​Promised
Romans 4:13-25

I. Intro
Big Idea: Justification empowers personal faith that overcomes.

II. Received
A. God’s promises must be received by faith. Genesis 1:22, 15:4; Romans 4:13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
B. Depending on the law makes faith worthless. Romans 4:14

III. Guaranteed
A. God always keeps His promises. Romans 4:15-16
B. God brings life out of nothing. Romans 4:17

IV. Good as Dead
A. Abraham trusted God even when his situation seemed hopeless. Genesis 15:5, 17:5; Romans 4:18-19
B. Abraham’s faith glorified God. Genesis 16:1-15; Romans 4:20-21

V. Believe
A. We must trust in a Person. John 17:3; Romans 4:22-24
B. Our perseverance testifies to God’s faithfulness. Romans 4:25

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of your most treasured memories?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
• What’s a way Christians sometimes misunderstand God’s promises?
• What’s a specific way you’ve experienced Jesus keeping His promises to you?
• How does our sin affect the way we experience God’s blessings?
• How can our unity because of Christ’s justification bring glory to Him in our world?
• What’s something you need God’s help to persevere in right now? Pray for one another.

​With God 
Romans 5:1-11

I. Intro
A. Big Idea: In Christ we have full access to God. Psalm 55:19

II. Peace
A. We can face God with peace. John 1:1; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1
B. God empowers us to stand. Psalm 1:5; Luke 5:1-9; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12

III. Not Ashamed
A. In Christ we have direction. Romans 5:3-4
B. God does not withhold His affection. Psalm 27:10; Romans 5:5

IV. For Sinners
A. God’s timing is perfect. Luke 16:26; Romans 5:6
B. God’s love is holy other. Romans 5:7-8

V. Reconciled
A. Be saved. Romans 5:9-10
B. Boast in God. Romans 5:11

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If there was one thing you could change about yourself, what would you change?
• What was something from Sunday’s message you found important, meaningful, or confusing?
• Ever try to muster up peace? How does that go?
• How can prayer help us face adversity? Any personal examples?
• What’s a specific way your hope in Christ has changed your character?
• Why is being broken a good thing?
• What’s a way we can boast in God to people who don’t yet know Him?
• What belief, attitude, or action do you need to change based on Romans 5:1-11? Pray for one another.

Sermon coming soon.

Heart
Romans 2:17-29

I. Intro
Big Idea: Christian is as Christian does.

II. The Law
A. The Law is good, but legalism is bad.
B. We can’t even uphold our own standards. Matthew 5:28; Romans 2:17-23

III. Blaspheme
A. We often settle for the superficial standards of Christianity. Romans 2:24
B. We’re all guilty of hypocrisy. Romans 2:24

IV. What Matters
A. Our traditions have value. Romans 2:25
B. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Romans 2:26; Galatians 5:6
​
V. Change
A. Do the right things, for the right reason. Romans 2:28-29
B. Share your Master’s happiness. Matthew 25:23; Romans 2:29; Ephesians 2:8-10

​The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you found interesting, important, or confusing?
• What’s something you’ve been legalistic about in the past? Why did you change your view?
• What’s a way Christians compromise their faith?
• What Christian practices or traditions have helped you grow in your faith?
• How do you check or test your motives?
• How have you shared in your Master’s happiness lately?
• What’s something over which you’d like God to change your heart? Pray for one another.

Boasting
Romans 3:9-31
​
I. Intro
Big Idea: Being made right with God leads to being right with each other.

