The good news is found in Jesus, who replaces sin’s shame with God’s glory and empowers us through the Holy Spirit to grow amid struggles. At just the right time, He gave the perfect gift—rescuing us from God’s wrath. Jesus, the friend of sinners, has made us friends of God.

When in Rome

A Friend Unlike Any Other

Romans 5:1-11

1. Grace is beyond me.

(Romans 5:1-2)

James 4:4, "Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."

Romans 8:7, "For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will."

2. Grace goes before me.

(Romans 5:3-5)

1 Peter 4:12, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you."

James 1:2-3, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Grace doesn't remove every hardship -

but it transforms every hardship.

3. Grace stands beside me.

(Romans 5:6-11)

Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..."