In the 1^st century AD, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Rome. He explained the problem of sin and God’s solution through Jesus to them.

What is the world’s condition?

Romans 3:¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ²¹But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

God’s judgment-you and I get what we deserve-Romans 6:²³For the wages of sin is death

God’s mercy – you and I do not get what we deserve-Romans 6:²³For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God’s grace –you and I get what we do not deserve

In his 1^st century AD letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul explained we are saved from God’s judgment by grace because Jesus already took upon Himself our judgment and paid our penalty.

Ephesians 2:⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 15:¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

God does not have any problems only plans!

Do you know this song? Jesus Paid it All, Alvina Hall, 1865

6. 1. I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small;
      Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

    

   • Refrain:
     Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
     Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

    

   2. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim;
      I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

    

   3. And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness,
      Close sheltered ’neath His side, I am divinely blest.

    

   4. Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
      Can change the *leper’s spots [*leopard’s] And melt the heart of stone.

    

   5. When from my dying bed My ransomed soul shall rise,
      “Jesus died my soul to save,” Shall rend the vaulted skies.

    

   6. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,
      I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet.

   I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone! Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti