Are We Ashamed Of The Gospel?

Daily Bread

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From Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians we read,

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

The heart of the apostle Paul was for the proclamation of the “gospel.” He was bold in taking the saving message of Christ to every soul that he possibly could. There were no trains, planes, or cars in his day, no super highways by which to travel easily from one place to another, but that did not stop Paul from carrying “the gospel” message from Jerusalem to Rome.

In his journey from one province to another, he faithfully preached Christ, “to the Jew” and also “to the Greek” (Gentiles). And he was not ashamed of this gospel message. In fact, he suffered greatly at many of his stops. He was imprisoned in Phillippi (Acts 16), chased out of Thessalonica (Acts 17), smuggled out of Berea (Acts 17), mocked in Athens (Acts 17), considered a fool in Corinth (I Corinthians 1), and stoned in Lystra (Acts 14).

What was it that drove this converted Jew to preach so boldly and, in the process, suffer such persecution? Paul knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ was “the power of God for salvation” (Ro 1:16). He knew that this One, whom he proclaimed, was the only name given under heaven by which men could be saved from the wrath to come (Acts 4:12). Paul believed this message was vital to the “salvation” of men’s souls, that it was “the power (a word from which we get our English word dynamite) of God for salvation,” and he fervently preached it wherever and whenever he could.

Question:

How about you and me? Do we believe as the Apostle Paul believed? Do we believe that “the gospel . . . is the power of God for salvation?” Do we grasp the message that unless a person realizes their sin and repents and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that they will suffer the wrath of God? Paul understood this . . . do we?

Paul did not let anything intimidate him. Whether it was a crowd of common people, or a magistrate or governor, or a Roman guard, Paul was not ashamed and he was always ready to share the “dynamite” message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The word “ashamed” in the English means, “unwilling or restrained because of fear of shame, ridicule, or disapproval.” Could it be that you and I are “ashamed” of the gospel of Christ? Could it be that we restrain from proclaiming God’s gospel because we fear shame or ridicule, or disapproval? Because of these concerns, do we hold back from proclaiming the message of salvation in Christ?

Ask God…

to give me ears to hear,
understanding of how vital this message is that He has given us,
strength and opportunity to proclaim His gospel, and boldness and faithfulness to as the apostle Paul.

I think we need to think about this as we read this text and always ask ourselves, “Are we ashamed of the gospel?”

As you walk with the Lord, realize that He is telling you in Romans 1:16 that in His gospel message there is great power. His gospel is the power to take a soul from condemnation to salvation. Then ask yourself if you are willing to share His message.

Read: What is The Fellowship of the Unashamed? If you don’t know this poem, you need to read it today. Let it direct your heart and commit your mind to faithful fellowship with the One who is your everything.

Be Ready Always...

to give a reason for the Hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15). When you can’t share the gospel with your words, share it by leaving tracts that tell people about God's grace.

When leaving a tract, always be diligent to pray for the short gospel message. Pray that it be found by someone who is in need of Jesus’ saving grace, and pray that the person will have a tender heart and open ears to receive the gift Jesus desires to give them.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, even a small tract can help in turning a broken, sinful person from darkness to light.

CLICK IMAGE TO READ the answer to the question Jesus asks.

CLICK IMAGE TO READ about how we can know Jesus loves us.

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.