Thursday, December 9, 2010

“It is the power of God to salvation” Romans 1.16

New Testament Challenge, Day 25 – Romans 1-8

Today we begin the pastoral letters of Saint Paul and, as such, the advice of a spiritual father to his children. If we look at these next days, reading Saint Paul, as though the letters were meant for us, we will grow to a much deeper spiritual level in Christ.

Saint Paul confirms what each of us knows too well. “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil that I will not to do, that I practice.” (Romans 7.19) How many times have we cried out these very words, or similar? But he wants us to know, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5.3-5)

Even though the struggle to live a good and holy life might seem too much for you to handle, remember this: “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8.38-39)

After all….we are talking about the power of God to salvation….we’re talking about the Gospel!

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