As we begin a new chapter in the letter to the Romans, the argument turns to the Hebrew Bible to support the idea that it is God's grace alone through faith alone that we are declared righteous in God's sight. Over the next two Sundays, we will explore the story of Abraham and see how it points ahead to what was accomplished through Christ.
Faith Counted as Righteousness
Romans 4:1-15
March 8, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
More from
Romans: The Heart of the Gospel
Hope Against Hope
March 15, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This Sunday we stay in our series in Romans and close the chapter with Romans 4:16-25. It is an incredibly timely text for us. This passage takes us into a further exploration of Abraham and Sarah’s life and shows us how to respond when we are living in the gap between the hopes we have and the reality we experience. How do we respond when the promises of God feel distant? What does it mean to have faith when things are uncertain and scary? How can we have hope when we get knocked down over and over again?
Redemption in Christ Jesus
March 1, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
Some have said that the first paragraph of this section is the most important paragraph ever written, and Luther called it the center of the whole Bible. After spending 2 1/2 chapters setting the stage with the intense need we have for a Savior, the text takes an abrupt turn to show us that there is great hope!
None is Righteous
February 23, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This Sunday we start a new chapter in Romans and round out the argument that the Apostle Paul has been building since chapter 1. If we are ever going to hope to understand the beauty and glory of the gospel, we need to first understand the need every one of us has for a Savior. Romans 3:1-20 can serve as a diagnostic test for our own souls. It is incisive, helpful, and universal in its application.