Jose Vasquez - August 22, 2021
Week 2: Turn Around!
Welcome to week two of our latest series, “I’m Alright!” This weekend we invite you to open your hearts as He reveals Himself to us from His word on the topic of Turn Around! We continue to dive into the book of Romans, a letter written by Paul. In chapter two of Romans, Paul is addressing a serious dilemma. The church body was preoccupied with passing judgment for the very things they themselves were doing! Unfortunately, these people had a misunderstanding of God’s grace towards them. With a true understanding of His grace, it leads us to a life full of love, not sinful actions. This doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes, but we can acknowledge the error, and out of love for Christ…we can turn around! Zacchaeus shows us that opening your heart to God creates an opportunity for repentance. Jesus didn’t see his “job” or “sin,” He saw Zacchaeus as a son of Abraham, a child of God, and someone who was once lost. The tax collector took the words of Jesus into his heart and allowed it to change him from the inside. This is where we learn that true repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment. Today’s message emphasizes God’s forgiveness towards us. Following Jesus is not about being perfect, it is about accepting that you have been perfectly forgiven and you can get back up! Mark 1:15 (NIV) “The time has come, he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Allow this to nourish your heart and soul…” believe the good news!”