Genesis reveals to us the God who loving sinners, seeks the lost. The first eleven chapters of Genesis are the foundation of all the Bible- the necessity of the republication of the Law at Sinai, the establishment of the ceremonial law, the possession of the land under Joshua, the dynasty of King David, the praises and petitions of the Psalms, the legal indictments of the prophets against covenant breakers, the incarnation of Jesus, His crucifixion, death, resurrection and session on the throne at His Father's right hand, the preaching of the apostles, and the final consummation of history in Revelation 21-22. All this presupposes the space-time history of Genesis. Genesis is structured around people and thereby God begins His self-revelation with the facts of Creation, Fall and Redemption- He being the loving One who seeks out the lost to save them.

We must handle the Bible the way the Bible itself handles it. How did the Apostle Paul read Genesis- Though we could answer this question from Acts or any of Paul's epistles, we will look at Romans.

You must interpret the Bible the way the Bible shows you how to interpret it. Reading Genesis- You must consider how Jesus read Genesis. You are told in the Gospels.

That the Triune God created all that has come into existence has been the uniform confession of God's people through all time. It is the fundamental assertion of the Bible upon which all else rests. Matter abundantly declares, through entropy, that it's existence is dependent. Its cause is not to be found within itself. No wonder then, that this foundational doctrine is the focus of attack by unbelief. How should you read Genesis-

Baptism, why do it- It is a blessing which is commanded by God. The Gospel promise made to Abraham and both signed and sealed in circumcision at that time but now in baptism, has not changed. Throughout the whole Bible the gospel promise is summarized as -I will be your God, and you will be My people-. Why the change in sign- Because after Jesus came the promise was opened up to all no longer just to Jews. So the sign is more inclusive.

Christians are not clones, everyone cut out with the same cutter. With these differences can come occasions of sin. When this happens we have made ourselves the standard of judgment of others and moved away from the Word of God as the standard. Paul reminds you of the truth which engenders true Christian fellowship and acceptance. You live for God-

The Truth is usually best understood when set in contrast with error. Good teaching always includes a -yes- portion and a -no- portion. John delights in setting forth such graphic contrasts. Here in his 12th chapter we are confronted with antithetical responses to Jesus- belief versus unbelief, love versus hate. But the love of Jesus for sinners is the great theme.

Does your alarm have a snooze button on it- Every use it- When you do so are you thinking why should I wake up now- Paul knows that you are thinking about hitting the snooze button regarding the ethical implications of your receiving God's grace, so in these last four verses of Chapter 13 he tells you why you must not do so, why you must wake up and get serious about walking with Jesus.

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio.com with the following details:

Title: Wake Up!

Subtitle: Series on Romans

Speaker: Pastor Jeff Black

Broadcaster: Grace Presbyterian Church

Event: Sunday Service

Date: 1/27/2019

Bible: Romans 13:11-14

Length: 38 min.

Overview: You have seen it in the movies, perhaps experienced it playing team sports. The coach has given you pointed instructions, -stay tight on Roger he is their favorite receiver and most of the passes will come his way.- Coach has finished his instructions then he shouts, -Let's go do it and show everyone who knows how to play football.- Paul has finished his detailed exhortations and now in these final four verses of chapter 13 he is shouting, -wake up-, -it is time to get serious walking with Jesus.-