Desk of Dennis Piller
Fearlessly Courageous
2 15 2023
What does it mean to be called by Jesus Christ?
Our Men’s Courageous Group spoke on Romans 1:1-17, And one of the questions was: What do you think it means to be a Christian? Paul’s opening verse in Romans announces his own vocation, the work that God has called him to do: proclaiming the gospel of God in word and deed. That is also our calling, our vocation.
Romans 1:17, NIV: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed–a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith. He is stating clearly that the Gospel is the answer to humanity’s problems.
So, what does it mean to be called by Jesus Christ? First, Paul says “he is not ashamed of the gospel.” One man spoke that he was intimidated to say much about RELIGION at work. He didn’t want to offend anyone. He didn’t want to lose his job or another might say I don’t want to be looked at as some kind of nut. Another said he was not intimidated when someone asks, why are you always so happy? Or see things so positively. He asked, why aren’t you? And that person poured out their story, and he got the opportunity to share Christ.
Paul says the gospel manifests the righteousness of God. “Righteousness” is a loaded theological word, but generally speaking, it means to do what is right. “The right” varies depending on the relationship. As we grow in God, we see more of what he means and calls us to. That is holiness. Vs7 God’s faithfulness must then be met with a human response of faith (“for faith,” v. 17). This is the charge to which Jesus has called Paul to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles. That’s you and me. We are called to be a Holy Nation, a chosen people…a peculiar people, a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9
Vs 11 says, I long to be with you, to impart some spiritual gifts to make you strong! And in 12 that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith! He makes it clear to be a person called by Jesus is to embrace both the Greek and non-Greek. Believers and non-believers. Black and White, Republican and Democrat, And every variant known to man. But he says we must stand together. We are to use God’s spiritual gifts to walk among them. We are to grow each other in God’s ways and have each other’s backs!
The 2 Superbowl ads this Sunday show that God understands and loves all of us. He says to love those who hate you! He wants to be a part of our lives. Here Paul says in vs 16 I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel. The gospel will always be contentious. Always be a place of tension in this world. You know that. That’s why so many, too many, remain silent so as not to bring any uncomfortableness to themselves or others. And sadly, the majority of them are acquaintances, not friends. Too many are afraid to bring a loving truth into their lives, especially at work. They don’t want to offend them…but will in their silence, offend God himself. Forget the spiritual for a moment; where is the logic in that? Where is the common sense of the common man to accept that as the wise course of action?
Focusing on the Gospel is the answer to Faith. Peter came out of the boat and was walking on water, and as soon as he took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank like a rock. When we, at work or otherwise, take our eyes off of the ROCK of our Salvation, we too are on a fast ride going downhill.
So what could your daily life look like if you answered the call of Jesus? ALL IN? Jesus was willing to die so the blind might see. We are the blind. He gave us the book of light and life to guide our path and makes promises beyond one’s imagination. If we would stay focused on Jesus and His Holy Word.
United Ocean (Where feet may fail)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XPKrM1Fstg
