Our Mission is Clear
Big Idea
Romans can be dense, but chapters 9–10 provide crisp clarity: salvation is a gift received by faith in Jesus, the Cornerstone—and rescued people join Jesus in rescuing others.
1) The Clear Gift (Romans 9:30–33; 10:1–4)
Paul looks at Israel and the Gentiles and makes a surprising observation: some who weren’t chasing righteousness received it by faith, while many who pursued the law missed the goal because they treated righteousness as something achieved by works (9:30–32).
He isn’t mocking zeal. He mourns: his people have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge (10:2). Zeal without the gospel becomes a treadmill—exhausting but unmoving.
The good news lands with relief: Christ is the end—the goal and fulfillment—of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (10:4). Jesus doesn’t hand us a taller ladder to heaven; he himself is the way and invites our trust.
2) The Clear Foundation (Romans 9:33)
Paul quotes Isaiah’s image of a cornerstone. In the ancient world a single massive stone aligned and bore the weight of the whole structure. Reject it and the building wobbles; trust it and everything lines up.
Jesus is that cornerstone for your life. He sets the lines, carries the load, and gives identity. Miss him and you aren’t skipping a detail—you’re missing the foundation. No wonder people trip in the dark without knowing why.
Heart check: What currently sets the lines of your life—achievements, emotions, culture, or Christ?
3) The Clear Road (Romans 10:5–13)
Pastor Dale told a story about being lost on English roads until a local pastor said, “Ride with me.” Suddenly the destination was certain—not because the traveler got smarter, but because the driver knew the way.
“If you confess with your mouth that ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (10:9)
What this means
- Confess — openly agree with what is true. Christianity isn’t a private vibe; it’s a public loyalty.
- “Jesus is Lord” — weighty for Jew and Gentile. For Israel, Lord echoes God’s covenant name; in Rome’s world, Caesar claimed lordship. Christians confessed that Jesus alone holds ultimate authority.
- Believe in your heart — not mere assent but trust. You take the passenger seat and let Jesus drive. This changes what you love and how you live.
- God raised him — the resurrection is God’s cosmic “Yes” to Jesus: sin paid, death broken, Jesus truly Lord.
The gospel is wonderfully close—“near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (10:8). You don’t ascend or descend to find it. Christ has come down and risen up. Call on him. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (10:13)
4) The Clear Mission (Romans 10:1, 10:11–13)
Rescued people rescue people. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was for his neighbors to be saved—and he acted on it. Many of us feel eager in theory and nervous in practice. The way forward isn’t guilt; it’s small, faithful steps.
Make it practical
Share a one-minute gospel clip
Text or email a clear, short explanation of the gospel with a warm note: “This helped me think—curious what you think.” Brief moments can plant deep seeds.
Share the gospel with your kids weekly
The front line of mission is the living room. Rehearse the good news with story Bibles, songs, memory verses, and real-life conversations.
Turn everyday kindness into gospel conversations
Tell a server or coworker, “We’re about to thank God for our meal—anything I can pray for?” Care genuinely and, when you can, move gently toward Jesus’ story.
Go on a Citylight mission trip
Serve alongside a Citylight Center, share the gospel daily, learn from local leaders, and include a day or two of rest with your family.
Write and send your testimony
In 300–600 words, explain how God drew you to himself and what trusting Jesus has changed. Be clear about the gospel and how someone can respond.
Pray like it matters
Join God’s work through intercession—for your neighborhood, our city, and hard-to-reach places. Prayer isn’t a prelude to mission; it is mission.
“Drop-and-go” gospel tracts
Carry a few well-written tracts. Leave one with a generous tip or on a community board. God loves to use the printed word in surprising ways.
Record one-minute testimonies or apologetics
Use your phone to film short, sincere videos—why you trust Jesus, how you navigate doubt, what the resurrection means. Share with family or friends.
Support evangelists and church planters
Not all of us can go everywhere. All of us can send. Consider monthly support to fuel gospel work through Citylight Centers and partners.
Teach kids and students at Citylight
It’s not childcare; it’s disciple-making. Step into kids, youth, or junior-high ministry and give the gospel to a captive, curious audience.
Join the School of Mission
Four days a week our teams are on the streets serving, praying, and sharing Christ. Come learn by doing.
Citylight Next Steps
- Pray & Go: Ask for boldness; walk your block and pray for homes by name if you can.
- Start the conversation: Use a 60-second bridge to share the gospel with a friend this week.
- Write your 2-minute story: Before Jesus → How He met you → Life with Him now. Keep Jesus central.
- Scripture intake plan: Read Romans 10 daily for a week. Pair it with Psalm 1.
- Invite: Bring someone to a Sunday service and to your Citygroup.
Reflection Questions for Groups & Families
- Where are you tempted to trust your performance instead of Christ?
- What would it look like to make Jesus your alignment point in a specific area this month?
- Whose name grieves you to the point of prayer? What loving risk will you take?
- What would “beautiful feet” look like in your actual routines—home, commute, classroom, gym?
- Who are your three? Write three names. Pray daily. Start a conversation this week.