The Righteousness of God:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."-Romans 1:16-17

These sentences are widely understood to be the "topic sentence," the thesis, of the book of Romans. Paul declares that the gospel does not make him ashamed because it is "the power of God for salvation." The emphasis-as one would expect from Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles-is that this salvation is not just for Jews, but also for the whole world.

In verse 17, Paul gives us at least a nutshell summary of what he understands the gospel to do. "In it," he says (and he means "in the gospel", "the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith." Two different phrases in that sentence tells us what Paul understands the gospel to be about. First, he says that in the gospel, "the righteousness of God" is revealed. That phrase has elicited a huge amount of discussion. Does it refer to a righteousness that is from God in a legal sense-a righteousness that is imputed to us but is actually an alien righteousness? Or does it refer to a moral righteousness in us, or perhaps to God's own holy character? Alternatively, does it refer to the righteousness of God, defined as his wrath against human sin? What does Paul mean by saying that in the gospel is revealed the righteousness of God?

Without doubt, the best way to get at what he means is to trace the rest of his argument through the book. Beginning with the declaration in verse18 that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," Paul spends most of the first three chapters of the book indicting all of humanity with a charge of sin and rebellion against God. Chapter 1 is aimed primarily at Gentiles, chapter 2 at Jews, and then in chapter 3 he draws it all together with a devastating charge that "all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin" and that "every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God". Then, having established the hopeless condition of all mankind, Paul turns to the good news: "But now," he writes, "the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law" (v.21). There's that phrase again-"the righteousness of God." But what does it mean? And what does it mean that it is manifested now "apart from law"?

The answer becomes clear a few verses later, when Paul explains how Abraham came to be "counted righteous" before God (Rom. 4:3-6). That phrase helps us to understand what Paul means when he talks about "the righteousness of God." The question Paul is answering through this section of Romans is, How can a person be counted righteous before God? In other words, how can a person gain from God a final verdict of righteous as opposed to guilty? It's that final verdict of righteous that Paul is calling here "the righteousness of God."

It's a righteousness from God, a righteousness that is counted to us, or imputed to us, even though it is not our own. Paul's answer to that question, of course, is that a person will never receive a righteous verdict from God by works of the law, but only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thus he says in verse 6 that that person is blessed "to whom God credits righteousness apart from works." And he uses the same idea in Philippians 3:9 to say that he hopes to be included in Christ, "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith." Thus, the "righteousness of God" that Paul says in Romans 1:17 is revealed in the gospel is precisely this-the righteousness from God that comes to those who have faith in Christ.

When Paul describes in summary what is revealed "in it [the gospel]," what he says is that the gospel reveals the glorious news that an imputed "righteousness from God is revealed and available to sinful human beings through faith. Of course he could have talked about much more, and in fact, he does: one of the Bible's most beautiful passages about the future renewal of the creation is found in Romans 8. But here at the beginning, when Paul wants to describe in summary what the gospel reveals, he points to justification by faith in the crucified and risen Jesus.

In conclusion, we are declared righteous when we trust in Jesus Christ. At the moment of our salvation Christ takes our unrighteousness and imputes (gives) to us His righteousness so that now we stand before God justified. A person will never receive a righteous verdict from God by works of the law, but only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

*Excerpt taken from What is the Mission of the Church by Kevin Deyoung and Greg Gilbert

6 Principles If Your State has Overturned a Gay-Marriage Ban:

Monday, July 28th Virginia's district judges overturned Virginia's voter-approved gay-marriage ban. Virginia has now joined other States in which district judges have overturned voter-approved bans on gay marriage. After Virginia's ruling North Carolina's Attorney General was interviewed and said he was watching Virginia closely and will no longer defend a voter-approved same-sex marriage ban in North Carolina. NC Attorney General's statement makes it very likely that within the next three-six months North Carolina will also overturn their gay marriage ban.

