No Points Required

No Points Required

Suggested Bible Reading
But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips
and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if
you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the
heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For
there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all
and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved." But how are they to call on one in whom they
have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have
never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And
how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How
beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
-Romans 10:8-15 (NRSV)

Today's Scripture

How are they to call on one in whom they have not
believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have not heard?
And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?
-Romans 10:14 (NRSV)

"THESE flowers will look beautiful on the church altar
tomorrow," I said to the florist who had finished making an arrangement of
red, white, and blue carnations.

"Church? Let me add some ribbon." She wrapped ribbon around
the container and made a bow in the front. Then she added three stars on the
ends of long stems and baby's-breath filler.

"Very pretty!" I said. "How much are the extras?"

"No charge. I'm working to get in." The florist pointed up and
smiled. "Points."

Happy with the flowers, I returned her smile and left. My
happiness evaporated as I thought of her comment, "I'm working to get in."
Though I realized that she was probably half joking, I thought of how many
people feel we can earn points with God or work our way to heaven. But we
are asked simply to believe, to trust that Christ died on the cross for us.
Jesus wants us to be his disciples, telling this Good News to those who
haven't heard it or who don't understand it. Wow, did I miss an opportunity
to share the joy of knowing that salvation is a gift!

Deb Vellines (Illinois, USA)

Prayer
Loving God, help us to see our opportunities, and give us the
words to proclaim your good news. Amen.
Thought for the Day

We are saved by faith, not by works.

Prayer Focus

To recognize opportunities to proclaim our faith

The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION
of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.