Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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CARRIERS   OF THE GOSPEL 
Roma 1: 8 – 16
V16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Paul has used some great words. He talks about Power, God, Salvation, Righteousness, Faith and Just. And then he talks of life. Seven powerful words! It is Jesus Christ the Son of God who gives meaning and value to these words.

Power of God: Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul declares that he is eager to go to Rome the toughest place, to share the gospel. He knows that the darkness cannot expel the light, but the light will always expel the darkness. Paul’s own conversion is an example of one who was the hardest to reach with gospel. No one was further away from Jesus Christ than Saul of Tarsus. Paul understands that if he can be brought to faith in Christ, then anybody can because the gospel has the supernatural power to liberate believers from their bondage to sin. It doesn’t matter how sinful a person is or what deviant lifestyle they have fallen. It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a barbarian or wise or foolish. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are or where you are. The gospel is far more powerful than the power of our sin. The gospel is able to overcome any hardened resistance against God. The gospel alone has the divine power to revolutionize a person’s life so they are no longer the same. (2 Corinthians 5 :17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Salvation: The word salvation (Soteria) means deliverance from great danger. Romans 1:18. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Salvation means being delivered from the penalty of sin, which happens the moment we believe being delivered from the power of our sin, as we grow in godliness and in his presence in glory. Paul declares the power of God unto Salvation “Simeon, the old man, took Mary’s child in his arms and looked up into heaven and said, “Mine eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). Jesus is our Salvation!

To Everyone Who Believes: Salvation comes through faith from God alone in Christ. It means to trust him exclusively and rely upon him completely. Faith in Him means no longer trusting in one’s own deeds or morality, but looking to Christ alone. (Romans 3:22) This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. We are all sinners we need Christ in our life then God will forgive our sins and we are justified by his blood on the cross.

To the Jew first and also the Gentiles: When Paul says the Jew first, he is picturing the spread of gospel like a ripple effect like tossing a pebble into a pond. The ripple begins where the rock first hits the water, and subsequently the effect moves out from the center to the perimeter. The gospel came to Jews because they were God’s chosen people and from them to the Gentiles however, they hoarded the saving message to themselves. What a selfish mindset of natural prejudice. What a self-absorbed, self-consumed way to live. But it is not just Israel who acted this way. It can be also be in us too.

HOW CAN WE SPREAD THE GOSPEL?
From the moment we experience God and have a personnel relationship with Him, we want others to know him too. We can share the Word of God with others around us. All we do is present the gospel as God gives the opportunity.
Invite a friend to your church: One of the easiest ways to spread the word of God if they don’t go to church and they don’t know Christ.
We can spread the Gospel in our work place, schools and during our fellowship meetings.
We can share Christian resources: The Bible, videos, articles and good books which explains the gospel.
 
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for all your goodness in our life. Empower us through your Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and expand your kingdom in Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

Thought of the day
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Mrs. Mary Roy
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York 

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