Stapleford Baptist Church

Today we find Jesus questioning outward appearance and inner commitment. In our culture, just like Jesus' 2000 years ago, there are many who like to appear good while hiding their greed and abuse of those less fortunate than they ... and some of them are leaders of religion. But Jesus says to all such "true worship acknowledges who God is, and seeks to be humble and generous".

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The religious leaders in Jerusalem were desperate to stop Jesus. Twice more they try to track him into saying by which he'll condemn himself. But both times his answers demonstrates his insight and goodness ... and demonstrates their stupidity and deceitfulness. He sees their hearts and their spiritual poverty just as he sees ours.

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Our series on Romans will return in the Autumn. So, for the rest of Summer, we're picking up our series in Luke's account of Jesus' life on earth. And it's the last week before Jesus will be crucified. His enemies are plotting how they can trap him and get rid of him. And Jesus knows this and exposes their hate, showing that God will overcome, even through Jesus' death.

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Sometimes, it's claimed that God acts unfairly. The Bible tell us that if we repent we can escape his wrath and receive his forgiveness. But there many people who don't know this. How can God punish people them for not repenting if he's kept them ignorant of this? Today's study in the Bible book of Romans has the answer!

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If inclusivity is important to you, know that God is the origin of inclusivity! Today's look at the Bible book of Romans reveals God as one who is just to all, whatever their race or other starting point ... and that means that he is exclusive when it comes to our hearts - stubborn-ness towards God will lead to his wrath, repentance will lead to paradise. No excuse or plea based on race or other difference from any other human will carry any weight with God.

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If last week's dig into the beginning of the Bible book of 'Romans' gave us a diagnosis of the spiritual illness from which we can so easily suffer, then the following paragraphs describe the consequences of this 'illness' ... a slippery slope of personal decay with symptoms that quickly ravage affected souls.

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After a pause, we're back looking at what God had to say to the church in Rome almost 2000 years ago. Boring history? Of academic interest? Or a scathing diagnosis of what happens when we turn our backs on God? See what you think as you join in our service and listen to our pastor taking you through this short section of the Bible.

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Paul - possibly Jesus's most notable follower - is in prison. Yet he is passionate about the good news (the 'gospel') about Jesus. And he even thinks his imprisonment is good for the spread of this good news! What's so special about this 'gospel'?

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God's good news for all of us is that he offers us hope! And that's hope of a completely forgiven past and a completely joyful future - and this is no advert that promises a lot but delivers little, because God backs up his offer of such hope with a guarantee that's rooted in his own eternal and perfect character.

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The good news of the Bible is that you and I can be as good, as perfect, as God himself - and that is not because we have to become spiritual commandos, overcoming everything bad. No! This perfection is a gift from God because he wants to give it - and no-one is excluded. He will give his goodness, his perfection, to anyone who asks him in the right way. What a generous God!