The Apostolic Preaching of Christ from the Old Testament (Selected Scrip...

This message was a blessing...

Romans 4:9-12

Romans 4:9-12

Abraham is the Father of All Who Believe in Christ

Rom 4:9  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Rom 4:10  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Rom 4:11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Rom 4:12  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

1. Righteousness was Imputed on Abraham Through Faith in Jesus Christ – vs. 9*
1. Abraham has placed his faith in a need for a Mediator between him and God

                                                              i.      That Mediator is revealed in Melchizedek.

1.      Genesis 14:17-20 

                                                            ii.      David recognized that the hope of the promised Messiah was outside of the giving of the Law and the Levitical Order. That He would be of the Eternal Order of Melchizedek.

1.      Psalm 110:1-4 

                                                          iii.      Melchizedek’s order is fulfilled in a Priest that ‘ever liveth to make intercession for us.’

1.      The writer of Hebrews proclaims the superiority of Christ because His order of Priesthood is an eternal one, and the source of the power for the Levitical Oder.

a.       Hebrews 7:1-5 

2.      The intersession of Christ did not begin with his first coming but was in fact eternal and preeminent.

a.       Hebrews 7:22-28 

                                                          iv.      This explains what Jesus means when says the words: “Abraham rejoiced to see my day.”

1.      John 8:48-59 

2. Righteousness was Imputed on Abraham Before His Circumcision (or Act of Faith) – vs. 10*
1. Righteousness was imputed on Abraham based on his faith in a coming Messiah promised to him in Genesis 15

                                                              i.      Genesis 15:4-8 

2. It is not until Genesis 17 that Abraham seals his faith in God by an outward act of obedience.

                                                              i.      Genesis 17:10-11 

3. Righteousness was Imputed on Abraham Before His Circumcision (or Act of Faith) So He Could be the Father of All Who Place Their Faith in Christ – vs. 11*
1. John 5:39-47 
4. Abraham is the Father of All Who Embark on the Journey of Faith in Christ – vs. 12*
1. Faith is not a momentary act; it is a lifestyle of trust in a living Savior. Necessitating a relationship with the one that provides for our salvation. The same kind of relationship Abraham had.

                                                              i.      1 John 1:5-9 

Romans 4:9-17 "Getting the Gospel Right" - 9/14/2017

Again Lawson is tremendous. Huge thank you to the people that are making this available.

Getting Excited About Melchizedek (TGC 2011) by D.A. Carson

While I do not agree with Dr. Carson's conclusions about Melchizedek this is a great message. I do find it funny that to come to the conclusions that he has about M he steps over what is plain in the text of Hebrews 7 to go to pure conjecture. To me what the whole debate hinges on is the question how long was M living in Salem. The answer is we have no idea. What we do know is that he appears out of no where, only to return to obscurity. I think it is more plausible to think that Salem is not a location but a title. This to me suggests that he is a pre-incarnate Christ. I could be wrong about that conclusion, but it greatly simplifies any explanation of the meaning of Hebrews 7. Also it is more consistent with the overall point of Hebrews which is the preeminence of Christ. All that being said Dr. Carson is a blessing.

An Introduction to Christ in the Old Testament (Selected Scriptures)

This is some great context for Sunday's message...

Melchizedek: The Pre-Incarnate Christ

Fascinating to ponder...

Mr. Thompson and the Vicar Rebrand

nice...

Romans 4:1-8

Romans 4:1-8

Blessed are They Whose Iniquities are Forgiven

Rom 4:1  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Rom 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Rom 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Rom 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Rom 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Rom 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Rom 4:8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

  

1. The Source of Abraham’s Salvation – vs. 1-3*
1. What did Abraham accomplish through the work of his own flesh (or will)? – vs. 1*

                                                              i.      The question is rhetorical. Abraham’s will, like ours, was captive to his fallen nature.

