Why We Are a Sending Church - Acts 13:1-4The critical importance of these verses is that they describe the first planned expansion of the gospel by an entire church, rather than by solitary individuals. This effort was begun by deliberate church decision, inspired by the Spirit, and carried out by obedient believers available to be utilized by God.1. The Lord equips Evergreen to impact the world (v.1)2. The Holy Spirit determines what we do (v.2)3. Disobedience is not an option (v.3)4. Availability is a gospel expectation (v.4)

Grace: Old Testament Precedents - Romans 3:27-4:8Having explained the gospel of justification by faith (3:21-26), Paul now defends the gospel against its critics. He begins by supplying Old Testament precedents: Israel’s most illustrious patriarch and Israel’s most significant king. He now reveals salvation’s greatest surprise.1. Faith and Works: Rhetorical Questions (3:27-31)• What about human boasting? • Does God discriminate? • Is the Law pointless now? 2. Justification for “Good People” (4:1-3)• An Ancient Truth: Abraham • Paul and James Reconciled 3. Justification for “Bad People” (4:4-8)• A Shocking Truth: David • Paradox of God’s Nature Resolve

"Free, But Not Cheap" - Romans 3:19-26 Coming now to the central passage of the entire letter, Paul must not be misunderstood. He has demolished any hope of sufficiency by man before God. But Paul does not despair because there is good news. Salvation, though expensive to God, has been offered freely to man. The price staggers the mind; the gift humbles the soul.1. Hopeless human condition (VV. 19, 20)2. Salvation offered at no cost to U (vv. 21-24)3. Salvation secured at great cost to Go (VV. 25, 26)

“Jewish Advantages?” - Romans 3:1-20 Striking a blow against Jewish presumptions on the grace of God leads to sarcastic objections about whether Paul even believes there are benefits within Judaism. He responds by connecting the gospel to the character of God Himself and showing the true purpose of the Law—to cause men to cry out to God for mercy. 1. The Gospel Defended· God’s Revelation (vv.1, 2)· God’s Faithfulness (vv.3, 4)· God’s Justice (vv.5, 6)· God’s Glory (vv.7, 8) 2. The Law Demonstrated· Breadth of Sin (vv.9-12, 18)· Depth of Sin (vv.13-17)· Verdict on Sin (vv.19, 20)

"Hypocritical Religion" - Romans 2:17-29Paul now imagines Jewish objections to what he has taught so far: "Surely, you cannot treat us like those disgusting Gentiles. We are forever immune from judgement because of the Law and circumcision!" The Apostle's response here serves as a challenge to any and every person content to face God on the basis of external religion alone.1. Eight Prideful Claims by Hypocrites (vv. 17-20)2. Five Alarming Questions to Hypocrites (vv. 21-24)3. One Shocking Conclusion for Hypocrites (vv. 25-29)

Woke Culture Explained - Romans 1:18-32

The state of the world is often offered as evidence that God does not exist. The Bible presents a different assessment-the state of the world car only be understood as a result of the judgment of God on rebellious humanity. Global depravity is he cumulative consequence of human sin and points to the need of every individual for the mercy and pardon of God

1. Awe-inspiring Revelation about God (vv.18-20)

2. Arrogant Rejection of God (vv.21-23)

3. Animalistic Rebellion against God (vv.24-32)

The Two-Fold Gospel - Romans 1:16-18How can a mere human know with certainty that at the last days he will be right with God? In that certain judgment that begins the life beyond, who can stand in the presence of a holy God? This is the central question of human existence. Man strives to reach God but, amazingly, God has already reached down to man.1. Shame Comes From Misunderstanding the Gospel (v. 16)2. The Gospel Declares the Righteousness of God (v. 17)3. The Gospel Announces the Wrath of God Upon Sin (v. 18)

Our Common Life - Romans 1:1-15The Christian life is, by definition, a shared life-a life lived in common with other believers. This reality is both the great strength and struggle of every church. From the very beginning of Romans, Paul models a godly expression of real-life Christianity.1. Celebrating Our Shared Calling (vv. 1-7) a. Set Apart for the Gospel b. Recipients of Grace c. Summoned to Mission2. Celebrating Our Shared Family (vv. 8-13) a. Thankful Spirit b. Concerned Spirit c. Submissive Spirit d. Loving Spirit e. Humble Spirit f. Fruitful Spirit3. Celebrating Our Shared Responsibility (vv. 14-15) a. External Motivation b. Internal Motivation