From the 2024 News and Views Archives: The Gospel

Paul began his letter to the church at Rome by praising God for their impact throughout the known world at that time. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8). God intends and demands that we make a global impact by advancing God’s kingdom. This impact will only be realized and truly enjoyed for all eternity. The church at Rome was loved and important to Paul. In verse 17, he declared he prayed for them always. Even though he had not been there, he loved and prayed for them because of the power of the Gospel. The Gospel has power to unite us despite our many differences. We may not all like the same brand of truck or cheer for the same football team, but the Gospel of Christ unites us to a larger purpose and gives our lives meaning. Think about how this simple Gospel message has changed your
life and the influence it has had on your family. Paul longed to go to Rome and even planned to go
there time and again, but was always hindered. The Gospel has power to change our focus and our
priorities. Paul had a desire to make Jesus known and to make Heaven crowded. Paul made three “I
am” statements in this passage of Scripture

“I am debtor” (Romans 1:14). Paul was thankful that Christ reached down to him and saved him.
He knew he owed a debt he could not pay, and Christ paid a debt He did not owe. Therefore, Paul said
I am in debt. Christ died for me so I can surely live for Him. When he listed who he was in debt to, it
covered every person. The Greeks felt that anyone who didn’t accept and live by their culture were just
“Barbarians.” Paul exclaimed Jesus died for the Greeks and the Barbarians. His blood was shed for the
wise and the unwise. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, and we should feel a responsibility of
debt to reach the masses with the Gospel of Christ.

“I am ready” (Romans 1:15). Paul’s life could be summarized by the words “I am ready.” On the road
to Damascus, when he first came to Christ, his first words were “What would you have me to do?” He
spent the rest of his life finding out the answer to that question. Paul was ready! He was ready to serve
the Lord at all costs! He was ready to suffer for the name of Christ! He was willing to die and even
ready to die, knowing he would go to the Lord and receive a crown to lay down at the feet of Christ.
Paul was ready!

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). Paul had many reasons to be ashamed,
but he declared he was unashamed. The gospel is the dynamite power of God. The effectiveness of the
Gospel is not in our ability, presentation, or persuasion, but the great power of God. The purpose of the
Gospel is that people might be saved from their sins. The possibilities of the Gospel are to all men. The
Gospel is a whosoever gospel. None are so bad that they cannot be saved, and none are too good that
they do not need the salvation Christ offers. Are we ashamed? Is the gospel precious to us? The greatest
way we can live unashamed and show we believe the gospel is to share it with a world suffering and
reeling under the weight of sin.

In this edition you will hear from some of our newly recommended missionaries who feel this debt,
who are ready to go, and who are not ashamed of the Gospel. You will read from missionaries serving
in various places in the world who are carrying out the Great Commission by going and sharing this
message in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our desire is to introduce you to them and their families, to
learn a little about them, and the field and work God has called them to. It is my hope that you will
put them on your prayer list, reach out and be a friend to them, and support them financially as God
leads and as you are able.

Keep On Keeping On,
Justin Coburn