II. No One Righteous
A. Sin is in our DNA. Psalm 51:4-5; Romans 3:9
B. Not fearing God leads to foolishness, but fearing God leads to wisdom. Psalm 14:1; 111:10; Romans 3:10-18

III. Silence
A. Someday all self-justification will cease. Romans 3:19
B. The Law is meant to bring conviction and hope. Nehemiah 8:8-10; Romans 3:20

IV. Christianity
A. God desires to restore us. Romans 3:21-23
B. Our salvation is all about God’s glory. Romans 3:24-26

V. Faith
A. We’re to live by the Law of faith. Romans 3:27
B. Because of Christ we can obey in love. Romans 3:28-31; 13:8-10

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s something you’re sometimes (or often) tempted to boast about?
• If you were to give an abbreviated version of Sunday’s message on Romans 3:9-31 what would you make sure to focus on?
• Why do people view fearing God as a negative thing?
• How do you know if you’re living in fear of God, or not?
• What comes to mind when you hear the word “justification”?
• How can conviction over sin lead to disunity?
• How does living for God’s glory (in light of His justification) lead to lasting satisfaction and joy? Any examples?
• What’s a way God is challenging you to live by?

Credited 
Romans 4:1-12

I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s gift of justification opens the doors of heaven.

II. Nothing New
A. Justification is the way people have been made right with God from the beginning. Romans 4:1-2
B. It wasn’t Abraham’s achievements that made him great. Genesis 11:1-3; 15:8; Romans 4:3

III. Forgiveness
A. We can never merit what God credits. Romans 4:4-5
B. God’s forgiveness is complete. Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:6-8; 1 John 1:9

IV. Before
A. God has a plan to justify us before we believed. Romans 4:9-10; Ephesians 1:3-4
B. If our righteousness justifies us, why would Christ need to die for us? Romans 1:17; 5:6-8

V. Receive
A. “A saving faith is a vital faith.” Martin Luther Romans 4:11; James 2:17-24
B. Rest in the reality that our justification is about God from first to last. Romans 4:11-12

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• Finish this sentence: The time I felt closest to God was…
• Why do you think Paul spent so much time writing about justification in Romans?
• Why is it important for Christians to think Biblically and carefully about doctrine?
• How has the doctrine of justification shaped your life? Can you relate to Martin Luther, at all?
• Is it possible to overemphasize justification? If so, how? If not, why not?
• What’s something that helps you rest in God’s salvation?
• If you were to share about justification with someone who is not a believer, how would you explain it to him or her? Where would you even start?
• How can you respond in a specific way to Romans 4:1-12? Pray for one another.

Appointed

Romans 1:1-7

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live for God’s glory together by experiencing His grace.

II. Called
A. Paul saw himself as a slave. Romans 1:1
B. Paul represented Christ’s interests, not his own. Romans 1:1

III. The Gospel
A. Jesus is the greatest King offering the greatest gift. Romans 1:2-3
B. The gospel is something God accomplished. Psalm 49:7-9; Romans 1:4

IV. Belong
A. Christianity is a way of life that’s all about death. Romans 1:5; 1 John 4:19
B. We’ve been called to belong. Romans 1:6

V. Holy People
A. Pray for the faith to make God’s glory the goal of your life. Romans 1:7
B. Our life of faith invites others to obedient trust in Christ. Romans 1:7

​The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of the most memorable gifts you’ve ever received?
• What was something from Sunday’s message that was meaningful to you, or that you struggled with?
• Why is it hard for people to view themselves as slaves to Christ? Or to view Christ as Master?
• Many churches communicate that they’re “gospel-centered,” or “Christ-centered” (as we do at First Baptist Elma). What in the world does that even mean?
• Read Matthew 10:37-39. How can such teaching by Jesus be considered Good News?
• How can belonging to Christ, as members of a church, shape our lives?
• What’s a way you’d like to be more faithful in Christ?
• What’s something going on in your life that you’d like to see Christ glorified in? Pray for one another.

Legacy
Ruth 4:13-22​

I. Intro
Big Idea: God has given us a hope and a future; so, we can seek Him with all our hearts. Ruth 1:16-17; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Romans 8:28; Galatians 5:6
 
II. Possible
A. Experience the impossible. Ruth 4:13; Matthew 19:16-30
B. Redeemers provided a legacy. Ruth 4:14; Romans 2:4
 
III. Look Around
A. God makes a difference. Ruth 4:14-15; Psalm 51:17
B. Naomi was no longer bitter. Ruth 4:16-17
 
IV. Family
A. We’re all products of our families. Ruth 4:17
B. God remembers people. Ruth 4:17-21; Matthew 1:1-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17
 
