No Apologies
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'” - Romans 1:16-17
I often ask myself the question, “If I were a lay person in my church and invited someone to worship with me, would I be embarrassed by anything that took place or would I be confident and proud of the service and our people?” Is my church really what I believe it to be? In Romans Paul writes about sharing the gospel with the world. He said that he was not “ashamed” of the gospel. Shame comes from embarrassment. The sports figures who have been caught in the use of steroids or immorality have brought shame or embarrassment upon themselves. Paul said, “No one will ever come to me and say, I tried this gospel and it doesn’t work.” Paul proclaimed that he would never be embarrassed because the gospel will work every time. It is what he believed it to be.
Paul’s confidence was based upon two things:
(1) It is “the power of God to salvation.” The word for power in the original language is “dunamis” or where we get our word dynamite. Dynamite needs no other explosive to aid it. The power is within the dynamite itself. Likewise, the gospel needs no assistance; it has the power within it.
(2) It is “the righteousness of God.” The gospel places the righteousness of God in the believer’s heart through the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Not only are our sins forgiven, but God’s imputed (put in) righteousness changes our lives today – giving us hope, peace, and His love.
Paul said anyone who calls on the Lord and places their faith in Him will be saved. It works from faith to faith (one person’s faith to the next). We will never have to apologize for the gospel. It will never embarrass us. It works every time. As we share the gospel, we can do so with great confidence. What has worked for you will work for everyone.
Prayer
Lord, the same faith that saved me, sustains me. Help me to rest in you as I rest my body tonight. Father, help me to trust you with my life the way I have trusted you with my soul. Your Word works every time. Amen
I often ask myself the question, “If I were a lay person in my church and invited someone to worship with me, would I be embarrassed by anything that took place or would I be confident and proud of the service and our people?” Is my church really what I believe it to be? In Romans Paul writes about sharing the gospel with the world. He said that he was not “ashamed” of the gospel. Shame comes from embarrassment. The sports figures who have been caught in the use of steroids or immorality have brought shame or embarrassment upon themselves. Paul said, “No one will ever come to me and say, I tried this gospel and it doesn’t work.” Paul proclaimed that he would never be embarrassed because the gospel will work every time. It is what he believed it to be.
Paul’s confidence was based upon two things:
(1) It is “the power of God to salvation.” The word for power in the original language is “dunamis” or where we get our word dynamite. Dynamite needs no other explosive to aid it. The power is within the dynamite itself. Likewise, the gospel needs no assistance; it has the power within it.
(2) It is “the righteousness of God.” The gospel places the righteousness of God in the believer’s heart through the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Not only are our sins forgiven, but God’s imputed (put in) righteousness changes our lives today – giving us hope, peace, and His love.
Paul said anyone who calls on the Lord and places their faith in Him will be saved. It works from faith to faith (one person’s faith to the next). We will never have to apologize for the gospel. It will never embarrass us. It works every time. As we share the gospel, we can do so with great confidence. What has worked for you will work for everyone.
Prayer
Lord, the same faith that saved me, sustains me. Help me to rest in you as I rest my body tonight. Father, help me to trust you with my life the way I have trusted you with my soul. Your Word works every time. Amen
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Leadership Principles of Jesus #3Leadership Principles of Jesus #4Leadership Principles of Jesus #5The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsLíderes que perduran, primera parteLideri care rezistă, Partea 1Líderes que Duram, Parte 1वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 1القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الأولLeaders Who Last Part 1Jesus Died for Our SinsResurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of ConflictLíderes que perduran, parte 2Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 2-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 2वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 2القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثانيLeaders Who Last Part 2Facing Doubt with Truth
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