Do you have any roads that you think of with nostalgia? Sometimes there are good or bad memories with certain roads. The Roman’s system of roads allowed them to move troops among other things. Saul/Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus – it was a life-changing encounter.
We are dreadfully sinful, but God resolutely loves us. Rome was a place of sin, and the citizens were not seeking God, but still, God moves to save the people.
God says to people who will listen: ‘Do you trust me?’
Paul sends this letter to introduce himself but more importantly to introduce Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel. Paul is writing to those who are called to be God’s own holy people – both Jewish and Gentiles. Romans 1:1-7.
The Gospel is Paul's top priority. He is eager to come to teach the good news. Romans 1:13-15.
The Point: We have a critical responsibility to the Gospel, and that is to produce fruit.
Fruit of evangelism means multiplication of the church; the advancement of the Gospel.
The Good News is here to reach all people. We are still impacted by the Gospel today!
We need to be changed by the Gospel. Some of us need a new, fresh revelation of who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what He offers each person.
Paul shares the message that we are loved by God who gives us salvation through Christ Jesus and ultimately restoration to eternity.
I think this song fits today’s message. So Loved!
Verses for Today:Romans 1:1-7 (NIV)
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank You, heavenly Father, that you loved us enough to send your Son to call us into Your family and to give us hope for restoration and eternity!
