Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

JESUS

August 20, 2009

Turning to the Letter to the Romans, it's obvious in just a moment, it's all about Jesus.

Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to faith and obedience for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

-Romans 1:5-7 TNIV

Apart from Jesus, of course, there never would be this famous Letter to the Romans. Even in his greeting, Paul moves into profound, foundational theology: first, he issues a call to faith in Christ and obedience to him. Second, a reminder of the grace showered on them, and third, he once again prays the blessing on them: "grace and peace to you." This is only in his greeting! Yet each of these three assertions inseparably links to Jesus Christ.

To be a Christian is to be a Christ-follower, is to be non-negotiably focused on Christ--Christ-centered. No matter how you cut it, it's about Jesus. So...the grace of peace of Jesus Christ be with you.
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson