In last week’s passage, we learned about the tragedy of rejection. We learned that some of God’s chosen people, the Israelites had rejected God and His ways; they had rejected Jesus the Messiah.

Well, in today’s passage, Paul is going to circle back to that reality and then ask what the state is of the Israelites.

Also, while discussing this topic, Paul addresses the Gentiles and how they should react towards this newfound blessing that they have of being able to receive the mercy of God through Jesus.

Today’s sermon is entitled, “The Great Reach of the Mercy of God.”

Before we dive into this passage, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us.

(prayer)

Sometimes when you learn a new topic, you need some clarifications in order to really understand it. Well, Paul wants us to understand more about this reality of Israel’s rejection and the offer of salvation to the Gentiles.

So, as we look at this passage, we’ll see three clarifications regarding the relationship of God and the mercy that He shows to the Jewish people as well as the non-Jewish people.

First, let’s see that . . .

I. Israel is not extinguished (11-16)

Remember how Israel came to be. It all started with God choosing Abraham from the land of Ur and then He grew them from Abraham, through Isaac, through Jacob and the twelve tribes of Israel.

Israel was the apple of God’s eye. In God, they were victorious.

God’s people thrived under King David and King Solomon. They were respected, they were feared, they were thriving!

Then, Israel continued to reject God and His ways. They suffered at the hands of the Assyrians, they suffered at the hands of the Babylonians, they suffered at the hands of the Persians, they suffered at the hands of the Romans, and they rejected Jesus the Messiah.

Was it over for Israel? Was the flame they once possessed now extinguished? No!

Listen to what Paul says. Look at

Romans 11:11-16

11 I ask, then, have they stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their transgression brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness bring!

13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Insofar as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if I might somehow make my own people, jealous and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 Now if the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Do you remember Paul talking about the Jewish people stumbling?

In Romans 11:8-10, he speaks about them being stupid, blind, deaf, trapped, and burdened.

InRomans 9:33, he speaks of Jesus being a stumbling block for the unbelieving Jews.

Now, Paul asks the question of whether or not they have stumbled so badly that they have fallen and they can’t get up.

In other words, is all hope lost for the Jews? Is their flame extinguished?

Notice Paul’s characteristic reply in verse 11. Paul says, “Absolutely not!”

The Jews have not fallen so far that they cannot be recovered. Their flame has not been extinguished. They have not fallen past the reach of God’s great mercy.

Paul points out how God worked good through the rejection of the gospel by the Jewish people.

Since the Jews rejected Jesus, God offered the gospel to the Gentile world.

Then, Paul points out that if God can work through Israel’s failure, imagine how He can work through their repentance.

He says in verse 12, “ . . . how much more will their fullness bring!”

Paul even explains that by God taking the gospel to the Gentile world, some of the Jewish people will grow jealous of God’s love and blessings being shown to others Then, they will come back to God and His ways. Then, they will seek the righteousness of God through

We’re continuing our series in the book of Romans Today, we will make it through chapter 10 and into chapter 11.

We’re going to handle the passage a bit differently this week. I’m going to read the entire passage and then we’ll gather five observations from the passage.

Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.

(prayer)

There are some topics that are difficult to talk about but are nonetheless important to talk about. In this passage, Paul speaks about the rejection that some of the people of Israel showed towards Jesus. It’s difficult to hear of anyone rejecting God’s ways but especially God’s own people; it’s a tragedy.

Today’s sermon is entitled “The Tragedy of Rejection.”

Ok, before we look at the passage, let me point out that there are several Old Testament references in this passage. I want to give you a chance to see all of these now. Here’s a list of the references that Paul makes back to the Old Testament.

Verse 10:18 – Psalm 19:4Verse 10:19 – Deuteronomy 32:21Verses 10:20-21 – Isaiah 65:1-2Verses 11:2-4 – 1 Kings 19:14-18Verse 11:8 – Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10Verses 11:9-10 – Psalm 69:22-23.So, let’s read the passage now, all at once, and then we will discover five observations regarding rejection.

Look at the passage, starting in Romans 10:18:

10:18 But I ask, “Did they not hear?” Yes, they did:“Their voice has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”19 But I ask, “Did Israel not understand?” First, Moses said, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that lacks understanding.”20 And Isaiah says boldly, “I was found by those who were not looking for me; I revealed myself to those who were not asking for me.”21 But to Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and defiant people.”11:1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!” 4 But what was God’s answer to him? “I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal.” 5 In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace. 6 Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.7 What then? Israel did not find what it was looking for, but the elect did find it. The rest were hardened, 8 as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear, to this day.”9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a retribution to them.10 Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and their backs be bent continually.”

So, let’s look now at these five observations. First, . . .

I. Rejection is not from lack of hearing.

Paul starts off the passage by asking the question, “Did they not hear?”

That’s a natural question to ask.

If someone doesn’t believe the gospel message, perhaps it’s because they didn’t hear it.

That’s precisely what last week’s passage was about.

So, maybe the reason that many Jews did not believe the Gospel message is because they didn’t hear it.

Not so in this case, Paul says. Did the Jews hear? In verse 18, Paul says, “Yes, they did.”

Paul then quotes from Psalm 19:4. To make the point that all creation points to the existence of God, the judgment of God, and the love of God.

Of all people, the Jewish people should have been in tune with the love of God found in Jesus the Messiah.

However, the problem was not that they didn’t hear the message. Their rejection was not because they didn’t hear.

Second, we learn that th

“The Necessity of the Gospel Proclaimer”

Romans 10:13-15

Series: United in the Gospel

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

Oftentimes people have great ideas for things that can be done in churches. They may say, “Hey pastor, let’s start a new sports league.” Or, “What if we started a cafe that ministered to the community?” Or, “We should have free breakfast every Sunday.” When I hear these great ideas, my response is often, “I love that idea, who is going to do it?” Usually, things get very quiet at that point. You see, in order for something to be done, somebody has to do it (that’s profound, isn’t it?).

In today’s passage, the apostle Paul is going to discuss the idea that the gospel must be proclaimed in order for people to respond to the gospel.

Today’s sermon is entitled, “The Necessity of the Gospel Proclaimer.” The gospel must be proclaimed in order for people to be saved. That’s what we’ll learn this morning.

Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us supernaturally.

(prayer)

In Romans 8, we heard about the amazing saving love of God. In Romans 9, we learned that God is doing something throughout eternity to draw His children to Himself to be saved. In Romans 10, we learned about how people must respond to the gospel message.

That brings us to where we are today.

As we journey through this passage this morning, we’re going to learn four things that lead to some other thing.

First, let us learn that . . .

I. Calling leads to salvation (13)

This first point is a review of where we ended last week. Let’s look at it again. Look at Romans 10:13

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

As a reminder, this is Paul referring back to a prophecy from the Old Testament book of Joel. This is Joel 2:32.

Paul is saying, as Joel also prophesied, that there is salvation found in Jesus Christ and that salvation comes to anyone and everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus.

So, as we journey through this passage we must establish what the need is. The need is salvation. We must be saved because we need to be cleansed from the curse of sin. We need to be saved from the suffering that awaits us without Jesus. We need to have the wages of sin washed away.

We need help!

Do you remember the Life Alert commercials from the 1990s? The famous line from the commercials is, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” In the commercial, this person is calling out for help. So also, we need major help, so we must call out to God!

We need salvation so we must call upon the name of the Lord. Calling leads to salvation.

Second, . . .

II. Proclaiming leads to hearing (14-15)

We must call out for help, right? Well, how do we call out unless we know that we must call out? That’s the heart of Paul’s next two verses.

Look at Romans 10:14-15:

14 “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

Paul paints a picture of a progression that must proceed in order for a person to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Pay attention; Paul lays it out backward on purpose:

Paul says a person cannot call on Jesus if they have not believed in Jesus.

Paul says that a person cannot believe in Jesus unless they’ve heard about Jesus.

Paul says that a person cannot hear about Jesus unless someone preaches the message.

Finally, Paul says that someone will not preach unless they are sent.

So, this salvation process, on the human side, begins with someone being sent to proclaim the gospel message.

Ok, let’s talk about this a bit. First of all, let’s talk about the word preacher at the end of verse 14.

Preacher in this sense is not simply someone who is a pastor or minister for their job. It is someone who is

Introduction

A few years back I went to Lakeland Pig Fest with my father-in-law. There was BBQ everywhere and it was amazing. However, there was something else that I walked away loving that day, in addition to BBQ, which I already loved. There was a small stand set up in the middle of the walking path from Community Coffee. They were giving out free samples. Now, many people were simply walking by and not partaking of the free samples. However, I’m a free sample kind of guy. So, I took the coffee and it was absolutely delicious. Since that time, I have fallen in love with the smooth delicious test of Community Coffee. Now, here’s the thing: that coffee was available for anyone to taste. Anyone could have experienced the deliciousness that was offered and fallen in love with it forever. However, not everyone did.For the last few weeks, we have learned about the sovereign choice of God in His election of His people. The biggest reality that we’ve learned is that there is a lot of mystery to election and the bottom line is that it’s God’s business. Today, we’re going to that our business is how we respond to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Community Coffee is amazing. However, anyone who partakes of the Lord Jesus will experience the sweet aroma and the satisfying delight of the deep love of God found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Today’s sermon is entitled, “There’s No Shame When You Call On His Name.”Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.(prayer)

So, as we continue in Romans 9 and 10, let us recognize that this passage is all about Jesus and the beautiful salvation that He offers.

