I wrestled with the thought through the night: Am I ashamed of the gospel?
I’d been reading Romans, the letter where Paul stated:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:18).
In addition, my church had just completed a four week emphasis called Intentional Living. During that time I read a lot about living on mission with the gospel. I watched videos by Christian leaders promoting it. Apparently, it’s a thing. And I write that sort of in jest, for it’s been a thing since the first century. In some of His last recorded words on this earth, Jesus called us to it:
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18).
After YEARS of being a Christian, I was confused by how neglectful I’ve been of Jesus’ command. Why had living on mission not been my thing?
I love being a Christian. It’s changed my life! But my faith has been largely about me. Even in serving God, I teach other Christians. I spend time with believers. I love it, and I’m called to it. But it shouldn’t stop there. God’s been speaking loudly through Isaiah 58:6-9:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
The applications I’m getting from this passage are many, especially when it comes to caring for the poor. But that’s a post for another day. The passage is clear: We’re called to be on mission with the gospel — with the message of God’s power secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This power breaks the powerful yoke of sin in our lives. This power heals broken hearts and brings beauty from our ashes. This power sets people free! Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). Those who come to Him will never be soul-hungry again.
For the believer who heeds these words, the promised blessing is amazing!:
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.”
Have you ever wondered why the Word of God isn’t having more of an effect on your life? Have you wondered why the world around us isn’t more attracted to our Jesus? I have, and I think the solution lies in our being obedient to Jesus’ command to share the gospel. As we live on mission with the gospel, our light, the light of Christ in us, will break forth. We’ll receive the healing, especially the emotional healing, we’ve been longing for. We will shine with the glory of God!
Will you join me in Way #30 of 52 Ways to Glorify God?
Live on Mission for Jesus
The best place to start may be in asking God: “Am I ashamed of gospel?” Then ask Him to reveal the power it contains. As we start understanding and experiencing the power of the gospel, we won’t be able to keep our mouths shut.
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