“The Benefit of Abraham’s Unwavering Faith”

Apr.10, 2011 Romans 4:(1-12)13-25   Play AUDIO (24 kbps mp3) 

WITHOUT FAITH - NOTHING

•    Faith above senses, before good works (Pascal / Whately)
•    electoral parties seek to win trust in order to elicit action

SALVATION IS EARNED BY WORKS...THE POINT IS, WHOSE WORKS?

•    man-made religion tries to earn salvation by working harder
•    can’t boast before God; sinful works earn death, not life
•    God’s works in creation / redemption through Christ the only basis for salvation
•    empties faith, nullifies promise if try to rely on our works instead of God’s

FAITH THE EXCLUSIVE ENTRANCE

•    God credits faith as righteousness to Abraham - and us
•    faith trusts God can bring good out of even horrible events, as we honour Him

OUR RESPONSE: JOYFUL TRUSTING OBEDIENCE

•    guard joy at having sins forgiven, free gift of eternal life
•    realize deadness of our own fleshly ability apart from God
•    trust God’s potential to work miracles in your life
•    let faith express itself in obedient works for God’s glory: sign / seal confirming new reality

THE DIFFERENCE FAITH MAKES

•    study showed measurably shorter hospital stays among churchgoing elderly