Not Ashamed

Good Morning!

Have you ever thought about how the letters Paul or James or Peter or John were distributed? In our day and time, we are so accustomed to mail service that it doesn’t even cross our minds that there wasn’t any means for the process in the first century. And we also struggle at grasping that most people didn’t read or write – or if they did, that they weren’t proficient. So how did all this happen? Well, Thursday night, at our Bible study, we are going to have a person join us. He is going to be carrying with him the letter to the church at Rome. And he is going to deliver the letter in the same manner that it would have been delivered in the first century. It promises to be a fun and informative evening in Williamson Georgia. And you are invited!!! Send me an email and I will send you directions.

Speaking of Romans, one of my favorite passages is found in the very first chapter:

Romans 1:16-17 (English Standard Version)
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

16For 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. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,[a] as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."[b]

Footnotes:
a. Romans 1:17 Or beginning and ending in faith
b. Romans 1:17 Or The one who by faith is righteous shall live

In a nutshell, this passage tells us that our salvation is found in our faith in Jesus Christ. That’s it. Simple faith is redeeming faith. And that’s good because there is nothing that mankind could do to justify its rebellion against God. We are at the mercy of God … and He showed mercy. I find great joy in that thought.

The world really wants us to be ashamed of the Gospel. The world doesn’t want to hear the Gospel message because the message reveals the sinfulness of the world. But we need not be ashamed – no, we should boldly speak out – unafraid.

I can hardly wait until tomorrow night. It promises to be one great night. And today has its promise as well. God has given us this day for His glory. I thank God for today – and pray that He will use me as He sees fit.

Agape’

Mr. Jim