The Relevant Disciple

This morning during my during my quiet time, I was studying in Romans chapter 1. Romans is a great book of theology, doctrine, and pure gospel. Paul clearly lays the foundation for the faith in the book of Romans. He challenged the believers in Roman to stand for God and for Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Paul had a longing to seek to God and His glory and His will. Paul was focused on what Christ had done for Him and now what Christ was doing through Him. He realized what it meant to be an Apostle and a follower of Jesus Christ. God was using Paul in great and mighty ways and has continued for over 2000 years.

In verse 16 of chapter 1, Paul makes an interesting comment. "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." Let's take a moment and pick this verse apart. What is Paul telling us? First, he is clearly stating that He is not ashamed of Christ or of what Christ had done in his life. When Paul became a believer in Christ on the Damascus road, he gave everything to his new Lord and Savior. He had made a commitment that he was not going to back away from. Paul knew that if he was ashamed of the gospel then God would be ashamed of him. Paul was willing to take a stand even if he was the only one standing. Secondly, Paul realized two things about salvation. First it came from God. God is the one who opens our eyes to salvation. It is the power of God that redeems us. Secondly there is a choice that must be made by everyone who believes. It is not automatic nor is it forced. We have to except Christ personally. It is not universal. Lastly, Paul realized being a Jew that it begins with the Jews. Jesus was a Jew and salvation comes through the Jewish people. The Jews were and are God's people. From long ago He had anointed them as His people through whom He would save the world. Paul clearly understood what it meant to live for Christ. Paul challenged the Romans to live for Christ and is still challenging us to live for Christ.

It is much easier to die to for Christ and than to live for Christ. Are you ashamed of the gospel? Are you willing to live for Christ? Today I had my chance to show that I was willing to live for Christ. I got a phone call this afternoon, asking if one of the pastors could come to the hospital. A member of our church had a friend who was dying in the hospital and it is thought that he will not make it through the night. Our church member was concerned for the soul of his friend. Our pastor was off, so I went back to the hospital. As I drove back to Holston Valley I was praying that God would use me. I was scared, I had no clue who this man was or how he would respond to my visit. As I walked into the room I prayed silently God help me. I had a chance to talk to the man and his family. A member of his family told me that he had accepted Christ as Lord and Savior a week ago. Man was I over joyed. Christ had worked a miracle already. I had the opportunity to pray for this man and with his family. I pray that God will use me daily to reach people for Christ. I also pray that I will not be ashamed. Church, individual, Christian, we have the opportunity to bring about real change. Do not be ashamed of the gospel, because Paul was not. Live for Christ daily. May God bless you.