Greetings!
Thank you for joining us in prayer and reflection during this season of Lent. We will travel through daily scripture, reflection and prayer. Additional people have been joining us each day. Please feel free to forward these reflections to others. We invite you to explore the other resources for the season found at the bottom of the page as we continue the journey together. Christian Formation Commission |
Scripture
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for 'Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.' Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, 'I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.'
Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, 'I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.' But of Israel he says, 'All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.'
Romans 10:14-21
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In our lesson from the tenth chapter of Romans, Paul tells us of the necessity of Christian evangelism. God's gift of Jesus Christ can be received only through faith, the act of taking the word of God to heart. But you cannot take the word to heart if you haven't heard it. As Paul writes, "And how are they to believe in one whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written in Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" This message was originally sent to Jerusalem that the exile was over and that Israel's restoration would begin. Paul uses it here in praise of those who would declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For Christians, silence on the subject of Jesus is simply not an option. The good news is that evangelism is not an onerous task. The key is to remember tow things. First of all the only story you're required to share is your own. All you have to do is to tell your story with passion and integrity.
The second thing to remember is that Christian evangelism is rooted in real-life experience - not sophisticated theological language or abstract theories. An evangelist is anyone who is willing to give a specific answer to the question, "How has Jesus Christ changed your life?" We must be ready and willing to speak the word: "You need to see Jesus."
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Prayer
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son, Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 817, #8
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