1.      Isaiah 64:6-8 

2. If Abraham could earn his salvation who would get the glory for it? Abraham would, not God. – vs. 2*

a.       Galatians 6:13-14 

b.      Romans 11:29-36  

b.      Paul sites the scriptures for proof of his statements. – vs. 3*

                                                              i.      Genesis 15:3-6 

2. The Source of Your Salvation – vs. 4-5*
1. If you were capable of earning your salvation you would then be eligible to receive the glory for it. Nothing could be further from the truth; salvation is found in Christ Alone.  – vs. 4*

                                                              i.      Ephesians 2:8-10   

2. Salvation is not for the self-righteous person who glories in their ability. Grace is given to those who know their desperate need of it. – vs. 5a*

                                                              i.      James 4:6 

3. Christ justifies, in an instant, the ungodly. – vs. 5b*

                                                              i.      Romans 5:1-2 

4. Your faith in Christ is what gives you the ability to stand boldly before the throne of a Holy and Righteous God. – vs. 5c*

                                                              i.      Hebrews 4:14-16  

3. The Source of David’s Salvation – vs. 6-8*
1. David is saved by faith without works. Paul is not teaching a different gospel than the Old Testament. Paul is simply correctly explaining the gospel contained in the Old Testament. – vs. 6*

                                                              i.      The beauty of the forgiveness of God. – vs. 7-8*

1.      Psalm 32:1-2 

2.      Psalm 119:174-176 

3.      1 Peter 2:24-25 

4.      1 Peter 3:18 

The Joyful Exchange: Justification by Faith Alone - Michael Reeves

What a precious gospel and merciful Savior we serve...

Romans 4:1-8 "Abraham, Paul and David" - 8/8/2017

Thank you Steven Lawson...

HOW TO REALLY LISTEN TO PEOPLE - Best Life Advice | Jordan Peterson

I don't agree with all of Jordan Peterson's conclusions; particularly how he leans so heavily on evolutionary theory, but this is a great video. If you learn this skill it will revolutionize your relationships. Too many people, even people who should know better, do not do this and lack because of it.

Romans 3:26-31

Romans 3:26-31

We Preach Christ Crucified!

Rom 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Rom 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rom 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Rom 3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Rom 3:31  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

1. We Preach the Righteousness of Christ! – vs. 26a*
1. All Righteousness is contained in Him. There is no hope of justifying or sanctifying myself apart from Christ. He is the gift of God’s righteousness to us by faith.

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 1:18-31 

2. The Gospel is About Bringing Glory to Christ that He might be Both the Executioner and the Executed. He is the Righteous Judge and the One that Took My Place to Receive My Punishment. – vs. 26b*
1. Romans 4:3-9 
3. Is There Any Room Left For Me To Boast in My Salvation? – vs. 27-28*
1. The Answer Should be Obvious: Absolutely Not.

                                                              i.      Salvation is Not of Works But of Faith – vs. 27b*

1.      Ephesians 2:8-10 

                                                            ii.      Salvation is by Faith Alone – vs. 28

1.      Colossians 3:11 

4. Is God Only the God of the Jews and Not the Gentiles? – vs. 29-30*
1. The Answer should be obvious: all people can receive faith in Christ. – vs. 29*

                                                              i.      The second we move away from salvation by faith alone we lose the inclusiveness of the Gospel. If we believe God favors men by their merit, we are forced to rank them on some kind of scale and we no longer believe in the equality of men before God.

1.      Romans 10:9-13 

2. There is one God that justifies all men through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. - vs. 30*

                                                              i.      The second we move away from salvation by faith alone, we are forced to divide God’s nature and attempt to explain Him through heretical teaching of the trinity. For example Modalism.

1.      Galatians 3:6-9 

5. Is Paul Abolishing the Law by Teaching Salvation Through Faith Alone? – vs. 31*
1. Absolutely not! Now that we are freed from sin by the power of the Gospel we can truly live the law out in our daily lives. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what give us the power to overcome!

                                                              i.      Ezekiel 36:26-27 

Romans 3:27-31 "Three Great Implications" - 8/2/2017

This is excellent!

How to Preach the New Birth Part 1 - Expositor Podcast

Amen! This is my goal!

Romans 3:21-26 "The Heart of the Gospel" - 7/27/2017

Love it!

