission, that kind of training that God wants to give us in the book of God wants to give us in the book of God wants to give us in the book of Romans, the image of Christ, the body Romans, the image of Christ, the body Romans, the image of Christ, the body of Christ, the mission of Christ. That is of Christ, the mission of Christ. That is of Christ, the mission of Christ. That is the gospel of Christ.

Uh, that's my favorite part of this sermon. That's Uh, that's my favorite part of this sermon. That's when I leave and when you and I when I leave and when you and I when I leave and when you and I begin to apply what God begin to apply what God begin to apply what God taught us. We have done something in the last 7 years done something in the last 7 years and I think that is the most important thing. We are not hypocrites in this part; it is We are not hypocrites in this part; it is when we approach the body of when we approach the body of when we approach the body of Christ, when we serve communion. They are volunteers who come to pray are volunteers who come to pray for you, to for you, to for you, to pray for healing, for whatever is pray for healing, for whatever is pray for healing, for whatever is happening in your home. happening in your home. happening in your home. We took advantage of that at one point, We took advantage of that at one point, We took advantage of that at one point, and I want you to know that when it comes to the and I want you to know that when it comes to the and I want you to know that when it comes to the message I'm talking about message I'm talking about message I'm talking about , , , sometimes I hear this and see it in the sometimes I hear this and see it in the sometimes I hear this and see it in the scriptures, and sometimes I think, I have to scriptures, and sometimes I think, I have to scriptures, and sometimes I think, I have to try better, I have to do try better, I have to do try better, I have to do better to be more like Jesus, I have to better to be more like Jesus, I have to better to be more like Jesus, I have to serve again, I have to try harder, serve again, I have to try harder, serve again, I have to try harder, try harder.

try harder. try harder. That's not right. It's our flesh that That's not right. It's our flesh that That's not right. It's our flesh that tells you that. It is the religious spirit tells you that. It is the religious spirit tells you that. It is the religious spirit that tells us that tells us that tells us the reality the reality the reality of the spirit when the power flows, of the spirit when the power flows, of the spirit when the power flows, when it is surrender, is surrender, the power of the gospel is surrendered the power of the gospel is surrendered the power of the gospel is surrendered when we surrender to the grace and when we surrender to the grace and when we surrender to the grace and mercy of King Jesus and let mercy of King Jesus and let mercy of King Jesus and let his power flow through us. his power flow through us. his power flow through us. Daughter, daughter wants to equip you with gifts Daughter, daughter wants to equip you with gifts Daughter, daughter wants to equip you with gifts so that you surrender being part of the so that you surrender being part of the so that you surrender being part of the body, so that you surrender, so that your body, so that you surrender, so that your body, so that you surrender, so that your work surrenders, so that you work surrenders, so that you surrender your 20s, your 30s, your golden years. surrender your 20s, your 30s, your golden years. Surrender and let the spirit of the living God Surrender and let the spirit of the living God flow through you. Get up, stand flow through you. Get up, stand up.

I want to invite the I want to invite the ministry teams to come to the altar. ministry teams to come to the altar. ministry teams to come to the altar. Use this time to learn. Use this time to learn. Use this time to learn. Don't check your phone. Don't go. Use Don't check your phone. Don't go. Use Don't check your phone. Don't go. Use this moment to allow the this moment to allow the this moment to allow the Lord. Lord. Lord. Invite someone to pray for you. Come Invite someone to pray for you. Come Invite someone to pray for you. Come to the altar so that we may be equipped so that we may be equipped in this Christ-ness. I'm going to pray and then in this Christ-ness. I'm going to pray and then in this Christ-ness. I'm going to pray and then we'll answer. Holy Spirit of God, we we'll answer. Holy Spirit of God, we we'll answer. Holy Spirit of God, we invite you. Come. We have preached your invite you. Come. We have preached your invite you. Come. We have preached your word. We pray that you, the church, We pray that you, the church, have created us in the image of Christ, that there is no have created us in the image of Christ, that there is no middle ground, that either we middle ground, that either we are conformed to your image, are conformed to your image, are conformed to your image, Jesus, or we are formed in the image of God. Whether here or elsewhere, encourage here or elsewhere, encourage people who don't know if this is their people who don't know if this is their people who don't know if this is their church or not, church or not, church or not, that they may surrender, Lord, here or that they may surrender, Lord, here or that they may surrender, Lord, here or elsewhere.

