06/03/2023
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16
There is so much to glean from just one verse! Breaking it down today, so here we go...
Not ashamed: This is easy—no more shame. Christ nailed it to the cross.
Gospel: "God's word; the good news of the Messiah. Literally, God's good news."
Not Fox, CNN, FB, IG, etc. It's where we find the heart of God. In Him, are the hidden treasures.
Power: "Strength of ability enabled by God." It is the same word used in the New Testament for miracles.
If we want miracles, we have to go to the Source. Personally, I believe the biggest miracle is a heart transformed. One that turns from stone to flesh—one I've experienced myself.
Salvation: "God's rescue which delivers believers out of destruction and into His safety." It is God's plan for welfare, prosperity, deliverance, and preservation.
God's rescue plan is the only one that will work. There is no other way—no other name.
Everyone: Every-One; All
Believes: "To think to be true, place confidence in, trust, have faith in."
We can persuade ourselves of a lot of things, but faith from God is when He births it in us Himself. It's a wonderful, almost unexplainable gift.
If I have faith in God and His word, He has the power to save me. His power is always within reach, always working, and always available. It's up to me where I place my faith. Will I actually believe what His word says, or deny its power?
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
having a form of godliness but denying its power."
(2 Timothy 3:1,7a)
If salvation depends on God's power alone, then there is no need of acceptance through faith on my part; which would make the Bible just another Harry Potter book—which it is not.
The power of salvation comes when we believe He is who He says He is. We are the ones who give permission, and ultimately decide who or what has power in our lives.
Defintions in quotations found at biblehub.com
