Romans 1:16-17

16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.

Paul's purpose statement...his life statement can be found here. This is a powerful statement that should not be ignored! This speaks loudly to the authority, importance, purpose, and power of the Word of God!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel..."

Paul was not embarrassed by the Gospel of Christ. He did not feel like he had to hide it or lie about it. Here is the reason why:

"...because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."

Power - Greek word Dunamis - Power, especially inherent (existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute) power. All the words derived that are derived from the base, Duna, have the basic meaning which stresses the factuality of the ability to do something.

The Gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation. Inherent in the gospel of Christ, is the power by which God saves sinners. Inherent in the message, is the power to save. It is the only message, written or verbal, in all time that can claim this power. This is the message of life for all who will hear and receive it. Everyone who receives salvation (Greek - Soteria; to save, deliverance, preservation), does so through the power of the gospel. I once asked the question if man could get saved without ever hearing the word of God, the gospel message. I questioned this from Romans 10:17 that said that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Connecting that to this passage, I believe that it is impossible for man to get saved without hearing the gospel message. They are condemned already because of their sin and because creation clearly reveals the presence of God. Yet, without hearing the message, they cannot be saved.

The reason that this is the power of God for salvation is because in it, the righteousness (Greek - Dikaiosune; justice or righteousness. God's uprightness or standard to which man is expected to conform.) of God is revealed (Literally to remove a veil or covering to reveal something that was hidden) from faith to faith.

What does this phrase "...from faith to faith" mean? I believe it to mean that from saving faith to obedient faith in Christian living. He follows this statement up with the quotation from Habakkuk 2:4 - "But the righteous man shall live by faith." Once we have accepted the gift of salvation by faith (which God gives to us), we are then to live the remainder of our lives by faith (which God gives to us) in obedience to Him. The gospel of Christ is the power of God to accomplish both of these things. Righteousness comes by faith and leads to great faith and obedience in Christ.

God, how little I value Your Word. How little I cherish it! It is the power by which man is given Your gift of salvation and I choose XBOX, netflix, movies, novels, food, and sleep before it. Nothing else I own has such power, authority, and purpose. Forgive me for choosing meaningless,powerless,purposeless things over Your precious word!

Ancient Word

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

CHORUS x4

We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.