29/10/2021 - SET APART FOR THE GOSPEL OF GOD

• 
• 
• 
• 

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God. Romans 1.1

Paul begins his letter to the brothers in Rome by giving three useful pieces of information. This is how we should begin our conversations with those whom the Most High sends to us, to hear the blessed Word and be healed of their ills (Colossians 4.6). Our identity has to be shown in the church. As saved people, we can do by faith – the same works as Jesus (John 14.12).

The apostle to the Gentiles considered himself a servant of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Before his conversion, he was an ardent persecutor of the sect of the Nazarenes, as the church was called in those days (Acts 24.5). But on the road to Damascus – where he was on his way to arrest those who were of God’s work – Paul fell to the ground and heard a voice exhorting him not to kick against the goads (Acts 26.14). He was converted and became a preacher (Acts 9.20).

The children of God are distinguished from the servants of the world, for the yoke of the Lord is so soft that it is impressive, and His burden is light (Matthew 11.28-30). No one will kill himself by following Jesus, but will be lost by rejecting Him (John 3.36). There is no other who can save the world from the evils that will come upon the Earth, because the Day of Reckoning is coming. As incredible as it may seem, mankind will be sent to the lake of eternal punishment, if they do not turn to Christ.

It is the servants’ privilege to be where the Lord is, as He has said:  If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. (John 12.26). We need fear nothing; as long as we follow Jesus, He will keep us from evil. Let us speak like the psalmist: No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; (Psalm 91.10).

Paul knew that he had received one of the ministry gifts, the apostleship (Ephesians 4.11). The apostle is sent by the Lord to open a work, to become permanent. However, there are equally important non-ministry callings, and those that receive them must serve God continually, faithfully, until He gives them other gifts or takes them to Heaven. Be blessed! When Jesus returns, He will want to see you like this.

Paul considered himself separated for the Good News of Christ. So too must those called by the Lord consider themselves.  Regardless of your God-given mission, you are important in individual evangelism, leading people to meet the Savior. There will be no greater gratitude than to see, on the Last Day, many thanking you for telling them about Jesus. Let there not be one who says, “No one told me about Christ!”

We must not lessen ourselves. Through us, the Most High is doing a great work in the world. Multitudes have been converted, because we have used the talents He has given us. People are delivered from darkness and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Hallelujah! 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares