When In Romans | Week 17 | Our Great Mission | Pastor John Decker
John Decker   -  

Summary
In this sermon, we delve into the heart of the Apostle Paul as he expresses his deep longing for the salvation of his fellow Jews in Romans chapter 10. Paul’s passion for people to know Christ is evident as he emphasizes the simplicity yet profoundness of believing in Jesus for salvation. The message also touches on the importance of sharing the gospel, as faith comes from hearing the message of Christ. Furthermore, the sermon highlights the urgency of our mission to tell others about Jesus, drawing inspiration from the life of Oskar Schindler and his regret of not saving more lives. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to pray, share, and go, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on the message we’ve heard, we ask for Your Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. May we be open to the lessons You have for us and the ways You are calling us to act. Help us to understand the urgency of sharing Your love and the message of salvation with those around us. May our discussion be fruitful and draw us closer to Your heart for the lost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this week?

Key Verses
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) – “If you declare 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 profess your faith and are saved.”

Romans 10:14 (NIV) – “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

Questions
1. What does it mean to you personally to believe in Jesus Christ?
2. How can we, as individuals and as a church, develop a passion for sharing the gospel like the Apostle Paul?
3. What are some practical ways we can share our faith with others in our daily lives?
4. How does the story of Oskar Schindler challenge you in your approach to evangelism?
5. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the simplicity of the message of salvation?
6. How can we overcome the fear or hesitation we might feel when it comes to sharing our faith?
7. What role does prayer play in our mission to share the gospel?
8. How can we support and encourage one another in our efforts to spread the good news?

Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to share your faith with at least one person. It could be through a conversation, an act of kindness, or by inviting them to church. Remember, it’s not about converting someone but about planting seeds of faith and trusting God to do the rest.

Key Takeaways
Title: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
The sermon reminds us that time is of the essence when it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Just as Oskar Schindler regretted not saving more lives, we too have a limited time to share the message of salvation with those around us. Let this urgency move us to action.

Title: Faith Comes from Hearing
The importance of proclaiming the gospel is clear; faith cannot occur in a vacuum. People need to hear the message of Christ to believe. Our role is to be the messengers, faithfully sharing the gospel and trusting God to open hearts.

Title: Salvation is Simple, Yet Profound
The message of salvation is straightforward: believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. This simplicity is profound because it makes salvation accessible to all. Embrace this truth and share it with clarity and conviction.

Title: Everyone Can Share the Gospel
You don’t need to be a pastor or a missionary to share the good news. Every believer is called to be a witness for Christ. Whether through words or actions, we all have the opportunity to make an eternal impact in the lives of others.

Ending Prayer
Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the powerful message of salvation that has been entrusted to us. May we carry the passion of Paul in our hearts as we go out into the world this week. Help us to be bold in sharing Your love and grace with those we encounter. May our conversations and actions reflect the hope we have in You. We pray for the seeds that will be planted and for the lives that will be touched by Your Spirit through our witness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.