Sunday Morning July 1, 2012
scriptures: Romans 4, Romans 5
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audio file: click to open in a new window or right-click to download
NOTES
To begin a relationship in God, you first must believe.
Abraham was commanded to perform circumcision, but God made it clear that his belief in God is what made him right with God.
Romans 4:16-25
Abraham believed what God promised even in the face of the “facts” that he and his wife were too old to have children. He believed beyond what he could see.
If God said He would do something, He’s going to do it. His word is a guarantee. Do you treat it as such?
Romans 5:1-3
Do you have peace with God? Peace starts with having faith in Him, knowing that he’s taking care of you.
Access to God. Consider the privilege. Consider the president, senators, etc. You cannot simply talk to them at your will. You may get access to the assistants and, if deemed important enough, maybe get to talk to them.
What a privilege to have access to God, who created all things! God gifts that to us – his grace.
Christians have hope. If a person doesn’t have hope, he doesn’t have faith.
What do you believe in God for?
Whatever is going on with you, God is either perfecting you, correcting you, or preparing you.
Some people have no hope because they have a record, something that they know is not right with God.
You have to repent and ask God for a clean heart. Have faith and give Him your life.
What are you rejoicing in? We rejoice in the hope of God in this life and the next.
Everybody wants something, but we cut off our access if we are being disobedient or turn from God.
Do you also rejoice when troubles come? Are you just in God for the goodies? Do you turn from Him when things are not going your way? Have you been going the way He wants you to?
God doesn’t want the stuff that He gives you to mean more to you than He does! You cannot manipulate Him.
Solomon had the opportunity to select one thing to ask of God. He asked for wisdom. God gave him that and much riches. But God knew what he was asking for.
You have to be able to hold up in tribulations. If you can’t, you don’t have faith.
We glory in the hard times, we know that it makes us better, stronger.
Some of the greatest songs that we call spirituals were written when people were in pain.
If you always stop when it starts hurting, you will stay out of shape.
God said that if we cannot handle the little things, we will not be able to handle the true riches in God.
You have to trust God.