First, let us grasp that . . .

I. Jesus is Final (4-5)

We talked about this for a moment last week. Remember, we covered through verse 4 last time. So, let’s pick it up in verse 4 and go from there. Look at verses 4 and 5:

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, 5 since Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them.

So, here in verse 4, Paul says Jesus is the end. The word used for “end” here communicates that Jesus is the final stage, the endpoint, or the goal.

Jesus is the final stage of the law. He is the goal of the law.

You see, church, we can spin our wheels trying to find righteousness in the law of God but we’re not going anywhere. We will never find our end. It’s like driving towards a destination on a long road trip but no matter how far you drive, no matter how many hours you put in, you’re not getting any closer.

Paul explains in verse 5 that if we could keep the law we would be alright. He says, “The one who does these things will live by them.”

So, if you are “the one who does these things;” if you can keep the law perfectly, then you will live by the law. You will experience the righteousness that comes from the law.

However, Paul has been saying all along in the book of Romans that we cannot keep the law perfectly.Paul said in Romans 2:23“You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” So, even the Jewish people who boasted in, or bragged about the law, couldn’t keep the law; none of us can.The reason we need help from God is because we cannot be righteous on our own. Our best efforts fail miserably when it comes to being righteous and holy before God. We are spinning our wheels!

We need some real help; we need something that is final, we need someone who is final.The final righteousness of God is found in Jesus.

Well, if our final hope is in Jesus, how do we find Jesus? Well, church, be of good cheer . . .

II. Jesus is Near (6-8)

So, we need to have the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus. Well, then how do we find that righteousness? How do we gain that faith?

Paul answers these questions as we continue in the passage. Look at verses 6-8:

6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say i

“The Proper Pursuit for All People”

First Baptist Church Bartow

United in the Gospel / Romans 9:23–10:4

Introduction

Thus far in our study of Romans 9, we have asked and answered two monumental questions regarding God? Did God fail? By the way, the answer to that is “no.” And, we asked if God is unjust? Again, the answer is no.However, Paul has also pointed out in this chapter that there is something happening with the Jewish people. Paul has pointed out that many of the Jewish people of his day had rejected Jesus the Messiah.Yet, Paul points out that God is not done! God will not only redeem a remnant of the Jewish people; He will also redeem many who are not Jewish, those who are among the Gentile people.Remember, Church: as God is doing this work He is creating a beautiful masterpiece.In today’s passage, we will look back at what Paul has said regarding the prophecies about Israel and what else that means for Israel, and others, going forward.We will also discover where true righteousness can be found and what we should truly pursue? Today’s sermon is entitled, “The Proper Pursuit for All People.”Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to guide us in this sermon.(Prayer)Remember, Church: we discussed God’s election of His people for a couple different weeks. Today, we’re going to see the human responsibility side. We’re going to see that it greatly matters how people respond to God’s offer of grace and love.So, today we’re going to talk about two differences as it pertains to the old way of things for God’s people.First, let’s talk about . . .

I. Other people (9:23-29)

So, remember: as we concluded last time we got into the idea that God is working His will, by His choice, for His reasons, and according to His prerogative.Paul pointed out that part of God’s reason that He may be doing certain things is for the good of His people.So, let’s do some review in our first point. Look at Romans 9:23-29:9:23 And what if he did this to make known the riches of his glory on objects of mercy that he prepared beforehand for glory—24 on us, the ones he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As it also says in Hosea, I will call Not my People, My People, and she who is Unloved, Beloved., 26 And it will be in the place where they were told, you are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God. 27 But Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, Though the number of Israelites is like the sand the sea, only the remnant will be saved; 28 since the Lord will execute his sentence completely and decisively on the earth. 29 And just as Isaiah predicted: If the Lord of Hosts had not left us offspring, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah.So, Paul points out that sometimes we don’t see why God is doing what He is doing in the world. Sometimes He does so to, “make known the riches of his glory on objects of mercy that he prepared beforehand for glory—24 on us, the ones he also called.”Church, how wonderful is it that God is doing something special in the world in order to bless His people with knowledge of Him and His ways? What a display of God’s wisdom, grace, and love shown towards His people!Notice also the definition of who these people are. Paul has been speaking in here about his love for the Jewish people, the failure of the Jewish people to receive Jesus, and God’s plan for the Jewish people; but here Paul mentions a larger audience than just the Jewish people.Paul says that there are otherpeople, who are a part of God’s people. Check out verse 24: Paul says, “ . . . not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.”So, we know who these otherpeople are, don’t we? The blood of Jesus Christ is so powerful, the love of God is so grand, and the plan of God is so majestic that God chooses to not only bless and redeem the Jewish people but also people from multiple languages, multiple ethnicities, and multiple locations! Wha

“Is there Injustice with God?”

