Romans 4:13 - 5:5

When suffering comes our way, we can stand firm because we are drawn closer to God in our hope in the promise God made long ago to Abraham.

Our world needs hope, needs to see what living a righteous life looks like. We need to serve as a light on a hill, living all our days like we have truly been justified in the eyes of God. We can live like this because we are indeed God's righteous children.

Romans 3:21-31

We an enter into the righteousness of God IF we have faith in Christ Jesus. This truth is for EVERYONE who believes, no matter what your past looks like.

Romans 3:1-21

We are all under sin and are in need of a savior. No one can become righteous by following the law. Instead, the law brings light to our sin and need of saving. However, through the blood of Jesus, we have been justified and redeemed by the grace of God. Therefore, our faith should be compelling us to live life like ones made right in the eyes of God.

Inheriting God's promise of the kingdom comes down to putting our faith in God and backing that faith up with our works and conduct.

Romans 1:16-32

God reveals Himself to mankind. Depending on how we react to that revelation, we will either see His righteousness or wrath firsthand. That outcome depends on whether or not we put our faith in Him. What decision are you going to make?

Romans 1:1-15

Paul's letter to the church in Rome is certainly at the heart of our beliefs today. Paul meant the message to be to all the groups in Rome and one they could rally around and be unified in their beliefs about God, Christ Jesus, and God's plan of salvation. Today, around 2000 years later, we can still rally around this presentation of our faith as presented by Paul.

God is the only one that we can put all our hope into, but we still don't always get what we desire. The important thing to keep in mind when reading Psalm 37:4 is that we cannot take scripture out of context. God blesses those who delight in Him, both in the present age and in the age to come. So stay the course, church!

The New Year is commonly a time evaluate and reflect on what's working and what's not working. This is valuable both personally and as a church. But we should also be focusing on how we are new creation in Christ and his sacrifice allows us to be reconciled to God.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, we are reminded of the promise to King David - that his descendant would reign forever on his throne. This hope is still alive today as we wait on the return of the Messiah, Jesus.