Gospel Power

Text

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes...." —Romans 1:16

Bible Reading

ROMANS 1:8-17

Devotional

God gave us much of the New Testament through the apostle Paul. And the fullest statement of the gospel, as Paul preached it, is in his letter to the Romans. Romans is the gospel according to Paul.

The letter was written a long time ago, in the year 58. At that time Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire. The emperor himself lived in Rome. But he and most other important Roman citizens were not aware of the small group of Christians in their city who one day received a letter that would outlast the empire. God had determined that this one little letter would have a greater influence on human history than all the Roman armies.

The church of God in Rome sat down to read the letter. "Paul is coming to Rome," they exclaimed. "And here he writes the gospel as he preaches it."

This small Christian church in Rome would soon be in big trouble. The emperor and the other important people in their city were about to take note of these Christians. They would not tolerate them serving Jesus as Lord instead of Caesar. They would throw the Christians to the lions. But the empire would not defeat the Christian faith. Christianity would win the empire—because the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation.

Whenever Christians have scored victories in the course of history, a rediscovery of the gospel in Romans was usually the secret of their strength. A careful reading of Romans will always bring the church fresh insight and give new power to those who represent Christ in this world.

We are "not ashamed" to recommend the reading of Romans. It is the Christian gospel, "the power of God that brings salvation" to everyone who reads and believes. By means of this letter, the saving power of God gets to work here and now, wherever there is faith.

REFLECTIONS

What concerns and anticipations do you bring to reading and studying the book of Romans?

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The book of Romans is my absolute favorite book. Its full of the truth about sin and our sin but then it goes into redemption and grace. Its full of everything I think every Christian should understand and be aware of. What do you think? Grace&Peace.