SCRIP-BITS

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

Oh friends, another Monday morning has rolled around, much to our despair. (smile) And, unfortunately, that means we have to get our act together and face the working world to fight the good fight of faith as a faithful soldier in Jesus’ army. As a believer in Christ, as a Christian, that’s what we’ve signed up for. Now, for some of us, it might be harder than for others, depending on God’s will for our lives, but we can all be assured that whatever the Lord asks of us, He will give us the wherewithal to do it. 

And Jesus’ promise at the end of the Great Commission, warms the cockles of my heart on the matter. Yes my brethren, our commission, our basic job is to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, teaching them all that Christ has taught us, ‘and, lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28-19-20) Wow! What a marvelous Leader is our Jesus! He’s faithfully promised to be with us wherever we are in the world, once we’re spreading His gospel, His Holy Word. 

That brings us to Bruh Paul’s take on the subject as he wrote to the church at Rome, where he proudly proclaims: ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.’ (Rom. 1:16) Oh my people, do we feel as strongly as Bruh Paul about the gospel of Christ? I certainly hope so, otherwise we are not true believers, true Christians. That’s because the power of God is so powerful, so dynamic, like dynamite, from which the English word “power” is derived. 

The scholars tell us that if ‘Bruh Paul was writing today he would probably speak of atomic power. The gospel is so powerful that it takes people all the way into heaven. Everyone that believeth: The basis of salvation is God’s gracious provision – His free gift of grace. (Rom. 3:23-26) But the only means by which the sinner can appropriate this gift is faith. (Rom. 10:9-17) The gospel is the essential content of that faith. This is why Paul is so burdened to preach Christ to the world.’  And as faithful believers, we should also be carrying that bright burning torch for the gospel of Jesus. 

That takes us to the words of Bruh David in Psalm 40 -Praise for answered prayer – where he imparts in all faithfulness. ‘Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to usward: they cannot be reckoned up (recounted) in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire: mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book (scroll) it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness (proclaimed the good news of righteousness) in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained (restrained) my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy LOVING-kindness and thy truth from the great congregation.’ (Ps. 40:4-10) 

Oh my people, Bruh David also knew the power of God’s Word and faithfully broadcast it to all and sundry, to the great congregation. And he did not hide it in his heart, keep it selfishly for himself alone, like so many of us modern-day believers do, either through fear or just plain laziness. But please, let’s remember these oh so important and fateful words of Bruh Paul to the Romans. 

‘For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).’ (Rom. 10:13-17) 

Yes friends, it’s ever so important that the gospel of Christ be communicated worldwide. And that’s our job, our responsibility. The Lord gave us salvation, but expects us to pass it on to each other. And we obviously are not doing such a bang-up job, otherwise our world would not be in the terrible mess it’s currently in. But let’s remember that there is always hope where Christ is involved, for with and through Him anything is possible, but we have to set the stage. And the first step in setting the stage is always prayer. And there’s no better time for prayer than RIGHT NOW! 

So, let’s begin there nuh, by offering up our Monday Morning Battle Hymn asking for help to change. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.  

And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And as Cousin Sol, writing as the Preacher, so wisely advises: ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.’ (Eccl. 5:4) Now that should give us pause for thought, and hopefully have us doing as we ought. Much LOVE!

…if you believe God’s Word…then it’s your bounden duty to spread it… 

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