I AM NOT ASHAMED, ARE YOU?

 

Do people know you are a follower of Jesus? Do you talk about it with friends, co-workers, classmates, and family members? Do you ever bring up the name of Jesus or off to pray for someone publicly, read scripture publicly, invite people to church, offer to disciple someone? It is so easy for CHRISTIANS to remain in the BACKGROUND OF SOCIETY. I have heard people say, "Well, I don't want to push my faith on someone else." We might be under some pressure at work NOT to talk about your faith.  

The most IMPORTANT QUESTION, "Are you ASHAMED of the GOSPEL?" I am guessing most Christians would say, "Absolutely not, I am not ashamed that I am a follower of Jesus." But the proof is in our actions. Are we bold sharing our faith in the many different forms that might take?

Once Paul became a follower of JESUS, it was GAME ON, HE WAS ALL IN. Even in front of powerful leaders he defended his faith and made it made known HE WAS NOT ASHAMED. What is keeping you from BOLDLY living a life that represents JESUS!

"But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these menhave, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people. After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God." (Acts 24:14-17, NLT)

So many people do not understand the Christian faith. Just like these religious leaders they describe it as a CULT. If you characterize a cult as a close-knit group of followers who have an unwavering devotion to Jesus and scripture, then yes I guess we are a cult. The difference between faith and a cult is in how isolated a cult is and the deceptive practices used to coerce people to follow. I have seen that most CRITICS of CHRISTIANITY do so without a complete knowledge of who we are and what we believe. I think the greatest strength Paul shares about Christianity is found in verse 17. Paul and Christians give so much to the world in sacrificial service to others. It is hard to ridicule CHRISTIANITY when we ARE SERVING OTHERS.

We need to be bold in sharing our faith. We don't have to be over-bearing. We don't have to act like a NUT, but we should never be afraid to share our faith with ANYONE. 

I AM NOT ASHAMED, ARE YOU?

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes -- the Jew first and also the Gentiles." (Romans 1:16, NLT)

Heavenly Father, we praise you for another day to worship you, to seek you, and to know you. I pray, Heavenly Father, that you fill my day with your presence and that I might share the GOOD NEWS to all people, in all circumstances, and for all time. Thank you Lord for your patience with me. Give me the boldness to be UNASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!