Sermon Recap 4-4-10

Sunrise:  During the sunrise service we looked at 1 Corinthians 15:12-22.  The message focused on the importance of Christ's resurrection.  If Christ isn't raised, then our faith is in vain.  But Christ has been raised.  Christ's resurrection secures our justification, gives meaning to this life, and gets us ready for the next life.

Morning:  The sermon, "Demonstrated God's Love," was an exposition of Romans 5:6-8.  In this passage, Paul reminds us that God's love has been demonstrated in Christ's death for the sinner.  Christ's death was timely, both in the sense that it was when God ordained it would happen and that it came when the need was the greatest.  

Christ's death was for the ungodly who were powerless.  They were powerless in their ability to change.  They were powerless in their ability to obey.  They were powerless, enslaved to sin, and blinded by Satan.  They were godless in the sense that they lived their lives without reference to God.  God's law and his will did not factor into their lives.

Paul contrasts the willingness of people to die for someone they deem worthy with God's willingness to send his Son to die on behalf of his enemies.  God's love for humanity is demonstrated in the death of Christ.  Christ laid down his life the sinner, his enemy, in order that they might share in his life and righteousness.  He didn't wait for people to get their lives straightened out, because he new they were powerless to do so.  He didn't wait for people to love God, because they were powerless to do so.  He didn't wait for people to seek him, because they were powerless to do so.  He died for them--in their place, for their sin--while they were still his enemies. What amazing love this truly is!