Scripture: Romans 1:2 [the gospel of God] "which [God] promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures."Observation: It is important that Paul opens the letter in the way that he does. I believe this is the only letter written to church that he had never visited.
He immediately establishes himself as an authority and then gets down to the purpose for his letter. "This gospel that I preach is the one that God promised." (So was there doubt about that? Is that a theme in the rest of the letter?) "This gospel is the one promised by God! It has happened and it is exciting and full of life changing hope. I want to tell you about it!"
Paul stresses that this gospel was rooted in the Scriptures and was promised by God. This is not a vogue movement. It's been planned by God since before the creation of the world.
"People of earth - here is your Savior! Do not miss this! Do not take this lightly! It will change your entire life... it will make you want you've always wanted to be."
Application: I think this is a perfect picture of the type of testimony that all Christians can share. The OT recorded predictions and promises of it. Jesus declared its arrival (along with John the Baptist). The apostles and disciples invited all to join, receive the blessing of it, and worked and served to strengthen the faith of believers everywhere.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have such excitement, joy and hope in my testifying that the world would know your love and acceptance. I love you. Amen.
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