In today's message, we look at Paul's diagnosis of the human condition.   In one of the longest quotations of OT scripture from Psalms and Isaiah,  Paul puts together a string of pearls that clearly show that there are none righteous, no not one.

Further developing the theme of God's rightousness and the condemnation of sin, Paul states that the moralist is no better off than the pagan.  For the one who condemns the godless, practices the same things.

Paul now takes aim at those who trust in their nationality (in this case the Jews) as a means of salvation.   He also takes aim at the idea that rituals (in this case cirumcision) can somehow secure salvation apart from circumcision of the heart.    Both are erroneous beliefs.  Salvation is only found in a relationship and a living faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ!

In this passage, Paul describes the reasons for the wrath of God.  When men choose darkness over light, God "gives them over" to what they want.  One of the most tragic aspects of the wrath of God is the reality of the wrath of abandonment!

Peter writes to the Messianic Jews (Hebrew Christians) that are scattered throughout the Gentile nations.  He encouraged them to rejoice in the midst of their sufferings.   He reminds them of their eternal inheritance, their election, and their calling in Christ.  It's a model for each of us to rejoice in our troubles.

This Psalm is the oldest Psalm in the bible.   Moses, reflects upon the wanderings in the wilderness over the last 40 years.   As he prays for the new generation that's about to enter the Promised Land, he admonishes them to "number their days".   Truly, we are only here for a little while.

Paul describes the conditions in the world during the last days.

Today we look at the historical event of the Ascension of Christ and the implications for us today.

On the afternoon of the Resurrection, Jesus encounters two men on the road to Emmaus.  They do not recognize Him, but while He opened unto them the scriptures, faith arose in their burning hearts and they believed all that the bible had spoken about the death and resurrection of Messiah!

In a time of great national crisis, Isaiah received a revelation of God.   When He saw the LORD high and lifted up, he realized just how sinful he and the nation of Israel were.   In his cry for mercy ("woe is me!") God purged him and dispatched him as the messenger of repentance.