Sharon RP Church

God has shown grace in saving sinners! The good news of the Gospel starts with God's love, and it is all about Jesus. It is for both Jews and Greeks — in other words, all people. It is meant to be received by sinners, and it is received by faith in the person and work of Jesus, just as Abraham received it. The good news of the Gospel reconciles us to God, and it changes what King we follow! We never have to doubt our heavenly Father's love for us. Are we resting in God's love as He's shown it to us in Jesus?

This verse records the sons of Naphtali in the genealogy of Israel. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-7-13-god-knows-you-by-name

This passage records Benjamin's families and the mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-7-6-12-god-keeps-his-promises

This passage records the family of Issachar and its numerous mighty men of valor. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-7-1-5-leave-a-legacy-of-faith

The passage records the cities and surrounding lands given to the Levites throughout Israel, including cities of refuge on both sides of the Jordan. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-6-54-81-a-home-with-god

This passage identifies the Levite musicians appointed for temple worship and distinguishes Aaron's sons' priestly work. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-6-31-53-serve-the-lord-with-singing-1-chronicles-6-31-53

Paul uses a compare-and-contrast format here in this passage: Adam and death on the one hand, and Jesus and righteousness on the other. When Adam sinned, death entered the world and guilt was imputed to each of us. But the perfect work of Jesus is greater, and He has given us the free gift of justification! All we have to do is receive this gift; we can never earn Christ's favor by our own works. We are either still under the dominion of sin and death, or we have been brought into Christ's Kingdom of life and grace! Which kingdom are you in? Who is your ruler? Which dominion are you under? The kingdom of Adam and condemnation? Or is Christ your King – reigning over you and freely giving you righteousness, joy, and peace that the world can never take away from you?

This passage is about the family of Levi. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-6-1-30-the-sons-of-levi-1-chronicles-6-1-30

This passage records Gad's genealogy and describes these Transjordan warriors, the land God gave them, and the victory he granted when they trusted him. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-5-11-22-trust-god-in-battle

This is Reuben's genealogy. Although Reuben was Israel's firstborn, his birthright passed to Joseph, while Judah prevailed and the promised ruler came from Judah. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-5-1-10-lion-of-judah

This passage traces Simeon's descendants, their cities and pasturelands, and the land and blessing the Lord gave them. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-4-24-43-adoption-in-christ

This passage records Judah's family line. The genealogy preserves the real history of God's covenant people and the line from which Jesus, the Lion of Judah, came. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-4-1-23-identity-in-christ

God loved us while we were yet sinners, and He's done everything necessary to reconcile us with Himself — even though we were weak and sinful. God's love for you is counter-intuitive, not like human feelings of love. He proved His love for us by sending His own Son to die for us. We have a friend in Jesus. We don't have to wait till we're "good enough"; we are reconciled to God through the righteousness of our Savior. In Christ, we are turned from enemies to friends!

If you are in Christ, God is with you, no matter what you may be going through. The only way we're made right with God is by Jesus Who saves us. If we want God's face to shine upon us and bestow the peace that only He can give, then it must be by faith. We have access to God's favor, and it didn't cost us any thing, even though it cost Jesus everything. God gives us challenges and tribulations — not to harm us, but to help us become stronger and grow in character. And He gives us a hope that does not disappoint. He has given us the Holy Spirit to be with us and work this hope in us. Is Jesus your only hope? Rejoice in the grace that comes through Him!

There have been hard times in all of our lives when we have wondered, "Where is God?" And even though God's presence is a central theme in the Book of Exodus, where do we see Him here in this first chapter? His apparent absence drives us to go looking for Him, and we do see Him here in several ways. God was busy fulfilling His coverant promises that He gave in the Book of Genesis to His covenant people. He caused His people to multiply, despite the Egyptians' satanic attempt to stop His plan of redemption. He was also fulfilling His original plans for His Creation, which He has not given up on, despite our rebellion against Him. In addition, He was blessing His people with many children, even though that was a motivator of the Egyptians' hatred for them. He was working with ordinary midwives in the ordinary circumstances of bearing children to bring about His purposes. The Lord may seem absent sometimes, but He was there for the Hebrews and He is still there for us now. He has never abandoned us, He has redeemed us through Jesus' perfect sacrifice on the cross, and He still blesses us. Nothing at all can ever separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ!

