Reflecting on my conversation this morning with a good friend, I thought he would read a little of Paul's letter to the Romans - starting at the beginning.
Romans 1:1-7 NIV
[1] "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--- [2] the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures [3] regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, [4] and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. [5] Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. [6] And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
[7] "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul was called into service of Jesus, to spread the gospel (Good News) about Him, and to call all others into relationship with Him. The focus, impetus, action and direction is always towards Christ Jesus. Although this is a call to service, and became his life's work, it is all about an individual, namely Jesus. Being about an individual should drive us to a conclusion, that it is ultimately about a relationship. The highest form of interaction with anyone is a relationship. This is what we are called to, and what we are called to invite others to as well. We are to invite others to join us, as fellow members, not coming underneath us, but alongside us as brothers and sisters, in relationship with our Lord Jesus. I like the way the Living Bible translates verse 5: "And now, through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us undeserving sinners; and now he (Christ Jesus) is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done for them, so that they, too, will believe and obey him (Christ Jesus)."
It really is all about Jesus!
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