Junction Baptist Church Podcast – Mahogany, SE Calgary | Podcast on RSS.com

Junction Baptist Church Podcast – Mahogany, SE Calgary

Junction Baptist Church Podcast – Mahogany, SE Calgary

by Pr. Rafael A.

Season 1

Standing in Grace | The Unshakeable Hope of Romans 5

What if today was the day the Lord returns? Where does your confidence rest? In this message on Romans 5:1–2, we look at the powerful word "Therefore" and discover what Christ’s finished work means for our daily lives. Because Jesus was delivered up for our sins and raised for our justification, our standing before God has permanently shifted. Salvation is entirely God's work, which means our peace is not an emotion that changes with our circumstances—it is an objective reality secured by Christ on the cross. Tune in as we unpack three unshakeable pillars for the Christian life: the objective peace we have with God, our permanent standing in His grace, and the joyful, certain hope of His future glory. Be encouraged as you learn to stop striving for God’s favor and start walking securely in the grace already won for you.

Hoping Against Hope: The Gospel Rhythm of Faith

In this sermon, we walk through Romans 4:18–25, we examine the faith of Abraham. Discover the difference between natural human optimism and divine hope, learn why true faith faces harsh realities without denial, and see how giving glory to God in the middle of waiting actually feeds and strengthens our trust. Ultimately, we look to the finished work of Jesus Christ, delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification, as the sole foundation of our righteousness.

Walking in Abraham’s Tracks | Romans 4:9–12

What does it really mean to have faith in God? In Romans 4:9–12, Paul takes us back to Abraham to show that righteousness is received by faith, not through religious signs, outward identity, or human effort. Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised, showing that the sign never produces the reality. But genuine faith does more than simply profess belief. Faith has feet. It follows when God calls, rests on His promises, waits for His timing, and obeys even when the road ahead is unclear. In this sermon, we ask an important question: Are you simply carrying the signs of Christianity, or are you truly walking in faith? There is only one right trail, not the trail of our own righteousness, but the trail of faith in Jesus Christ.

Blessed: Not a Wage, but a Gift

In Romans 4:1–8, Paul takes us to Abraham and David to show us how a sinner can stand righteous before a holy God. Our justification is not earned through our works, obedience, or religious performance. It is a gift of grace, received through faith in Christ. In this sermon, we explore the crucial distinction between justification and sanctification, why God justifies the ungodly, and why our standing before God rests not in our performance but in the perfect righteousness of Christ. Abraham believed, David rejoiced in forgiveness, and both point us to the same gospel: our sin is not counted against us, and Christ's righteousness is counted to us. We are blessed, not because we have earned righteousness, but because God has given us a righteousness we could never earn.

Part 2: The Proof — One God and the Law Upheld (Rom. 3:29–31)

If we are saved by faith alone apart from our works, does the Law of God still matter? In this episode on Romans 3:29–31, we answer the objection that grace leads to lawlessness. We’ll look at how the Holy Spirit awakens dead hearts, how the Cross unifies us across all backgrounds, and why a truly justified life delights in walking in God's ways.

Part 1: The Principle — Boasting Excluded (Rom. 3:27–28)

An in-depth exposition of how justification by faith alone destroys self-righteousness and redirects our boast to the Cross. Have you ever felt like you weren't "doing enough" to deserve God's love? You’re not alone. In this message from Romans 3:27–28, we explore why God deliberately shuts the door on human pride. Join us as we look at two completely different operating systems—earning vs. receiving—and find rest in the truth that Christ has earned what we never could.

God's Provided Righteousness | Romans 3:21–26

Romans 3:21–26 has often been called the greatest paragraph ever written because it stands at the very heart of the gospel. In this verse-by-verse exposition, we explore God's provided righteousness, justification by grace, redemption through Christ, the meaning of propitiation, and why the cross perfectly displays both God's justice and His mercy. Discover why our hope rests not in our own righteousness but in Christ's finished work alone.

When God Defines Good | Romans 3:9–20

What does it really mean to be a "good person"? Most of us measure ourselves against other people, but Romans 3 brings us into God's courtroom, where His perfect holiness becomes the only standard. In this expositional sermon, Pastor Rafael walks through Romans 3:9–20, showing that every person stands guilty before God, the Law exposes rather than saves, and every excuse is silenced before the Judge. Yet the passage does not leave us in despair, it prepares us for the glorious hope found in Jesus Christ, the only truly righteous One who gives His righteousness to all who trust in Him.

Who Can Stand Before God?

In this episode, we continue our study through Romans as we examine Romans 2:11–16. Paul reminds us that God judges without partiality, He is not impressed by religious heritage, biblical knowledge, or outward morality. His standard has always been perfect obedience. At first glance, Paul's words that "the doers of the law will be justified" may seem to teach salvation by works. But in context, Paul is exposing humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard. Whether Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, every person stands guilty before a holy God. The good news is that the Bible does not leave us in despair. Jesus Christ is the only One who perfectly obeyed God's law. He fulfilled every command we failed to keep, bore the judgment we deserved, and now freely gives His righteousness to everyone who trusts in Him. Join us as we discover why the gospel is not about trying harder, but about trusting the only true Doer of the Law—Jesus Christ.

The Two Paths of the Heart: Seeking God or Seeking Self (Romans 2:7–10)

In this sermon from Romans 2:7–10, we continue our study of God's righteous judgment and examine the two paths that define every human life. The Apostle Paul contrasts the Godward heart that seeks glory, honor, and immortality with the self-seeking heart that rejects the truth and obeys unrighteousness. This passage challenges us to look beyond outward behavior and examine the true desires of our hearts. Are we seeking God's glory or our own? Are our lives marked by Spirit-produced perseverance or by self-rule and rebellion? Most importantly, Romans 2 points us to the One who perfectly fulfilled God's standard. Jesus Christ alone perfectly sought the Father's glory, obeyed the truth, and persevered in righteousness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, sinners can be forgiven, justified, and clothed in His righteousness. Join us as we explore God's impartial judgment, humanity's desperate need for grace, and the hope found in Christ alone.

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