In the beginning of chapter 10, Paul reminded us that God is clear on process of salvation. It is a free gift that does not involve any work. (How's that for a reminder on Labor Day?!)

At the end of chapter 10, Paul turns the focus to the importance of sharing message of God's gospel--His plan for righteousness. That is the "good news" of our salvation by faith in Jesus.

But if people are going to respond to God's call to righteousness, they must first be told about Jesus so they can believe.

V. 14 "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"

Click below to listen to the full study from Romans 10:14-21

While God has revealed His general existence and divine nature in the natural world (Romans 1:20), the specific plan for salvation and redemption through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is a story that needs to be shared so others can believe.

V. 17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

We saw in the book of Acts (1:8) that the believers received the Holy Spirit and were called to "BE" witnesses for Christ. We also trust that the word of God does not return empty. (Isaiah 55:11) When we share the gospel that has the power to save, we trust that it is working. We may not see fruit immediately, but it's like the rain that falls and yields crops that are then harvested into bread. (It takes a full season.)

We also examined how Jesus himself is the Word (Logos) of God. (John 1:1, 14). So as witnesses, we are called to share the scriptures about Christ and salvation, but we are also to share Christ himself. We do that by loving others, serving others, and sacrificing ourselves for others. (Download the full study from Romans 10:14-21 from our Message Archives

This week, we will begin chapter 11 as we see how even though many have rejected God, he always has a faithful remnant that can do mighty things. We'll also see a glimpse of the promise of immeasurable blessing that is to come once Israel finally accepts their Messiah.