MBM Rooty Hill / Bible Talks

The main thrust of the book of Romans is to provide Paul’s clear explanation of the ‘good news’ which he was proclaiming and hoping to continue to proclaim. In order to provide the good news of the gospel, however, he begins in the first three chapters by providing the ‘bad news’ of our sinfulness. In order to establish just how sweet the gospel is, Paul begins in Romans 1:18–32 by showing how bitter life is when we choose to live apart from God. This is all designed to lead us to see God’s mercy in Jesus and the sweet salvation he provides to all who will believe.

What is it that causes you to commit to something? Or to have deep convictions? For Paul, it’s nothing other than the good news of Jesus Christ!

When someone builds a structure the first and most important part of the process is the underlying basis, the foundation. In perhaps the most of Paul’s letters to the early Christians, the letter to the Romans, Paul lays the foundation of the Christian Faith. He reveals that the message is one of ‘Good news.’ This good news, or gospel, finds its origin in God, is revealed throughout history in God’s plan, and focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1–7, Paul provides the theological summary or foundation upon which this rich book is going to build.

All of us have a time limit for life. Some will live long lives, others short lives, but 100% guarantee all of us have an expiration date, a terminus, a date with death. This is a problem for all of us. No matter how much we strive, no matter our background, our skill set, our income, we all will face the inevitable perishing.

A Good Friday message from Luke 23:32-43 exploring the repeated call for Jesus to “save himself” and why he chose not to. While others mock and misunderstand, one dying criminal recognises the truth that Jesus stays on the cross not out of weakness but to save others. This sermon invites us to see our need, stop trying to save ourselves, and trust the one who refused to save himself so that we could be forgiven.

Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Because he has ransomed/redeemed us in full, we are secure in him and no longer need to chase significance. That frees us to stop grasping and start serving.

While many people approached Jesus to test him, one man came to Jesus with a sincere and heart-felt question, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ The desire to live with God in his forever kingdom is something that this man, and most people since him, have wanted clarity on. How does one enter a relationship with God? How can we know with certainty that we will live forever with God in his kingdom? Jesus answers this man, but in doing so surprises both the questioner and his own disciples.

One of the most difficult yet joyous areas of life is Marriage. Marriage, God’s ordained institution between a man and a woman, can be a wonderful expression and reflection of the very character of God. It speaks of love and sacrifice. As broken people, however, we all contribute to a world whether things don’t always work out the way that we prayed or hoped. Marriage is one such example. As Christians, how are we to view marriage? What are we to do when things don’t go to plan? What does God expect marriage to look like?