February 1st, 2026
by Watermark Church
by Watermark Church
The Christian faith has weathered centuries of debate, division, and theological complexity. Yet at its core lies something beautifully simple: the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we explore the depths of Romans 9, we discover that God's Word is not meant to confuse or divide us, but to unite us around the clear message of salvation.
The Heart of God for Lost People
Paul's words in Romans 9 reveal something profound about the character of God and what should characterize His people. He writes with "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" for those who do not know Christ. This wasn't casual concern—it was heartbreak that moved him to action.
This passion for lost people seems to have dimmed in many corners of the modern church. We've become comfortable, settling into routines that revolve around our own spiritual growth and personal needs. But here's a sobering truth we must reckon with: there are people all around us who, if they die without Christ, will spend eternity separated from God.
The urgency of this reality should transform how we view every interaction. The grocery store isn't just an errand—it's a mission field. Your workplace isn't merely where you earn a paycheck—it's a platform for the gospel. Recreation and everyday activities become opportunities to share the hope that resides within us.
It's Not About You
One of the most liberating truths in Scripture is this: it's not about you. In our culture of radical individualism, this message cuts against the grain. We've been conditioned to ask, "What am I getting out of this?" when we should be asking, "How can I bring glory to God and serve others?"
The entire Old Testament narrative points to one central figure: Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Israel's purpose throughout history was to preserve the lineage through which the Savior would come. Every promise, every covenant, every prophetic word found its fulfillment in Him.
When we make our lives about Jesus—when we truly deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him—we paradoxically discover who we really are. God created you, formed you, and knitted you together in your mother's womb. Your authentic identity is found not in self-discovery, but in Christ-discovery.
God's Faithfulness Never Fails
Romans 9 addresses a critical concern: Has God's Word failed because some Israelites rejected their Messiah? The answer is a resounding no. God's promises are sure, His Word is trustworthy, and His purposes will stand.
The promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12 and 15 was that through his lineage, the Messiah would come. This wasn't about selecting some individuals for heaven and others for hell before time began. It was about God's sovereign choice to work through a specific people group to bring salvation to the world.
When we read about Jacob and Esau, we're not reading about predetermined individual salvation. We're reading about God's choice of which nation would carry the messianic line. Jacob (later called Israel) became the representative of the nation through which Christ would come. This was a corporate, historical purpose—not a statement about personal, eternal destinies being fixed before birth.
The Simplicity of Salvation
The gospel is beautifully simple: Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Anyone who confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead will be saved.
Salvation cannot be earned through good works, moral behavior, or religious activity. It's not about following a code or being a "good person." You cannot buy it or achieve it through self-effort. Salvation is something you surrender to—a gift of grace received through faith.
God already loves you. His love isn't dependent on your performance. Because God is love, He loves you unconditionally. The question is whether you will receive that love and surrender your life to Him.
Avoiding the Tyranny of Comfort
As we mature, there's a natural tendency toward comfort and convenience. Our bodies want to rest, our minds seek ease, and we avoid difficult things. But this tyranny of comfort can paralyze us spiritually.
Sharing the gospel is hard. It makes you an outlier, separating you from the crowd. It risks rejection and misunderstanding. Yet hard things are coming for all of us—the hardest being death itself. If we don't learn to do hard things now, we won't be prepared for what lies ahead.
The call of discipleship has always been costly. Following Jesus means stepping out of your comfort zone, speaking truth when it's unpopular, and loving people who may not love you back. But in doing these hard things, we grow stronger, our faith deepens, and we become more like Christ.
Unity in the Essentials
For centuries, Christians have divided over interpretations of passages like Romans 9. Complex theological systems have been built, debates have raged, and unity has suffered. But perhaps we've overcomplicated what God intended to be clear.
Scripture should interpret Scripture. When we encounter difficult passages, we look to the clear teachings throughout the Bible to guide our understanding. The greatest commandment is to love God and love people. If our theology leads us away from love and toward division, something has gone wrong.
The fruit of the Spirit includes unity, peace, joy, and love. The works of the flesh include division and quarrels. When Christians are fighting, when churches are splitting, when believers are attacking one another—these are signs that something alien to the gospel has crept in.
Today Is the Day
If you've never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, today is the day of salvation. Don't wait another moment. The promise of God is sure: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
And for those who know Christ, let this be a renewed call to passion—passion for the lost, passion for God's Word, and passion for unity in the body of Christ. Let's love God, love His Word, and love people with everything we have.
