The Roman’s Road

I have always liked history.  It was one of my favorite classes in school.  It is fascinating to learn about how people from other times lived.  Take the Romans for example.  It is simply amazing that the roads the ancient Romans built are still there today!  It is an incredible feat of craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.  The ancient Romans were a people of skill and brutality.  They helped advance Western Civilization, and many of the things we know and enjoy today were because of the Romans.  The Romans also took thick metal spikes and drove them through the hands and feet of Jesus when they nailed him to a gnarly wooden cross.  Like I said, skilled and brutal.

I know many of you might not ever step foot in a church on Sunday.  That’s okay, I get it!  Church can be weird and uncomfortable for people.  I know.  You would have never found me in church before I knew Christ!  Ever since I came to Jesus, He has always used me outside the church walls, so let me take you to church today…ancient style!  Let’s do it like Jesus did chillin’ outside in the fresh air where the people were at.

I’d like you to walk with me down the Roman’s Road today.  No, not the ancient stone road you see above.  The road I’m talking about is a spiritual one.  It doesn’t lead to what was once ancient Rome or Gual or anywhere else their beautiful roads carried travelers.  Even better!  It leads you to Heaven!

The Apostle Paul bravely proclaimed the Gospel in Rome.  His letter to the believers in Rome can be found in the Book of Romans in the Holy Bible.  Within the divinely inspired pages of that letter, Paul clearly defines who needs to be saved, why we need to be saved, how we can get saved, how we receive that gift of salvation, and what the end result is.  Saved from what?  From sin and our approaching deaths, that’s what!

Let’s take that walk shall we?

Who needs to be saved?  Well, all of us do!

Romans 3:10-11

“As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”

Romans 3:23

“..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Why do we need to be saved?

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death..”

How did God save us?

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

How do we receive this gift of salvation?

Romans 10:9-10

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

verses 11-13

“As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 6:23 (full verse)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What is the end result of this gift of salvation?

Romans 5:1-2

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

Romans 8:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That’s it, we’re here!  I love the Roman’s Road.  It is strong and it has stood the test of time!  Even after all this time following Jesus, I still enjoy walking through those verses and soaking in all the wisdom they offer!

Did you like outside church today?  Those verses sting a bit, don’t they?  They are supposed to.  God’s Word is living and active, and He is leading you toward repentance.  Better the sting of God’s Word now, then the sting of eternity without Him!

I pray you take heed of those words today.  Walk the road again if you need to.  Open your heart to God.  He will take you by the hand and lead you gently down the road…all the way to Heaven.

If anyone would like to pray to receive that free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, or you have any questions, or need prayer, please don’t hesitate to contact me!  If you are in the Denver area, I will baptize you myself if you would like!

Take a look at that ancient road of wisdom again, and let it lead you home!

Grace and Peace to you all!