Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Imagine that someone has been locked up and given a life sentence in prison. A prison guard unlocks the door and says "You are free to go. Someone else has taken on all your punishment..." This is what Jesus has done for you and me!

With the disobedience of Adam, sin entered into the spiritual DNA of all humanity. Sin brought death and destruction. When we choose Jesus, He gives life and restoration.

This morning we are going to pivot from going through the book of Romans. Instead, we are going to take a Sunday to worship together. Prepare your heart to join in.

It's impossible to have a relationship with God without faith. It's impossible to please God without faith. Faith and obedience are critical to an authentic relationship with the God. Let's all be people of great faith in God!

Righteousness has never come from works, rituals, or law. It has always come by faith in the God Who gives life and keeps His promises. The world operates on a performance-based system: "Earn it. Prove it. Perform for it," but God's system flips that on its head. Abraham wasn't made right with God by performance (what he did), but by faith (what he believed). Gen. 15:6 "And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith."

One of the most life impacting "F" words in our vocabulary is forgiveness. We need to understand that forgiveness is not just a word, it's a decision that is facilitated by our actions. We choose to give and receive forgiveness. God forgives us. Do we forgive ourself? Do we extend forgiveness to others?

Paul is giving basic and fundamental truths about how we develop, maintain, and model a personal, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father... God is faithful, even when we are not.

The heart of our relationship with God is having an authentic relationship with Jesus.... Our relationship with our Heavenly Father and each other requires we spend time together. That is the target for 5th Sundays!

Paul is attempting to have the early church understand that our heart condition is more important than the law... It's our heart that connects us with the Lord, not the law. When our heart condition is right, we will keep the law!

Paul is giving basic and fundamental truths about how we develop, maintain and model a personal, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father... This relationship is a dynamic relationship just like our earthly relationships. The choices we make have an impact in our relationships.

Paul is teaching on real life issues that had a significant impact on the early church... These issues are still impacting the church 2,000 years later.... Having a personal, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father is the key!

Paul is mentoring these young believers... They are dealing with a number of issues they had never experienced before... The goal was for them and us to become healthy, mature believers!

Paul wrote most of the New Testament letters to the early churches... He emphasized the death of Jesus on the cross that fulfilled the required sacrifice for all our sins. The goal was for us to have a relationship with the Father!

God established laws and boundaries for our benefit... Within the boundaries God sets, we also find His grace.

There are many benefits to reading the Bible. In the Bible, God says, "Ask for wisdom and I will give it liberally." Are you seeking the wisdom?

There are many things that can enslave us. If you've been dealing with something for years and decades, that is a bondage! Jesus came to set you free from every type of bondage.

Obedience to the Lord should not be viewed as a religious duty or exercise Obedience to the Lord should be understood that it is a result of our relationship with Him. His boundaries and instruction are for our benefit and demonstrate we have an authentic relationship with Him.

Relationships are built on trust... Our trust in God is demonstrated through our obedience to Him... Can God trust you to obey Him?

Obedience  to the Lord is vital to the ministry we have been called to.

We've been given the privilege and opportunity  to teach and minister in India 3 times…

We get to be a part of this TRANSFORMATION  God  is doing in our live and the lives of others!