Sunday Words of Encouragement July 26, 2020

Hubby and I enjoyed church online again this morning. We are thinking we may return to in-person church next week.

Pastor continued his series on the Resolute Road with a message from Romans 3:1-22.
Sometimes our efforts don't go right. Remember a child trying to hit a T-ball the first times? A parent often has to encourage them to “Try one more time.” You don’t know when that next try will succeed. Resolute means wholly decided, determined, single-minded.

Paul had said that the Jews and Gentiles were equal before God. Then the question arises to ask “what is the advantage of being a Jew?” Yes, there were benefits. The Jews were given the full revelation of God and shared in the covenants of God. Jews became the librarians passing along the Word. But even the Chosen people were unable to keep the law. Even David was a sinner, but God forgave him. Romans 3:3-4. 

All have sinned; there is no one who is righteous before God. Romans 3:10-12.
Paul describes sinners with a description that fits even the foulness of today’s times.
Many do not fear God because many don't even believe in the existence of God.

Even the church may be becoming deluded. Has the church become just compassionate do-gooders who have lost their saltiness? Are we only doing good works without sharing the foundations of faith?

We are all sinners, under the power of sin; slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6.) BUT God has shown a way. Romans 3:21-26.

The Point: However far we are from God, we are just one more step from righteous.

Faith (Greek: pisteos) is God's divine persuasion. God births faith in us and raises it up.
Don't look for faith within yourself as that is too weak. Faith needs to be God-powered faith.
The light has power over the darkness. Don't run (or walk) on empty. Look to God for faith.

A word was given from one of our congregants: God knows what is happening. His plans will not be thwarted. His plans include each of us. Trust that He is in control.

This is a Faith song for today:

Verses for Today:
Romans 3:22-24
22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.