The good news of the Gospel is that God has made a way for sinners to be justified. If we are in Christ, we can rejoice in this! Neither Jews nor Gentiles can be justified by their works. God is just, and He will punish sin. If we think we have no sin, we will see no need for a Savior. The only hope for us is in Jesus alone. God freely justifies us — declares us to be legally righteous — in Christ. And our justification by faith is confirmed by the example of Abraham's faith: he believed God's promise, and it was accounted to him for righteousness — even before he was circumcised. Do you believe in Jesus as your only hope? Are you following in the footsteps of Abraham? The Lord saves sinners like us and justifies us by faith alone!

God gave Abraham promise after promise, and Abraham and Sarah believed that He Himself would fulfill them. But it was not just written for Abraham's sake that faith is imputed as righteousness; it was written for us also. This passage contains the two great truths of the Gospel. 1) Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins. Our lives were redeemed by His blood. His atoning death was the manifestation of the Father's love for us. 2) Jesus was raised again for our justification. This was the proof that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father; and because of His righteousness, we can stand justified before God. Do you believe that Jesus was put to death for your offenses, and that He rose again and still lives, and that the righteousness you desparately need can only be found in Him? Do you believe this? If so, then it is accounted to you for righteousness – the same as it was for Abraham!

The God Who makes promises to us will fulfill those promises. He has never done this because His people have been perfect law-keepers, but rather, because He is gracious. Abraham had faith in God's promises; he believed what God said – that he would become the father of many nations. He believed so firmly in God's promise that he knew God would raise his son of promise from the dead if necessary. Sometimes we will face impossible things in life, but God will still make good on His promises in His Word. Do you believe that He will do so, because He is good and true?

Faith or works? Promise or law? In Romans 4:13–15, Paul explains that God's promises are never earned through law-keeping—they are received by faith. Looking to Abraham as the great example of faith, this sermon shows that God did not make Abraham an heir because of his obedience, but because he believed God's promise. What happens if we try to earn God's favor? Paul gives a sobering answer: if the inheritance comes by the law, then faith is emptied of its meaning, and the promise is made void. The law exposes sin and brings wrath, but it cannot produce the righteousness that God requires. Instead, God freely gives His promises through faith in Jesus Christ. The inheritance of the kingdom, forgiveness of sins, and peace with God are gifts of grace—not wages earned by our performance. If you've ever struggled with assurance, felt like you weren't "good enough," or wondered how you could ever stand before a holy God, this passage points away from yourself and toward the finished work of Christ.

Who are Abraham's children? Are you one of them? How do you know? Paul wants us to look at Abraham. He initially tried to make God's plan happen by his own works. But righteousness was accounted to him, and he was justified by faith – before he was even circumcised. By the same faith that Abraham had, that is how we are justified too. He is the spiritual father of both Jews and Gentiles. Our salvation is never by works. God is not waiting for us to become perfect before we can be His children. We have a perfect Savior! Walk by faith, trust Christ, and have peace!

God has made a way for sinners like us to be made right with Him. That way is Jesus. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God counts us as righteous apart from our own works. We don't get to brag unless our boast is in Christ. We are blessed to have our sins covered in the blood of Jesus. Do you see yourself as guilty before God? Blessed and happy are those who enjoy peace in their soul because God gives them a perfect righteousness that is not their own. Our only hope is to cling to Jesus — there's no other way to the Father.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The goodness of the Gospel is for everyone. God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and He judges righteously. The only way for sinners to escape that judgment is by faith in Jesus – not by deeds of the law. Abram was a pagan Gentile, but God found him and gave him a promise. And Abram believed that promise. He was not justified by his works or even by his circumcision. Justification is a free gift of God, so none of us can boast of our own works. Stop trying to earn grace. God loves us because He chose to love us. We are counted righteous before God because of our standing in Jesus. Are you resting in Jesus alone?

