There is a trend in advertising . . . especially demonstrated during TV infomercials . . . where a product is promoted with the tagline: “But wait — there’s MORE!” You know the drill. Not only does the Sham Wow dry your car after washing it, but it also makes great Julienne Fries!
Does anyone actually buy these products? And if they do, can these products ever really deliver on their promise of MORE?
I want to contrast products now with people. While most of my life I have been disappointed with the diminishing returns of products, I have equally been encouraged with the increasing fruits found in relationships with people.
Take my wife for example. We have been married for over 20 years. We have been friends for 30 years. In that time, I can honestly say that I am blown away by how I continue to know her MORE, and love her MORE. While infomercials promise MORE and deliver less, relationships (like a marriage) can actually provide increasing returns when a husband and wife continue to lean in and love each other.
As Paul ends his great letter to the Romans, he summarizes his epistle with a reminder about the greatness of the Gospel. In fact, it is as if he says, “The Gospel provide salvation to those who believe. But wait . . . there’s MORE! The Gospel also is able to strengthen and establish those who believe throughout their lives as well!”
Now for some who hear this claim for MORE, they will roll their eyes in disbelief. Years of products that have over promised and under delivered have taught us to be skeptical of such claims. But here is the deal. The Gospel is not a product. It is tied to a Person, Jesus Christ, who is always leaning in, always loving, always pursuing us – even while we are still sinners.
Paul ends his letter calling us to praise God for the provision of the full Gospel. Sunday at Wildwood, we will look at this conclusion in Romans 16:25-27 as we wrap up our “Co:Mission” series in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 worship services. We will also be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together as we conclude our study through the book of Romans. See you there!