The Romans Road

Over the past few weeks, we have been looking at what a disciple of Jesus really is. Now I know that many of those who receive these posts are already born-again of His Spirit. But there may be others who are not and who are now asking: "How do I become a disciple of Jesus - knowing that I may enjoy His presence; be able to share everything with Him; and trust Him, implicitly, in every situation?" That is the question with which I will deal in this post.

First of all, however, let me state that what follows is not something that I have "produced" myself. Indeed, I do not even know who first formulated it! However, it is based on Paul's letter to the early disciples of Jesus in Rome and, as such, has become known as "The Romans Road". Interestingly, during the week, I watched a video on YouTube on how the Romans constructed roads, many of which have survived until today. It is very brief, and may be worth watching at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1aFWtBXHII (you may have to "copy and paste"!). Regardless of that, I trust that the following will help - even if it is just one person!

The Romans Road - a well-engineered path to Salvation.

Although many people believe that they will go to heaven because of the 'good' things that they have done - living a good life; doing charity work; having been baptised (christened) as an infant; attended a worship service regularly; treated others fairly; or given financial support to "good works"; the Bible makes it perfectly clear that none of us is able to live up to the standards of righteousness that Almighty God has set. That means that we need a way to God that doesn't rely on anything that we may do, but on the gift of His grace alone. The Romans Road provides what we may refer to as a 'map' for our salvation, and eternal fellowship with Father God. There are seven steps:

1. You must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, and accept your humble position in His created order and purpose. "Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honour Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened." (1:20-21; see also Gen.1:1).

2. You must realise that you are a sinner, who needs forgiveness. Not one of us is worthy under God's standards. "For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (3:22-23; see also Gen.3:1-13).

3. Father God has provided the way by which we may receive that forgiveness. He showed us His love by coming into this world, in the Persona* of the Son Who became sin for us, and Who paid the penalty for your sins, and mine by dying on the cross for us - the perfect sacrifice. "But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." (5:8; see also Gen.3:14-15).

4. If we remain as sinners, we shall die - eternally. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept that salvation that was gained for us, at such great cost, at Calvary, acknowledging the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we shall have eternal life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (6:23; see also Isaiah 59:2; John 3:16-18, 36).

5. You must share that Jesus, the Christ, is your Lord and Saviour, believing in your heart that the Father raised Him from the dead, and that you are truly saved in Him. "... if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved." (10:9-11; see also Ephesians 2:8-9).

6. That's just about it! There are no religious formulae or rituals. You simply, and sincerely, call upon His name, and you shall be saved! "For, «every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.»" (10:13; see also Acts 16:30-31; John 17:3). 

7. Determine, in your own heart, to make Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of your life - today, and every day. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory for ever." (11:36; see also Acts 1:8). 

Well, that's the road - but are you ready to start walking on it, accepting God's Gift of salvation? If so, may I welcome you to the most wonderful family on earth! Oh, it's not perfect! I know that only too well - and I know that I am a part of the imperfection. But I would rather be a part of that family - which is the very Body of the Christ, on earth - than of any other group of people.

Finally, our good works do not save us - but once saved, there are certain things that we should do! 

• Tell someone else about your new-found faith in the Lord Jesus.
• Be baptised, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - as commanded by the Lord Jesus. (Matt.28:19)
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a very long period of time. Just develop the daily habit (without it becoming no more than a habit!) of praying, and reading God's Word. There are many useful books that will help you to structure your Bible reading in a helpful manner.  
• Find a Fellowship where the Bible is faithfully preached, and attend the worship services - developing a group of believing friends who will support you, and help you with questions you may have. 
• Support your Fellowship, and other Christian ministries, by your tithe and offerings.

If I can be of any personal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the e-mail address in the heading. May God bless you in your new life.

* This word, and many others, are explained fully in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith." There is a link to the site at which it may be purchased, at the top of the page. ALL royalties go directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

Tee-shirts, and answers!

We (my wife and I) are now back in Scotland for just under two weeks, in order to spend some time with our family, and to meet up with as many friends as we can fit into the time available. On the ferry from Dunkerque to Dover I noticed a gentleman of mature years wearing a tee-shirt on which was emblazoned the statement "I am liable, at any moment, to break into a conversation about motorbikes." The words may not be totally verbatim - but the message was clear. This was a man who is passionate about motorbikes!

I found myself thinking, first of all, of the reaction of different people to his tee-shirt slogan. There would be those who, like himself, are motorbike enthusiasts. I can imagine that they would be delighted to enter into conversation with him - sharing their own knowledge and experiences, and listening to his. A second group might have a mild interest in motorbikes, and they would undoubtedly have questions that they would wish to ask of someone so obviously involved in the world of biking. A third group, I suspect, would run a mile just to get away from this obvious motorbike fanatic/extremist!

Then I had a further thought! What if those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus were to wear tee-shirts that proclaimed: "I am liable, at any moment, to break into a conversation about Jesus" - or words to that effect? The probability is that we would be faced with similar responses. There would be those who are fellow-disciples, and who would be delighted to have a chat with us, sharing our common experience of the way in which the Lord has worked - and continues to work - in our lives. There might be some who have been wondering about the Christian faith, and who would be glad to have the opportunity to speak with us, and ask some questions. There would certainly be those who would run a mile to get away from such "religious extremist Bible-bashers"! There would also be those, I regret to have to say, who would ridicule us, or even attack us, because of our stand for Jesus.

However, we would certainly have made clear that we are "... not ashamed of the gospel:[knowing that] it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, ..." (Rom.1:16). Of course, we would also have to ensure that we are "... prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, ..." (I Peter 3:15).

And now, the answers to the Pentecost quiz:

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (a)
4. (c)
5. (c)
6. (b)
7. (a)
8. (a)
9. (c)
10. (a)

I hope that you did well!

Being a witness!

I have just been reading about a large law office in which someone was enjoying a birthday anniversary celebration. As the cake was brought into the room, everyone sang a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

At the end of the song, the woman leading the celebration said, “Now, let’s sing the second verse,” and proceeded to lead everyone in “How old are you …” And everyone laughed when the woman whose birthday anniversary it was declined to reveal her age. Then the leader suggested singing the third verse and began to sing, “May God bless you.” Politely, a co-worker interrupted and objected: “I thought we’re not supposed to bring religion into the workplace,” he said.

The leader quickly responded, “Actually, religion comes in when I do!”

How simple, and yet how profound, was that answer! Regardless of how people may talk about the division between sacred and secular; religious and humanist; even the separation of church and state; the fact is that God can never be removed or legislated away - He is present everywhere, and He enters specifically through the lives of those who trust Him.

Have you ever thought of the countless discussions there are about how Christians can make a difference in the world, sharing the gospel and witnessing to their friends and neighbours. The truth is that the most effective witness is Christians - disciples of Jesus -, like that woman, living for the Christ wherever they are, and then gently and lovingly telling of their faith when the opportunity arises.  It's called "witnessing" and is what every disciple of Jesus is called to do!   

Remember Jesus' final words to His disciples as He returned to the Father?  "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."? (Acts 1:8).  That same Holy Spirit power is available to you and to me.  That same command is to us, also!

What about you and your office, store, factory, classroom, warehouse, restaurant -wherever you work? Does God come in when you do? Has God made a difference in your life that others can see? What do your co-workers know about God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, because of the way you live?