In this world that we live, like Paul we must not be “ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). Regardless of the ridicule that may be thrown at you in this nation or by the mainstream media, we must not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Why? “For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). Every day that we live, we must be reminded of the urgency and the necessity that we hold fast to this truth. For if we do not, we truly have lost sight of our primary purpose on this earth and have lost sight of our first love.
“This is the most life-transforming truth ever put into men’s hands. If we really understand and respond to these truths in these two verses, time and eternity is totally altered. Now I believe that these two verses form the theme and the thesis for the epistle to the Romans. In brief but glorious and comprehensive terms the epistle is compressed into these basic truths. It is a statement of the gospel of Christ. Paul begins by saying, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,” and then in concise terms expresses it in those two verses.” John McArthur [1]
Love Demands We Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ
If I truly believe and know that the only hope of salvation for everyone upon this earth is accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, then would not love demand I present Christ to them? Can I truly be so uncaring as to not tell them. Oh, but you might say, they will ridicule me and call me names if I tell them. They’ll call me a bigot or accuse me of being a hater; but does that change the fact. Is my love for Christ so easily dissuaded? Or my heart for them. Paul said, “a slave[b] of Christ Jesus,[c] called to be an apostle,[d] set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
Imagine having the cure for cancer; yet, keeping it hidden for fear of someone criticizing you or what people might say. The world is filled with the cancer of sin, we see it all around us. Our nation has “in the name of love” become more divided than ever, condemning the very idea of truth or righteousness. Yet, I hold within me the cure, for Jesus Christ with such grace paid the penalty for all my sin. Because of His grace, the Holy Spirit indwells me with His power and wisdom to spread the gospel. So, if I chose not to? What then for all those around me who are dying?
As Paul Wrote: Romans 1:1-15
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
…. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
10 Reasons Not to Be Ashamed of The Gospel of Christ
- I am His bondservant, His slave. Indebted to God, I stand redeemed only because He paid the price fully for my redemption.
- He called me to be His disciple and His Beloved Child, adopting me into His eternal family. He found me in my filthy rags of sin and clothed me in His royal robes of righteousness. That kind of love and grace compels me to honor Him with all my heart, mind and strength.
- I know He IS the eternal, everlasting creator of the whole universe because scripture reveals Him. All the ancient prophets spoke of Him and gave such details of the birth of Christ that if He were not real, could not have occurred with such accuracy.
- He has revealed Himself through nature and through our will (a subject I will detail further in the next post).
- Through Him I have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives me faith to believe and the power to obey Him. It is His strength that compels me.
- Because of all that He has done, I am indebted not only to Him but also to all I meet. It is my obligation to spread the gospel of Christ to the world, what greater purpose could be mine for remaining here on this earth?
- I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation to all who believe without exception.
- My devotion and love for Him compels me to love the world He was willing to die for.
Furthermore,
- He was willing to endure the shame of a cross, be ridiculed by the world, and endure the fury of God against my sin for me. What is too great for me to endure for Him?
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
10. I owe Him my life, my all. Therefore, whatever the world may say. Regardless of the criticism they launch against me. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
What are you willing to endure for Christ Jesus? Are you willing to say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” Because, He IS the only way of salvation and without Him there is no other way?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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[1] John McArthur https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-08/the-gospel-of-christ, accessed 2/24/2020
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.