Romans 1:16-17
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in the gospel, a righteousness from God is revealed by faith, for faith, just as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Most people seem to like having power; we have sayings like “power to the people,” “powerhouse,” or “knowledge is power.” It is incredible to consider Paul’s words to the Romans and how applicable these sayings are. Only through Jesus’ life, death, and his resurrection do we, the people, have any power. Jesus’ powerhouse message of repentance and forgiveness is the gospel message which Paul wrote that we should not be ashamed. Through Jesus, we received the power of salvation. Through the open hand of faith, we receive this gift you have given to us. As we recognize our sins, we bring them to you, repenting for all we have done, and as David wrote in the Psalms (Psalm 19:12), “Even our hidden errors.” In repentance, we come to our Savior’s cross and lay all our sins and guilt there. When we do, Jesus forgives us all our sins. While knowledge may be power, trusting and believing what Jesus has done is the far superior power of salvation. That comes only through him; faith restores us to you, and there we are made right with you. Many see repentance and forgiveness as showing weakness, but it is the ultimate power of love. So, we live by faith with an attitude of love, grounded in you and the gift you gave to us through your Son. Thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to die in our place and forgive all our sins. Please let us share this powerhouse message with others; as we give power to the people through our acts of forgiveness and demonstrate your love to them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Always be remorseful of your sins but never be ashamed that Jesus has forgiven you. Trust in Christ’s forgiveness, you are restored, and salvation is yours.