Dear reader,
Firstly, we give thanks to The LORD our GOD for His everlasting word and for the revelation to we have been blessed and granted in His holy word.
Secondly, we acknowledge the importance of God's commandments, specifically, the one regarding the spreading of His gospel. In the book of Mark, chapter 16, verses 15 through 16, Lord Christ Jesus speaking, and He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Sharing the gospel is a glorious opportunity. Apostle Paul said he was ready to preach the good news in Rome. And now we find out why. In the book of Romans, chapter 1, verses 16 through 17, The spirit of The Living God through Paul says, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Isn't it interesting that Paul should put this negatively. Why didn't he say, "I'm proud of the gospel of Christ," or "I glory in the gospel of Christ"? That's what he meant by "I am not ashamed." Could there have been times when he, like us, was tempted to be ashamed of the gospel, embarrassed to speak out boldly? But he resisted the temptation. He was not ashamed. He saw every situation in life as a glorious opportunity to share the gospel.
What could ever possibly make us ashamed of sharing good news? Guilt could keep us from sharing good news. But there's nothing to feel guilty about when we share the gospel. It's the good news that relieves guilt. That can't be it.
The only thing I can think of that would keep us from sharing the good news about Jesus is pride. Not pride in the gospel, but personal pride makes us afraid of what people might think of us. "You don't really believe that God became a man, do you? That sounds like Greek mythology. Educated people can't buy that." And it's hard for us to speak up confidently and say, "Well, yes I do believe that. The evidence is overwhelming."
Or afraid they'll say something like, "You don't really think that there's only one way to heaven, do you? Isn't that rather narrow and bigoted?" We're a little ashamed to say, "Well, yes I do believe it. That's what Jesus said, and there is every indication that He spoke the truth."
When we know that something is true and we're committed to it, it doesn't matter what people think of us.
I wonder why I'm not always as humbled by the gospel and committed to my Lord, savior & redeemer, Christ Jesus, and as ready to speak up for Him and this good news. Maybe it's because I don't give enough thought to how great the gospel really is. The LORD our God through apostle Paul wants to remind us of this truth, fact and reality.
With charity, faith & hope,
Your brother in Christ,
Servant J.C.S.
