In a single minute the internet swallows millions of messages, photos and videos, and more and more of them simply are not true. This sermon opens a new series on the Letter to the Romans by asking who can still be trusted in such a flood of information, and by looking at how Paul introduces himself and his message in the letter’s opening lines (Romans 1). It turns out that the heart of the good news is not one more idea but a person, and everything rests on him. Listen if you want to see what the message that has lasted two thousand years actually stands on.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Romans 1:1 Paul introduces himself as a "doulos", a slave of Christ Jesus. What does this title reveal about the transformation of Saul of Tarsus, the former persecutor of the church?
- According to Romans 1:2-4 the good news was promised through the prophets, and at its center is Jesus, descended from David and declared Son of God by the resurrection. Why does it matter that His humanity and divinity are never separated?
- The sermon says that in a world of fake news the first question is: who said it, and are they trustworthy? How does this question shape the way you handle information, including Christian teaching you share?
- The speaker argues that Christianity without Jesus is just a set of nice ideas, not the gospel. Where do you feel tempted to pick only the parts of Jesus' teaching that suit you?
- Paul writes that the gospel is the power of God for salvation, which also means healing. In what area, such as forgiveness, money, or how you treat others, is it easy to say "it doesn't work like that in my life"?
- Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Who could you simply share the good news with this week, and what do you want to ask God for in prayer about it?