We are seeing a movement of states and judges overturning voter approved gay marriage bans and it does not appear as if the tide is going to slow. Below are six principles which churches should implement if they are living in a State where same-sex marriage is legal or if they live in a State (NC) where the Attorney General will no longer defend a voter approved ban.

1) PRAY: Please do not skip over this point. Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer. Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica encouraging them to pray without ceasing. We must be people of prayer. We must hit our knees every morning, afternoon, and evening for our cities, states and country. There is an attack on traditional Christian values and nothing will ultimately stop the attack except for prayer. We need God to step in and the only way He will step in is if we ask. Let us commit to praying for our city, state, and Nation.

2) DO NOT WORRY: It is easy to become worried when you watch the news these days. Everything appears to be coming apart at the seams. Paul instructs us not to worry about anything, but in everything make our requests known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We must remember that regardless of how a judge vote's; God is still on His throne. God is not surprised about the events in our world. He reigns supreme over them and in the end He will be victorious and receive glory. We must remember our God is the living God, nothing takes Him by surprise, He is working everything out for our good and His glory and because of this we do not need to fear when the world appears to be going to Hell.

3) BE BOLD: Christians need to be bold in the face of adversity. In our day and age the battle is over marriage. Christians must be engaging in the battle for marriage. We must be engaged in the battle from our pulpits, our classrooms, our blogs, our social media, and engaged in the battle with our representatives in Washington. We must be writing our Attorney General and encouraging him/her to continue to support a voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Politicians only understand votes, which will get him/her re-elected. We must be writing, emailing, and calling our representatives encouraging them to support a voter-approved ban on gay marriage.

4) CHURCH CONSTITUTION: Pastors, Elders, Deacon, and Church Committees must make sure their church constitution is clear on where they stand on marriage. Churches need to spell out in their constitution whom they will/will not marry. Churches must ensure that every member of their church has signed the church constitution and knows where the church stands on the issue of homosexual marriage. In a court of law a church constitution is viewed as a legal document and will protect churches from being sued or forced by the government to perform a marriage ceremony which goes against their conscience.

5) SERVE HOMOSEXUALS IN LOVE: I realize a lot of people in my generation will read this point and laugh. How can you serve homosexual and tell them that what they are doing is wrong? Christians are called to speak the truth in boldness and love. We are called to love the sinner and hate the sin. The most loving thing we can do as followers of Christ is to implore active homosexuals to turn from their sins to Christ. We must serve them and invite them into our house to share a meal and get to know them and in love we are to share the truth of the Gospel. Society tells us to preach love with no context of truth; but, as Christians, we must share the truth of God's Word and His holiness and use both as the framework of our love. Voter-approved bans and other political actions will never change the heart of a person. An individual needs Christ to have a heart change and the only way to have Christ is to hear about Him from other Christians.

6) PRAY: I know, I know, I am repeating myself, but please understand prayer is the most important activity we can be involved in as a Christian. Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer. We must be people of prayer. We must hit our needs every morning, afternoon, and evenings for our cities, States, and Nation. There is an attack on traditional Christian values and nothing will ultimately stop the attack except for God and He will only move if we ask. Let us commit to praying for our cities, States, and Nation.

In conclusion, we are seeing a massive cultural shift in society as judges and attorney generals overturn voter-approved bans on gay marriage. We are living in a scary time, but if we commit to prayer, don't worry, be bold, have a clear church constitution, and serve homosexuals we will see the light of the Gospel shine through and transform hearts. God is not finished with America and it is time for the church to step forward and implement these six principles if they are living in a State which has over-turned a gay marriage ban or they fear the gay marriage ban in their State will be overturned.

50 Shades of Grey and the Christian Bedroom

Last week Hollywood released a trailer for 50 Shades of Grey. The movie is based on E.L. James's best-selling trilogy in which sweet, quiet Anastasia Steele's (Dakota Johnson) life changes when she meets billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). The book series is immensely popular and one can expect the movie to be as well. 50 Shades is notable for it's explicitly erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practice involving bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism (BDSM).