V. Invitation
A. In Christ things don’t turn out the way we expect.
B. We can invite people into a new family. ​

Prodigal
Luke 15:11-32

Questions to consider:

• Vv. 11-12 What’s the younger son’s problem?
• Vv. 13-16 What were the consequences of the younger son’s decision to collect his stuff and head for a distant country?
• Vv. 17-19 What brought the younger son to his senses? When he came to his senses, what did he remember about his father?
• Vv. 20 What do we learn about God from verse twenty?
• Vv. 21-24 How do these verses help us understand repentance/what it means to turn to God?
• Vv. 25-27 Why didn’t the older brother go into the house and find out for himself what was going on?
• Vv. 28-30 In what ways was the older son just as lost as the younger son?
• Vv. 31-32 What did the father want the older son to focus on?
  

Application:

• Which son do you identify most with in this story? Why?
• How has God spoken to you through this story today?
• What changes in belief, attitude, or actions do you need to make based on what we’ve found in this story?
• Who’s someone you can share this story with?

Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35

Consider:

• Vv. 21-22 With whom is Jesus sharing this story?
• Vv. 23-25 How is our sin like the first servant’s debt?
• Vv. 26-27 Why did the servant ask for patience instead of mercy?
• Vv. 28-29 What did the first servant’s words and actions toward the second servant demonstrate?
• Vv. 30-31 Why were the other servants “greatly distressed”?
• Vv. 32-34 Why is torture an appropriate penalty for not showing mercy?
• V. 35 How do we forgive from the heart?

Respond:

• In what ways are you like the unmerciful servant?
• How has God spoken to you through this story today?
• What changes in belief, attitude, or actions do you need to make (with the help of God and others) based on what we’ve found in this story?
• Who’s someone you can share this story with?

Gleaning
Ruth 2:14-23

I. Intro
Big Idea: God gives us what we need, so that we can be restored.
 
II. Leftovers
A. God wants all people to be rescued. Ruth 2:14; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:9
B. Ruth was willing to receive what Boaz offered. Ruth 2:14
 
III. How Much
A. Going beyond the law puts us in the much more of God’s grace. Ruth 2:15-16
B. We grow when we obey. Ruth 2:17-18
 
IV. Redeemer
A. Boaz was blessed in blessing Ruth and Naomi. Ruth 2:19-20
B. The good news is that God has sent His Son to redeem us. Ruth 2:20; John 3:16
 
V. Stay Close
A. God calls us to know Christ as our Savior — our all in all. Ruth 2:21-22; Ephesians 4:6
B. Waiting on God leads to restoration. Ruth 2:23

Faith
Ruth 3:1-6

I. Intro
Big Idea: Since God is in control we can look to Him in our decision making. John 6:44
 
II. Desperate
A. Naomi cared about her daughter-in-law’s future. Jeremiah 17:9; Ruth 3:1; James 1:5
B. Naomi formulated a sketchy plan for Ruth in the present. Ruth 3:2
 
III. The Plan
A. Our clothing communicates something. Ruth 3:3
B. This passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. Ruth 3:3-4
 
IV. Facetime
A. There’s never a perfect scenario for following God. Ruth 3:5
B. Ruth willing put herself in a place to be noticed. Ruth 3:6; John 1:1, 14
 
V. Legacy
A. Respond to the gospel, instead of relying on intuition.
B. Our trust in Christ leads to a legacy of grace. Romans 10:11

Kindness
Ruth 3:7-18

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can be consumed by God’s kindness or settle for sin. Ruth 3:1-6
 
II. Who Are You?
A. Boaz treated Ruth as a person. Ruth 3:7-9
B. Ruth proposed that Boaz propose. Ruth 3:9
 
III. Do Not be Afraid
A. The true Hero of this story is God. Ruth 3:10; Psalm 11:5; Isaiah 25:10, 56:6-7; Matthew 5:45; 1 Timothy 2:4
B. Ruth’s trust in God was reflected in her integrity. Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 31:30-31
 
