Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?‘The word is near you,on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (Romans 10:5-15)
The hardest question ever posed to me was in my first Theology courses in seminary. The professor said, "We know we are saved from our sin; but what are we saved to?" Uh. The class pondered long and hard and the quizzed looks on the faces of my classmates reassured me that I was in the right place in spite of the difficulty I was having in trying to answer it. He replied, "We are saved to a new life, into abundant life!" Yes! And he was sharing that with the right people. We as believers should know all about salvation. God loves us so much (see John 3:16) and read there about salvation. God loves us so much He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to take us out of our sins and destructive ways, and into a life of fullness. (Read John 10:10, here it is: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly). And today's passage is from Paul sharing with us the responsibility we have to tell others about all God has done for us. "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord (and you can do this on a daily basis or as needed in your spiritual walk), and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." And then he asks the questions, "How are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one in whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim Him? And how are they to proclaim Him unless they are sent?" It is you and me that have that task: 1) Help others with their faith to believe in Jesus, 2) Proclaim/share Jesus with others. 3) Send them to tell others as well. This last Sunday was my first to preach at First United Methodist Church of Gonzales, where I am working part-time. As I was giving the benediction at both services, the words came to my mouth, "Receive authority to be the church as we are sent to do God's work among those who are in need." We have the authority, we have the mandate, and we have the message. What does Nike say? Just do it.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me with the task at hand. Increase my faith to the point it cannot be contained only in me! I must share it and in a way that bubbles over in those who have not yet heard. Help me teach them how to share it, and then help me send them on to others so that more can come into relationship with You. Thank You for the abundant life that is ours in Jesus, in Whose name we pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share Jesus today with someone in need.
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request and Update: Larry Ehrig underwent a successful surgery in San Antonio, and today sister Bethel Lester undergoes surgery in San Antonio as well. Prayers for healing, successful surgery and recover for these and others we know, in Jesus' name, amen!
