Based on Romans 1: 1-17

Good afternoon!

My name is Kim and I’m a sinner saved by grace!

That is how we should start a conversation with a stranger if we are to truly be “doers” of the word, not simply “hearers” of it.

Easier said than done though, right? If I’m being honest, I’ve never said that out loud to anyone, but after hearing Pastor Kevin say it today, it made so much sense! Imagine where that conversation could lead!

In Romans, Paul is greeting believers in Rome this way to tell them the truth and to appeal for their help in spreading the good news of the Gospel. He tells them the power of God transformed him and it can be that way for them also.

Remember, Paul had been Saul; the worst of the worst, yet after one meeting with Jesus, his life was changed forever. He became the biggest advocate for Jesus Christ there ever was! God could have simply destroyed him. Instead He decided to use him for His glory.

He starts by telling them he is a bondservant, an Apostle, appointed by God to spread the Gospel far and wide. He says “through Jesus we received grace and apostleship to call on the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” Additionally, he tells them that here in Rome -a dangerous place because of Caesar- the word was getting out that their faith was being reported world-wide.

He tells them that he has wanted to visit for a long time but had been prevented from doing so until now. He is proud of them for starting the church, and that he needs them as much as they need him. After all, we cannot do this faith thing alone. We need others to become stronger. We need others to encourage and build each other up.

He also shares that like him, us believers are not who we used to be. No longer does sin have the same grip that it once did. Since we are new in Christ, we should act like it so others can tell that we are different.

Paul tells them he is eager to preach the Gospel, despite the danger. He is not ashamed. We say we aren’t ashamed either, yet how many times have you encountered a stranger and said nothing. Exactly. I’m just as guilty! This I need to practice. Why or what do we fear?

He tells them in 1-17 that “The righteous will live by faith.”

Pastor Kevin said we should not go out the doors of the church the same way we came in. Yet I let my husband rush me out again. I did ask him later why he does that? He had no answer. I told him we should at least invite Renda and Norm to visit or go to lunch since they took us to lunch one day. He didn’t say anything, he will probably think on it though.

That is something I need to pray about. I have, but I need to keep on. Praying for strength to resist him when he tries to rush me out. Praying for God to change his heart. Praying that we aren’t embarrassed to go to the front of the church and join by transferring our membership. Praying that we can be that couple that gets involved and not that just one of us is.

I know, I should cut him some slack, after all, he is attending church with me-that’s a good start.

I’ve always been that person that wants to jump in feet first and get involved and he just isn’t. Pray with me that will change. I swear, it’s like the preachers words go in one ear and out the other. I was thinking to myself, “Did you not hear what he just said?” I refrain from being too pushy, lest he quit coming at all.

I have my own issues. I need to be brave. I need to learn to tap the person in line at the grocery store and ask them if they know Jesus. You never know where that will lead!

Father God, give me the strength and the courage to spread the news that Jesus died for our sins and through your mercy and grace, I have been saved. 🙏

Amen.

Please also take a moment out of your day tomorrow to remember those who died for us. I am so lucky that all the men in my life that served got to come home because so many did not. I also served and got to come home but then again, I did not see any fighting. While you’re at it, say a prayer for all our active military fighting in the war.

Thanks for being here and have a good Memorial Day.