Called to Be an Apostle

A Living Faith
Who Understands Faith?
Paul Sails for Rome

Romans 1:1-7

The Message

1 I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God’s words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God’s friends.

^2-7 The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God’s Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.

For Reflection

To what extent are you an apostle?  Paul's faith was grounded in the scriptures and strengthened by a direct encounter with Christ.  We all have an opportunity to study scripture as Paul did.  Not just to discover doctrine, but rather, to discover stories of faith that anchor hope.  

Not all of us have had a direct encounter with God or Christ and most of us will never have such an experience.  But, we all have had experiences which lead us to Jesus Christ.   We are all justified by our faith.  We all have the power to witness to that faith and bring others to the hope that comes only from confidence and trust in God.

Pray

that you will continue to return to scripture.  Pray that you will see in scripture not only what you have seen, but also, those things which speak anew to you.  Pray that fear will not inhibit your openness to change and growth in the grace our Lord offers.