It is Christ's desire to recover and save all who are lost. This parable shows how ready He is to pardon our sins, as well as the obstinacy of those who murmur at God's compassion. The prodigal son lived an extravagant wasteful lifestyle – a life of madness and self-deception. But it is a sign of God's mercy to not leave prodigals in their backsliding. The son came to his change of mind by remembering the kindness of His Father. The goodness of God leads us to repentance. The older son was a picture of the self-righteous moralist who cannot bear the idea of sinners receiving mercy. Proud and self-righteous people resent the compassion of Christ, and think that obedience is only outward and not from the heart. Let us remember the Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 25: "Remember not the sins of my youth; remember me for Your goodness' sake, O Lord!"

People naturally love to brag and boast about all kinds of things – sometimes even about how good they are. But our only boast and glory should be in Jesus alone. We are all breakers of God's holy law. All our "good deees" are like filthy rags, but Jesus gives us His robe of perfect righteousness. And now we can boast in Christ, because through Him, God has declared us to be righteous; and this good news is for everyone: both Jews and Gentiles. The only boast of the saints in heaven is the Lamb who was slain, and they cast their crowns at Jesus' feet. What is your boast and your hope? Receive Jesus' righteousness, and rest in Him alone!

We tend to think we have a bit of Superman in us; but in reality, we are all only humans. There's only one hero in our stories, and that's Jesus. Whether we are Jews or Gentiles, we are all under sin. Not one of us can claim righteousness before God. There is no need for us to put on an act. But God is righteous! Jesus paid the price to redeem us from our slavery to sin. He chose to love us while we were still enemies, and He bestows His perfect righteousness upon us. Receive Jesus and rest in Him. He is the only hope we have. Stop striving to earn grace, and get off the treadmill of your own works. Christ is righteous, and He has done everything necessary for us to be at peace with God.

How do we reconcile the paradox of a loving and merciful God Who will not leave iniquity unpunished? Our God has irrefutably proven Himself to be unmistakenly righteous in saving sinners. He has displayed Jesus to us as our mercy-seat – a reference to the lid of the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament Tabernacle, where the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice once a year on the Day of Atonement. This was a picture or foreshadowing of the blood of Jesus being poured out to cover our sins and pay the price of our iniquities. And even today, God is righteous, and He is the one Who makes us righteous. You do not have enough strength on your own to stand before God's judgment seat, but Christ does. We are never righteous enough to meet the high standard. But Jesus is our sinless Champion Who defeated the devil, and He is our only hope to have any standing before God. Through Christ's blood, we can stand before our righteous God and know that He smiles upon us.

Receive God's good news: you are not righteous in yourself, but you are righteous in Jesus! Paul has been proving the point that all have sinned – that's a universal declaration. We are all falling short of the standard of God's holiness and perfection. No matter how high we get, it's never going to be high enough. We are justified freely by God's grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ. He gives it to us as an undeserved favor. He Himself paid the price for our freedom from slavery to sin and Satan. We were in slavery, without hope, and He rescued us. Christ gave up all and made Himself like nothing, so that He could pay for our freedom with His own blood. The beauty of the Gospel is that God sees us for what we truly are, and yet He still loves us and spared no cost to redeem us. This is good news! Rest in Jesus and let your heart be warmed and filled with joy and peace.

A self-sufficent attitude can be good in some things, but not in your salvation. God gave us these first three chapters of Romans so that we have no hope in ourselves. The purpose of the Law was never to save us by our Law-keeping. God's righteous character is vindicated by making another way for us to have a righteousness that is not our own. This plan was revealed all through the Old Testament, starting in the Garden of Eden. In fact, you cannot understand the Gospel apart from the foundation of the Old Testament. Salvation is freely accessible, and it gives freedom from self-condemnation and anxiety before God. We only cling to Christ with an open hand; we bring nothing to our own salvation. Jesus is good enough – rest in Him. And He is for everyone. What are you holding onto: your own righteousness or Christ's? Find your only hope in His righteousness alone. The God Who is righteous has also showed us His righteousness by providing us with our Savior. God is not your enemy if you are in Christ!