Romans 3:21-25

Romans 3:21-25

The Righteousness of God is Revealed

Rom 3:21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1. The Righteousness of God is Revealed Apart From the Law in the Person of Jesus Christ. – vs. 21
1. The purpose of scripture is to reveal the person or the nature of Christ

                                                              i.      Luke 24:27-32 

2. The Righteousness of God is Put Into and Placed Upon those that Believe by the Act of Faith Performed by Christ. – vs. 22
1. It is not our faith that saves us. Faith is a gift of God placed into the heart of the believer. Christ is not only the author of our faith but the finisher of it as well. “Faith is a gift of God’s sovereign pleasure that moves man to respond to Christ through the preaching of the word.”^[1]

                                                              i.      Hebrews 12:2 

                                                            ii.      Ephesians 2:8-10 

                                                          iii.      Zechariah 3:1-4 

3. The Righteousness of God is Beyond the Grasp of All Mankind – vs. 23
1. We cannot begin to fathom how wicked we are, and holy and righteous God is. Man cannot accept the forgiveness of God apart from the work of the Holy Spirit because he refuses to see his need of it.

                                                              i.      Romans 3:10-12 

                                                            ii.      Romans 10:3-4 

4. The Righteousness of God is Given to Us Freely Through the Precious Redemption Purchased by Christ Jesus. – vs. 24-25
1. Christ redeems me with His sacrifice

                                                              i.      Ephesians 1:3-7 

2. Christ makes satisfactory payment for my sin with His blood

                                                              i.      Hebrews 10:9-13 

3. Christ covers my sins with His righteousness

                                                              i.      2 Corinthians 5:21 

                                                            ii.      Philippians 3:7-10 

4. Christ reveals to me the love of God

                                                              i.      1 John 4:15-19 

---

[1] A quote taken from Joel Beeke’s book “A Puritan Theology”

Romans 3:9-20 "The Final Verdict" - 5/25/2017

Again this was very helpful in my preparation...

Romans 3:9-20

Romans 3:9-20

There is None that Doeth Good

Rom 3:9  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Rom 3:10  As it is written, [“]There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom 3:11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 3:13  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

Rom 3:14  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Rom 3:15  Their feet are swift to shed blood:

Rom 3:16  Destruction and misery are in their ways:

Rom 3:17  And the way of peace have they not known:

Rom 3:18  There is no fear of God before their eyes.[“]

Rom 3:19  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rom 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

1. Scripture Reveals That We Are All Condemned – vs. 9*
1. 1 John 1:8-10 

                                                              i.      You are condemned by what you are – vs. 10-12*

1.      Paul quotes from Psalm 14 to give evidence for his indictment. - Psalm 14:1-4 

2.      No human is righteous - Psalm 53:1-3 

3.      No human understands God - Isaiah 55:8-9 

4.      No human seeks God - Isaiah 53:6 

5.      No human follows God - Exodus 32:8 

6.      No human is worthy - Genesis 6:6-7 

7.      No human is good - Ecclesiastes 7:20 

                                                            ii.      You are condemned by what you say – vs. 13-14*

1.      Out of the throat comes death.

a.       Psalm 5:9-10 

2.      The tongue speaks lies

a.       James 3:5-6 

3.      The lips speak poison.

a.       Psalm 140:3 

4.      The mouth is filled with cursing and bitterness.

a.       Psalm 10:7 

                                                          iii.      You are condemned by what you do – vs. 15-17*

1.      Isaiah 59:7-8 

2.      Man murders himself

3.      Man brings suffering and destruction on himself

4.      Man has been at war since the beginning of time

a.       Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for only 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history. (From the New York Times, Found in the article What Every Person Should Know About War)

                                                          iv.      You are condemned what you fear – vs. 18*

1.      Psalm 36:1 

2.      Man fears everything but God.

a.       Psalm 111:10 

2. All Men Are Guilty of Breaking God’s Law – vs. 19*
1. James 2:10 
3. The Law Cannot Save You, it Simply Shows You Your Sin – vs. 20*
1. The hope of the gospel does not lay in your ability to reform yourself; it is only in the person of Jesus Christ. Only in Christ can you be saved.

                                                              i.      Galatians 3:22-26