How would you describe the foundational beliefs of a Christian?

How would you describe the foundational How would you describe the foundational beliefs of a Christian?beliefs of a Christian?

Everyone has built a foundation for their Everyone has built a foundation for their “Christianity.” But what “Christianity.” But what kind kind is it?is it?


Everyone has built a foundation for their Everyone has built a foundation for their “Christianity.” But what “Christianity.” But what kind kind is it?is it?

There were two kinds of foundations There were two kinds of foundations describes in the Sermon on the describes in the Sermon on the Mount. Mount. (Mt 7:24-27)(Mt 7:24-27)


Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV) - “Therefore - “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25and the who built his house on the rock: 25and the rain descended, the floods came, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.


26 “But everyone who hears these sayings 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”


To build a foundation on Christ is to To build a foundation on Christ is to emphasize the relationship! emphasize the relationship! (1 Cor 3:11)(1 Cor 3:11)


1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV) - For no other - For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. is laid, which is Jesus Christ.


What kind of material are you using? What kind of material are you using? (1 Cor 3:11-15)(1 Cor 3:11-15)


1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV) - For no other - For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation builds on this foundation withwith gold, silver, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.


14 If anyone’s work which he has built on 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on itit endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. through fire.


Understanding the nature of God to the Understanding the nature of God to the point you are willing to trust Him and build point you are willing to trust Him and build your life on Him is the essence of our your life on Him is the essence of our foundation.foundation.


Understanding the nature of God to the Understanding the nature of God to the point you are willing to trust Him and build point you are willing to trust Him and build your life on Him is the essence of our your life on Him is the essence of our foundation.foundation.

We are rooted in Christ! We are rooted in Christ! (Col 2:6-7)(Col 2:6-7)


Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV) - As you - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7rooted and built up Lord, so walk in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.thanksgiving.


We are rooted in His love! We are rooted in His love! (Eph 3:17-19)(Eph 3:17-19)


Ephesians 3:17-19 (NKJV)Ephesians 3:17-19 (NKJV) - that Christ - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what saints what isis the width and length and the width and length and depth and height—19 to know the love of depth and height—19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.may be filled with all the fullness of God.


Is this your foundation? How would you Is this your foundation? How would you know that?know that?

God’s forgiveness is the first step in God’s forgiveness is the first step in building a foundationbuilding a foundation

If we do not understand God’s forgiveness If we do not understand God’s forgiveness we have no foundation!we have no foundation!


If we do not understand God’s forgiveness If we do not understand God’s forgiveness we have no foundation!we have no foundation!

In order to understand forgiveness we need In order to understand forgiveness we need to know the righteousness of God! to know the righteousness of God! (Rom 11:22; Rom 1:16-18)(Rom 11:22; Rom 1:16-18)


Romans 11:22 (NKJV) Romans 11:22 (NKJV) - Therefore - Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in goodness, if you continue in HisHis goodness. goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Otherwise you also will be cut off.


Romans 1:16-18 (NKJV) Romans 1:16-18 (NKJV) - For I am not - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, written, “The just shall live by faith.”“The just shall live by faith.”


18 For the wrath of God is revealed from 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,truth in unrighteousness,


What are we saved from?What are we saved from?


What are we saved from?What are we saved from? If we do not understand the bad news, then If we do not understand the bad news, then

we can never appreciate the good news! we can never appreciate the good news! (Jn 8:21, 24)(Jn 8:21, 24)


John 8:21 (NKJV)John 8:21 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to - Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”go you cannot come.”


John 8:24 (NKJV)John 8:24 (NKJV) - Therefore I said to - Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am do not believe that I am He,He, you will die in you will die in your sins.”your sins.”


The contrast of two individuals. The contrast of two individuals. (Lk 7:36-39)(Lk 7:36-39)


Luke 7:36-39 (NKJV) Luke 7:36-39 (NKJV) - Then one of the - Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that city who was a sinner, when she knew that JesusJesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, oil,


38 and stood at His feet behind 38 and stood at His feet behind HimHim weeping; weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped and wiped themthem with the hair of her head; and with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed she kissed His feet and anointed themthem with the with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw invited Him saw this,this, he spoke to himself, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman know who and what manner of woman this isthis is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”


Simon, the Pharisee, saw his personal Simon, the Pharisee, saw his personal righteousness and knowledge and righteousness and knowledge and considered his efforts to place him well considered his efforts to place him well before God.before God.


