Be Not Ashamed

Romans 1:16 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.

     We've been sent.  Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." There is no question what the responsibility of a believer is, so why does it seem like there is so little of it happening today?  Could it be fear?  Lack of education?  Lack of desire?  I am not sure, but I understand in my own life that disciple making is not an easy task, one that takes boldness.  Allow me to share a few verses to encourage you into action for your Savior.

     We are needed.  II Corinthians 5:20 says, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."  An ambassador is the highest ranking representative, needed to speak on behalf of another.  Christ desires to use you to teach others about Him.  As a believer, you are His highest ranking official.  We should not shirk from our duties, nor ignore our post.  It is Christ that desires to work in and through you for His good pleasure.  Allow Him to strengthen your tongue and mind so that you can speak words of truth to others.

     He will prepare you.  Isaiah 50:4 says, "The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned."  Its beautiful to understand that God will give us a word to speak to those that are in need.  We need not think that we must compose a masterpiece, but be willing to be a mouthpiece for Him.  He will give you the tongue of the learned.

     Do not be ashamed.  Luke 9:26 says, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." Never allow yourself to succumb to the temptation to be silent when His Spirit says speak.  If you do, repent, and prepare yourself to be more obedient next time.  Stand for Christ, even while other "believers" are sitting on the sidelines.  Remember, it is not your fellow man that you are accountable to, but the One who will judge the living and the dead.  The One who has the power to reject you and send your soul to hell.  If we deny Him, He will deny us.

     May you stand for Christ Jesus and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of you,