Romans 9:1-13

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he mentioned feeling broken-hearted over the Israelites’ rejection of Christ.

Do YOU feel broken-hearted over all the lost in your community? If so, what can you do about it?

What we are called to do as Christians is witness to others but that is easier said than done. For example, I came close today because I was inspired by the message so while we were at Kroger, I walked up to a perfect stranger, asked if she had kids, and invited her to our upcoming Fall Festival at the church.

Yes, I know. That is not the same as witnessing, sharing the gospel, or even asking her if she knows Jesus. My thought process was this, if I can get her to the church for the festival, maybe she and her kids will in turn want to visit again, or maybe the pastor will chat with her. I just needed to get her to the door and open it a crack.

That is also how I feel about my own lost son. The one who had the scare this week, actually said he thanked God and his girlfriend for saving his life! To me, that is huge. Of course, the thought crossed my mind that he said it to appease me because I’ve been working on him pretty hard lately. Yet, if the door is open a crack, maybe he will continue to walk through, with mine and Shari’s help. I won’t give up trying, I can tell you that!

Paul’s anguish wasn’t part-time, it was never-ending. He felt a heavy burden over the lost Israelites. They had been given everything and literally had God walking with them for a time and yet they forgot all that and turned their back on Him. They lusted after the world and stayed sad and miserable.

Jesus gives life! He brings joy and peace! He brings light!

Why would anyone want to stay in the dark?

Paul was so full of angst that he was willing to sacrifice his own sanctity if it meant they could be saved.

We need to pray for conviction, repentance, and courage.

I wasn’t very brave and I need to work on that. It’s so easy to share a prayer on social media every day but much harder to be in someone’s presence and ask them if they know Jesus.

Let’s vow to do better. Let’s pray for courage.

Dear Lord,

Give me the courage to match my conviction. Help me say what needs to be said to a complete stranger this week. Help me tell someone the good news! Help me tell a stranger that Jesus died for me and for you so we could be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life!!

I pray you all have a blessed week! 🙏

One more thing: Pator Kevin mentioned a fellow pastor I’d never heard of from Flower Mound (Texas I presume) who’s name is Matt Chandler. He has video sermons all over YouTube so I’m going to check him out this week. I saw one titled “You Can’t Save Your Kids” that I want to listen to but that one is a podcast, not a sermon. If you check him out too, let me know what you think.

This song by Skillet may or may not be relevant but I’m going to share it anyway. Enjoy!

I can’t get it to work, it’s called “Unpopular”

Go search on YouTube and find if if you’re interested.