Caution: Know the Limitations of our Mission

This blog thought is based on Romans 1 that is read in association with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of SDAs.

"Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations" Rom. 1: 5

Romans 1 is an exposition of God's authority and power to judge and to save. It is in this capacity that He offers us salvation.

We should know and understand our mission:

1. It is to highlight that God has an unapologetic and legitimate claim on all peoples of the world.
2. It is to show God as a benevolent Judge (Saviour) whose desire is to deliver a judgment of life and not of death; 
3. It is not to be executioners of His judgments, but announcers of His plan to save us 
4. It is not just what we do openly, but in what we find pleasure that we accomplish, or fail to accomplish God's will

I don't own a firearm; and I doubt I ever will - 'cause of all things I'll want to do, not one of them is to kill. Persons who've handled firearms however, have told me though that once it is in their possession, they feel a certain power and invincibility. I suppose that is why a precocious boy would have the nerve to walk into someone's home or place of business and make demands - while wielding a loaded threat in his hand. Sadly, there are "Christians" who exhibit a similar trigger happy mentality - all the time "acting on the authority of Scripture," as they intimidate people with the threat of God's impending judgment on sinners.  Well, that's not our mission. "Obedience of faith" does not come from driving fear into people; it comes from an awakening of love.

Instead of trying to "steal" people's right to choose, why not give them something worthwhile to choose instead? Let's point them to our God of love.

To read and/or listen to Romans 1 and to read other related blogs please click here.

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