Since the release of the trailer the internet has exploded with blogs, posts, and tweets about the trailer, book, and upcoming movie. A few Christians are encouraging a boycott of the movie but unfortunately the majority of the posts are in excitement and anticipation of the upcoming movie. Most of the individuals who are supporting the movie and who read the book are young, conservative, stay at home moms. The same women who fill churches on Sundays and shout a hearty Amen against the evils of pornography are the ones who have read 50 Shades of Grey and are planning on seeing the movie.

Society is distorting/has distorted God's plan for sex. I spent 20 minutes this afternoon researching the plot for 50 Shades to help pull back the curtain on society's distortion. I will outline the themes and than outline God's theme/plan for sex from Song of Solomon.

50 Shades of Grey Plot:
21 year old Ana Steele interviews 27 year old Christian Grey. Ana is instantly attracted to Christian but is intimated by him. She botches the interview and never expects to see Christian again. Fortunately, Christian finds Ana attractive and invites her out to coffee. While out for coffee Christian explains he isn't a "flowers" type of guy. Later that night Ana gets drunk and calls Christian. Christian flies his helicopter out to pick her up. When Ana arrives at Christian's house he shows her his playroom full of bondage toys and gear. He makes her sign a contract to make sure she does not talk about anything which she sees. He also attempts to get her to sign a second contract of dominance and submission. The contract also stipulates a non-romantic relationship; one of only sex. There can be no touching or eye contract. Ana reveals she is a virgin and loses her virginity to Christian without signing a contract (what a guy). Later on, Christian attempts to control Ana dictating what she can/can't eat, he spanks Ana and the climax of the book involves Christian beating Ana with a belt.

I hope you are as appalled as I am at the plot to this book/movie. But if not allow me to outline one more time. Drunk date, bondage, toys, contract, control, submission, non-romantic relationship, no eye contact, spanking and the climax involves a young lady being beaten with a belt. (I am pounding the keys in frustration that anyone would pay for a ticket much less tweet in anticipation of the movie). 50 Shades of Grey is a distortion of God's plan for sex.

God designed sex to be for a married man and woman but sadly society has taken God's gift and cheapened/redefined it. In contrast to the distorted version of sex put forth in 50 Shades of Grey God's word outlines a beautiful, sensual, and passionate view of sex. Song of Solomon outlines the blessing and beauty of the Christian bedroom.

Song of Solomon Plot:
The bedroom is to be a place of satisfying attractiveness. Men are to meet their wife's need for verbal support and women are to meet their husband's need for visual stimulation. (4:1-7). The bedroom is to be a place of sensual anticipation. Couples are to invite their mate to come to each other and indicate how your mate captivates you (4:8-11). The bedroom is to be a place of specific availability. God is pleased when we keep ourselves pure and God is pleased when we give each other pleasure (4:12-15). The bedroom is to be a place of spiritual affection. We are to encourage our mates to make love with us and encourage our mate after make love (4:16-5:1). Finally, the bedroom is to be a place of spiritual approval. Sex in marriage enjoys divine approval and spouses in marriage enjoy divine affection.

Which version of sex captivates you? Which version of sex will last for 50 years?

50 Shades of Grey is a distortion of God's beautiful design for sex. I'm sure lots of women will flock to the theaters on Valentines Day 2015 and purchase tickets to see this movie; unfortunately, they will find that the movie may be erotic and entertaining for two hours but it will not satisfy. The only version of sex which will satisfy is the beautiful, sensual, and passionate version which has been instituted by God and outlined in the Bible. God's design for sex is the only one which will satisfy.

Notes take from:
1) USA Today; 50 Shades of Grey Article
2) Wikepedia: 50 Shades of Grey Plot Summary
3) Dr. Danny Akin's outline on Song of Solomon

What if Your Child is Gay?