Simon, the Pharisee, saw his personal Simon, the Pharisee, saw his personal righteousness and knowledge and righteousness and knowledge and considered his efforts to place him well considered his efforts to place him well before God.before God.

He viewed others sins as a means of He viewed others sins as a means of comparison and would exalt himself comparison and would exalt himself in this as well as even put Jesus down. in this as well as even put Jesus down.


Simon and others like him looked to the Simon and others like him looked to the outward and would use peer pressure to outward and would use peer pressure to control and run off the imperfect. They control and run off the imperfect. They could not understand Jesus and his work of could not understand Jesus and his work of changing the heart. changing the heart. (Mk 2:15-17; Jn 9:40-41)(Mk 2:15-17; Jn 9:40-41)


Mark 2:15-17 (NKJVMark 2:15-17 (NKJV) ) - Now it happened, as - Now it happened, as He was dining in He was dining in Levi’sLevi’s house, that many tax house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is itis it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”sinners?”


17 When Jesus heard 17 When Jesus heard it,it, He said to them, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call come to call thethe righteous, but sinners, to righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”repentance.”


John 9:40-41 (NKJV)John 9:40-41 (NKJV) - Then - Then somesome of the of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were also?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.


Now consider this humble woman. Now consider this humble woman. (Lk 7:40-50)(Lk 7:40-50)


Luke 7:40-50 (NKJV)Luke 7:40-50 (NKJV) - And Jesus answered - And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”more?”


43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the oneone whom he forgave more.” And He said whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped and wiped themthem with the hair of her head. with the hair of her head.


45You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not 45You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which arewhich are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, whom little is forgiven, the samethe same loves little.” 48 loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”


49 And those who sat at the table with Him 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”Go in peace.”


Do you know that you have been forgiven? Do you know that you have been forgiven? (2 Pt 1:9)(2 Pt 1:9)


2 Peter 1:9 (NKJV) 2 Peter 1:9 (NKJV) - For he who lacks - For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.cleansed from his old sins.


The power of real forgiveness is so great The power of real forgiveness is so great that it will result in a heart of praise! that it will result in a heart of praise! (Rev 1:5-6)(Rev 1:5-6)


Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV) Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV) - and from Jesus - and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6and has made us kings and priests to His 6and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him God and Father, to Him bebe glory and glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.dominion forever and ever. Amen.


This becomes the basis for our talking to This becomes the basis for our talking to others! (Ex. Work – Why are you happy? others! (Ex. Work – Why are you happy? (Psa 51:10-15)(Psa 51:10-15)


Psalm 51:10-15 (NKJV) Psalm 51:10-15 (NKJV) - Create in me a clean - Create in me a clean heart, O God, heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me salvation, And uphold me by Yourby Your generous generous Spirit. 13 Spirit. 13 ThenThen I will teach transgressors Your I will teach transgressors Your ways, ways, And sinners shall be converted to And sinners shall be converted to You. You.


14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, O God, The God of my salvation, AndAnd my my tongue shall sing aloud of Your tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.praise.


If thanksgiving and praise is not a If thanksgiving and praise is not a characteristic of you life, then look at characteristic of you life, then look at your foundation. your foundation.

God’s forgiveness is free but costly!God’s forgiveness is free but costly!

How can a man be just before God?How can a man be just before God?


How can a man be just before God?How can a man be just before God? Any man who sees the true God will be Any man who sees the true God will be

terrified at his own sinfulness. terrified at his own sinfulness. (Isa 6:1-7)(Isa 6:1-7)


Isaiah 6:1-7 (NKJV) Isaiah 6:1-7 (NKJV) - In the year that King - In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His high and lifted up, and the train of His roberobe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy “Holy, holy, holy isis the LORD of hosts; The the LORD of hosts; The whole earth whole earth isis full of His glory!” full of His glory!”


4 And the posts of the door were shaken by 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: “Woe “Woe isis me, for I am undone! Because I me, for I am undone! Because I amam a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” hosts.”


6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal having in his hand a live coal whichwhich he had he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth he touched my mouth with it,with it, and said: and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”purged.”


