Bold Conversations Series – The Roman Road, Part 1

Last week we looked at why we are to give an answer for the hope that is with us.  First, we are going to be asked.  Secondly, we need to have an answer.  Very few times will this come out in a “debate” format.  But most of the time, we are going to be asked in a personal conversation.  We are going to take a look at a couple of methods that help us as we want to be impactful and respond well in those personal conversations.  As we have these conversations realize that God is working.

The first method is called “The Roman Road”.  Today we will look at the first two parts of the total four parts of this method.

This is the biggest hurdle of our culture.  Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?  It is the primary message of the cross where Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world.  It is one of the hardest things for people to acknowledge to declare they are sinners.  So the first truth that God relays to us is that we are all in need of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

What is amazing about God’s grace is that he is not punching us with the reality that we are a sinner.  We are lost, broken, and sinners.  But God embraces us instead of rejecting us.

None of us can bring us to a place that earns salvation from sin.  To discuss salvation is a faith statement.  God has pointed his Word directly to the person of Jesus.  And righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe.  This wasn’t a message directly to Jews.  It was for all man.  So everyone must answer, “Do I accept and believe why Jesus had to die on the cross?”  God isn’t measuring by sin, but instead by the overpowering love and grace.

Imagine if I saw you in danger.  Then imagine that the only way to save you meant that I would have to sacrifice my only child.  At that moment I am not measuring the danger, but I am measuring the love that I have for you.  My mind cannot even imagine a moment where I would sacrifice my child for someone who lives life against me.

This verse gives us the basis for salvation.  People do not go to Hell because they are a sinner.  People go to Hell because they are unbelievers.  People are already heading to Hell, but God sees us in danger.  For us to be free from sin, to be welcomed into the righteousness of God, it cost Jesus everything.

Sometimes you will run into someone who already realizes and are honest about their depravity.  We can share the greatness of God love with them.  There is no place you can go or nothing you can do that make you “too far gone.”  When someone says this, it is a great segway to point to and that no one is outside the reach of God.