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Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 LIVING BY FAITH - Romans 4:18-25 Living The Gospel Everyday – Part 3 01/26/2025 1. Faith Trusts God’s Promises Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Romans 4:18 NIV Key Greek Word: • Pistis (πίστις) — Faith: A confident trust or belief in God and His promises. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV • Trusting God means holding to His word even when emotions and logic say otherwise. 2. Faith Relies on God’s Power, Not Ours Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:19-21 NIV Key Greek Word: • Adynatos (ἀδύνατος) — Powerless: Refers to the state of being incapable or unable to achieve something. • Faith doesn’t deny reality but relies on God’s ability to overcome it. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV 3. Faith is Credited as Righteousness This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’ The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:22-24 NIV Key Greek Word: • Logizomai (λογίζομαι) — Credited: A financial term meaning to reckon, count, or impute something to someone’s account. “…a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 2:16 NIV 4. Living it every day 1. Trust in God’s Promises Daily 2. Acknowledge Your Weakness 3. Rely on God’s Power in Trials 4. Share the Gospel “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV Are you living by faith or by sight? Think About It 1. What specific promise of God are you struggling to trust right now? 2. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s power? 3. How does knowing your faith is “credited” as righteousness impact your relationship with God? 4. What step can you take this week to demonstrate your trust in God’s promises? 5. How can your faith encourage someone else to trust in God?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 CONFRONTING OUR SIN Living The Gospel Everyday Part 2 - Romans 3:21-26 01/19/24 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21–26 Righteousness - δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosuné) right, justice, justness, a divine rightness It encompasses both the legal standing of being declared righteous before God and the ethical conduct that flows from this new status. The term is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing that righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a gift from God through faith Justify -δικαιόω (dikaioó) to declare righteous, to acquit The verb δικαιόω primarily means to declare someone as righteous. In a legal sense, it refers to the act of acquitting or vindicating someone, declaring them free from guilt or blame. Refers to God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This justification is not based on the individual's merit but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. All - πᾶς (pas) all, every, whole, entire Sinned - ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanó) to sin, to miss the mark In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of violating God's law or falling short of His standards. The term conveys the idea of moral failure or transgression against divine law. It is often used in the context of personal sin, highlighting the human tendency to deviate from God's will Fall short - ὑστερέω (hustereó) to fail, to be devoid of Propitiation - ἱλαστήριον (hilastérion) - a sin offering, by which the wrath of the deity shall be appeased Is used to denote a means of appeasement or atonement. It is often translated as "propitiation" or "mercy seat," referring to the lid of the Ark of the Covenant where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. In a broader sense, it signifies the place or means by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved, particularly through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Gospel Message But now the righteousness of God . . . Justice of God and justifying on display Faithfulness of Jesus . . . Obedience, sacrifice, and commitment lived out No distinction . . . Level playing field All have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God . . . “None righteous not even one” All means everyone at all times AND all are justified by His Grace Legally and relationally restored Through the redemption that is in Christ As our propitiation- Ultimate blood sacrifice to end all sacrifices, Satisfying the justice be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus By faith in Jesus God redemptive work covers over me Me . . . the sinner and the failure now JUSTIFIED Righteousness of Christ is imputed on me I am the PROBLEM Adam’s shame and blame . . . Why do we fight so hard to hide our faults? Why are we so quick to make someone else responsible for our choices? As I am . . . Is imperfect . . . Is a failure . . . Is a sinner - I have missed the mark GRACE leaves me undone I’m good because of Jesus Admitting humbly “I am the problem” is the only means to experience the fullness of Gods GRACE All of Us are the PROBLEM Can we admit? “I totally failed can you forgive me.” “I was wrong and I’m so sorry” “I sinned against you, I’ve no excuse.” “Its my fault how can I improve” Can we extend the grace extended to us? Relationships (and churches) oddly grow stronger through moments of failure handled with humility and love