God in His righteousness must punish every God in His righteousness must punish every sin that has been committed. sin that has been committed. (Rom 3:23; 6:23)(Rom 3:23; 6:23)


Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Romans 3:23 (NKJV) - for all have sinned - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and fall short of the glory of God,


Romans 6:23 (NKJV) Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - For the wages of - For the wages of sin sin isis death, but the gift of God death, but the gift of God isis eternal eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


How then can a man be righteous? He is How then can a man be righteous? He is proclaimed righteous through the blood of proclaimed righteous through the blood of Christ. Christ. (Rom 3:24-26)(Rom 3:24-26)


Romans 3:24-26 (NKJV)Romans 3:24-26 (NKJV) - being justified - being justified freely by His grace through the redemption freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth forth asas a propitiation by His blood, through a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously over the sins that were previously committed, committed,


26 to demonstrate at the present time His 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.


The other “possibility” is that men keep all The other “possibility” is that men keep all of the law of God without sin. of the law of God without sin.


The other “possibility” is that men keep all The other “possibility” is that men keep all of the law of God without sin. of the law of God without sin.

Only Jesus has done that! Those who try to Only Jesus has done that! Those who try to be right with God on this basis will fail. be right with God on this basis will fail. (Rom 3:27-28)(Rom 3:27-28)


Romans 3:27-28 (NKJV)Romans 3:27-28 (NKJV) - Where - Where isis boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.law.


The issue before every man is “Am I The issue before every man is “Am I forgiven by the blood of Christ?”forgiven by the blood of Christ?”

Upon what basis can I find this forgiveness?Upon what basis can I find this forgiveness?

It is either conditional (there is something It is either conditional (there is something we must do) or unconditional (All men will we must do) or unconditional (All men will be saved).be saved).


It is either conditional (there is something It is either conditional (there is something we must do) or unconditional (All men will we must do) or unconditional (All men will be saved).be saved).

God has chosen that men will be saved God has chosen that men will be saved conditionally. The condition of our conditionally. The condition of our salvation is faith. salvation is faith. (Rom 3:26-27, 29-31; Eph 2:8-9)(Rom 3:26-27, 29-31; Eph 2:8-9)


Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) - For by grace - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; not of yourselves; it isit is the gift of God, 9 not the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.of works, lest anyone should boast.


This “law of faith” is contrasted with “the This “law of faith” is contrasted with “the deeds of the law”. These are two contrary deeds of the law”. These are two contrary approaches to God.approaches to God.


This “law of faith” is contrasted with “the This “law of faith” is contrasted with “the deeds of the law”. These are two contrary deeds of the law”. These are two contrary approaches to God.approaches to God.

Those who seek to be justified by law must Those who seek to be justified by law must constantly ask: “How much is enough?” constantly ask: “How much is enough?” The truth is they can never “do enough.”The truth is they can never “do enough.”


There is a bondage to those who seek to be There is a bondage to those who seek to be right with God by law alone. right with God by law alone. (Rom 7:14, 23-8:1)(Rom 7:14, 23-8:1)


Romans 7:14 (NKJV) Romans 7:14 (NKJV) - For we know that - For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. under sin.


Romans 7:23-8:1 (NKJV) Romans 7:23-8:1 (NKJV) - But I see another - But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.flesh the law of sin.


Romans 8:Romans 8:1 - 1 - There isThere is therefore now no therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.flesh, but according to the Spirit.


One of the reasons God gave the Old Law One of the reasons God gave the Old Law was to prepare men for a Savior. was to prepare men for a Savior. (Gal 3:21-25)(Gal 3:21-25)


One of the reasons God gave the Old Law One of the reasons God gave the Old Law was to prepare men for a Savior. was to prepare men for a Savior. (Gal 3:21-25)(Gal 3:21-25)

When Christians turn back to a system of When Christians turn back to a system of law for their justification, they will be lost. law for their justification, they will be lost. (Gal 2:21-3:4)(Gal 2:21-3:4)


Galatians 2:21-3:4 (NKJV)Galatians 2:21-3:4 (NKJV) - I do not set - I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comescomes through the law, then Christ died in through the law, then Christ died in vain.” vain.”


Galatians 3:1Galatians 3:1 - O foolish Galatians! Who - O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?


3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed things in vain—if indeed it wasit was in vain? in vain?


