This week's suggested reading - Romans 8

Project Ezra
Suggested reading for week of January 16th
Romans 8

This week’s Project Ezra suggested reading is Romans 8. This could be a very interesting week for sharing the gospel due to the recent tragedy in Haiti. Needless to say we should all be in prayer for those in Haiti and the many involved in missions of mercy to that devastated country. But, as stated in what is probably the best known verse in this chapter, all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. The earthquake also means more people, both here and there, will likely be thinking about what happens when they die, and why God allows pain and suffering. Both subjects are dealt with in this chapter. A few key points to consider in your gospel presentation this week might be:

Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit rather than on the things of the flesh

The bondage and corruption of the present world, caused by sin and resulting in pain, suffering, and death

The Spirit interceding for us according to the will of God

Jesus Christ sitting down at the right hand of God as out intercessor

No earthly or heavenly thing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus

There are many more gospel opportunities in this chapter, so I would encourage you to spend some time in the chapter, and in prayer, prior to going out. Additionally, although the earthquake is Haiti provides an excellent opportunity for us to transition from the natural to the spiritual, we must do so with care. Remember that the death toll on the news is more than just numbers, it’s people. It represents souls that have passed on into eternity, into heaven or hell, and we need to be sure we don’t appear to have a cavalier attitude toward those deaths. Think about that fact that is not only possible, but very likely, that at least one of the people who hears the word of God through Project Ezra this weekend will not see next weekend. So pray for boldness and humility, for the empowering of the Spirit, and plead with people to repent and trust in Christ while there is still time.

All for His glory!

Dan