Bible Study with Danelle

As we dive into the end of chapter 9 and the beginning of chapter 10, Paul again is expressing his hope that everyone will be saved. Paul explains again the difference between the people of Israel and the Gentiles (non-Jews).

The Israelites had lived under the law for so long, they were not willing to submit to God’s plan for salvation through faith in Jesus. Many had the belief that the old covenant was still in place. They were still in the mindset and refused to believe in the new covenant of Christ. They believed that works is what made one righteous. Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16. He is trying to emphasize that even in Isaiah’s day, God had a plan for faith in Jesus as Lord. That works alone is not what brought you to God.

therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 KJVAE

We know that the cornerstone he is referring to is Jesus. He is that firm foundation of faith. The Gentiles, who had never lived under the law heard the message of Jesus accepted it with less hesitation.

As Paul continues in verse 9-10, he lays out the key elements to spiritual salvation. (This comes from the commentary in my FireBible ESV Edition):

• Belief in the lordship of Christ and His ressurection
• Faith must come from the heart and take hold of the whole person
• Faith must involve committing oneself publicly to Jesus as Lord, both in words and actions

Paul then goes further to remind us that you can’t believe if you have never heard the good news of Jesus. If you have never heard about Jesus, how could you possibly believe in him.

This is where I think we have been so lost as a society. For many different reasons in recent generations, many people keep their faith and belief in Jesus quiet. Whether they don’t want to “ruffle feathers”, think it is something that is private between themselves and God, or whatever the reason may be they don’t express their faith publicly.

I absolutely was the same way for a long time. Partly because I really did not have a true relationship with God, I just did the “works” by going to church once in a while or things like that. I did not have a personal relationship with Him.

When I began working at the church several years ago, I began to feel more comfortable in expressing my faith, but I still was not where I know God wanted me to be.

Not until recent years have I felt much more freedom to express my faith. Now, you will find it all over my social media, posted all over my home or on many t-shirts I wear on a daily basis. I know that may sound a little silly, but for a long time I would not talk about my faith at all. Doing these outward signs was a big step for me and it is a gateway to conversations.

We need to get back to not being afraid, ashamed or quiet about our faith in Jesus. Because we have not been sharing the Word, satan has been running rampant. He is confusing the minds of our children and taken over every part of our TV, movies and music. Seen some of the covers of magazines lately? He is not hiding anymore.

I pray that today you will be encouraged to find ways to share Jesus with others. It can be as simple as the actions you have with a non-believer to show the love of Jesus. You don’t have to go preaching in the streets (unless God calls you to that.), but there are things everyday we can do that we can show Jesus to others. I pray that today God will speak to you on how you can be spreading the news about Jesus to others.