God's Good News

Ben Foust

Romans 1:1-7

The book of Romans is the Good News of God about the essential issue of mankind. God has done something so that we can come to Him and have a right relationship with Him, in this life and the next. The Gospel is about Jesus, sent from the Father, born into the human race, evidenced by miracles, died on the cross and rose from the dead, and provided the way for all people to be reconciled to God.

What's Wrong with Humans?

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:1-10

Our sin is a big barrier between us and God. Our fall from grace has led to alienation from God. But God in His mercy offers us forgiveness through the death of His son Jesus. When we believe and accept this offer of forgiveness, God gives us a new identity which we then gradually grow into it. Religion is the performance of religious laws, but Jesus offers instead a relationship based on personal love.

Famous Last Words

Scott Risley

2 Timothy 4:9-22

As Paul faces his last days on earth, his thoughts are on his friends, both loyal and disloyal, his reading material (Old Testament and his letters), and finally, his cloak to keep him warm in his cold prison cell. In the end, the Word of God and his relationships are what mattered most to Paul. When you face the end of your life, you can have certainty that you will face Jesus as your friend.

The Ultimate Win-Win

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 1:19-26

As Paul awaits the verdict in his trial in Rome, he contemplates the possibilities. He could be acquitted and set free or he could be found guilty and beheaded. He actually is torn between choosing which option he would prefer. He rests in the knowledge that Christ is in control of the outcome. Death would mean he would instantly be in the presence of Jesus. But acquittal would mean more time here for fruitful service.

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Chris Hearty

2 Timothy 1:8-18

In Christ Jesus, we have been saved from the penalty of our sin. This is an action completed in the past. We are saved from the power of our sin, presently and ongoing. In the future, in heaven, we will be saved from the presence of our sin. If we really understand the tremendous value of the Gospel, we would guard it as a treasure and would not be ashamed of it. Truly know Jesus should remove all shame.

Living a Life without Regrets

James Rochford

Ecclesiastes 12:1-13

As Solomon closes out Ecclesiastes, he recounts the many effects of aging, such as the loss of sight, hearing strength. The greatest effect is the weight of regrets. He exhorts his listeners to not make the same mistake he made. Don't put your faith and efforts into the things of the world. Instead, fear God and keep His commands. All the things you can pursue in this world are meaningless apart from God. Solomon knows this from experience!

Time and Eternity

Scott Risley

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Under the sun, or apart from God, life on this earth is enduring the time between birth and death. What if there was a way to overcome death, to get safely from "now" to "eternity"? The eternal Son of God entered "now" to open a way for us to enter eternity and overcome death. When one takes the first step by getting right with God, one can then live with meaning and purpose because one's actions now have eternal significance. One can now enjoy life and live wisely, knowing there is a God. One can now see life from His eternal perspective and look forward to a wonderful afterlife.

Eternity in Our Hearts

Conrad Hilario

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

If God does not exist, then life would just be meaningless toil until we die. Youth, beauty, health, all are fleeting. Nothing endures. But God does exist and has planted an awareness of eternity in our hearts. We know we were created for much more. God is real and He does have a plan for your life. This gives real significance and meaning to our lives when we put our faith in Jesus and not in the things of this world.

Time and Eternity

Chris Hearty

Ecclesiastes 3:11-12

In a world without God, King Solomon asserts that time is just a countdown until death. But because God does exist and he has planted eternity in each of our hearts, each one of us will give an account to God for everything we have done. Those who put their trust in Jesus will pass out of judgment and into eternal life with Jesus. That gives meaning and significance to the choices we make now.