Romans Review

There are some important things pointed out to us in Romans.  I believe one is that we don't always get to do what we want to do in serving God.  Paul wanted to go and preach the gospel where it had never been preached before, but was often threatened or imprisoned instead.  As followers of Christ, we must make sure that we are obedient to the will of God, even when it does not agree with our plans. We must continue to witness for Christ, no matter our circumstances.  Had Paul given up when threatened or imprisoned, we would not have much of the scripture of the New Testament.  Paul tells us that he was not ashamed of the gospel, and neither should we be.  We may be mocked or even persecuted for our faith in Christ, but we are never to be ashamed or afraid to present the gospel of Christ to the world. We can be certain that God is with us for time everlasting.  We are to boldly present His salvation plan to the world.  Paul also tells us that we are to work together as followers of Christ.  Everyone has a purpose, and God will make that purpose known to us.  When all believers work together, each filling their own role, we will be much more effective than if we all attempt to do what we want to do instead of what God called us to do.  When one person does not fulfill their calling, that does not mean that proclaiming the gospel will stop.  It will be as with the parable of the talents. The one who attempts to bury his talent, or calling, will lose it, and it will be given to someone who will use it.  The one who doesn't follow God's call for the way he or she is to serve simply loses the joy that their service would bring.  Paul tells us we are to present ourselves to God, as living sacrifices, which is a reasonable demand.  God does not force salvation on anyone, and that He asks us to be His willing servants is a very reasonable request, since He sent His only begotten Son to die to bring salvation to mankind.  Christ died for us, so we are asked to live our lives for Him if we are His followers. Salvation is inclusive, not exclusive. Christ did not die to take away the sins of some of the world, but for all the sins of everyone for all time.  The only thing we must do is accept this in faith.  Once we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, then we are commissioned to share the gospel with everyone, even those that we may not like and those who may hate us.  Paul tells us that we are to obey the law.  I believe the qualifier would be unless it goes against God's law.  Then, we should be willing to face the consequences of not obeying as we stand firm in our faith.