The Gospel Demands a Response

Romans 10:13 “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Dear CBC Family,

Yesterday was a very long day. We had a film crew from the Discovery Network onsite for more than 9 hours. We talked for hours about the church, its history, Christianity and leadership. At the end of the day, I was exhausted and found a new appreciation for those who work in this field. Most of the film and sound crew were in their 20s and said they hadn’t had a day off in months. While working 15-hour days doesn’t sound appealing, eating at Roberto’s a couple of times a day might be okay 😊

Today the place is quiet and as soon as we put some of the rooms back in order it will be back to business as usual. It is really refreshing to have some peace and quiet today so I can work on the weekend study.

As I sit to write this email my mind is going back to our text in Romans 10. We spent two weeks on biblical decision making, which I pray was helpful, and now we are back to Paul’s explanation of the complete reliability of the gospel. Some have wondered if Paul really did sin in his disobedience to the Spirit of God. The answer is unfortunately, yes, he did sin. Disobedience is always a sin. “He who knows what to do and doesn’t do it to him it is sin.” James 4:17 Also, the Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:22 “Samuel replied, “Has the Lord as much pleasure in your burnt offerings and sacrifices as in your obedience? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than in your offering the fat of rams to him.” TLB. The point here is that obedience is what God requires and to willingly disobey is to sin. Again, I love Paul but the lesson to learn here is that our desires can actually cause us to justify disobedience which is one of the greatest snares of the Devil.

This weekend we will be exploring what is the appropriate decision, and actions, to the gospel Paul has given us to this point? Paul lists four “fours” which are in verses 10-13: “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Each of these not only answer a question but also demand a response that brings the promises to reality in the lives of others. I suppose it simply defines what an “ambassador of Christ” really is and does. Join us as we explore this critical topic from the Word of God.

May the Lord bless and keep you,

Pastor Scott

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