Right with God

Jim Leffel

Romans 3:21-26

As Paul demonstrated earlier in Romans, all people are held accountable to God to a perfect moral standard, but all fall short. In His love, God devised and executed a plan to give people an alternative to paying for their sins themselves, through a sacrificial priestly redeemer. Jesus is this redeemer, sacrificing himself for man on the cross, but also serving as the priest who is a go-between between man and God. We can have our moral debt before God forgiven if we receive this sacrifice.

Noah and the Flood

Ryan Weingartner

Hebrews 11:7

There is plausible historical and anthropological evidence to support the Biblical account that there was a worldwide flood that wiped out almost all people. Several New Testament passages help us understand the application of the event. First, we should prepare for Jesus' return, since, like the flood, it will happen unexpectedly. Second, as with the judgment of the flood, Jesus will judge when he returns. Third, just as God rescued Noah and his family, God offers us rescue from judgment through Jesus. Finally, we see Noah as a great example of faith in action.

Noah's Flood

Mike Sullivan

Genesis 6:9-8:14

Genesis tells the story of a great flood God sent to annihilate all of mankind as a judgment against their extreme wickedness. The only survivors were Noah and his family, a man who had faith in God and was therefore considered righteous. Though the story may seem incredible, there is good evidence that this was a historical event illustrating the judgment, love, and salvation of the God of the Bible.

The Sin of Self-Righteousness

Conrad Hilario

Romans 2:1-29

Paul addresses unrighteous judgment, warning us that when we judge others we actually condemn ourselves because we stand equally guilty before God. We have two choices: love God perfectly, or be loved by God perfectly and receive his free forgiveness.

The Beginning of the Two Humanities

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 4:1-16

In the story of Cain and Abel, we see man approaching God in 2 different ways, and God is pleased with one and displeased with the other. This contrast teaches us that God desires personal trust over mental assent and a reverent heart over religious formalism. God's interaction with Cain shows that while we can harden our hearts against God, God will never stop pursuing us.

Why Religion Fails

Dennis McCallum

Romans 2:1-21

God not only gives us evident for Himself through nature, but also shares specifically about His attributes. How do we respond to this? Do we try to suppress the truth or turn to religion? Or is there a different way to approach God?

Self-Righteousness

James Rochford

Romans 2:1-29

Paul addresses self-righteousness and unrighteous judgment. This is hypocrisy because the Bible teaches that there are two ways to God: be perfect, or be freely forgiven. Since we are all sinners, we should not practice self-righteous judgment, thinking we are superior but should practice righteous judgment that is humble and seeks the good of others.

The Religious Mentality

Chris Risley

Romans 1:28-2:29

Paul addresses unrighteous judgment between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Such judgment is hypocritical since all have fallen short of God's perfect standard and are saved by faith alone, from first to last. This teaching has application for today, since we are not immune to judging others by our own standards and Christians do not always have the best reputation in this area.

The Day of the Lord

Mike Sullivan

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Paul continues his discussion of what will happen at the end of history. He describes "the Day of the Lord," when Christ will return to judge and eradicate evil. Though the Bible makes clear no one can know when that time will come, we can prepare for it by receiving Jesus' salvation and being watchfully alert and sober.