Prelude to Not Ashamed

By Ron. v. Leerdam

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

We don’t face losing our lives in Australia though that could change, yet it’s difficult to compare our situation with Paul’s. Many do despise the gospel or at least look on it as a fairytale.

Think of our societies view of Christmas. Santa Claus has taken the place of Christ.

Easter: The cross has been removed and replaced with Easter eggs, Easter bunny and hot cross buns.

I feel that one of the main reasons we don’t share our faith is; we fail to understand and see the power of God in the gospel.

We fail to step out and tell others the way they can be saved because we are afraid of being called or thought – a fool. We shouldn’t!

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:8-18