people who go to school, people who go to school, families. Let us be on a mission, so that we do not Let us be on a mission, so that we do not miss the opportunity that is miss the opportunity that is miss the opportunity that is in front of us. Do it for your in front of us. Do it for your in front of us. Do it for your glory, do it for our joy and for glory, do it for our joy and for glory, do it for our joy and for the good of the people the good of the people the good of the people around us. Amen. So whether you've been coming for a So whether you've been coming for a while or maybe this is one of your first while or maybe this is one of your first while or maybe this is one of your first couple times here, this is the time couple times here, this is the time couple times here, this is the time where all we're going to respond where all we're going to respond where all we're going to respond together. The the ways that we respond together. The the ways that we respond together. The the ways that we respond someone behind me on the screen. I want to someone behind me on the screen. I want to someone behind me on the screen. I want to encourage all of us to take a step now encourage all of us to take a step now encourage all of us to take a step now to respond to what God has told us to to respond to what God has told us to to respond to what God has told us to do. Maybe it's making that decision to do. Maybe it's making that decision to do. Maybe it's making that decision to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior for the very first time. You can Savior for the very first time. You can Savior for the very first time. You can come down to the cross. Maybe it's come down to the cross. Maybe it's come down to the cross. Maybe it's stepping into receiving communion, stepping into receiving communion, stepping into receiving communion, singing, praying. I want to invite all singing, praying. I want to invite all singing, praying. I want to invite all of us to be active in this time to of us to be active in this time to of us to be active in this time to respond. Let's do that now.

I cast my mind. [singing] I cast my mind. [singing] to Calvary to Calvary to Calvary where Jesus [singing][music] played where Jesus [singing][music] played where Jesus [singing][music] played and died for me. and died for me. and died for me. I see his w I see his w I see his w his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. My savior on My savior on My savior on that cursed tree his body bound. his body bound. and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. They laid him down They laid him down They laid him down in Joseph's to in Joseph's to in Joseph's to the entrance sealed the entrance sealed the entrance sealed by heavy stone. by heavy stone. by heavy stone. Messiah Messiah Messiah still still still and all alone. Oh. Oh. The name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise The name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise The name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his name forevermore.

For in these days we will sing your For in these days we will sing your praise. Oh Lord. Oh Lord our God. Then on the third Then on the third at break [song] of dawn at break [song] of dawn at break [song] of dawn the sun [music] of heaven the sun [music] of heaven the sun [music] of heaven rose again. rose again. rose again. Oh tremble death, Oh tremble death, Oh tremble death, where is your steam? where is your steam? where is your steam? The angels ro The angels ro The angels ro for Christ the king. Oh, [singing][music] praise the name of Oh, [singing][music] praise the name of the Lord our God. the Lord our God. the Lord our God. praise his [music] name forevermore for for days we will sing your [singing] praise days we will sing your [singing] praise days we will sing your [singing] praise [music] Holy Spirit, wherever you're leading us, Holy Spirit, wherever you're leading us, we follow.

we follow. we follow. Whatever you're saying, we listen. Help us to trust you, Holy Spirit. Help us to trust you, Holy Spirit. Help us to put our faith back in the Help us to put our faith back in the Help us to put our faith back in the gospel that forms us, that changes us. gospel that forms us, that changes us. gospel that forms us, that changes us. God, help us to look toward the future, our help us to look toward the future, our hope, and the resurrection. [music] hope, and the resurrection. [music] hope, and the resurrection. [music] When you return, When you return, When you return, he shall [singing] return. [music] he shall [singing] return. [music] he shall [singing] return. [music] In robes of white, the blazing sun In robes of white, the blazing sun In robes of white, the blazing sun shall pierce the night. shall pierce the night. shall pierce the night. And I will rise And I will rise And I will rise among the saints. among the saints. among the saints. My g transfixed My g transfixed My g transfixed on Jesus face. Come on, let's sing that on Jesus face. Come on, let's sing that on Jesus face. Come on, let's sing that again. He shall return. again. He shall return. again. He shall return. He shall return He shall return He shall return in [music][singing] robes of white.

in [music][singing] robes of white. in [music][singing] robes of white. The blazing sun The blazing sun The blazing sun shall pierce [music][singing] the night. shall pierce [music][singing] the night. shall pierce [music][singing] the night. And I will rise And I will rise And I will rise among the [music][singing] saints. among the [music][singing] saints. among the [music][singing] saints. My case transfix My case transfix My case transfix [music] on Jesus. Our hope is in you. Hope is in you, Our hope is in you. Hope is in you, Lord. Lord. Lord. O praise the name of the Lord our God. O praise the name of the Lord our God. O praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his name forever.

Forest Forest days we will see your praise. days we will see your praise. days we will see your praise. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. Praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, Praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, Praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his [music] name forever praise his [music] name forever praise his [music] name forever more. For more. For more. For we will see your praise. Oh Lord. Oh we will see your praise. Oh Lord. Oh we will see your praise. Oh Lord. Oh Lord our God. cor cor st st st we can strong in the sa through the through the he Christ the Lord Christ the Lord [music] [music] [music] the we the we the we in the

