By Eric Taylor
Pastor, Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Cedar Hill

Focal Passage: Romans 10:9-17

The mission of God is simple: to glorify Himself by giving eternal life to everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. The question is, are God’s people committed to His mission of redeeming a people for Himself? Is the church of Jesus today committed to seeing, “all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9)?

Well, our lesson for this week shows us why we can, and should, be committed to God’s mission.

First, we are committed to God’s mission because of God’s promise of salvation. When one reads Romans 10:9-10, there is no question as to how one is saved. When, by faith, a lost person confesses “Jesus is Lord” and believes in their “heart that God raised Him from the dead,” they are “saved.” [Read more…]

By Eric Taylor
Pastor, Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Cedar Hill

Focal Passage: Romans 12:3-16 

The epistle of Romans is often called Paul’s theological treatise concerning salvation and God’s work of grace. However, when you arrive at chapter 12, the apostle’s message moves from the theological to the practical. One could say that Romans 12 begins Paul’s practical application of the gospel he declared in Romans 1-11. And in our lesson for this week, we are encouraged to practically apply the gospel by exhibiting a faithful commitment to Christ’s church.

First, our commitment to the church is seen in the fact that we believe we are one body in Christ (v.  5). In other words, we are to be a united body of believers, marked by humility and mutual respect (v.  3). Matter of fact, from the very first words of this chapter, you see the language of unity.  [Read more…]

By Eric Taylor
Pastor, Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Cedar Hill

Focal Passage: Romans 5:6-12, 18-21 

One of the great truths we see in the New Testament is that long before we committed ourselves to Christ, Christ committed Himself to us by dying for us. The fact that “God demonstrates His love towards us” (Romans 5:8) through the death of Christ should produce in us songs of praise and worship.

 I John 4:19 says, “We love Him because He first loved us.” In other words, “while we were still at odds (enemies) with God” the Lord “Christ Jesus came to save sinners” (I Timothy 1:15). Having said that, Christ’s commitment to us provides at least three things to our lives. Through Christ and His blood we are justified, reconciled and given eternal life by the grace of God.

First, in His death for sinners the Lord Jesus Christ provided our justification (Romans 5:9). Jesus did not die for the just or the good; He died for sinners so that they might be “justified.”  [Read more…]

By Randy Keene
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill

Focal Passage: Romans 13:1-10 

Politics is not my favorite subject to talk about these days. It seems we are in a very sensitive era when it comes to politics and government. But as the child of God, we must reflect His attributes and not those of the world. There are several Bible passages that deal with government and politics but Romans 13 is probably the one most preached and studied. Paul was very familiar with Roman politics so it is fitting he offers some wise advice on how Christians should relate to government.

In verses 1 through 4 he urges believers to respond to government with obedience, submitting to the governing authorities. [Read more…]

By Tim Frank
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Carthage

Focal Passage: Romans 14:1-4, 13-19

As we conclude this series on the six building blocks of Christian relationships, we address a pressing issue in the church, in society and in our lives today.

This issue concerns how you relate to someone who has a different opinion, tradition or preference from you. While this lesson does not dismiss the importance of moral standards or core Christian beliefs, it focuses instead on secondary issues which have nothing to do with one’s salvation or faith in Christ and yet can lead to heated differences of opinions among Christians.  [Read more…]