Romans 1:16 “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.”
We are living in a day when American “exceptionalism” is under attack. The idea that what we have as a country is uniquely wonderful and God-given has become a little embarrassing. We are now ashamed of what made us strong!
I can remember when Ronald Reagan was elected President during a time of decreased pride in America. Morale was low, and in many cases people were ashamed to be an American. In 1980, an advertisement campaign called “Morning in America” ran in the media. The ads were simple, morning scenes of everyday American life, and the gist of each ad was optimism, vision, and hope for America in the days ahead. The point was to return to a point of view, not of arrogance, but of a uniquely great country.
The mentality of being ashamed of our power is shared, not only by Americans, but also by Christians. We know that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life,” but we are bombarded every day with tolerance for everything except this fundamental Bible truth. We can actually become a little ashamed of the power that we have! Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation. . . .”
The strength we possess leaves no room for shame. The truth is, there is no Gospel apart from Christ! The Gospel is the power “of God.” It is God’s power, not ours, that is powerful enough to convince and save “every one that believeth”! It is sufficient to save anyone, from a drunk off the street to a little child, that will come to God through Jesus Christ.
Remember next time you are sharing the good news of salvation that the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” There is no room for shame or embarrassment in the Gospel! I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to be a Christian. Never forget that the power you possess as a Christian is the power of Almighty God!
Prayer Requests:
1. Service tonight in Geneva, IL and Medina, OH
2. West Branch on the Move Deaf Rally in Long Beach, CA this weekend (10.9)