In this message from Romans 2, we continue our Hard Truths series by examining the danger of religious confidence without genuine faith. Paul addresses what he calls the “over-righteous”—those who believe they are right with God because of their religious background, moral knowledge, or outward obedience. Speaking directly to the Jewish audience of his day, Paul dismantles the false security of heritage, law-keeping, and circumcision, showing that outward religion cannot cover inward sin.

Think you're good enough for God because you're better than others? The Pharisees thought so too. Jesus had a different perspective. What if the standard isn't other people but God's perfection? That changes everything about how we approach righteousness and salvation.

What happens when we live as if God doesn't exist? Romans 1 reveals a startling truth about how God responds to our rejection of His ways. Can we love people while disagreeing with their lifestyle choices? Discover how Jesus perfectly balanced truth and grace, and why speaking biblical truth is actually the most loving thing we can do.

What if the bad news about God's wrath is actually essential for understanding the good news of His love? When we truly grasp what we've been saved from, we can better appreciate what we've been saved to. Are there areas in your life where you're trying to reshape God into who you want Him to be rather than accepting who He actually is?

You can't fully appreciate good news until you understand the bad news. That's why Paul starts Romans with humanity's sinful condition before revealing God's amazing grace. What if the bad news about your sin actually makes God's love more incredible? The greater your understanding of the problem, the more amazing the solution becomes.

The Christmas story reveals profound truths about Jesus' identity that go beyond the nativity scene. John's Gospel shows us that Jesus is eternal, existing before creation as the Word of God. He is the light of the world who illuminates the path to eternal life. God sent John the Baptist as a forerunner to prepare people's hearts and announce Jesus' arrival. While many rejected this light, those who received Jesus by faith became children of God. Today, believers are called to reflect Christ's light to others, pointing them to the only source of salvation and eternal life.

The Christmas carol asks What child is this? but do you really know the answer? This isn't just any baby in a manger. This child created the stars, holds the universe together, and is the only source of eternal life. When you truly understand who Jesus is, Christmas will never be the same. Are you ready to discover the extraordinary truth behind the familiar nativity scene?