The concept of wrath is not popular in modern culture. And for good reason! God’s wrath is a holy reaction to anything sinful. Wrath is distasteful to modern people because punishment for anything seems harsh, mean, and unnecessary. Harsh because people don’t understand the weight of sin against God. Mean because any level of holding people accountable is taking away freedom. And unnecessary because people don’t believe their actions are wrong. How can we possibly reconcile God’s wrath with His love, justice, mercy, grace, and holiness?
We reconcile all of these when we understand God defines the reality of sin and not us. When we understand sin in Romans 1 as the exchange of the truth of God for a lie, we understand that sin is departing from God to pursue our own agendas, truths, and realities. This is what leads to wrath. And the wrath of Romans pertaining to our present lives is God giving us up (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). The idea is God simply letting those who reject Him do what they want. He does not stop them. He does not intervene presently. God leaves them to the consequences of sin, the pain of not having God in their lives, and the confusion of trying to satisfy themselves with things of the world rather than God himself. God leaves people to live life without Him.
This Sunday I will preach on Romans 1:24-32. It is a profound passage for me in that it helps me understand our world as we know it. Romans helps me understand the beauty of this world because of God. And Romans helps me see the evil of this world because of sin. Let’s continue to make these discoveries together!
“…God gave them up....” - Romans 1:24a; 26a; 28b
- Pastor Curt
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 4:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and Bibles!
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live. If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon on our website.
Theological Word of The Week:
Wrath
As an attribute of God, the doctrine that God intensely hates all sin.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
Children can join Cameron every Sunday for Bible time during the service. They will go through the Bible story by story.
Sermon Topic - July 3
Romans: The Gospel Changes Perspectives
Romans 1:24-32
“God Gave Them Up”
A21-M22 Fiscal YTD