1. Christ is the Answer Not money (1 Tim. 6:9-10) Not money (1 Tim. 6:9-10) Not fame, power or position (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3) Not fame, power or position (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3)

2. 2 Christ is the answer… “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28) Sin Sin Relation with God Relation with God Temptation Temptation

3. 3 How can a holy God justify unholy people? “I’m too sinful for God to ever forgive me!” (1 Tim. 1:12-16)“I’m too sinful for God to ever forgive me!” (1 Tim. 1:12-16) Paul was “chief of sinners”Paul was “chief of sinners” Example of Christ’s grace, mercy & longsufferingExample of Christ’s grace, mercy & longsuffering Christ is our only answer to sin!Christ is our only answer to sin!

4. 4 How can a holy God justify unholy people? (Rom. 3:23-26) Need: Sinners, 3:23 (3:9; 6:23)Need: Sinners, 3:23 (3:9; 6:23) Basis: God’s grace, 3:24 (Eph. 2:8)Basis: God’s grace, 3:24 (Eph. 2:8) Means: Redemption in Christ, 3:24 (Eph. 1:7)Means: Redemption in Christ, 3:24 (Eph. 1:7) Effect: Propitiation, 3:25 (1 Jno. 2:2)Effect: Propitiation, 3:25 (1 Jno. 2:2) Demonstration of righteousness: God’s forbearance 3:25-26 (Ps. 78:37-39)Demonstration of righteousness: God’s forbearance 3:25-26 (Ps. 78:37-39)

5. 5 How can a holy God justify unholy people? Christ is the only answer to sinChrist is the only answer to sin Justified by faith, we have peace, stand in grace & rejoice in hope, Rom. 5:1-2 (Eph. 2:11-18)Justified by faith, we have peace, stand in grace & rejoice in hope, Rom. 5:1-2 (Eph. 2:11-18) “Nor is there salvation in any other…” Acts 4:12“Nor is there salvation in any other…” Acts 4:12

6. 6 Can a Christian overcome sin? (Rom. 8:1-2) No condemnation in Christ (Why?)No condemnation in Christ (Why?) Living by the Spirit (8:5; Gal. 5:16)Living by the Spirit (8:5; Gal. 5:16) “But Christians sin!” (1 Jno. 1:8-10)“But Christians sin!” (1 Jno. 1:8-10) Jesus is the answer when Christians sin, Acts 8:22-24Jesus is the answer when Christians sin, Acts 8:22-24 Spiritual growth overcomes sin, 2 Pet. 1:4-11 (Rom. 6:6)Spiritual growth overcomes sin, 2 Pet. 1:4-11 (Rom. 6:6)

7. 7 Is there really a well-defined way of living that pleases God? “Choose your own way” (Prov. 16:25; Jer. 10:23)“Choose your own way” (Prov. 16:25; Jer. 10:23) Yes, Jesus is the clearly defined way to God, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:14Yes, Jesus is the clearly defined way to God, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:14 Follow Jesus, Jno. 8:12Follow Jesus, Jno. 8:12 His example is for us, 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 Jno. 2:5-6His example is for us, 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 Jno. 2:5-6

8. 8 Is there really a well-defined way of living that pleases God? Put into your life Christ’s...Put into your life Christ’s... Moral values to produce moral living (Rom. 13:11-14)Moral values to produce moral living (Rom. 13:11-14) Compassion to produce forgiveness (Col. 3:12-14)Compassion to produce forgiveness (Col. 3:12-14) Goals & priorities to produce commitment & contentment (Matt. 6:33-34)Goals & priorities to produce commitment & contentment (Matt. 6:33-34) Service to produce happiness (Acts 20:35)Service to produce happiness (Acts 20:35)

9. 9 Christ Answers the Problem of Sinful Error “What is truth?” (Jno. 18:38)“What is truth?” (Jno. 18:38) Jesus is the fullness of truth, Jno. 14:6; 1:14, 16-17 (Eph. 4:20-21)Jesus is the fullness of truth, Jno. 14:6; 1:14, 16-17 (Eph. 4:20-21) His truth solves problems, Rom. 1:16 (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:3)His truth solves problems, Rom. 1:16 (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:3) What will your answer be to His truth? 1 Cor. 1:18What will your answer be to His truth? 1 Cor. 1:18

10. 10 Christ Answers the Problem of Companionship A Christian is never aloneA Christian is never alone With God, 1 Jno. 1:7With God, 1 Jno. 1:7 With brethren, 1 Jno. 1:3; Gal. 6:2With brethren, 1 Jno. 1:3; Gal. 6:2 Without Christ you are alone in this world, Heb. 13:5-6Without Christ you are alone in this world, Heb. 13:5-6

11. 11 Christ Answers the Problem of Human Weakness Muscles do not win spiritual battles…faith does, 1 Jno. 5:4Muscles do not win spiritual battles…faith does, 1 Jno. 5:4 Strength comes from the Lord, Eph. 6:10Strength comes from the Lord, Eph. 6:10 Surrender to Christ & be strong, 2 Cor. 12:9-10Surrender to Christ & be strong, 2 Cor. 12:9-10

12. 12 Christ is the Answer! “Bring Christ your broken life, So marred by sin; He will create anew, Make whole again. Your empty, wasted years He will restore, And your iniquities Remember no more.” (#322, Hymns for Worship)