Abe and Dave Speak from the Grave
Romans 4:1-12

I love Sundays! There’s nothing like gathering with our church family, singing truth together, and opening the Word to see the beauty of the gospel. Yesterday was no exception, and Romans 4:1–12 gave us a fresh look at how God saves—not by works, but by faith.

Paul shows us that salvation has always been by faith, not by works. Abraham and David—Abe and Dave—speak from the grave, reminding us that righteousness is credited, not earned.

Some people in my Kgroup mentioned yesterday that one of the most compelling moments was when Brayden helped me with the “rap sheet” illustration. His sheet was filled with funny little offenses, but it pointed to a much bigger reality: our true spiritual record before God. We cannot erase that record ourselves. But God does something astonishing—He tears up the rap sheet and hands us Jesus’ perfect record! That’s justification. And if you are in Christ today, that is your identity!

But Paul doesn’t stop with justification. He wants us to connect the dots. Many Christians know the truths of the gospel but never draw the lines into daily life. We believe Jesus died for our sins, yet we still carry guilt. We know we’re justified by faith, yet we often approach God with fear instead of confidence. We know our identity is in Christ, yet we let shame or performance define us.

So let me encourage you this week:

• Where do you need to connect the dots?
• Where does the truth of justification need to speak into your anxieties, your relationships, your decisions, or your battle with sin?

Abraham trusted God’s promise. We trust God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus. And the same faith that justified us is the faith that strengthens us to live for Him today.