Westside Church of Christ

Jesus chose a dozen common men for the most uncommon mission in history. He showed them, taught them and sent them out. Their faith was questionable at times. Their loyalty wavered under pressure. Their understanding was incomplete. Yet, He commissioned them anyway to a worldwide task. Success by such a ragtag group seemed doubtful but, here we are many centuries later affected by their work. Proof positive that their achievements were not the result of their skills. Then what was it?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).” Messengers are part of a much bigger picture. Accomplishing the job was not dependent on the oratory expertise of the ones who were to share the gospel. It was (And still is) the message not the messenger. The good news of Jesus Christ and His kingdom has the power of God behind it.

It is the extraordinary reality of salvation. It is not a guarantee of a trouble-free life. There is no promise that our bank accounts will swell with riches. Our concept of an ideal job is not in the picture. It is much more significant than that. Paul’s assignment to preach and teach the gospel resulted in suffering, headaches and heartaches (2 Timothy 1:10-12), but his ultimate reward was out of this world (2 Timothy 4:7-8). He fought. He finished. He kept the faith.

The gospel has God’s infinite power behind it to save the most sinful sinner. Many of us come from deep in the darkness. We have the scars to prove it. The slashes of the evil one are evident. Skepticism looms in our human minds. Could I possible be saved with all that I have done? Those thoughts blot out the extraordinary abilities of an almighty God. He created everything. He handcrafts humans in the unseen realm of a mom. He raises the dead, and He wants us to be saved. His power to save is available if…if what?

Look again. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Is it dependent on talent? Our nationality? Our religious background? Our willingness to work really hard? Our perfection? No, it is for those who believe. We have found the key that opens the door of God’s power of salvation if we believe the gospel. Belief always reveals itself in actions.

The letter to the Romans is a great explanation of getting our lives and souls right with God by faith. It opens and closes with references to the obedience of faith (1:5 & 16:26). Knowing facts is one thing, but genuine faith acts on what we know because we trust God.

Call to Praise: James 3:13-18

His word on it: James 1:5

Sermon: “True Wisdom”