(Romans 9:14-29)

Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

July 10, 2022

Introductory Comments:

Well, here we are back in our study of Romans 9. Today, we are looking at verses 14-29. Last week, we started our journey into this challenging, yet fascinating, chapter of the Bible. 

In today’s passage, Paul seems to anticipate that many of the readers of the book of Romans will want to question what God is doing when it comes to His sovereign work from Heaven that He is carrying out among His people. 

In fact, Paul begins the passage with these words, “What should we say then? Is there injustice with God?” That is the title of today’s sermon, “Is there Injustice with God?” [on screen] That’s a pretty serious question.

Just a couple of weeks ago, while we were working in Appalachian Kentucky, we were building a house for a missionary there. The house sat on a hill so as we cut metal sheeting for the bottom of the house we had to cut some at an angle. As I worked with a couple of young men I tried to teach them a bit about building things. I taught them that if your cut is at an angle your measurement could be off by just a bit at one side of the cut but by the time you get to the other side of that cut the measurement is way off. You have to get that measurement right or everything is really messed up. So also, understanding God’s sovereignty in the world is extremely important. If we misunderstand who God is, it messes up everything else in our lives. 

Indeed, this is an important passage of Scripture. So, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us as we study His Word. 

(prayer)

So, just a bit of review: we were introduced last week to this idea of election. This idea that God chooses someone to be part of His promise. Paul mentioned Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Paul also mentioned that God’s children are not necessarily those who are physically descended from Abraham but those who are “children of the promise.” 

These children of the promise are not chosen based on anything that they have done. Rather, Paul points out that they are chosen by God. 

We’re going to see in today’s passage that Paul will continue to pursue this idea and answer some objections that some of us may have regarding what He’s already said. 

First, let us see that . . . 

I. It is God’s choice (14-16) [on screen]

Again, we’re talking about God choosing certain people to be children of the promise, starting with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and continuing on from there. 

So, let’s see what Paul says about this. Look at verses 14-16:

14 What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! 15 For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.

Based on all that Paul has already said, this question arises: “Is there injustice with God?”

Since God is choosing Jacob over Esau, is that unfair? Since some people are children of the promise and some are not, is injustice happening? Is God unjust?

As Paul often does, he answers the question emphatically and then he gives an explanation to the answer. Paul says, “Absolutely not!” God is not unjust or unfair in any way!

In his explanation to his declaration, Paul references God’s showing of mercy to the people of Israel in the Old Testament. 

God showed great forgiveness to the people of Israel after they sinned greatly while Moses was leading them. Shortly after this moment, God met with Moses and He revealed Himself as the God who shows mercy to whomever He decides to show mercy. 

Listen, church: the people of Israel did not deserve God’s mercy. They had just made a false deity in the form of an idol and they were worshiping that manmade item (you can read about th

“God’s Mysterious Purpose for His People”

(Romans 9:1-13)

Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

December 31, 2022

Introductory Comments:

Well, it’s a joy to be back in the book of Romans. Today, we are going to start one of the more challenging sections of Romans and perhaps one of the most challenging sections of the Bible.I’ve given you notice for the last few weeks to read ahead of time in order to start to get a grasp on Romans 9. 

Today, we’re going to dive into God’s glorious Word in Romans 9:1-13. Today’s sermon is entitled, “God’s Mysterious Purpose for His People.”[on screen]

Before we get started, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Romans 9 is indeed a challenging chapter. I’ve heard of some pastors who simply skip over this chapter when they are preaching through the book of Romans. However, most of you know me well enough to know that I can’t do that. So, let’s see what God has for us in this chapter. 

It’s important for us to understand that after all is said and done with this sermon, we will not perfectly understand what we’ve learned. In fact, we are more likely to have additional questions than we are to have all of our answers. To be honest, if you understand this perfectly, please come explain it to me after we dismiss today. 

We must remember as we study this passage that God is God and we are not. We must also remember that He has given us His Word for our benefit. He has revealed some of who He is, what He does, and why He does it in the Bible. However, He has not revealed all of Himself to us. We must remember the words of Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,and your ways are not my ways.”This is the Lord’s declaration.

