I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

I am not ashamed of the gospel

Romans 1:8-16

Good morning everyone, if you would turn to New Testament Book of Romans 1:8-16.

Romans 1:8-16 Read slowly and clearly

I want to talk to you about the gospel this morning. the gospel for living it out and the sharing it to others that come into your life.

Tim Keller is quoted saying religion is finish the work and the gospel says receive the finished work.

I would add- receive it and go tell others what Christ has done for us.

Paul makes a very direct statement to the church at Rome.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.”

We have to ask ourselves the who, what, where, and why questions.

Who is Paul talking to?

What is Paul talking about?

Why is Paul saying it?

Where can we apply it to our lives?

A sword in a person’s hand has the power to take a life,

but it usually does not have the power to change a life.

A lot of people talk about change- not many people are willing to change.

Application of God’s truth brings change- knowing the truth and not applying it to our lives is not change, it is just information.

The word gospel translated simply means “Good News”.

The gospel message is the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ. It becomes good news for us when we accept it, apply it, and allow it to change our lives.

The letter to the Romans was written by Paul 58 years after the death of Jesus. It is written to the Church of Rome, a church that Paul did not start, a church for many years that Paul tried to get to, but for many different reasons was not able to get to.

Paul lets that church know that he is praying for them.

He tells them that he can’t wait to meet with them so that he might impart some spiritual gifts.

That they might encourage each other.

Paul wants them to understand that the reason he has not been able to meet and be with them is (1) not because he has abandoned the gospel, (2) not because he has changed his mind or his message, but because the ministry has kept him from being there.

There are some things this morning that I am ashamed of: If I could change I would.

Even though Jesus is Lord

I am ashamed of some things that I have done in my past.(I know it is under the blood)

Ashamed of the time that I have wasted and the time I have not given God my best.

Ashamed that the USA (my country) who declares “In God we trust”, but won’t allow prayer in school or godly principals to be the foundation of our decisions.

Ashamed that open-mindedness really is being closed minded to the teaching of Jesus Christ.

BUT, I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!

3 point message this morning: here they are-

The Gospel is powerful

The Gospel is life changing

The Gospel is not to be kept to yourself

Illustration:

A minister, a boy scout, and a scientist were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and explained that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot then added, "I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children. So he took one and jumped. The scientist jumped up almost immediately and said, "I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone needs me." So he took one and jumped.

The minister turned to the Boy Scout and with a sad smile said, as I am sure that you have a lot to live for… "You are young and I have lived a rich life, so you take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane."

Then the Boy Scout said, "Relax, Reverend, the smartest man in the world just picked up my knapsack and jumped out!"

It is not about being the smartest person, it is about our relationship with the Lord.

Apostle Paul understood the power of the gospel.

He met Jesus. He experienced the power of God.

Jesus has not come back yet, and I emphasize the word yet, but we can experience the power of the gospel in our lives NOW!

The power of the Gospel

Good news of the word of God to change a life!