Author: Russel Moore

Original Article: http://www.russellmoore.com/2014/06/06/what-if-your-child-is-gay/

Original Date: June 6, 2014

My denomination is dealing these days with a pastor in California who reversed his position on homosexuality. The pastor said that his shift coincided with his 15 year-old son’s announcement that he is gay. This is a situation every Christian should think through, now. As I’ve said before, at stake on the issue of a Christian sexual ethic is the gospel of Jesus Christ. But what if, sitting across from you, is your child or grandchild?

You will, without a doubt, have someone close to you in your family come out as gay or lesbian, if not already, then sometime in the future. How should a Christian parent or grandparent respond?

One of the reasons this is such a crushing experience for many is because they assume that their alternatives are affirmation or alienation. I either give up my relationship with my child or I give up the Bible. The gospel never suggests this set of alternatives, and in fact demonstrates just the opposite.

Every child, whether gay or straight, is oriented toward sin, and so are you. If your child or grandchild says he or she is gay, you shouldn’t act shocked, as though you are surprised your child might be tempted toward sin, or that you find your own sinful inclinations somehow less deserving of God’s judgment.

Your child’s point of temptation doesn’t mean that your entire relationship with him or her should be defined by that. We don’t affirm what the Bible says is wrong simply because someone we love is drawn toward it, whether that’s “straight” fornication or gay relationships. At the same time, that doesn’t mean your entire relationship is now to become a sparring match over Romans 1. Ironically, those who cut off all relationship with a gay child buy into the narrative of the Sexual Revolutionaries, that every aspect of one’s identity is defined by sexual orientation and activity. As a Christian, you believe this person is made in the image of God, and thus worthy of love, regardless of how far away from God, or from you.

First of all, consider what your child is telling you. He or she could be saying that this is an identity, from which they refuse to repent. That will require a different sort of response than if the child is saying, “This is how I feel, so what do I do?” This will change the way you respond, but what doesn’t change is your love and care for this child. Don’t panic and don’t reject them. Say explicitly that you love that child, no matter what, and mean it. Your relationship wasn’t formed by the child’s performance, and that won’t start now.

If your loved one is a Christian, spend time over the years discipling him or her about what following Christ looks like. Jesus isn’t shocked by his or her temptations, and will not leave him or her alone to fight them. The path toward chastity and fidelity to Christ is a difficult one, and your child or grandchild will need you and the church and the great cloud of witnesses to cheer him or her on, as they walk a path that can be lonely in a world that too often defines sex and sexuality as ultimate in life.

If your loved one isn’t a Christian, express your love, keep the relationship going, and be a gracious gospel witness. God never promises us that our children or grandchildren will all walk the way of Christ. Every wandering son or daughter needs to know that if the moment of crisis comes in his or her life, there’s a house waiting with a fatted-calf party ready to go, welcoming the wanderer home.

One of the reasons this is so hard for some parents and grandparents is because somehow we assume this issue to be merely a “culture war” issue, and not a gospel issue. As such, parents are often perplexed as to how to deal with this in their families because they think this is about them.

They wonder if others will judge them, as though they did something to “cause” this. That’s ridiculous, and it leads people ultimately either to reject biblical teaching to keep their kids or reject their kids (and their gospel witness to them) for the sake of appearing to keep the biblical teaching. At the root of all of that is pride, and I don’t mean that in the sense of “gay pride” but in the sense of carnal self-seeking. That’s a temptation for all parents, not just for those of gay children. We’re tempted to see our children as reflections of ourselves, and we’re tempted then to keep up our image.

Crucify that temptation. God calls us to holiness, and to encourage one another to holiness. The Bible is clear that this means fleeing from sexual immorality, and that includes same-sex sexual activity (1 Cor. 6). God also calls parents to love their children. Be clear about your convictions, and at the same time don’t exile your child from your life. If we sacrifice grace for truth or truth for grace, we’re sub-Christian.

July Newsletter:

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Thank you for holding the rope, praying and supporting us during our two years. We shared the Gospel with 700 people and saw God save 20 people during our time overseas. He is mighty to save! Below is a short video highlighting our time...

With thankful hearts,

The 3 Welchs