Condensed

Many pieces of the New Testament can stand on their own as mini-gospels, condensed versions outlining the good news for men that Christ is the long-awaited Messiah declared in the Old Testament. That He is God’s plan for salvation.

Paul was praying – and working very hard – to convince his people.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (Romans 10:1 KJV)

Today I pray the same for my family, for my friends and for many yet unmet. While many believe, others fall into similar categories.

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3 KJV)

Submitting has been given some invalid connotations. It simply means to yield ourselves to God. To give away our selfish desires, to take part in what He planned for our lives just as Christ fulfilled His plan. Instead of dying, we’re offered life eternal.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)

Are you able to do so? Or is something holding back? Concerned about what others might think?

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11 KJV)

I love the next part that speaks of the steps – and beautiful feet! Paul knew his scriptures.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15 KJV)

Not all respond.

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (Romans 10:16 KJV)

Have all heard? In this day and age it would be difficult to find someone who has not. With internet and cell phones in some of the most remotest areas, we’re ahead of Paul.

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:18 KJV)

Now, we simply share God’s word.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

[The photo is our Second Daughter reading her Bible (obviously NOT Romans) during the Family Reunion last year.]