Romans 10:5-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Anyone Can Be Saved
5 Moses said that a person could become acceptable to God by obeying the Law. He did this when he wrote, "If you want to live, you must do all that the Law commands." 6 But people whose faith makes them acceptable to God will never ask, "Who will go up to heaven to bring Christ down?" 7 Neither will they ask, "Who will go down into the world of the dead to raise him to life?" 8 All who are acceptable because of their faith simply say, "The message is as near as your mouth or your heart." And this is the same message we preach about faith. 9 So you will be saved, if you honestly say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10 God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others. 11 The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved. 14 How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? 15 And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news.
Matthew 14:22-33 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there. 24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. 25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. 26When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming. 27 At once, Jesus said to them, "Don't worry! I am Jesus. Don't be afraid." 28 Peter replied, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come on!" Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. 30 But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, "You surely don't have much faith. Why do you doubt?" 32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "You really are the Son of God!"
