God Releases Power In Gospel. (Christ for the World We Sing)
In his introductory greeting to
the believers in Rome, the apostle
Paul begins his legal brief by
describing the helpless condition
of humanity. A rebellious nature
has led to rejection of the Creator
and worship of the creation.
God in turn has permitted the
sinful nature of human beings
to express the fullness of its
corruption and the whole human
race stands helpless before God.
Truly, all have sinned and
come short of the glory of God.
But the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord!!
Samuel Wolcott wanted to be
missionary in Syria, but after 2 years
there he had to return to America.
While attending a YMCA convention
in Cleveland, he was captivated
by a huge banner with the words:
“Christ for the World and the
World for Christ”. As Wolcott left
the meeting, the words for this
hymn took shape in his mind;
inspired also by Romans 1:16-17.
Wolcott learned that the “world”
for whom Christ died included
not only distant lands like Syria
where he had tried to serve,
but also the poor, the burdened,
the lost, sorrow-worn in needy
places where he ministered.
Lord, we will Share the Gospel:
The gospel promises beforehand
through His prophets… regarding
His Son… who through the Spirit…
was declared to be the Son of God,
by His resurrection from the dead
Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 1:2-4).
I want you to know… that I planned
many times to visit you… So, I am
eager to come to you in Rome too
to preach God’s Good News(v13-15)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel
of Christ, for it is the power of God
to salvation for everyone who
believes… For in it the righteousness
of God is revealed from faith to faith;
as it is written: The just shall
live by faith (Romans 1:16-17).
Heavenly Father, You sent Jesus
into this world so that through Him
we have been declared righteous
and that we can be freed from sin.
Enlarge our appreciation & affection
for Christ Jesus and Your gospel.
Let the good news of righteousness
provided to us in Christ transform
our interactions and expectations.
And work in us Lord through the
good news of Your grace toward
those who yet to know You. Amen.
Lord, we have treasure in Your
gospel which does for us what
we cannot possibly accomplish.
What You Christ has done means
that my sins have been forgiven,
that I’ve right standing with God;
and that God is at work to produce
the righteous life He desires.
Deepen my gratitude to You so that
I live worthy of the gospel. Amen.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the
gospel that enables us to receive
forgiveness & have peace with God.
Help us look at others through
Christ’s eyes; for You seek and
reach out to the spiritually poor.
Help us sow deeds of kindness
and share the gospel to the lost.
Help us live out the message:
Christ for the world we live! Amen.
Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With loving zeal —
The poor and them that mourns,
The faint and over-borne,
Sin-sick and sorrow-worn,
For Christ to heal…
Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With fervent prayer —
The wayward and the lost,
Reclaimed from error’s lot,
Redeemed at countless cost
From dark despair. Amen.