Paul spends a lot of time explaining the sinfulness of man. It is the focus of our text this week and for the next several weeks. In my study, I have often thought to myself, why can’t we just get this in one verse? Why not just summarize it in a paragraph? Why three chapters drilling down on the sinfulness of man? Then the Spirit reminds me that until we have plummeted the depths of our sinfulness, we will not fully appreciate the depths of God’s mercy and grace. Until we are aware of our guilt, we may sing about amazing grace, but we will not feel that grace is amazing. In this text, Paul takes ALL of us to the depths. We are all brought to the point of crying out for mercy and then we find ourselves in a position to rejoice in the sheer blessedness and relief of the good news of Jesus Christ. It is going to be a great weekend together in worship and the study of God’s Word. I pray that you will join us. Now more than ever we need Christ, and we need each other.

— Pastor Chad