Every single thing about our theology comes back to who our God is. Who is this God? 1) He reveals Himself to humanity and actively makes Himself known. 2) He is good and gives good gifts – even to those who persist in the ways of sin. 3) He is patient and forebearing, and He does not desire the death of the wicked. 4) He is the impartial Judge who is free from injustice. 5) His wrath is present, and it can be seen now – not just in the future. 6) He judges people by giving them over to sin without restraint, and then reap the consequences. 7) He still continues to show mercy, even to those who are under His judgment. 8) He still maintains a moral witness in our consciences, to tell us what is right and wrong. 9) He sees the real condition of our hearts – even our secret thoughts. 10) He is faithful and true! What is the hope that you cling to? Believe in this God that the Scriptures reveal to you, and rest in His Son Jesus for salvation and cleansing from your sins.

We always tend to say that we are not the one who has a sin problem. But in this passage, God says that we do indeed. It's time for us to admit that we are sinners, and to look to Jesus alone for justification. No person or group has moral superiority before God. And we can't grade ourselves on a sliding scale and say we're better than others. Our default mode is sin, and we can't blame others or our circumstances for it. The evidence is against us. What hope do we have? God's Law condemns and silences us, and our only hope is for our Judge to look at our Advocate: Jesus Christ, who never sinned, and resisted all temptation. He takes His robe of righteousness and puts it on us. Stop trying to justify yourself. Don't whitewash your sin. Call it for what it is, confess it to the Lord, and look to Christ for forgiveness.

A — About: This passage outlines the genealogy of David, revealing both the blessings and failures within his lineage. It highlights God's sovereign plan unfolding through imperfect মানুষ, pointing forward to the promised Messiah. B — Best Verse: 1 Chronicles 3:9 (NKJV) — "These were all the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister." C — Called to Do: Recognize human weakness and place full trust in Jesus Christ, the perfect King. Rest in His righteousness rather than striving in personal strength, and faithfully follow God despite imperfection.

We must rest in Christ's character alone, not on our performance, nor on cheap grace. We must beware of thinking that we are "good" in the sight of God, simply because we enjoy the blessing of external privileges, or even because we have God's Word. In this passage, Paul makes it clear that the Gospel that he preaches does not impugn God's covenant, His faithfulness, His justice, or His truth. We cannot minimize or excuse our sin simply because we have God's grace. Our only hope in life and death is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the Gospel is at work in our lives, it will make us hate our sin, so that we turn away from it, and then turn to Christ. Because we love Him so much, we will then want to live like Him!

Are you trusting in religious markers of your own? What are you resting in to stand before the holy and righteous God? Religious priviliges can lead to religious pride. And Paul teaches nothing in this section that is different from Jesus' words directly to the Pharisees. We often like to act as if we have everything together in our lives, and rationalize our sins. It's easy to instruct others what to do – but not so much when it comes time to apply truth to our own lives. Where do we go from here? We are not one of God's chosen and beloved people if we are only that way outwardly. It's a new heart that we need in order to be one of His true covenant people. It's the Holy Spirit's transformation of our heart that matters. Give up your own righteousness. Drop the facade. Stand before the holy God and admit you are guilty, and then rest on the finished work of Jesus alone. He kept the whole law perfectly; and by faith in Him, His righteousness is reckoned to us. He is our only hope in life and death. Be honest about where your sin lies, and then find rest for your soul in Jesus alone.

A — About: This passage traces the genealogy of Caleb within the tribe of Judah, highlighting how God preserved a lineage through generations, including flawed individuals, to fulfill His covenant purposes. B — Best Verse: 1 Chronicles 2:51 — "Salma the father of Bethlehem…" (This points to Bethlehem, a significant place in God's redemptive plan.) C — Called to Do: Trust in God's covenant faithfulness, not personal heritage. Rest in being adopted into God's family and live faithfully as His children.

