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 Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.
Romans 1:16-17a, NLT* (emphasis mine)
Nobody wants to be a pushy, in-your-face salesperson. Well, except pushy, in-your-face salespeople, I suppose…
But I think that’s partly why it’s hard for Christians to share our faith. We forget that it’s not our job to “close the deal” on a person’s salvation. It’s God’s job to soften the other’s heart and open them to hear the truth about Jesus, and it’s God’s job to give the faith and courage to accept that truth.
He may want us to be part of presenting some of that truth, though. If people have questions, we need to be able to give an answer about our hope and faith. (1 Peter 3:15)
Think for a minute about this good news:
- It tells what God has done for all people, all over the world. We didn’t even know He’d done it until after the fact.
- We need to believe it and obey Jesus. (verse 5)
- It’s the power of God at work. Wow!
- It saves everyone who believes it.
- It tells how God makes us right with Himself.
- It’s only by faith. (verse 17)
Doesn’t that put a bit more light in your spirit, just thinking about it? Doesn’t it sound like something worth sharing?
Holy and Majestic God, this Holy Week we thank You again for the gift of Your Son Jesus, who came to show us who You are and to make us right with You. None of us could earn Your approval, but You did this for us, in all our messes, to rescue and redeem us. Remind us of the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Remind us of our hope. And help us to share the good news with those who need to hear it, in ways that will reach their hearts.
∞
Here’s Phil Driscoll with “Jesus Paid it All.” This is such a powerful song, and the trumpet is amazing. I don’t think the video is too graphic, but if you’re concerned, listen with your eyes closed…
*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I really liked what you said about how it is up to God to bring results. We just sow the seed. Sometimes, we forget that. Thanks, Janet!
We do forget it, Ruth Ann! Henry Blackaby expresses it very clearly in his book, Experiencing God.
Janet,
Yes, that is what I have been hearing too. What is important is that God makes the seed grow. 1Corinthians 3:7.
I am trying to memorize Romans this year. This verse has really stuck in my mind… not be ashamed of the Gospel because it is the POWER of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Hallelujah.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
The power of God… that’s more than we can wrap our heads around.
Good for you, Janis, tackling such a substantial book. I expect as you go over it and over it, you’ll see deeper connections and meanings than you’ve seen before.
Just because I’m curious… which version are you memorizing? I like some of the newer ones that break down the long sentences into manageable ones.