Right with God, Part 2

Romans 3:21-26

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

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Right with God, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (28th sermon)
October 11, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is grace, and how does it relate to faith?
2.   What is redemption, and how does Christ serve as a ransom? What does this aspect of salvation say about a person’s condition apart from Christ?
3.   What does it mean that Christ is a “propitiation”? How does v. 25 provide help in assurance of salvation?
4.   What do these verses teach about God the Father? How do they correct common misconceptions?
5.   What issue is Paul addressing in vv. 25b – 26? How does the Bible come at this topic from the exact opposite direction of the world?
6.   How do we practically live out the truth that salvation is ultimately not about us but about the glory of God?

References: Romans 5:15; Ephesians 3:7; John 3:16; Romans 6:17; John 8:34; Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:5; Acts 14:16; 17:30; Ephesians 1:12.

Right with God, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:21-26

 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

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NOTE:  Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Right with God, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (27th sermon)
October 04, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why has this passage been regarded as so significant by interpreters? What sort of heart-posture should we have as we approach it?
2.   How does the context heighten our excitement over the opening words, “But now”? How do these words inform our understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?
3.   How does the Old Testament “bear witness to” the righteousness of God that is revealed in the gospel?
4. How is justification distinct from pardon or forgiveness?
5.   What does it mean to have “faith in Jesus Christ”? How can we practically avoid a generic faith?
6.   In light of the final quote in the sermon from Thomas Chalmers, in what ways are you tempted to put your “confidence upon your own doings”?

References: Romans 15:11; 8:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 1:17; 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Galatians 3:19-25; Romans 1:2; Matthew 5:17; Romans 5:12; 1:21; 2:23; John 20:31; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:3; James 2:19.