God accounts our faith for righteousness. God accounts our faith for righteousness. (Rom 4:1-8)(Rom 4:1-8)


Romans 4:1-8 (NKJV)Romans 4:1-8 (NKJV) - What then shall we - What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has works, he has somethingsomething to boast about, but not to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted accounted to him for righteousness.”to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.debt.


5 But to him who does not work but believes on 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 88BlessedBlessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”impute sin.”


This is an accounting term. What God sees This is an accounting term. What God sees is our faith and upon that basis “faith is is our faith and upon that basis “faith is accounted for righteousness.”accounted for righteousness.”


This is an accounting term. What God sees This is an accounting term. What God sees is our faith and upon that basis “faith is is our faith and upon that basis “faith is accounted for righteousness.”accounted for righteousness.”

But what is faith as used in these verses?But what is faith as used in these verses?

What does your tongue say about your What does your tongue say about your forgiveness?forgiveness?

Do you treat sin lightly? Do you treat sin lightly? (Rom 6:1, 15-18)(Rom 6:1, 15-18)


Romans 6:1 (NKJV) Romans 6:1 (NKJV) 1What shall we say 1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? may abound?


Romans 6:15-18 (NKJV) Romans 6:15-18 (NKJV) - What then? - What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin sin leadingleading to death, or of obedience to death, or of obedience leadingleading to righteousness? to righteousness?


17 But God be thanked that 17 But God be thanked that thoughthough you you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.righteousness.


In school there were those who proclaimed In school there were those who proclaimed “grace” but cursed with their tongue.“grace” but cursed with their tongue.


In school there were those who proclaimed In school there were those who proclaimed “grace” but cursed with their tongue.“grace” but cursed with their tongue.

To know God’s forgives is to hate sin! To know God’s forgives is to hate sin! (1 (1 Thess 4:3-8, Titus 1:16)Thess 4:3-8, Titus 1:16)


1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NKJV) - For this - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; Gentiles who do not know God;


6 that no one should take advantage of and 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord the Lord isis the avenger of all such, as we the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects thisthis does not reject man, but God, who has also does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.given us His Holy Spirit.


Titus 1:16 (NKJV) Titus 1:16 (NKJV) - They profess to know - They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.for every good work.


How do you view yourself? How do you view yourself? (1 Tim 1:15-17)(1 Tim 1:15-17)


1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NKJV) 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NKJV) - This - This isis a a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. going to believe on Him for everlasting life.


17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, invisible, to God who alone is wise, bebe honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.


If you are guilt-filled and bitter, it will be If you are guilt-filled and bitter, it will be seen in your life.seen in your life.



Some of the harshest critics are filled with Some of the harshest critics are filled with anger and doubt. anger and doubt.



Some of the harshest critics are filled with Some of the harshest critics are filled with anger and doubt. anger and doubt.

How do you deal with sin in others? How do you deal with sin in others?


Some view that they are strong because Some view that they are strong because they see sin in others. they see sin in others. (Lk 18:9-14)(Lk 18:9-14)


Luke 18:9-14 (NKJV) Luke 18:9-14 (NKJV) - Also He spoke this - Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. tax collector.


12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise off, would not so much as raise hishis eyes to eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified went down to his house justified ratherrather than the than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”exalted.”


Others think they are strong by ignoring or Others think they are strong by ignoring or condoning sin in others. condoning sin in others. (Jude 22-23)(Jude 22-23)


Jude 22-23 (NKJV)Jude 22-23 (NKJV) - And on some have - And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23but compassion, making a distinction; 23but others save with fear, pulling others save with fear, pulling themthem out of out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.the flesh.


Helping our son deal with the guilt of sin.Helping our son deal with the guilt of sin.


Helping our son deal with the guilt of sin.Helping our son deal with the guilt of sin. Will your foundation hold in the storms of Will your foundation hold in the storms of

this life? this life?


As I get older, I can look back and see the As I get older, I can look back and see the paths many have taken.paths many have taken.


As I get older, I can look back and see the As I get older, I can look back and see the paths many have taken.paths many have taken.

This foundation can be built and we can This foundation can be built and we can stand on it! stand on it! (Jude 24-25)(Jude 24-25)


Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV)Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV) - - Now to Him Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present And to present youyou faultless Before the faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise,

BeBe glory and majesty, glory and majesty, Dominion Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

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