Romanizing Moments

 

The book of Roman is a masterfully written exposition on grace. I believe this letter to the believers in Rome has changed our hearts of everyone in the class as we read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Paul wrote this letter to these Christians to explain about the grace of God. What Paul taught was beyond previous comprehension and understanding. Being a student of this letter has brought me into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I am truly encouraged by Paul’s desire, passion and obligation to preach the gospel. Paul desired to preach the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation and God’s righteousness is revealed. It reinforced what Christ has done for me; out of gratitude I share the gospel. In this regards, I am propelled, empowered to share with the least difficulties and even with joy and expectation. As it was God’s given opportunity, a Young Adult leader asked if I could mentor someone from the air force. It was a challenge as the mentee is currently on a two-year detachment in USA, and the only chat means with immediate response was Whatsapp. From the first chat, I sensed the air of loneliness, discouragement, and backsliding; a silent cry for help. The Lord guided me wonderfully, enabling me to respond gently and work through the concerns together. Coming previously from a similar background, I understood his frustrations and was prompted to make an encouragement card with his name cradled by two hands and a bible verse, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6 (NIV). Though having a hard time in the Detachment he sent me this in the chat, “Haven’t been doing well for the past two week. But I saw a silver lining after praying to God. Hope it continues to stay... =)”. What a change from our first chat together! Praise the Lord!

 

          

My heart overflows with love and gratitude when I contemplate the marvelous grace of our loving heavenly Father. The book of Romans deeply impressed me with the truth that my good standing before God is not a reason for self-righteous boasting; rather, it is a reason for raising my voice in praise to God; for it is the result of His wonderful grace, and not our own goodness. I learned about sin, righteousness and sanctification and glorification through the book of Romans. God allowed me to open my heart by his word. Romans 8:35, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”  taught me the love of God and no one can separate me from his love because Jesus died for us. While there exist a sinful nature in me but I thank God for an opportunity to return to Him. I want to know more about Jesus and grow more like him. No matter the sufferings, I want obey my God and his word because God has great plans for me, better than I can ever plan for.

 

 

Romans 12:9-13 did wonders in amplifying the love without action is not love.  As believers, we are given the power to love and worship God with pure hearts and without limits.  As I reflect on the interactions in various groups of the class, I daresay I am truly blessed by the team spirit and the willingness to share though our lecturer Rev Casey did comment that we were very subdued at lunches as compared to his previous classes. We probably had a different dimension to eating but we were sure LOUD during the presentations! For a start, our group had a ‘together’ focus; to complete the module together with the best of our abilities. It developed cohesion within the group bringing about an un-coerced element of love, understanding, tolerance and acceptance. Though we started slow, the group continued gelling together with a wonderful team spirit in God’s timing. Practical Christianity comes down to very basic principles of living. I am reminded to be willing to place Jesus Christ as Lord over my life, and I must endeavor to be eager to share my life with the needs, hurts, and joys of others

 

 

Being a practical person, I found the reflection sessions useful and encouraging to me as the study on Romans did get profound at some occasions. I am thankful to everyone for being honest in their sharing. I didn’t expect our lecturer Rev Casey to share a testimony which probably was his and Sis Davina’s most painful yet defining moment in their lives. It left a lasting impression and reminded me that God is never far even in my darkest moment. It encouraged me that my every testimony, big or small, on how the goodness of God has changed my life can be used mightily according to his purposes to those who are still in darkness, unbelief, and rebellion. It reminds me that they are not for my safekeeping but an extension to the whole community. There is an old riddle that asks, "If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Personal experience logically establishes that the tree made a sound when it fell, whether anyone desires to hear it or not. The choice is ours to share. I am truly honored to be a part of God’s Kingdom and His evangelistic team, and will forever treasure these moments in my heart.

 

 

Blessings....