Sermon on 22 September 2024 by Pastor Gaius
Introduction
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the hope that we need. Many have not heard of the gospel, and we should use opportunities given to us to share about Jesus.
Message
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16
What is the gospel? It is good news. It is about Jesus Christ.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God. - Mark 1:1
We did nothing to receive salvation, which was given to us by the grace of God. But to remain holy, we need to work on our daily life. We need to respond by repenting and believing.
John appeared, baptising in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. - Mark 1:4
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:14-15
Why are we ashamed to share the gospel? One reason is unbelief. Another reason is its unpopularity.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32-33
Why should we not be ashamed?
It is the power of God, purposed for salvation, and presented to everyone.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16
How do we avoid or stop being ashamed?
1. Believe in God
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ - Isaiah 28:16
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” - Romans 10:11
And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:6
2. Live in righteousness
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteousness shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:17
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33
We are to seek a righteous living in God.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. - Psalms 1:1-6
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. - James 5:16
3. Testify in boldness
If you are living a righteous life, but keep to yourself, how can you bless others?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
Closing
God has placed many people around us in our lives - our friends, colleagues, and family. Don’t be ashamed of sharing the gospel to them. Let us not give up. Let our testimony overcome the devil and overcome their hearts. Let us not be ashamed to speak out the truth. Sometimes we are afraid to offend people and therefore keep silent. Let us have the boldness to share the good news.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16
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