IV. Honor
A. The Christian gives everything, and every relationship to Christ. Ruth 3:12-13; Song of Solomon 2:7
B. Waiting on God is not a passive endeavor. Ruth 3:13-14
 
V. Not Empty
A. Remember you have a Redeemer. Ruth 3:15-1 7; Romans 2:4
B. Settle matters today. Ruth 3:18; 2 Corinthians 6:2

Trials
Acts 25:1-27

I. Intro
A. Big Idea: Christ is our Judge. Acts 9:15-16; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4
 
II. New on the Job
A. Festus was decisive (at least at first). Acts 25:1-5
B. Jesus wins. Acts 25:6-7
 
III. Defense
A. The pressures of Festus’ job got to him. Acts 25:8-9
B. Paul wasn’t avoiding trouble. Acts 23:11; 25:10-12
 
IV. Resurrection
A. Paul’s fate was sealed. Exodus 20:13; John 8:44; Acts 25:13-15
B. The crucifixion and resurrection show God cares and has a plan to deliver us. Acts 25:16-22
 
V. Deserving Death
A. Experience Christ’s glory. Acts 25:23-24; Romans 5:8
B. We can persevere. Acts 25:25-27

Story
Acts 26:1-32

I. Intro
Big Idea: God desires to change lives completely.
 
II. Death
A. Paul considered himself fortunate. Acts 26:1-8
B. We’re all stillborn. Acts 26:9-13; Ephesians 2:1-5
 
III. Rescue
A. We resist the One who loves us. Acts 26:12-15
B. God first loved us. Acts 26:16-18; 1John 4:19
 
IV. Awake
A. Christ causes us to wake up. Acts 26:19-20
B. Salvation in Christ is for everyone! Acts 26:21-24; 1 Corinthians 1:18
 
V. Believe
A. Be a witness. Acts 26:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:6
B. Know the joy of being an ambassador of the gospel. Acts 26:28-32

Storms
Acts 27:1-44

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus is greater than our storms.
 
II. Wisdom
A. The Christian life is hard. John 13:34-35; Acts 27:1-8
B. Paul used commonsense. Acts 27:9-12; 2 Corinthians 11:25
 
III. The Storm
A. The storm brought them in touch with reality. Acts 27:13-20
B. God erodes our self-confidence to remind us of His faithfulness. Acts 27:21-25
 
IV. Wrecked
A. They had to stay on board to be saved. Acts 27:27-32; 1John 2:19
B. It wasnt just the religious who gained courage as they broke bread. Acts 27:33-38
 
V. Daylight
A. Faith means trusting God in every moment. Acts 27:39-41; 28:1; Philippians 1:6
B. Seeking Christ amid storms leads to others seeing Him. Mark 4:38-41; Acts 27:42-44

End of the Beginning
Acts 28:1-31

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live out the unhindered gospel because God is in control.
 
II. Hospitality
A. Jesus took Paul’s punishment upon Him at the cross. Acts 28:1-6
B. Paul was willing to receive hospitality and help. Acts 28:7-10
 
III. Intentional
A. Paul knew he had nothing to fear. Acts 28:11; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
B. Paul wasn’t a flight risk. Acts 28:12-16
 
IV. Passion
A. People attempt to thwart the gospel as it stands in contrast to their values. Acts 28:17-22
B. God uses people who believe. Acts 28:23-28
 
V. Unhindered
A. Abide in grace. Acts 28:30
B. Nothing stops the gospel. Acts 1:8; 28:31

Resurrection
Acts 17:16-34

I. Intro
A. Big Idea: Because of Jesus Christ we can partake in everlasting worship.
 
II. Babbler
A. The Athenians believed life would go well if they made proper sacrifices. Exodus 20:4; Psalm 115:8; Acts 17:16
B. Everyone has a worldview. Acts 17:17-21; 2 Corinthians 10:4
 