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 If our purpose is to be like a first-century church, how do we get there? The book of Romans contains more pieces of the puzzle on how to be the church than any other book in the Bible. Just as Paul understood who he was in Christ, we must understand the same. Our identity as believers is very different from what we used to be. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… Romans 1:1 ESV Paul’s message was to believers in Rome. 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 ESV Our (yours and mine) - Gospel message is for the world. The Great Commission – Matt 28:18-19 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:18-19 ESV This is the purpose of the church worldwide. And GCCC is no exception. We don’t get an exemption. The Great Commission is the reason the church exists. We should be as earnest as Paul’s to share the full Gospel message. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:8-12 ESV The power of the Gospel is a foundational piece of the puzzle 1 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. 17 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 ESV This power helps us: • Identify who we are in Christ • Know we are no longer what we once were • Gives purpose to our church and to us individually • Creates a desire to share its message • Allows us to be unashamed to be called a Christian What’s Next? Questions for reflection and discussion • Am I ashamed of the Gospel in any way? • Has transformation happened in my life? Is it continuing to happen? • Am I eager to share the Gospel? • How much would I endure to share it?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 First Things First - Matthew 12:1-8 1/5/25 Why do “good things” get in the way of the “best things”? Or why do we prioritize the second, the fourth, or even the eighteenth thing ahead of what should be the first thing? At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:1-8 ESV What the disciples did was allowed in Deuteronomy 23:25 and truly not outside of the law. Additional rules had been added to the law a supposed outward measure of a person’s spiritual health. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:7-8 ESV Rules had the unintended consequence of lowering the bar and distracting Jews from their relationship God. Jesus points to what should be considered first in every believer’s life. For I desire steadfast love[a] and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 ESV Jesus makes it clear that as “Lord of the Sabbath” that man’s rules can add nothing to it. What are the “best” things we should put first? • The Great Commandment - Matt 22:37-40 • The Great Commission – Matt 28:18-19 • Know & believe in Jesus – John 6:28-29 Questions for Reflections and Discussion: 1. How do I measure my Spiritual Health? 2. What am I putting first? 3. Do I trade what’s best for what’s “good”? 4. Are there any changes I need to make?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 RESOLVED 12/29/24 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV Do Your Best σπουδάζω (spoudazó) To be diligent, to make every effort, to hasten, to be eager. Approved δόκιμος (dokimos) Approved, tested, tried, genuine Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning "to receive" or "to accept." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "dokimos," the concept of being tested and approved can be related to Hebrew words like בָּחַן (bachan, Strong's H974), meaning "to test" or "to examine." Usage: The term "dokimos" is used in the New Testament to describe something or someone that has been tested and found to be genuine, reliable, or approved. It often carries the connotation of having passed a test or trial, thus proving its worth or authenticity. In a spiritual context, it refers to the quality of being approved by God after being tested. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "dokimos" was often used in the context of metallurgy, where metals were tested for purity and quality. Coins, for example, were tested to ensure they were not counterfeit. This concept of testing and approval was familiar to the early Christian audience, who understood the importance of proving one's faith and character through trials. Not Ashamed ἀνεπαίσχυντος (anepaischuntos) a state of being unashamed or without shame. It conveys a sense of confidence and integrity, particularly in one's actions or beliefs. In the New Testament, it is often associated with the idea of standing firm in one's faith and convictions without fear of disgrace or embarrassment. Truth ἀλήθεια (alétheia) truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:12-21 Resolved To Grow To Challenge To Change To Press Forward

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 THE GIFT OF GOLD—JESUS IS KING Christmas Eve 2024 I. The Symbolism of Gold On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NIV • The Wise Men acknowledged Jesus not just as a child but as a King deserving honor. II. Jesus as the Promised King For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV • His kingship brings peace, justice, and eternal life to those who follow Him. III. The King Who Deserves Our Worship The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:15 NIV • Worship is more than bowing; it involves surrendering our lives to Him. IV. How Can We Present Our “Gold” to Jesus Today? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV • Gold represents the best of what we have—our time, talents, and treasures. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV Is Jesus the King of your life?