"If you've ever struggled to express what it means to follow Christ, Romans can give you the right words to say. It offers one of the clearest expressions of Christian belief , covering the major issues - faith and works, law and grace -- in lively, practical terms. But, be prepared! Reading this book has been a turning point for many."
That sounds great to me - how 'bout you? Might this be a good time to give your friends and family a gentle nudge to pick back up with their Daily Life readings?
Today, just as it has been every time I have read Romans 1, my heart and mind settled on the portion starting in verse 16: "For I am not ashamed of this Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God at work in everyone who believes - the Jew first and then the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ' It is through faith that a righteous person has life.' "
The Good News that Paul is so anxious to share is not only about the righteousness of God -- that fact alone does not make his message Good News. In fact, in light of our sinful nature, God's righteousness might be just as likely to prompt us to fear Him as it would be to lead us to love Him. However, this News is Good because through faith in Jesus, God can and will make people right in His sight. How? By faith. Indeed, that is the best kind of news.
Paul's news sounds just as good today as it did in the first century A.D. Though I realize how often scripture speaks negatively of envy, I still find myself envious of Paul's zeal for the Lord when I read his letters. There is such a clear purpose about his mission - with a obvious sense of passion and urgency, he is unashamed to proclaim the gospel to any and all who will listen. In this particular letter, he appears ready to challenge the religions and philosophies of the Romans because he could personally testify about the transforming power of God.
Have we become ashamed of the gospel? Do we only discuss it with the safe people -- our church family, other believers, in this blog, etc. -- but not with the hurting, lost, hopeless people who need it the most? Are we ready to take on the false teachings of our day because we, like Paul, can testify to Christ's transforming work in us? What are we afraid of? And what are we waiting for?
Father God, we pray that you will give us a deeper understanding of just how great the news of salvation in Jesus really is. May our love for You overflow from our hearts, spilling over on to those we come in contact with. If we are afraid or ashamed of our relationship with You, please forgive us. If we are fearful of rejection by those who don't know You, give us courage and conviction. And help us to learn anew in the book of Romans what it means to be saved and transformed by the mighty power of God. Amen.
Today, just as it has been every time I have read Romans 1, my heart and mind settled on the portion starting in verse 16: "For I am not ashamed of this Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God at work in everyone who believes - the Jew first and then the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ' It is through faith that a righteous person has life.' "
The Good News that Paul is so anxious to share is not only about the righteousness of God -- that fact alone does not make his message Good News. In fact, in light of our sinful nature, God's righteousness might be just as likely to prompt us to fear Him as it would be to lead us to love Him. However, this News is Good because through faith in Jesus, God can and will make people right in His sight. How? By faith. Indeed, that is the best kind of news.
Paul's news sounds just as good today as it did in the first century A.D. Though I realize how often scripture speaks negatively of envy, I still find myself envious of Paul's zeal for the Lord when I read his letters. There is such a clear purpose about his mission - with a obvious sense of passion and urgency, he is unashamed to proclaim the gospel to any and all who will listen. In this particular letter, he appears ready to challenge the religions and philosophies of the Romans because he could personally testify about the transforming power of God.
Have we become ashamed of the gospel? Do we only discuss it with the safe people -- our church family, other believers, in this blog, etc. -- but not with the hurting, lost, hopeless people who need it the most? Are we ready to take on the false teachings of our day because we, like Paul, can testify to Christ's transforming work in us? What are we afraid of? And what are we waiting for?
Father God, we pray that you will give us a deeper understanding of just how great the news of salvation in Jesus really is. May our love for You overflow from our hearts, spilling over on to those we come in contact with. If we are afraid or ashamed of our relationship with You, please forgive us. If we are fearful of rejection by those who don't know You, give us courage and conviction. And help us to learn anew in the book of Romans what it means to be saved and transformed by the mighty power of God. Amen.
1 comment:
A church just down the road from Bethesda had a quote on their sign: "When fear knocks and faith answers, no one is there."
I found myself thinking about that when I read Pastor Paul's blog on Monday and I am still thinking about it today. The apostle Paul feared nothing because of his faith. He absolutely believed God..what God said and promised is true.
As I was reading Karen's entry today and the questions she asked in the second to the last paragraph, the question that crossed my mind was...Is is that I am ashamed of the gospel, or is it that I lack faith...Do I truly BELIEVE God and trust him to do what he promises he will do?
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