Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul declared the powerful statement “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Are you able to say the same?

Quiet Faith

Romans 1:16 says,

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Romans 1:16

I’m sure you’ve heard one or more of the following:

“How arrogant to think there is only one way to God!”

“All paths lead to the same destination.”

“The church is filled with self-righteous hypocrites.”

“I’m a good person.”

“Who do you think you are?”

You can probably think of many other accusations and insults that have tempted you to be ashamed of the gospel—at least to keep quiet about your faith.

All About God’s Character

The thing is, as Christians, the longer we walk with the Lord, the more we realize we have nothing to be self-righteous about. It really is all about God’s character, His grace. We can actually say to those who raise objections, “You’re right. I am no better than you are.”

We must live humbly, openly, and honestly before others. From many people’s perspective, vulnerability earns us the right to speak even if they disagree with what we have to say.

Salvation Is For Everyone!

And let’s consider the last part of Romans 1:16. It says, “It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

It is almost impossible for us to determine who will and who won’t accept the gospel message. In fact, it’s often the people we consider the least likely candidates who come to saving faith. After all, Jesus held up tax collectors, who were often corrupt and always despised, and prostitutes as good examples. They recognized they had a spiritual need and accepted Jesus’ message even though the religious elite did not.

Nothing Is Too Difficult For God

I didn’t have trouble with these particular groups of people, but years ago I wondered how one could ever get through to those motivated by hatred.

How could neo-Nazis and other white supremacists be convinced their worldview was wrong?

And then I heard the testimony of a young man who was third generation Nazi who had come to saving faith. It blew me away and confirmed what I knew theoretically: Nothing is too difficult for God.

And more recently I met Michael Bull Roberts, a former white supremacist and gang member, a big man covered in tattoos, including those on his head and face. Yes, to many he may look scary . . . that is until he smiles and enfolds you in a big bear hug.

Sure, like the rest of us, Mike is still a work-in-progress, but God is doing some amazing things in and through him. Last summer he had the opportunity to visit Europe. He stood in a death camp and came face to face with the lies he had once embraced. And this year? Well, he is currently on his way home from a missions trip to Africa, where he ministered to many, including women and children he once would have despised.

Jesus Paid The Price

What if those who shared Christ’s message with Mike hadn’t done so? How many hundreds, likely thousands, of lives would not have been touched by this life transformed?  And this is just one such individual.

We must teach our children the basics of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, came to Earth to fulfill all that was needed to secure our salvation. He lived a sinless life and yet He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified to pay the price for our sin. Death was not the end and on the third day He rose again. In this way He attained victory over both sin and death. When we respond to His call, confess our sin, and ask Jesus to be our Saviour, we can rest assured that He will grant us eternal life—not because we earned it but because He loves us that much.

Not Ashamed To Share The Good News

As I was re-reading these foundational truths, it struck me afresh that one of the reasons He saves us is so we will share the good news with others.

Jude 1:20-23 says,

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

We must not be embarrassed or ashamed to share the gospel, and by our example, our children can learn that they, too, can depend on God for strength to do the same.

What do you think the gospel is? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.