Not in Christ

Sin is ugly and destructive. We don’t have to look far to witness this reality. Everyday we see it on full display in our own hearts. Yet, oftentimes we are able to mask the signs or suppress the symptoms, but like a bad cancer or virus coursing through out bodies, sin will inevitably make itself known. Just as there is no hiding sin, so there is no escaping sin either. We know from Genesis 3 and Romans 5 that sin has spread to the entire human race because of the sin of Adam. Along with sin comes the devastating consequences—spiritual death and physical death. The former is in full effect even from the beginning. Paul tells us in Romans 6 and Galatians  5 that the natural man has set his mind  on the works of the flesh. Such a mindset is naturally hostile towards God (Rom. 8). He does not seek after God (Rom 3:11). All have turned aside, Isaiah 53:6 explains. Paul calls this behavior spiritual death in Ephesians 2:1-3. Not until God opens our eyes and breathes life into our spiritually dead bodies as we place our faith and truth in Christ, will God then replace our stony (dead) hearts with new hearts. This paradox of past deadness is how we once lived. Recognizing the former state of ugly deadness heightens our awareness of sin’s corruption, it revives our hearts to respond in thankfulness for God’s abundant mercy and it brings into view more keenly the beautiful undeserved life we now have in Christ. –Pastor Nate

9AM: Josh De Leon–Questions About Souls, 1

10AM: Pastor Nate–Ephesians 2:1-3–Not in Christ  (sermon notes)

6PM: Pastor Rory–Psalm 14–No One Does Good