Bible verses referenced
Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"
Romans 5:12- "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned."
Romans 5:14-"Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come."
Galatians 3:10-12- "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.' Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘The righteous man shall live by faith.' However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘He who practices them shall live by them.'"
Galatians 3:13- "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'"
Romans 3:24- "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"
Teaching notes
Introduction
Pastor Lenny begins by introducing the theme of the sermon series, focusing on the concepts of being Rescued, Redeemed, and Restored. He emphasizes that while the series was initially intended to be a three-part message, it will now consist of two parts. Pastor Lenny expresses gratitude for the support and encouragement received from the congregation, including their letters, emails, and financial gifts, which are essential for the ministry.
The Real Purpose of The Bible
Pastor Lenny explains that the Bible's primary purpose is often misunderstood. It is not merely a self-help manual, motivational book, or guide for relationships, although it contains valuable lessons on these topics. Instead, the Bible is a grand unified story of God's interaction with humanity, detailing His plan of creation, redemption, and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Gods Original Intent
Pastor Lenny discusses God's original intent in creating humans in His image, as stated in Genesis 1:26. Despite the word "us" being added in translations, the Hebrew word "Elohim" indicates the plural nature of God, revealing the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's original design was for humans to reflect His image, wisdom, holiness, and character.
The Interruption of Sin
The sermon highlights the interruption caused by sin, as described in Romans 5:12 and 5:14. Sin introduced spiritual death and disrupted God's perfect creation. However, God had a plan in place, knowing there would be an interruption. This plan was centered on Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill God's original intent.
Redemption Through Christ
Pastor Lenny emphasizes that redemption is the process through which Jesus Christ rescued humanity from the power of sin and darkness. He references Galatians 3:10-12, 3:13, and Romans 3:24 to explain how Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Redemption means being ransomed in full, a release from the power of another, and being restored to God's original intent.
Restored Intent and New Creation
The sermon explains that knowing the real reason for the Bible allows believers to understand God's full intention for their lives. Through acceptance of Jesus Christ, believers are restored to God's original design, which includes holiness, righteousness, and perfection. This restoration is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Pastor Lenny concludes by summarizing that the Bible is about God's love and His desire for a family of beings like Him. Despite the interruption of sin, God's plan through Jesus Christ allows believers to be born again into His original intent. This message will continue with a focus on restoration in the following part of the series.
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