Verse of the Day 8/3

Verse of the Day 8/3

Romans 1:16-17

English Standard Version

16 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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

My daily New Testament reading is currently in the book of Romans, and I plan on posting several verses from this book in the coming days.  Yesterday, we considered Paul's conversion.  He had been zealous for the law, "breathing threats and murder" as he persecuted Christians.  Then he was blinded by the light and Jesus' met him, the scales fell from his eyes and he could see the truth of God, the truth of the gospel for the first time.  It was God's power that did this.

Reading Romans 1 and the verses above in particular in relation to who Paul was, had been as Saul; makes today's verses stand out all the more. He had to face ridicule, threats and more from his former friends.  But what was his reaction. "I am not ashamed of the gospel".  It provided the power through the Holy Spirit and corresponding faith to change the course of his life and history.

John Piper writes, "what this means is not that the gospel is God's power to convert people to faith (although that is indeed true!), but that it means the gospel is God's power to bring those who keep on believing to everlasting safety and joy in the presence of God. "  The power for salvation begins when we first believe, but it is just that a beginning.  That saving power, that saving grace will work through us for the rest of our lives.  Grace for the day and future grace to face whatever challenges come our way, providing what we continue to "live by faith" in verse 17.  To keep believing in the power of the gospel.

The enemy can only bring defeat,
If he can somehow shake what we believe.
So our faith cannot be based upon
Only what we see or feel,
And the circumstances cannot change
What our hearts know to be real

So when doubts arise and cloud your mind
My friend, don't be deceived
For with a knowledge of the Word of God
In our hearts we can believe

You can take God at his word
He is faithful kind and true
Not a prayer will go unanswered
In His time He'll see you through

Keep believing in what you know is true
Keep believing, you know the Lord will see you through
When troubles rise in your life
and you don't know what to do,

You'll be fine if you just keep believing.   (Keep Believing - Gaither Vocal Band)

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Romans 1:16-17

English Standard Version

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

16 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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."