http://richardgurganus.com Making Disciples for the 21st Century. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:44:23 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://richardgurganus.com/2009/10/06/searching-for-the-but-now-moment/#comment-43 Greg Pike Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:44:23 +0000 http://richardgurganus.com/2009/10/06/searching-for-the-but-now-moment/#comment-43 I've noticed you've not had many comments in your blogs. The best "But Now" moment is recorded by Paul. He was an excellent illustrator. In Romans Chapter s 1&2, Paul describes.us as wicked sinners who know God but refuse to glorify Him. We've exchanged the truth of God for a lie. We've been given over to our sinful desires. We're full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. We're called gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, boastful and we invent ways of doing envy. Paul warns us that we're storing up God's wrath on judgment day because of our unrepentant heart. We've fallen apart from God. We are unrighteous. We don't seek God. We have turned away from Him. Our throats are like open graves. Our tongues practice deceit. Our mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Paul has set up a dark situation with little hope of salvation from our unrighteousness. We are the unholiest of thieves! We have no hope from the darkness we've created. However, Romans 3:21, "But now..." But now a righteousness from God!!! The righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul is such an illustrator. He has painted us in this darkened state of sin that we have no way out. We're doomed because of our unrighteousness. Then he allows just a glimmer of light to fill the room and illuminate our eternal states of darkness with the words, "But now a righteousness from God..." All Christians have experienced that "But Now" hope! I’ve noticed you’ve not had many comments in your blogs. The best “But Now” moment is recorded by Paul. He was an excellent illustrator. In Romans Chapter s 1&2, Paul describes.us as wicked sinners who know God but refuse to glorify Him. We’ve exchanged the truth of God for a lie. We’ve been given over to our sinful desires. We’re full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. We’re called gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, boastful and we invent ways of doing envy. Paul warns us that we’re storing up God’s wrath on judgment day because of our unrepentant heart. We’ve fallen apart from God. We are unrighteous. We don’t seek God. We have turned away from Him. Our throats are like open graves. Our tongues practice deceit. Our mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.
Paul has set up a dark situation with little hope of salvation from our unrighteousness. We are the unholiest of thieves! We have no hope from the darkness we’ve created. However, Romans 3:21, “But now…”
But now a righteousness from God!!! The righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul is such an illustrator. He has painted us in this darkened state of sin that we have no way out. We’re doomed because of our unrighteousness. Then he allows just a glimmer of light to fill the room and illuminate our eternal states of darkness with the words, “But now a righteousness from God…” All Christians have experienced that “But Now” hope!

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