Mission Critical, Romans 10, April 29, 2020

**Giving you a heads up--this coming Sunday at the end of the sermon we will share "virtual" communion together. So please have elements ready for that time--its ok to use any type of liquid and "bread" for this time as it will for the moment be set aside as unto the Lord.***

Take a few moments today to think about how precious your salvation is! What are your thoughts about it? Grateful? Peaceful? Excited? The Apostle Paul continues to let us know how great is our God in opening the way through Christ for all people to be made right with God. Even though our salvation is a gift, we still hold responsibility in this life. Read outloud the following verses from Romans 10:9-13.

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[a] 12 Jew and Gentile[b] are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How critical it is for us to express openly our choice to follow the Lord--to believe in Him wholeheartedly! Yet, it does not begin and end with our personal testimony. Our walk with Christ is to be walked out in sharing our faith with others. In the life of the church, mission is critical! Is is so very easy during the "stay at home" time to lost sight of our many opportunities to share the love of God with others. You could easily ask, "how can I do mission by staying at home?" A few ideas for you today: write a personal note to someone to encourage them; make a phone call to brighten someone's day; check on your neighbors; spend time in prayer for those who come to mind; pray for your church and Pastor as the Word of God is shared throughout the week through different on-line ways.

Exercise your faith muscle during this time so you will come out of all this stronger and more in love with Jesus! God is good ALL THE TIME!