The Message opened with an insight on gratefulness and trust, based on what was shared by the ladies who exhorted for giving, communion, etc.; When we trust in the Lord more, it’s natural that we give thanks to Him for more, and when we give thanks to Him more, we find ourselves trusting in Him more. Trust and giving thanks work together that way.
I shared some of my takeaways – Or, really, my main takeaway from our Lausanne reunion. That is, in order for us to take on the gargantuan, seemingly impossible task of discipling entire nations, we ought to start small, and at the same time, start big. I shared the principle of the Minimum/Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and emphasized that when it comes to discipling the nations, our MVP is the family.
In other words, we focus on our own families if we want to have some sort of real progress in discipling our nation. Then I reminded the congregation: How could you minister to others if you cannot minister to your family?
And, this wasn’t in my mind, but I also asked them (and myself in the process), how could you minister to your family if you don’t even minister to yourself?
Here’s where I segued into the importance of the Gospel, which, in this light, ministers to us first, then to our families, then to others, then to entire nations. We take this Gospel in, again and again, until we find ourselves proclaiming, as Paul proclaimed:
For 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. Romans 1:16
What is this Gospel?
The Gospel is the Infinite Greatness And Glory of God (Romans 1-3)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:6-8
God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:16b
For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Romans 3:9-12
The Gospel is the Absolute Goodness And Grace of God (Romans 1-3)
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:21-22
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3
That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. Romans 4:22-24a
Abraham believed God that he would have a son with Sarah, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Consequently, we believe Jesus Christ, and it is counted to us for righteousness.
Now, what do we say when we say we believe Jesus Christ?
For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7
Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
We believe that through Adam, we were separated from God, sin entered the world and death reigned over us.
When we say we believe in Jesus Christ, we say that through Him, we were reconciled to God, we enter His presence and have eternal life.
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death; although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:2, 10, 31
When we say we believe in Jesus Christ, we say that we have died to sin and the flesh, and we have been set free from the law of sin and death.
Consequently, we say that we have been brought back to life by the Spirit, and are under the law of the Spirit of life.
I skipped these these verses covering Romans 9-11, but if I had the time, I would have mentioned this, regarding where we should really be focusing on:
So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Romans 9:16, 18
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. Romans 10:11-12
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33, 36
Is it for us to tell who God has mercy on, and who God hardens? No, let us instead focus and encourage others in calling on Him, and in so doing, glorifying Him!
I went straight to this after covering Romans 8. How are we to respond? Romans 12 and onwards gives us a good idea.
We’re to minister to ourselves by offering ourselves as living sacrifices.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
We’re to be subject to the governing authorities.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1
We’re to minister to each other, whether Jew or Gentile, whether ‘strong’ or ‘weak’ in the faith – primarily by reminding each other of the following:
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 14:8, Romans 15:7
And here’s where I came full circle. We were given the greatest commandments while Christ walked with us – (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, body and strength and (2) Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
I proposed that, by way of Romans 1-11 we were given a picture, a beautiful perspective of how, before we even had the idea of loving God with all our being, God was the One who loved US with all HIS heart, mind, body, soul and strength, through Christ who loved us and died for us.
I said that when we realize and receive this awesome love, it’s but natural that we minister to ourselves, to our authorities, and to each other – and we don’t stop at mere ministry, but we LOVE one another; And by this they will know that we are Christ’s, when we love one another.
I said these verses in closing… pausing a little to share, we let the world complain while we give thanks, we let the world bicker against each other, while we stand in solidarity and unity – by no less than Christ, our Savior, our Solid Rock.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17
Then I merely spoke this final verse of Romans… before praying.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25-27
I feel good. Problems notwithstanding, today I felt very good about how we are just so absolutely blessed, even in the absence of all that the world insists are blessings.
Indeed, to God be all the glory and praise. It’s always a privilege and a great opportunity, a wonderful honor to proclaim Christ to one and all who care to listen. Thank You, Lord!
More writing to come this week. Pretty intimidated, but a whole lot more excited. This ALL has to come out!
Until the next post coming soon, may our good and great God bless us all, abundantly and greatly. Amen.
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