The Insult of Sin

Scripture Reference: Romans 3:9-20

Nothing can break up the ordinariness of our day quite like an insult can. And yet, Paul unpacks a sweeping condemnation of all people (both religious and irreligious) in the middle part of Romans 3. This week, we look at the Christian doctrine of Total Depravity.

Sermon Points:

  • Negative Standing
  • Faulty Reasoning
  • Bad Motives
  • Spoiled Output
  • No Fearing

Who Are You To Judge?

Scripture Reference: Romans 2:1-11

Having broadly condemned the irreligious in the latter half of chapter 1, Paul then turns his sights on the religious community, who demonstrate their own depravity through their condescending to others, while they do the very same things themselves.

Sermon Points:

  • Moralizing Judgers
  • Religious Judgers
  • The Cut Off Judge

The Anger of God?

Scripture Reference: Romans 1:18-32

Paul says that the Gospel is about salvation, but salvation from what? His answer is not one that this generation wants to hear: we need salvation from the very present wrath of God. But is that an archaic way of talking about God? What good could possibly come from this idea?

Sermon Points:

  • THAT God is Angry
  • WHY God is Angry
  • HOW God is Angry

Beyond Ordinary Christianity

Scripture Reference: Romans 1:1-17

Paul opens his letter to the Romans announcing his overwhelming desire to preach the Gospel to the Romans. The energy behind his message is a powerful antidote to the mundane and ordinary versions of the faith that occupy “Christ Haunted” churches in the South.

Sermon Points:

  • Big News
  • Not Ashamed
  • God’s “Good Side”

The Unfolding Plan of God

Scripture Reference: Acts 27:39-44; 28:23-31

The last years of Paul’s life bring some of the most dramatic suffering he’d ever experienced. There is no triumphalism in the last chapters of Acts. But how do Christians face the inevitability of suffering in this life? How can Paul’s last years of missionary work instruct us?

Sermon Points:

  • God’s Plan in the Chaos
  • God’s Plan in the Suffering
  • God’s Plan in the Moment