Bethel Church of Houston

What does it mean to be part of a church family? What are the implications of being a member of the flock? How are you to think about your shepherds? Is it possible to really shepherd people in our consumerist, individualistic culture?

We've learned that God is, indeed, consistent in calling sinners like us "righteous." And more, He provides the means for us to live righteously, growing in our likeness of His righteoud Son. Can we be sure, certain?

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

How Shall We Then Live?

We saw in the previous message that Law is not the problem; sin is. The Law crystallizes guilt and penalty; Sin perverts and pollutes the holy Law of God. Therefore, legalism never works. But what does legalism really look like?

For most of us, at first reading this morning's text may seem irrelevant. But nothing could be further from the truth -- we all can be legalists at heart.

...so said Bob Dylan. But he merely echoed Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5, and Paul's assertions from Romans 6. What does this mean for us, today?

In Romans 5 the Word asserts believers' existence "in Christ" vs. "in Adam." In chapter 6 those implications are fleshed out, especially regarding our daily walk.

We often look at God's gospel of grace as an event. It is something that happens when one is converted to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Jesus' gospel of grace is not just something that happens in the past, but is a present reality. Dr. Boys has unpacked Romans 1-4 showing how God has credited the saints as righteous. Beginning in Romans 5, we get to see the implications of this righteous standing.

Working our way through Romans can sometimes cause us to miss the practical application of its rich, profound doctrines. But this morning, pay attention to these principles in action in the life of Abraham.