The Heart of The Matter

Join us LIVE this morning as Pastor Chris continues in our series through the book of Romans!!

1. What our Attitude Toward the Gospel should be!

- **Not ashamed** (Romans 1:16

- Christians today face cultural pressures to be ashamed (anti-science, homophobia, intolerance).  

- Paul’s example: Jewish background, persecutor turned preacher.  

- **Message:** The gospel is worth proclaiming despite cultural pressures.

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 2. Reasons Why We Should Not Be Ashamed  

- **The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation** (Romans 1:16b)  

  - *Power of God*—God’s mighty work in the gospel.  

  - *For Salvation*—delivers from guilt, sin, wrath, and eternal separation from God.  

  - *To everyone who believes*—personal faith necessary; no cultural or familial shortcuts.  

  - *Jew first, then Greek*—gospel for all, inclusive of Jews and Gentiles.  

**Application:**  

- The gospel is relevant to everyone—neighbors, family, friends.  

- No reason to be ashamed; it’s great news.

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 3. The Gospel at Works (Romans 1:17)  

- **Revealing of God’s Righteousness**  

  - *Righteousness of God*—God’s verdict, right standing before Him.  

  - *Revealed in the gospel*—a divine unveiling of righteousness.  

  - *Not by works*—justification by faith, from faith to faith.  

  - *Faith*—trust in Christ, an open hand to receive righteousness.  

  **Implication:**  

- Justification is by faith, not works.  

- Everyone can experience salvation through belief.

 Applications  

- **For non-Christians:**  

  - Proclaim the gospel; believe in Jesus for salvation.  

- **For Christians:**  

  - Do not be ashamed of the gospel; remember its power.  

  - Rejoice in the righteousness and right standing you have in Christ.  

  - Avoid self-righteousness or despair; focus on Christ's righteousness

Romans 2:1-9

Conclusion  

- The gospel is to be **rejoiced in**, not ashamed of.  

- Call for grace to share and embrace this good news confidently..