This week, our small groups started back. We are excited about that and hope that YOU can be a part of what God is doing here through our small groups!
We continued our sermon series this week in the book of Romans, looking at Romans 10:4-13. This sermon is really an extension of the previous weeks sermon, “So Close Yet So Far Away.” The Israelites that didn’t believe in Jesus were so close and yet they might as well have been a million miles away because when a person misses the truth of who Jesus is, nothing else matters.
The Israelites were trying to earn righteousness by observing the Law. But it is impossible to earn righteousness because to fulfill the Law means to observe ALL the law ALL the time.
Have you ever seen a speed trailer on the side of the road? Law Enforcement officers set these trailers up to show motorists how fast they are going over the speed limit. It is effective in showing us that we are speeding, but it has no power to keep us from speeding.
The law is a lot like that. The law shows us that we are guilty of breaking God’s law, but it can’t keep us from breaking it. Therefore, we can’t depend on the law or anything else to save us EXCEPT for Jesus.
I want to share 3 truths about salvation that will put you right where you need to be with God instead of so close yet so far away.
Romans 10:4-13
4 For Christ is the end[a] of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, 5 since Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them.[b] 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?”[c] that is, to bring Christ down 7 or, “Who will go down into the abyss?”[d] that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.[e] This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,[f] 12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
I. Salvation is a gift from God in Christ.
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. That means that the law was fulfilled in Jesus, through His perfect life, death and resurrection. Instead of trying to keep the law, we put our faith in Christ and trust in what He did on our behalf.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Unbelieving Israel didn’t get this, but it is so important that we understand it. It’s a gift, we can’t earn it. And it’s in Christ and no other name!
II. Salvation is not complicated.
We often assume salvation is complicated or difficult, but it’s not. We shouldn’t make it more complicated than it is.
Because we tend to think of salvation as complicated when it is really beautifully simple, we often take that mentality into other areas of the Christian life. So, we have thoughts like:
“I can’t share the gospel with anyone”
“I can’t teach my family about Jesus”
I can’t serve at my church”
When we focus on our inabilities, we can come up with all kinds of reasons we can’t do something. Quit focusing on what you can’t do and start trusting in what God can do through you!
III. Salvation is available to all.
There are many things in life that are only available to certain people, things like the first class section on an airplane, discounts that military veterans receive (and rightfully so!), and the luxury suites at sporting events.
Thankfully, salvation is not like that. Salvation is available to all!
What Jesus did on the cross wasn’t just for some people, it was for all people. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
I found a quote this week in a book and it is credited to an unknown author.
“If you have everything but Jesus, you have nothing. But if you have nothing but Jesus, you have everything!”
The most important decision we will ever make is what we do with Jesus. Will we accept Him as Lord and Savior or reject Him and spend eternity separated from Him?
Salvation is available to all, and that includes YOU. If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you will. If you would like to talk about salvation, you can contact me anytime at 251-937-2460 or by email at pgbmbaptist@gmail.com.
Come visit with us on Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays for 9 am small groups and worship at 10 am.
Hope you have a blessed week!