Christ Christ alone. Come on, say we could be strong in the saithest love we could be strong in the saithest love through the storm. through the storm. through the storm. He is [cries] He is [cries] He is [cries] Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord of all. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you God. What an incredible Yes. Thank you God. What an incredible Yes. Thank you God. What an incredible Sunday morning it has been. Uh the image Sunday morning it has been. Uh the image Sunday morning it has been. Uh the image of Christ, the body of Christ, the of Christ, the body of Christ, the of Christ, the body of Christ, the mission of Christ. mission of Christ. mission of Christ. So whatever like actionable there is for So whatever like actionable there is for So whatever like actionable there is for you out of today like maybe something you out of today like maybe something you out of today like maybe something that you felt the Holy Spirit speak and that you felt the Holy Spirit speak and that you felt the Holy Spirit speak and prompt within you. I would encourage us prompt within you. I would encourage us prompt within you. I would encourage us all like let's put it in action. all like let's put it in action. all like let's put it in action. Let's not just let it be something Let's not just let it be something Let's not just let it be something that stays right here in this building that stays right here in this building that stays right here in this building because we know that there's nothing but because we know that there's nothing but because we know that there's nothing but more of him on the other side of more of him on the other side of more of him on the other side of obedience. Um, so what an incredible obedience. Um, so what an incredible obedience. Um, so what an incredible Sunday morning it has been. I just want Sunday morning it has been. I just want Sunday morning it has been. I just want to encourage uh you all if you've been to encourage uh you all if you've been to encourage uh you all if you've been one of those folks that have been on the one of those folks that have been on the one of those folks that have been on the fringe and you want to hop into the body fringe and you want to hop into the body fringe and you want to hop into the body of Christ, you can simply doing that by of Christ, you can simply doing that by of Christ, you can simply doing that by texting member to 30303 and we love to texting member to 30303 and we love to texting member to 30303 and we love to come alongside you and help you hop into come alongside you and help you hop into come alongside you and help you hop into the body of Christ and all that God is the body of Christ and all that God is the body of Christ and all that God is doing in and through our church here and doing in and through our church here and doing in and through our church here and now. Um, one of the things that's coming

now. Um, one of the things that's coming now. Um, one of the things that's coming up that we are super excited about, uh, up that we are super excited about, uh, up that we are super excited about, uh, there is a trip that myself and Tim Hack there is a trip that myself and Tim Hack there is a trip that myself and Tim Hack are getting to lead to Nairobi, Kenya are getting to lead to Nairobi, Kenya are getting to lead to Nairobi, Kenya coming up here in 12 days. coming up here in 12 days. coming up here in 12 days. There's a team of about 14 of us uh There's a team of about 14 of us uh There's a team of about 14 of us uh going over. Is anyone is anybody that's going over. Is anyone is anybody that's going over. Is anyone is anybody that's going on the trip here in the room? going on the trip here in the room? going on the trip here in the room? Raise your hand. Raise your hand. There Raise your hand. Raise your hand. There Raise your hand. Raise your hand. There was some of the first service. Oh, was some of the first service. Oh, was some of the first service. Oh, where's where you at, Carter? Carter's where's where you at, Carter? Carter's where's where you at, Carter? Carter's going. He's right over here. Carter is a going. He's right over here. Carter is a going. He's right over here. Carter is a part of a part of that team. But we're part of a part of that team. But we're part of a part of that team. But we're very excited uh to partner with two very excited uh to partner with two very excited uh to partner with two missionaries that are right here from missionaries that are right here from missionaries that are right here from our campus, Danny and LJ Davis uh for our campus, Danny and LJ Davis uh for our campus, Danny and LJ Davis uh for about a week of time. And we'd love to about a week of time. And we'd love to about a week of time. And we'd love to invite you in to join uh us in prayer as invite you in to join uh us in prayer as invite you in to join uh us in prayer as our team gets ready to head over that our team gets ready to head over that our team gets ready to head over that way. So if you want that information on way. So if you want that information on way. So if you want that information on how you can be joining in prayer, you how you can be joining in prayer, you how you can be joining in prayer, you can simply text needs to note to 30303 can simply text needs to note to 30303 can simply text needs to note to 30303 and that'll be going out in our Monday and that'll be going out in our Monday and that'll be going out in our Monday morning email here in a couple of weeks. morning email here in a couple of weeks. morning email here in a couple of weeks. So excited about everything that is to come. So excited about everything that is to come. So excited about everything that is to come. Well, church, as we get ready to leave Well, church, as we get ready to leave Well, church, as we get ready to leave this place, but never from his presence, this place, but never from his presence, this place, but never from his presence, uh would you mind putting your hands out uh would you mind putting your hands out uh would you mind putting your hands out just in to receive and I'd love to bless just in to receive and I'd love to bless just in to receive and I'd love to bless you.

you. you. May you be conformed to the image of May you be conformed to the image of May you be conformed to the image of Christ and transformed by the renewal of Christ and transformed by the renewal of Christ and transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you might live a life your mind so that you might live a life your mind so that you might live a life of worship. May you thrive in the body of worship. May you thrive in the body of worship. May you thrive in the body of Christ and live on mission that all of Christ and live on mission that all of Christ and live on mission that all might know the salvation and hope that might know the salvation and hope that might know the salvation and hope that you've experienced in Jesus. Go now you've experienced in Jesus. Go now you've experienced in Jesus. Go now unashamed of the gospel living a life unashamed of the gospel living a life unashamed of the gospel living a life that declares the hope and the power of that declares the hope and the power of that declares the hope and the power of God to the world. We love you church and God to the world. We love you church and God to the world. We love you church and we'll see you guys next week or this we'll see you guys next week or this we'll see you guys next week or this Wednesday night at F.