Christian Foundations
DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE
Today's Scripture
”It doesn't matter if people are civilized and educated, or if they are uncivilized and uneducated. I must tell the good news to everyone. That's why I am eager to visit all of you in Rome. I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. The good news tells how God accepts everyone who has faith, but only those who have faith. It is just as the Scriptures say, ‘The people God accepts because of their faith will live.’” Romans 1:14-17 CEV
Thoughts for Today
Today’s scripture reveals the apostle Paul’s enthusiasm about sharing the gospel, the good news about Jesus, to everyone—civilized and uncivilized, educated and uneducated, Jew and Gentile. Why was he never ashamed to share the gospel with others? Because he believed with all his heart that the gospel reveals the power of God to us and that through believing the gospel we are saved from our sin. He was eager to share the good news because he knew the gospel brings salvation to all who believe. And he believed that the potential results of his testimony far outweighed any rejections or danger that might come.
Jesus has called every believer to share the gospel with others. Are you as eager as Paul was to share the good news? Or is your witness hindered by fears that are common to many … fear of what others would say … fear of being misunderstood … fear of losing friends … fear of being perceived as a fanatic.
Consider this…
These types of fears are natural—but not productive. Think about opportunities you have had to share Jesus with someone … but didn’t. What was holding you back? Ask God to help you identify and overcome any obstacles to your witness.
Prayer…
Father, I want to be like Paul—eager and bold in sharing the gospel with others. Help me to overcome my fears. May the Holy Spirit guide me and embolden me in telling others about you both through my life and through my words. In Jesus’ name …
These thoughts were drawn from…
Completely Free! by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
It's quick and easy to register with Christianity.com! Just fill out the short form below. You'll have the oppurtunity to post comments, and be more involved in our community and forums. Plus, with this one account, you can sign in anywhere in our network of sites displaying the Salem All-Pass logo, including Oneplace.com, Christianity.com, Lightsource.com, Crosscards.com, and more!
Salem All-Pass: With one account, you can sign in on any site that displays the Salem All-Pass logo.