Romans 8:28

The New King James Version of the Bible records Paul's statement this way-

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I have remembered that verse all of my life. I have believed it and shared it with others. I have lived it all of my life. Over the past 6 months, it has been ever-present in my life. As I have mentioned in previous post I have been going through a health issue. Nothing that was life threatening, but one that can have real affects if not dealt with acordingly. For that reason there have been tests, medications and finally an implant in order for my heart to function as required.

There is an irony in all of this in that I was and still am asymptomatic. I have had none nor do I have now any symptoms of this condition. So when Paul writes and I read ...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Well, I can say Amen to that because yesterday I was released by my Doctor. I can now return to doing the thngs I need and want to do. OK, I can't swing a golf club yet, but I can working on my putting and chiping. He agreed I can start to swing just before a golf event in April, praise the Lord. It is a team event so maybe I will be so good I become the designated guy for the chips and putts.

I share this because it illustrates that we all have things going on in our lives. Things come into our lives, and they are not always as good as we consider good. So this has happened in my life. I didn't like it, but early on I recognized God was using this to maybe give me more time to be a witness for Jesus Christ. There are certainly other things I will experience but living a life that magnifies the Lord is the most important for any of us.

You know if have followed me for very long that even though I retired 5 years ago I have remained active as an Interim Pastor. I am currently at San Antonio Community Church in San Antonio, FL and I mention that only because you might think we were in Texas. Great state but we only have a 15 minute drive each way so it is nice to always be home.

So as God directs and provides for me to serve Him, I am going to be obedient and do so. This week Sunday is March 16th. I have seen encouragements for pastors to preach a message around John 3:16. So I have embraced that idea and we are having a message this week entitled “Whoever Believes” on “3:16 on 3/16 Sunday”. I have encouraged the church to invite those they may know who might not yet have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I am even providing a way for those who do know Him already to share the gospel.

Romans 8:28 was a verse I learned at a very young age. I have always embraced and believed in it as a guide in life. Although not until the past 6 months have I found it to so much a part of my life. For that I am thankful to my Lord and Savior.

I trust that today you know Him, but if you don’t here are some verses of a scripture you will want to read and learn how and why you should accept God’s free gift of eternal life. Whoever Believes will be saved-

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” 

Romans 6:23a, “For the wages of sin is death.”

Romans 6:23b, “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:13, “for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

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 powers, 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.”

So admit you are a sinner. Believe in Jesus Christ. Confess you are a sinner and you shall be saved. Remember what you read a moment ago?

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

In 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul said-

2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

So today is the day, and when you make that decision today would you please let us know? Use the website and the Connect button to let us know of your decision. We want to rejoice with you and encourage you as you begin a new life in Christ Jesus.

In God’s Grace,

Elbert Nasworthy