A – What is this about? This passage traces the genealogy of Judah, highlighting God's covenant faithfulness across generations, leading from Judah to David despite human sin and failure. B – Best verse 1 Chronicles 2:15 – "...Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh." C – What are we called to do? Trust in God's faithfulness, recognize His work through imperfect people, and place our hope in Jesus as the fulfillment of His promises.

Sometimes it's really easy to accuse others when we ourselves have the same problem. But we cannot avoid God's judgment by pointing our finger at someone else. How, then, do we escape His righteous wrath against our sins? We first have to be honest about our natural condition: we are under judgment, and the Lord will judge with equity. There's no way we can stand before the Omniscient Judge and say, "I'm righteous." So what hope do we have? Where do we run when the gavel is about to fall? We must run to the cross as fast as we can. Christ has taken away our sins and given us His righteousness. He was put to death for our sins, and He was raised again for our justification. What kind of person will you be? Will you say you haven't sinned and make God out to be a liar? Or will you confess your sins to the one who is faithful and just to forgive them? Stop pointing fingers at everyone else, confess that you are guilty, and then look to Jesus and rest in His finished work of redemption!

A – About: This passage traces the descendants of Abraham, showing how nations and kings emerged, especially highlighting the line that would eventually lead to a true and greater King. B – Best Verse: "Now these were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before a king reigned over the children of Israel." (1 Chronicles 1:43) C – Calling: Trust in Jesus Christ as the promised King, recognizing that all history points to Him and choosing to follow His reign in your life.

A — About: This passage presents a genealogy from Adam to Abraham, showing the continuity of God's plan across generations and His faithfulness in preserving His covenant line. B — Best Verse: "Abram, who is Abraham." (1 Chronicles 1:27) C — Called to Do: Recognize God's faithfulness through history, value your place in His redemptive story, and live in obedience as part of His covenant family.

A – About: This passage concludes 1 Samuel with the سقوط of Saul. His disobedience, pride, and rejection of God lead to his death in battle, the loss of his sons, and national defeat. It reveals the failure of human leadership apart from God. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 31:4 — "Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it." C – Called to Do: Place your trust not in human leaders or earthly power, but in the perfect King. Live in faithful obedience, humility, and reverence before God, looking to Him as your ultimate authority and hope.

A – About: David returns from victory over the Amalekites and ensures that both those who fought and those who stayed behind receive equal shares, establishing a principle of fairness, unity, and God-centered gratitude. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 30:23 — "But David said, 'My brethren, you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us.'" C – Called to Do: Recognize that all blessings come from God, treat others with fairness and compassion, and reject selfishness by valuing unity and shared grace over personal gain.

It is important that we call sin sin, but first we need to look in the mirror. When sinful humans suppress the truth and turn to idolatry, God's wrath is revealed on them by turning them over to do the things they love. Paul focuses in on all manner of sins here, leaving all people – without exception – under the scope of God's judgment. How many times do we find ourselves in these verses? Are we broken in our hearts for these sins in ourselves, just as much as we see them in others and call them out? Is there any hope for people who have been judged like this? Yes! Just as we were given up to our sinful desires, Jesus was given up for our justification. Now there is no condemnation for us, for our Savior is righteous and merciful to sinners like us!

A – About: David returns to find Ziklag destroyed and families taken. In deep distress, he seeks the Lord, pursues the Amalekites, and recovers everything that was lost. B – Best Verse: "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." (v.6) C – Called To Do: Strengthen yourself in the Lord, seek His direction, and trust Him to restore what is lost according to His will.

A — What is this about? This passage reflects how David, while living among the Philistines to escape Saul, is unexpectedly prevented from fighting against Israel. God intervenes through the সন্দicions of the Philistine leaders, sparing David from a morally compromising situation. B — Best verse "Therefore, return now, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines." (1 Samuel 29:7 NKJV) C — What are we called to do? We are called to trust God even in confusing and morally unclear situations, believing that He can guide and protect us from paths that could harm our witness or purpose.

