Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Proclamation and Acts of the Kingdom of God

MISSION MINDED 

Bible portion: ROMANS 1:13-17
V16”For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”.

Devotion
It has been infamously quoted by Late Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan, “Every Marthomite is a missionary.” This has been taken on as the motto for the Edavaka Mission.  The word "mission" comes from the Latin verb missio, meaning "to send". Although the word itself is not used often in the Bible, the concept of God sending people to announce his work of judgment and redemption on earth is evident.
Through Paul’s letters, it clearly states to preach the gospel to everyone, regardless of their background. His mission is inclusive and universal, reflecting the expansive reach of God's love and salvation. Paul not only wanted to bear fruit in Rome, but wherever he was. Wherever Paul went he tried to communicate the Gospel of Christ to Jew and Gentile alike.  He desired to see people saved.
His proclamation is driven by a passion to see people transformed by the power of God. The gospel, as Paul proclaims, is not just a message but the very power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (v. 16). This proclamation is bold and unashamed, emphasizing the transformative impact of the gospel. Paul’s proclamation of the gospel is intrinsically linked to the acts of the Kingdom of God. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God, a central theme in the Kingdom. This righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a gift received by faith. Living by faith means embodying the values and principles of the Kingdom, which include justice, mercy, and love.
In today’s climate, sharing the Gospel has fallen on hard times. We feel the only way to be a missionary is to go on a short-term mission trip. However, the most important thing is to serve Christ and share Christ with others right where we live. Like Paul, we should be eager to proclaim the Gospel, by cultivating a mission mindset for serving God’s unreached children around us. The Gospel is powerful and transformative. We should never underestimate its ability to change lives and bring salvation. All we need to do is to understand the gospel and a readiness to share it boldly.
 
PRAYER
 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful message of the gospel. Help us to be eager to share it with others and to live lives that reflect Your righteousness. Grant us the boldness and wisdom to proclaim Your truth and to embody the values of Your Kingdom in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 
 
Are we ashamed of the gospel and  a counter culture 
 
Zenia George

St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Chicago| Lombard, IL 

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