“For as heaven is higher than earth,so my ways are higher than your ways,and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [on screen]

So, let’s do a little review. We took all of June off from the book of Romans. In chapter 8, Paul has spoken about the beautiful saving love of God and how nothing can separate us from that love. Now, he starts to explain more of what God is doing through His saving love in chapter 9. 

So, first, let us look at . . . 

I. Paul’s statement and sorrow (1-3) [on screen]

Let’s dive right into what Paul is saying here at the beginning of chapter 9. I have to tell you, it’s a bit peculiar. Look at verses 1-3. 

1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood. 

First of all, Paul has to tell us he’s not lying. Now, it’s not as though he usually lies. However, he wants to be sure that we’re paying attention. What he’s going to say in a few spots in this passage is strange and maybe even uncomfortable for his readers. So, Paul says, “I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit.” So, Paul is telling the truth, he’s serious, and God has put this on his heart. 

Well, why do I think that this passage is strange? Why would folks think that he is perhaps lying?

Paul first says, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.”

Well, that’s not too weird. Many of us have sorrow and anguish in our hearts at times. In fact, when you go on and realize that Paul’s anguish has grown out of his love for the Jewish people it starts to make sense. 

You see, Paul realizes that many of his brothers and sisters in Judaism have rejected Jesus the Messiah. Paul knows that a rejection of Jesus means a rejection of God. Paul knows that those Jewish people who have rejected Jesus have rejected all the promises and rewards of God including a home in heaven with God. Paul has great sorrow over this reality. 

The next statement that

“How do I glorify God?”

Series: Glory [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

June 19, 2022

Introductory Comments:

Welcome back to part two of our two-part series called, “Glory.” 

Last time, we answered the question, “What is God’s glory?”

You may remember that the definition of the glory of God was, 

God’s glory is the display of all of His God-ness.[on screen]

Well, today the question that we will answer is, 

“How do I glorify God?” [on screen]

So, let’s look at the Bible and seek to answer that question. Before we do, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Well, what is a definition or explanation of bringing glory to God? After some careful consideration, here’s what I came up with: 

Definition: To glorify God means to highlight and delight in the God-ness of God.[on screen]

When we highlight the God-ness of God, we are bringing attention to who God is and all the wonderful things He has done. Like in a book, when you highlight something, you do so to draw attention to it. [show picture on screen] So also, in glorifying God we bring attention to the God-ness of God.

Not only do we highlight God’s God-ness, we delight in it. When we glorify God, we love God’s God-ness and we want to see it displayed. 

There are many different ways that we can glorify God in our lives and we’re going to talk about that in a moment. Before we do, let me give you an example that came from John Piper on this idea of glorifying God. 

Piper gives an example of how we can glorify God through orange juice: [show picture on screen] Piper says, 

1. I will affirm, joyfully, from the word of God, that the color yellow is a gift of God. The sweet taste is a gift of God. The nourishment and the way my body uses it is a gift of God. The sun and the rain that grew the oranges is a gift of God. The trucking and the grocery chain that brought it to me is a gift of God. And the list could go on and on. I will gladly, joyfully, say that out loud. I will feel that.

2. I will lift my heart and voice in prayer, thanking God. And I will do this often so that others can know where all this came from, and how wise and strong and good God is.

3. I will remind myself that I do not deserve this juice. I deserve to be in hell today. And so, I will give thanks that my sins are forgiven and that this pleasure is, in fact, bought for me. This orange-juice pleasure is a blood-bought gift for this child of God on the way to heaven.

4. I will remind myself that this particular pleasure, this taste, this coolness on my tongue, this nourishment, reveals something of God to my senses and my soul that could not be known any other way. That’s why the world was created, because all of it is like a prism, giving us some new sight of the glory of God.

5. Then, I will share this juice, in love, with others at the table; I won’t horde it all.

6. And finally, I will use the strength that it gives me to live for the glory of God.

Isn’t that amazing? There are so many ways to reflect the glory of God, even through sipping orange juice. 

So, join me as we talk more about how we can glorify God in several different ways. 

First, . . .

I. We glorify God by existing. [on screen]

Think about this, church: the very fact that we exist as humans gives glory to God. 

Remember, God created mankind as a reflection of His image. By existing, we reflect God in some way. 

The Bible says in Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.” [on screen]

So, we glorify God in that we reflect Him in some way. 

Listen, also, to what God says in Isaiah 43:7, “ . . . everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory. I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.” [on screen]

We not only glorify God in that we reflect Him because we are made in His image, we also glorif