Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

FRIDAY JULY 17


TEARS OF A TEEN

READ:
ROMANS 9:2
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I have great sorrow
and continual grief
in my heart.
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As I sat with four teenagers and a 20-something homeless man at a soup kitchen in Alaska, I was touched by the teens' compassion for him. They listened as he talked about what he believed and then they gently presented the gospel to him__lovingly offering him hope in Jesus. Sadly, the man refused to seriously consider the gospel.

As we were leaving, one of the girls, Grace, expressed through her tears how much she didn't want the man to die without knowing Jesus. From the heart, she grieved for this young man who, at least at this point, was rejecting the love of the Savior.

The tears of this teen remind me of the apostle Paul who served the Lord humbly and had great sorrow in his heart for his countrymen, desiring that they trust in Christ (ROM. (:1-5). Paul's compassion and concern must have brought him to tears on many occasions.

If we care enough for others who have not yet accepted God's gift of forgiveness through Christ, we will find ways to share with them. With the confidence of our own faith and with tears of compassion, let's take the good news to those who need to know the Savior. __Dave Branon

**Is there someone you need to talk to about Jesus today?
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Sharing the gospel is one person telling another good news.

*************************Today's Bible Reading __ Romans (:1-5*********************
1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience
also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have
great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I
could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for
my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who
are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the
covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the
promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according
to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed
God. Amen.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The book of Romans is unique in Paul's New
Testament writings. While the rest of his letters are to those
with whom he had an existing relationship (either individuals or
churches), Romans is written to a group of people that Paul has
not yet met. This may explain some of the deep theological themes
that he covers. Although Paul was hoping to visit the Christians
in Rome in person, one of the reasons he wrote this letter was to
ensure they had a solid foundation of belief.