FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 15:24: Whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
God had a special plan for Paul to follow: he was not to preach where any other apostle had ministered. (This is one evidence that Peter had not founded the churches at Rome, or had been to Rome; for this would have prevented Paul from going there.) “From Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum” (Rom. 15:19) covers about 1,400 miles! When you consider the slowness of travel and the dangers involved (2 Cor. 11:26–27), you can appreciate the tremendous achievement of Paul’s missionary ministry. While it is not wrong to enter into another man’s labors (John 4:38), it is also good to have a pioneer ministry and take the Gospel to new territory. Paul cited Isaiah 52:15 as the divine approval for this kind of ministry. Paul’s desire for many years had been to visit Rome and then move on to Spain, but there is no record that he ever did. Tradition says that he did go to Spain, and possibly to Britain, after he was released, but we do not know for certain. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
When you plan your vacation, do you also plan for spiritual opportunities? How many people in your life are unaware that you are a follower of Christ? I have officiated memorial services where several guest were surprised to hear of all the wonderful Christian testimonies, but never knew that until the memorial service.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Delay no longer. Now is the time to tell your world that Jesus saves!
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Lord, give me a deeper desire to reach the spiritually lost, especially with my family and close personal friends. Help me to make this a major priority in my life.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
