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The Power of the Gospel Today's Devotional Read: Romans 1:1–7, 14–17 Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33 I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. Romans 1:15 Ancient Rome had its own version of “the gospel”—the good news. According to the poet Virgil, Zeus, king of the gods, had decreed for the Romans a kingdom without end or boundaries. The gods had chosen Augustus as divine and savior of the world by ushering in a golden age of peace and prosperity. This, however, wasn’t everyone’s idea of good news. For many it was an unwelcome reality enforced by the heavy hand of the emperor’s army and executioners. The glory of the empire was built on the backs of enslaved people who served without legal personhood or property at the pleasure of masters who ruled over them. This was the world in which Paul introduced himself as a servant of Christ (Romans 1:1). Jesus—how Paul had once hated that name. And how Jesus Himself had suffered for admitting to being the king of the Jews and Savior of the world. This was the good news Paul would explain in the rest of his letter to the Romans. This gospel was “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16). Oh, how it was needed by those who suffered under Caesar! Here was the news of a crucified and resurrected Savior—the liberator who conquered His enemies by showing how much He loved them. As you read Paul’s opening words to the Romans, what phrases describe the good news to you? (1:1–7). Why would Paul, who had once hated Jesus so much, now want everyone to believe in Him? (Acts 26). Loving God, thank You for the good news. Give me the boldness to share the gospel with those around me. 
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Paul realized and accepted the reality of Jesus as the Savior and that changed him, giving him love for others like he had never known. It is still happening today. BTW, a blog doesn't show up on the blog page until there is a comment written on it. It is often my comment that makes it visible to others, but I may not always be around every day to do it. If, after you post the blog, you simply make a comment.... even one word, like Amen, or some statement, it moves the blog onto the page of blogs to make it visible. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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