III. Offspring
A. Paul politely addressed their obliviousness. Acts 17:22-23
B. What makes God different?
1. God is the Maker of everything. Acts 17:24
2. God doesn’t need anything from us. Acts 17:25
3. God made us to know Him. Acts 17:26-27
4. God made the way for us to know Him. Acts 17:29-30
 
IV. Turn
A. We all have a sense of ultimate accountability. Acts 17:31
B. The resurrection proves God has the power to rescue us. Acts 17:31
 
V. Engage
A. Instead of withdrawing, we can engage people. Acts 17:32
B. Love matters. Acts 17:32-3

Unstoppable
Acts 19:1-4

I. Intro
Big Idea: The gospel is unstoppable. Acts 18:1-11
 
II. More Adequate
A. Apollos believed in Jesus but was missing critical information about how He saves. Acts 18:19-25
 
B. Priscilla and Aquila spoke up because the gospel was at stake. Acts 18:26-28
 
III. Hadn’t Heard
A. Somehow the Ephesians’ faith seemed incomplete. Acts 19:1-3
B. Luke underlines the difference between “try harder” Christianity and trusting Christ. Acts 1:8; 19:4-7; Colossians 3:5, 10
 
IV. Good News Travels
A. There’s only one way to enter God’s kingdom. John 14:6; Acts 19:8-9
B. The people who received the gospel couldn’t keep it to themselves. Acts 19:9b-10
 
V. Positive Troubles
A. The gospel makes a continual difference in our lives. Acts 19:17-20
B. Dead ends can lead to new life in Christ. Acts 19:24-28, 32

Commitment
Acts 20:13-37

I. Intro
Big Idea: True community comes through commitment and sacrifice.
 
II. Greatly Comforted
A. Christian unity is community on purpose. John 3:16; Acts 20:1-6
B. The gospel calls us to wake up! Acts 20:7-12
 
III. Compelled
A. Commitment within community starts with leadership. Acts 20:16-21; 1
Thessalonians 2:8
B. Paul’s commitment reflected the reality of the gospel. Ecclesiastes 1:2; Acts 20:22-24
 
IV. Sanctified
A Unless unity is grounded in truth no one will be set free. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Acts 20:25; Galatians 5:23
B. In Christ we can learn to trust. Acts 20:28-31
 
V. Accompanied
A Spending ourselves leads to relational riches. Acts 20:35
B. Take hold of that which first took hold of you in Christ. Acts 20:36-37; Philippians 3:12-14

Overcome
Acts 22:1-30

I. Intro
Big Idea: In Christ we can exchange fear for hope.
 
II. Background
A. Paul already considered himself dead. Acts 20; 21:23-24; Romans 8:36
B. Paul was a peacemaker but ended up starting another riot. Acts 21:26-36
 
III. Fear and Hope
A. In fear we generally have three choices: fight, flight, or freeze. Acts 21:40; 22:1-2
B. We never talk ourselves out of fear, but Jesus’ calls us into hope. Acts 22:3- 21
 
IV. Citizenship
A. Why fear when your citizenship is secure? Acts 22:22-28; Ephesians 3:20
B. Paul’s citizenship in heaven drove him beyond his fears. Acts 22:29; Colossians 3:2; 1John 4:18
 
V. Stand
A. Have fellowship with our Savior. Acts 22:33; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 3:18
B. Be prepared. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Clear
Acts 23:11; 24:1-26

Big Idea: A clear conscience leads to seeing God. Acts 23:11
 
II. Charges
A. Anyone can rationalize anything. Acts 24:1-3
B. Tertullus wasn’t interested in the truth. Acts 24:4-9
 
 
III. Resurrection
A. Paul’s opponents were also hoping for the resurrection? Acts 24:10-16
B. If the resurrection is true, that means we’re all accountable to God. Acts 24:17-21
 
IV. Acquainted
A. Felix knew all about Christianity, but he didn’t know Christ. Acts 24:22-23
B. They could’ve missed the cost of salvation, and what it means to be saved! Acts
24:24-25
 
V. Priorities
A. Don’t wait. Acts 24:25; 2 Corinthians 6:2
B. Be found in God’s favor. Acts 24:26-2