Today was the second week in our Life Focus, “Thanks for Nothing,” where we focused on another great biblical thought that there is “Nothing Condemning.” In Romans 8, Paul gives us the great words that “there is now no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I can’t think of a better biblical promise than that. So many people who are no longer condemned still live in a guilty manner. We still act like we are on death row for the crimes we have committed against a holy God, but if you are in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation for you any longer! The worst thing that you have ever done, IF you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is gone. Every “big” sin and “little” sin that you have done, it is gone. But if you are not in a relationship with Jesus, God still is condemning you. You can’t away from it by your good works, you have to be covered by Jesus!
The Law cannot protect you from the wrath of God. Your goodness cannot protect you from the wrath of God. Only Jesus can! Jeff Lethco said that the Law is like an umbrella trying to shield you from the wrath of God. But it can’t cover you completely. But we need a covering. It’s sorta like going into a good tent – there is a covering when the wrath of God falls. The thing to remember is that the wrath of God is going to fall on someone. Either on you or your covering. If Jesus is your Savior, he takes the wrath of God on himself and you are safe.
I loved hearing our family sing today. Focusing on the cross, we just experienced some passionate, authentic worship. Come focused to church. Before you come in, think about Jesus and all that he has done, and you are going to be able to give him worship that is due him.
The messages are up on North Side’s website and also our podcast, so make sure you check them out.
Here’s the music that accompanied our worship this morning:
- On Our Side – Chris Tomlin
- O Praise Him – David Crowder* Band
- Nothing But the Blood – Charlie Hall
- The Wonderful Cross – Matt Redman
- Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) – Chris Tomlin
It was incredible to watch you come down to the posters today and see you sign your name to them. How incredible to imagine all that God has brought you through to save you, and your name and your presence testifying of that was overwhelming. Think about how many people were just in our church who testified that Jesus changed our lives. It’s amazing! He has taken of our chains and we are free. This week, praise God that he no longer condemns us.
I still can’t get over it.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
