Christ Church Bentonville

The Prosecution Rests (Romans 3:9-20)

In his closing argument, Paul says the evidence, which includes the compelling testimony of Scripture, has shown beyond any reasonable doubt that no one is without excuse and is guilty before God due to sin and no one is justified by the works of the law.  No not one!
 

Cross Examination (Romans 3:1-8)

Paul pauses his case for the sinfulness of all mankind to address some objections. As we hear Paul’s refutation, may we join him in being not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Heart Surgery (Romans 2:17-29)

Paul exposes both legalism and formalism for what they are, forms of self-righteousness and false hope in terms of our justification.

What the Lord Requires (Romans 2:12-16)

Having driven home the point that God’s judgement is going to be just, patient, certain, impartial, and appropriate, Paul moves on to identify the standard by which everyone will be judged. 

No Excuses, No Escape, No Exceptions (Romans 2:1-11)

The Jews were judging the Gentiles and not holding themselves to the same standard.  So Paul wanted them to know their only hope was the same hope as the Gentiles.  A righteousness not their own.

Without Excuse - Part 2 (Romans 1:24-32)

Are there sins more heinous than others?  Yes.  Do all sins deserve God’s wrath?  Absolutely.  But there is hope. God offers salvation from them all in Christ.

Without Excuse - Part 1 (Romans 1:18-25)

We can’t appreciate the good news unless we understand the bad news. Paul rightly diagnosed the bad news and we must apprehend the severity of it to appreciate the solution which is the Gospel. 

The What, Who, How, and Why of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)

The gospel isn’t something we do.  The gospel isn’t something we live.  The gospel is an announcement of good news.

More Than Mere Pleasantries (Romans 1:8-15)

As a bondservant of Christ, Paul knew he was obligated to Christ.  Being obligated to Christ, Paul knew he was obligated to those for whom Christ died.

It All Starts WIth A Greeting (Romans 1:1-7)

It’s been called the Mount Everest of Paul’s letters and it all begins with a simple but profound greeting that tells us who Paul was, who Jesus is, and who we are.

You Are My Shield (Psalm 3)

We end 2024 and look to 2025 in Psalm 3, a song of hope for those in hopeless circumstances.

Jesus, The One Who Was Given (Isaiah 9:1-6)

Christ was the child that was born and the Son who was given that would change everything for us.