Easter

Clay Smith JFBC 8:30 am

Romans 7:14-25

Many times we feel lost and we don't know how we got there. 

1. The Struggle: v 14-23 the strength of sin. We see a repeating pattern in these verses, Paul sees it pattern of sin in his life. He doesn't want to sin, he knows and wants to do good. Sin and evil dwells in him.

Was this before Paul followed Jesus, or more probably the struggle even all Christians constantly face. Evil is more powerful than us humans. The Bible describes sin as an infectious disease. Sin is like a squatter who comes in and takes over. Even Peter said Jesus I will never deny you! Would we not have done what Peter did.

2. The Scream v 24 I need help! Wretched man that I am. When else do we use that word? Miserable. Pitiful. 

Who will save me? One criminal on the cross was insulting Jesus - save us! Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? He died instead of us, not just for us. We are grateful that Jesus died in our place

2 Cor 5:21 that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We expect our lives to be changed immediately but it's a step by step process 

3. The Solution v 25 Jesus Christ is the Lord. 

Why is the resurrection such a big deal? It's not meant merely to prove that God has the power to raise someone from the dead. It's to show that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was sufficient. 

At the last supper the disciples' eyes were finally opened and they saw that Jesus is the Lord. That's Clay's prayer for the people today. But that's just the beginning of the journey. 

Where are you today? Is Christ your Savior? Your Lord? Declare who Jesus is in your life.

Clay admitted his sermon would be shorter than normal due to the 2 minutes of baptisms performed beforehand. 

After the service: back home with A&C. Ceil made a tomato pie to go with a breakfast casserole, deviled eggs, arugula salad, and fresh fruit.

A&C hid the eggs just before W&MC arrived with the girls. They opened their Easter baskets, then went outside for the Easter Egg Hunt. Supper tonight with Matthew, Monsie, and A&C.