Dear Family at Christ Community,

     We will conclude our series on Romans 9-11 this Sunday with Romans 11:25-36 in which Paul will exemplify how the deepest theological mysteries ought to give way to hopeful and expectant worship. As Timothy Keller writes on this passage in Romans 8-16 for You:

Paul does not find the deepest impulses for praise in looking at human accomplishments. Praise comes to the degree that we see our weakness, impotence, and complete dependence on God. In other words, the doctrine of God’s complete sovereignty in salvation is what leads Paul to the greatest joy and praise. We have never given God anything—he owes us nothing. These are the ideas that bring Paul the most joy in worship.

We will have the opportunity to encounter this mystery of God’s saving grace at the Lord’s Table. As Keller wrote above and Paul has thoroughly argued throughout Romans, we don’t encounter this mystery because of what we have accomplished; we are welcomed to the Lord’s Table because of the person and work of Jesus Christ applied to us though God’s grace. This glorious mystery should result in a more profound hallelujah from us in worship as His sons and daughters!

     Please prepare to come with joyful gratitude in receiving the broken bread that reminds us of Christ’s atonement for our sins and satisfaction of God’s wrath through His death on the cross. Please come ready to have your faith nourished by the lavish cup that recalls the New Covenant transformation that we’ve undergone through the resurrection of Christ. Come ready to worship with hope and expectation because of the mystery of God’s redemptive will and workings in our lives!

In Christ,
Cameron