Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Salvation for all in Christ!

Romans 15:14-21
Vs 16 “I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles; I bring you the good news so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit”.


When compared to the Christian ministry in this generation, Paul’s ministry had some unique features.
Paul often mentions himself as an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). In fact, his ministry is the main reason for the spread of the Gospel to Asia Minor and Europe.

 

Paul’s ministryToday’s Christian ministry
Christ centeredPastor/Person centered
Focus on qualityFocus on profit
Focus on the word of GodFocus on activities
Focus on HolinessFocus on fame/output
Special calling from GodPart of a profession
Willing to die for the GospelWorks within the person’s comfort zone
Always founded in prayerPrayer is very minimal
  •  
No self-discipline
 
In today’s meditation Paul clearly mentions that he brings the good news to the Gentiles in order to present them as an acceptable and holy offering to God. We were once Gentiles by nature and out of God’s mercy, our forefathers were able to accept this great good news and we naturally followed this faith. But how many of us are focusing on our personal holiness? It is very sad thing today that even within the Christian community, nobody cares about personal holiness and lives a very substandard life. Our main focus seems to be to survive here on earth. Our prayer life becomes so minimal that we spend the least amount of time in prayer compared to our other priorities which happens to even include time spent on social media. The world is constantly feeding us, and our mind is constantly occupied with the cares of this life. We do hear the Word of God, but it is choked by the worries or pleasures of this world and does not bear fruit. We need to accept the fact that as individuals and families, we have lost our ‘saltiness’. It is high time to go back to our basics, to reinstate our prayer life and bible studies and to live a holy life. The grace of God will then allow our lives to bear fruit and be a testament to those around us.
In Titus 2:11-12, Paul clearly mentions “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”. Like Paul may the Lord help us to live a life which is worthy of our high calling, to be thankful for our salvation which is freely offered to us, and help us to live this out the holy gospel in our daily life.
 
PRAYER
Father Lord, help us to live a life of holiness during our short time here, Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Salvation is free, but it is not cheap. God consumed His life, apostles died for it and what are we doing now?

 
Dr. Jereesh John
St. Thomas MTC, NY

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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