Mar 28, 2012
But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 5:15-21 ESV)
Five contrasts between Adam and Christ
1. Many died through Adam’s sin, but much more have the grace of God and the free gift by grace through Jesus.
2. Adam’s trespass brought judgment, but the free gift through Jesus brought justification.
3. Death reigned through Adam, but many reign in life through Jesus.
4. Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but Jesus’ act of righteousness leads to justification and life.
5. By Adam’s sin many were made sinners, but by Jesus’ obedience many are made righteous.
There is fullness of life and freedom and hope in Christ. In Christ we have grace, justification, life, and righteousness. This is cause to praise God and give Him glory. This is cause to fight against sin. This is cause to boldly go and proclaim the name of Jesus to the world.
Mar 22, 2012
John 16:20-22 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
Jesus is speaking in the context of His leaving and sending the Holy Spirit, but I can’t help think about the sorrow we face in this world and the joy we are filled with as well. We do have many sorrows now, as we suffer with ailments and struggles, but we will see Him again. We will rejoice. No one can take our joy from us, in Christ.
Feb 24, 2012
1 Peter 2:25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Jesus is our shepherd. In John 10 he is the good shepherd. In Psalm 23 he makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us in paths of righteousness, for the sake of His name. No problems is too small or big to bring to him. He is a caring and loving shepherd who knows the numbers of hairs on our head and provides for us better than lilies of the field or the birds of the air.
Do not stray from the Shepherd. Stop wandering and trying to lead yourself. Walk back under his guidance. Let him lead you through the hard times.
Dec 6, 2011
stream or download
Jesus said He is greater than the temple, the prophets and the king. Whatever trouble you are facing today, remember that Jesus is greater. This is my sermon from Matthew 12:38-42 on November 27.
Apr 26, 2011
stream or download
In 2 Timothy 2:8-9, Paul instructs Timothy to “remember Jesus, preach Jesus, and suffer for Jesus.” He reminds Timothy that “the word of God is not bound!” This is my Easter Sunday 2011 sermon.
Jan 12, 2011
Consider all the aspects and works of Jesus from Revelation 1:
- a faithful witness
- the firstborn of the dead
- the ruler of kings on earth
- he loves us
- frees us from our sins by his blood
- made us a kingdom and priests to the Father
- coming with the clouds for every eye to see
- a son of man
- long robe and golden sash
- white hairs of his head
- eyes of flames of fire
- feet of bronze
- voice like the roar of many waters
- the first and the last
- the living one who died and is alive forevermore
- has the keys of Death and Hades
Wow! What an awesome God. Praise Him for each of His attributes and qualities.
Jan 11, 2011
Matthew 5:17-20
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Several things I observe from this amazing passage:
- Jesus holds the Law and Prophets in an important place; we should hold them as important as well. They will last until the end of time. We must be about doing and teaching the Law and the Prophets in the Christian life.
- Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets. He is both the answer to all the Messianic prophecy of the Law and Prophets and He observed all the requirements in perfection.
- He is our fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Through Him, in Him, because of Him, we are counted righteous and are in the kingdom of heaven.
What an amazing person Jesus is! “Thank you Lord for fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. Thank you for your person. Thank you for your work of fulfillment on the cross on my behalf.”
No Comments 
