Sunday, November 2, 2008

Reasons The Justified Can Rejoice

Today was a great day of worship at GSJ. Despite learning of the violent passing of one of our young people prior to our 11am service, God, through the preaching of His Word and the fervent prayers of the righteous gave us strength to persevere. I preached a message entitled “Reasons the Justified Can Rejoice” taken from Romans 5:1-5. It reads:


1) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5) and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)


Here is a brief outline of today’s message:



Title: Reasons the Justified Can Rejoice


Text: Romans 5: 1-5


Thrust: Since we are justified (declared righteous and treated accordingly) by grace through faith apart from works, there are many benefits awaiting our enjoyment and edification.


I. Acceptance By God (v.1)


a) Peace with God (eirēnē) We have peace facing God. We are no longer at war with God. This peace takes care of our past and is both present and permanent. The moment we trust Christ for salvation, we experience peace with God once and for all. Colossians 1:20; 1Timothy 2:5, 6



II. Access to His Grace ( v.2)


a) Access or a way of entrance. This takes care of our present and is also present action and permanent standing. Romans 5:2; 1Peter 3:18; Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 2:14; 18


A little lad once stood outside the gates of London's Buckingham palace. He wanted to talk to the king but was strongly rebuked by the royal guards. With his grimy little fingers, he wiped the tears from his eyes. At that moment, a well-dressed man asked the little lad what was troubling him. When the man heard the story, he smiled and said, "Take my hand." The boy took the man's hand and noticed that the soldiers jumped to attention when the man walked by them. Past the guards, along carpeted hallways, through wide-flung doors and a throng of people, the boy was led straight to the throne of the King of England himself. The lad had taken the hand of the Prince of Wales, the son of the king. Through the son, the lad had gained access to the throne. This is exactly what Jesus Christ has done for us. We not only have peace with God, we have access to God the Father.


III. Adversity To Grow


Tribulations which means "pressure, pressing together; oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress." This word was used to describe the pressing of olives to get the oil and of grapes to get the juice. John 16:33; Romans 8:28; Romans 8:35-39


a) Produces continuity v.3


b) Produces character v.4


c) Produces confidence v.5




We solicit your continuous prayers this week as we console our members during this trying time.

18 comments:

Fitts said...

Thats it, I'm packing up everything, moving to South Bend and joining Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

Dr. McGhee, another great outline!!!

DeAntwan

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Dr McGhee,

You never cease to amaze me with your preaching prowess!!

Ronald said...

Preach Pastor Preach! What a sermon. I fully concur with Pastor Fitts. Pastor when you get a chance (I know you are a busy man) please have someone ask your greeters ministry leader are there any openings?

Negro you know you can just flat out preach. God is using you to humble me.

Humbly submitted, (greeter in training)
Ron

Rev. Barney said...

Glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am coming by Christian experience...lol..
Sounds like a powerful word McGhee. Do you plan on making your messages available online soon?

Stick with it and we continue to pray for your work.

Be Encouraged.

Tony R.

Pastor Rev. Ray E. Owens said...

Bishop, I have come to expect no less than the best from you. "The boy had the hand of the prince and had access to the throne", call 911because I just died. Glory to God for your faithfulness to the Word of God. My prayers for your church and our community concerning this outbreak of violence.

Anonymous said...

Pastor,
Thank you for you preached word and for letting God use you. Your sermon was so powerful, and to know we can have peace with God in spite of what is going on in life. It embraces a confidence in knowing that God is in charge. Even when your gray skies turn black, the Son still shines.
Amen!

Yours in Christ
LLB

Anonymous said...

Pastor McGhee,

You were truly sent to Preach God's Word. Keep preaching and know that we can rejoice in the God through His Grace.

P.S. I will pray for God's love and peace upon His people.

Evangelist J.

Anonymous said...

Pastor, Jeannie really appreciated hearing Romans 5:1-5 again. She had not fully understood what she heard in Bible Study. So, for her the second time around assisted with better understanding. I believe the time has come to start recording your sermons and using our web site as a vehicle for distribution. There are many people who may not attend Greater St. John but could benefit from your messages. Hope you consider this for future sermons. Although we’d love to be selfish and have you to ourselves, God’s word needs to be shared with as many as possible.

Brother Armstrong

HALLELUJAH said...

From reading all the above comments I missed a dynamic sermon, guess I can’t get them all.

Pray that I get all I need to make it home.

Love the story about the little lad desiring to see the king.

Great Post!!!


God Bless~~~

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

I'm joining by letter! Mcghee another example of great expository preaching at a time needed not only in South Bend but in Newark, LA and all over this country. Bless your life doctor.

Lance

Clinton Smith said...

What must I do to be saved? You made me want to receive Christ all over again. New members class starts when (LOL)!

Rev. Brad Hurley said...

Pastor you are right on time with this. Thank you brother this goes along with what I posted last night great confirmation, needed that.
God Bless you,,, sorry I haven't been blogging I have had alot on my plate.

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

Great!!!! This post blessed me while I was reading it. I will be praying for the yound person's family, that God give them grace and strength in the days to come. I pray that God continue to use you and thta He bless you for all your hard work.

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

I will pray for the family of your young member who has passed away. I am sure the preached word served to comfort the church family. Thank God for what ever happens or what we are going through, we do have access to our loving Father.

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

Pastor McGhee, there's nothing I can say other than I am grateful for such "workman" as yourself. You have consistently offered the Lord the "best of service, sermon, and servanthood." May you continue to be blessed as you share this kind of word and worship to the Lord. Your sacrifice doesn't go unappreciated or unnoticed. Thank you.

Kevin

Shanita Waters said...

Hi Pastor! I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your members. I pray that God will comfort all those touched and keep them strong in Him during this trying time.

This is my first time here and I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your message.

God bless you!

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

Thank you Andre' for the Happy Birthday. I was excited to see your comment as always. I have missed you. I will tell my Sister you sent a wish her way. Take care.

Mother