Pastor’s message was titled “Shattered”. He noted that God’s beautiful creation was shattered by sin. This is more than simple damage.
When there are cracks or chips you might be able to repair or work with the minor damage. But when something is shattered – you can’t fix it. God had to provide a way to fix our shattered lives, our separation from Him.
We get calls that make us feel vulnerable – from the doctor or the school, work, a spouse or a friend. Where do we find our strength and comfort?
Romans 5 tell us that justification brings comfort.
V1 Peace with God is more than toleration.
V2 Undeserved privilege: Grace.
V3-4 Endurance (theme repeated in James and Peter) with help of Holy Spirit V5.
V6 When we are lost and powerless, God steps in and offers us salvation/reconciliation.
V9-11 We are reconciled and can be called a friend of God.
THE POINT: YOU CAN LIVE IN PEACE WITH GOD, IN HIS GRACE AND BE CALLED FRIEND, BUT YOU MUST RESPOND AND RECEIVE HIS INVITATION.
Hebrews 23 – required a blood sacrifice; blood = a violent horrific death. The Bible uses the term “Kattalage” which means a reconciliation or exchange. Christ gave His life so we could be reconciled to God; so, our shattered lives could be restored.
This is a song we sang this morning, and it is so fitting!
Overwhelming Neverending Reckless Love of God
Overwhelming Neverending Reckless Love of God
Verses for Today:
Romans 5:1-6 (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Lord – I give thanks that you choose me and provided a way of reconciliation.
Romans 5:1-6 (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Lord – I give thanks that you choose me and provided a way of reconciliation.
