“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

romans 10:1-4, 10, 15

1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Today we look at Romans chapter 10 where we see that Paul strikes a new tone. Paul directly addresses his brothers and sisters (the Christians in Rome) First note that he calls them siblings because they are all Christians. Paul is speaking of the Israelites. He writes that his heart’s desire and his prayer is that they would be saved. Some Jews have come to Christ through the Preaching of Paul and others. Yet as a whole the nation had rejected the Messiah. That’s the case for many people today as well. Paul prays for the lost. Do we pray for the lost in today’s world, or do we avoid conversation or participation with those that do not share our beliefs? God wants us to protect the lost.

The Israelites had a great Zeal (energy) about them to live a righteous life to reach favor with God. There were hundreds of laws established to follow. This is impossible for humans to follow them all 100% and it is not needed.

Salvation hinges on two things. Love in your heart and professing that professing your faith. We are saved by Faith not works. Faith is a gift from God. We are saved by Grace. A gift from God.

The gift is free, but it requires us to Share the Good news of the Gospel. It is our responsibility to do this and to do so with urgency.

This can be done in many ways both big and small. For example, our Stephen Ministry program, which is celebrating 26 years of service in our church is an example. This Christ centered ministry engages trained lay people with people who are experiencing the messiness of life. These ministers walk beside people with a need both church members and others in our area. Perhaps this could be a ministry you seek to engage in. Stay tuned for information on how you too can become a Stephen Minister.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth in Romans 10. Our heart’s desire and prayer is that many who have zeal for you would come to know your righteousness through Jesus. Help us to believe with our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead. We pray that the gospel message would be preached to all who have not yet heard. Father, send out laborers into the harvest, and give us the courage and boldness to be your witnesses. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

How can we participate with others who don’t share the same beliefs and or political views?
Can we still Pray for those with whom we are aligned on all things?
Can you proclaim your faith in your heart and with your mouth rather than sitting silent?
How do you teach those who do not know the Good News?
How can you be sent (contribute) as a Christian to be a teacher of the gospel message to those who are unaware or in need of this message.
Who or what was instrumental in helping you in your faith journey?

printer version