Salvation comes from Jesus
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we see him dealing with the most controversial question of the early church. How can gentiles (those not part of God’s previous covenant) become part of the Christian movement. Paul makes it clear that there is nothing they have to do. Jesus did the work for them of extending Gods salvific plan throughout the earth. All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. (10:13)
What we are saved from, what we are saved for
The word “salvation” has many different facets. On the one hand, God saved the entirety of creation. On another, he saved(es) individual people. He saves us from the penalty of sin (death), and the power of sin. Not only does Jesus save us from these things, he also saves us for something, evangelism.
Sharing our faith
After clarifying the work of salvation in Jesus, Paul then urges the Roman Christians to share their faith. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (10:14) Author/evangelist Preston Perry in his book “How to Tell the Truth: The Story of How God Saved me to Win Hearts Not Just Arguments” shares a story of how his introverted wife was able to share her faith in Jesus to someone by being “bold before God” rather than just “fearless before people.”
Discussion Questions
1. a. What are your honest first thoughts when you hear the word evangelism?
b. The word “evangelism” comes from the Greek word “euangelion” which means “gospel” or “good news.” How might this definition change the way you think about the word?
2. A frequent theme in the New Testament is “including gentiles in a faith that for so long had been exclusive to the Jews.” Have you ever found your Christian circles to be exclusive? Why might that be? And how might it be changed?
3. Salvation is often thought of as our destination after life. More than that it is an ability to put to death the sin that currently holds us captive. Salvation also means that we are saved for the purpose of others. How might being saved “for” something, change our approach in life than just being saved “from” something?
4. Share a time when you shared your faith with someone. How did it go?
5. Preston Perry encourages us to be “bold before God” not just “fearless towards people” in our approach to evangelism. What might that look like for you?
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