A – About: Saul, abandoned by God due to disobedience, becomes desperate and seeks guidance from a forbidden medium, while David is placed in a difficult position among Israel's enemies. B – Best Verse: "Why do you ask me, seeing the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy?" — 1 Samuel 28:16 (NKJV) C – Called to Do: Seek God alone for direction, obey His word, and resist turning to ungodly or forbidden sources when facing fear or uncertainty.

There is something in our beings that desires to stand in awe of someone or something. We know that there is Someone greater than us, and we can't help knowing that there is a God. To those who refuse to acknowledge this, God's anger is revealed. When we refuse to worship Him and reverence Him, we rob Him of the glory due to His name. And as we do that, it is inevitable that we will start huring people, too. Suppression never stays abstract; it will always warp ourselves and our relationships. And when we suppress the truth about God, the void in our hearts will still be filled with something else instead; and it will always be a created thing or ourselves. What hope do we have? God's power is revealed in the Gospel; He saved sinners. In His Son, He has given us His perfect righteousness. How can we not love and serve the God who loves us so much?

A — What is this about? This passage focuses on David fleeing from Saul, forming an alliance with Achish, and using deception to survive. It highlights his fear-driven decisions, strategic manipulation, and morally complex actions during a time of pressure. B — Best verse: 1 Samuel 27:1 — David's internal decision to flee reveals the root of his actions: fear and self-reliance rather than seeking God. C — What are we called to do? We are called to seek God for wisdom instead of relying on human strategy, especially in difficult situations. Trusting God leads to integrity, while fear can lead to compromise.

A – What is this about? This passage highlights David sparing Saul's life despite having a clear opportunity to kill him. It emphasizes restraint, reverence for God's authority, and choosing righteousness over revenge. B – Best verse to summarize: 1 Samuel 26:23 – "May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness..." C – What are we called to do? We are called to trust God's justice, refrain from taking revenge, and act with righteousness even when wronged. We must honor God's authority and respond with mercy instead of retaliation.

A — About: David recognizes that God prevented him from taking revenge on Nabal through Abigail's wisdom. God later judges Nabal Himself, showing that the Lord defends His people even when they are tempted to act wrongly. B — Best Verse: 1 Samuel 25:39 — David praises the Lord for defending him and keeping him from doing evil by taking vengeance himself. C — Called To Do: Trust God to handle injustice rather than seeking personal revenge. Walk humbly, remembering that God remains faithful even when we fall short.

When Martin Luther was a monk, he said that he could not love God. He could not find a way to escape His wrath and obtain peace for his soul. But it was this passage that showed him that there was a way to stand before the righteous God, but not in our own works. It is a gift of God through Jesus Christ. Paul was not ashamed to preach the message of the Gospel everywhere, to everyone: Christ came to save sinners, of whom we are the worst. The Gospel has power because the Lord works to use the words of the Gospel to pierce the soul, and to cause the heart to hear and believe. This miraculous thing happens when people talk about the good news. We are justified and saved from the wrath of God Himself, which we justly deserved for our sins. Faith is the instrument through which we receive the righteousness of Christ. It is not our righteousness; it is from outside of us, and our confidence must be in Jesus alone. Justification is a once-for-all act of God's free grace, to give us hope. How are you made right with God? What hope do you have that He has saved you? The object of your hope must be Jesus, and nothing else!

A — What is this about? The passage recounts the death of Samuel, Israel's last judge and faithful prophet. The nation gathers to mourn him deeply. His death marks a moment of uncertainty for Israel, and David withdraws to the wilderness, possibly seeking safety, space to grieve, or distance during a fragile time. B — Best verse to summarize this 1 Samuel 25:1 – "Then Samuel died, and the Israelites gathered together and lamented for him, and buried him at his home in Ramah. And David arose and went down to the Wilderness of Paran." C — What are we called to do? Believers are called to grieve honestly while holding onto hope. Mourning is a natural response to loss, yet Christians remember that death is not the end. We mourn with faith in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life through Jesus.