Sign In
Store
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16
D.L. MOODY
I remember some meetings being held in a locality where the tide did not rise very quickly, and bitter and reproachful things were being said about the work. But one day, one of the most prominent men in the place rose and said: “I want it to be known that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if there is any odium to be cast on His cause, I am prepared to take my share of it.”
It went through the meeting like an electric current, and a blessing came at once to his own soul and to the souls of others.
ERWIN LUTZER
Moody lived long before the internet gave people the ability to say hurtful and harmful things about one another in a public forum. In Moody’s day, if “harmful and reproachful” things were said about God’s servants, it would have stayed within the local community. In our day, needless dirt is often thrown on the bride of Christ and spread globally. Of course, skeptics use the same outlets to heap scorn on Christianity.
Even in today’s culture, Paul’s words cut like a knife to the heart of our Christian witness. We should not be ashamed of the gospel; we dare not pull back, hide, or be silent in the midst of our confused world. We must stand for Christ and consider criticism as a badge of honor.
As for shame, we can be glad that Christ “shamed shame” on our behalf. We should be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
How can we possibly be ashamed to be identified with Jesus? Though we risk criticism, let us stand with our Savior and, as best we can, represent Him in a confused world.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for saving me. May I never be ashamed of your gospel.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why might someone be ashamed of the Gospel?
What is the heart of the Gospel message?