Sunday, March 16 - Romans 5:20-6:11

Hey guys,

This is Pastor Courtney. I don't have video for you today, and I apologize. I do have 2 somewhat unacceptable excuses:

1. I haven't updated the video recording program on my computer.
2. I'm not wearing any makeup :)

So the Bible is filled with chapters that manage to be really hopeful and yet challenging all at the same time... chapters that say here's the good news, but at the same time, here's something you really need to work on... That's what this portion of scripture does. Let's start off with the good news:

In Romans 5:20-21, we read that where sin increases, so does God's grace. This means that even if you've messed up badly, God doesn't look at you as someone who is too far gone and impossibly lost . He sees an opportunity to show-off (in a very good way:) He sees a chance to demonstrate just how powerful his grace and forgiveness really is. Think of it like this... if you are one of the best baseball teams in the league, and you play a team that has lost every game so far, it's not all that impressive if you beat them. However, if you go up against the undefeated champions and you win, now you've given people something to talk about... God loves impossible situations and impossible people. When God steps in and does something miraculous, something no human could possibly do, he gets all the credit (aka the "glory"). That's what happens when God loves the unloveable and forgives the unforgiveable. You're not too far gone. Neither is your friend.

Now for the challenge:

Have you ever heard someone say that they will enjoy life now, and maybe find God when they're on their deathbed? Have you ever done something and thought- I'm going to have to pray for forgiveness for this later? That's what Paul is talking about in this section. He's basically saying to the Christian, "You figure God is going to forgive you, so you think it's alright to do whatever you feel like doing and just apologize later? - Wrong!" He then goes on to sort of question their faith by asking, "If God has really changed you and made you a new person, why are even thinking about doing the same old junk? Are you really changed?!" It reminds me of the super nice teacher at school who lets everyone get away with everything. Everyone says how great she is and how much they love her... But if you are using a person and taking advantage of their kindness, do you really love and respect them? Love doesn't take advantage of another person.

Ask yourself:
Do you really love God or do you use God?
If God has really changed you and made you a new person, why are you even thinking about doing the same junk. ARE YOU REALLY CHANGED?
What needs to happen for you to completely get rid of your "old self"?
What good things have happened in your life that God deserves "credit" for?