The world has lost its way, but the gospel remains clear, powerful, and available to all. May we proclaim it boldly, live it authentically, and share it generously for His honor and His glory.
The Heart of God for Lost People
Paul's words in Romans 9 reveal something profound about the character of God and what should characterize His people. He writes with "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" for those who do not know Christ. This wasn't casual concern—it was heartbreak that moved him to action.
This passion for lost people seems to have dimmed in many corners of the modern church. We've become comfortable, settling into routines that revolve around our own spiritual growth and personal needs. But here's a sobering truth we must reckon with: there are people all around us who, if they die without Christ, will spend eternity separated from God.
The urgency of this reality should transform how we view every interaction. The grocery store isn't just an errand—it's a mission field. Your workplace isn't merely where you earn a paycheck—it's a platform for the gospel. Recreation and everyday activities become opportunities to share the hope that resides within us.
It's Not About You
One of the most liberating truths in Scripture is this: it's not about you. In our culture of radical individualism, this message cuts against the grain. We've been conditioned to ask, "What am I getting out of this?" when we should be asking, "How can I bring glory to God and serve others?"
The entire Old Testament narrative points to one central figure: Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Israel's purpose throughout history was to preserve the lineage through which the Savior would come. Every promise, every covenant, every prophetic word found its fulfillment in Him.
When we make our lives about Jesus—when we truly deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him—we paradoxically discover who we really are. God created you, formed you, and knitted you together in your mother's womb. Your authentic identity is found not in self-discovery, but in Christ-discovery.
God's Faithfulness Never Fails
Romans 9 addresses a critical concern: Has God's Word failed because some Israelites rejected their Messiah? The answer is a resounding no. God's promises are sure, His Word is trustworthy, and His purposes will stand.
The promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12 and 15 was that through his lineage, the Messiah would come. This wasn't about selecting some individuals for heaven and others for hell before time began. It was about God's sovereign choice to work through a specific people group to bring salvation to the world.
When we read about Jacob and Esau, we're not reading about predetermined individual salvation. We're reading about God's choice of which nation would carry the messianic line. Jacob (later called Israel) became the representative of the nation through which Christ would come. This was a corporate, historical purpose—not a statement about personal, eternal destinies being fixed before birth.
The Simplicity of Salvation
The gospel is beautifully simple: Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Anyone who confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead will be saved.
Salvation cannot be earned through good works, moral behavior, or religious activity. It's not about following a code or being a "good person." You cannot buy it or achieve it through self-effort. Salvation is something you surrender to—a gift of grace received through faith.
God already loves you. His love isn't dependent on your performance. Because God is love, He loves you unconditionally. The question is whether you will receive that love and surrender your life to Him.
Avoiding the Tyranny of Comfort
As we mature, there's a natural tendency toward comfort and convenience. Our bodies want to rest, our minds seek ease, and we avoid difficult things. But this tyranny of comfort can paralyze us spiritually.
Sharing the gospel is hard. It makes you an outlier, separating you from the crowd. It risks rejection and misunderstanding. Yet hard things are coming for all of us—the hardest being death itself. If we don't learn to do hard things now, we won't be prepared for what lies ahead.
The call of discipleship has always been costly. Following Jesus means stepping out of your comfort zone, speaking truth when it's unpopular, and loving people who may not love you back. But in doing these hard things, we grow stronger, our faith deepens, and we become more like Christ.
Unity in the Essentials
For centuries, Christians have divided over interpretations of passages like Romans 9. Complex theological systems have been built, debates have raged, and unity has suffered. But perhaps we've overcomplicated what God intended to be clear.
Scripture should interpret Scripture. When we encounter difficult passages, we look to the clear teachings throughout the Bible to guide our understanding. The greatest commandment is to love God and love people. If our theology leads us away from love and toward division, something has gone wrong.
The fruit of the Spirit includes unity, peace, joy, and love. The works of the flesh include division and quarrels. When Christians are fighting, when churches are splitting, when believers are attacking one another—these are signs that something alien to the gospel has crept in.
Today Is the Day
If you've never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, today is the day of salvation. Don't wait another moment. The promise of God is sure: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
And for those who know Christ, let this be a renewed call to passion—passion for the lost, passion for God's Word, and passion for unity in the body of Christ. Let's love God, love His Word, and love people with everything we have.
The world has lost its way, but the gospel remains clear, powerful, and available to all. May we proclaim it boldly, live it authentically, and share it generously for His honor and His glory.
Posted in Sermon Blog
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