Shame can be a crippling force, or a powerful motivator. It can hold you back, or make you determined to be different. You know what I’m ashamed of?
Before we get to that (and what I did about it) , welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me on the top spot on the internet for coffee with a cleric. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Shame can be a crippling force, or a powerful motivator.
I am ashamed when I reflect upon the many, many, many ways I have failed, been hurtful, chosen sin and acted faithlessly in the past. I wish I had never been overcome by anger and lust. I wish I had never stolen, lied or betrayed people. If only wishing made it so.
THANK GOD for the blood of Christ!!!! He covers our sins in His blood, and forgiveness and purity flows from His veins. He takes MY SIN upon Himself, and (as incredible as it may seem) places HIS righteousness upon me. I am justified in the eyes of God and His holy law.
JUSTIFIED is a very interesting term. I like the pneumonic reminder that JUSTIFIED means it is JUST-AS-IF-I’D never sinned at all. What a precious gift.
Sure, I can think back and remember many of my sins. Specific sins that I hate now but willingly embraced then. If you ask my wife or my children, they too can remember very specific (and I’m sure quite painful) sins I have committed that affected them deeply. Even my friends can recall times I’ve sinned.
Do you know who CANNOT think of a single sin from my past? GOD, actually! He “cannot” – not because of a faulty memory, of course; but because of a decision of His will. He says “I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” He cannot violate His word, because God is not a liar. Once sin has been covered in the Blood of Christ, it is covered forever! In Hebrews 10:17, God repeats His promise and says, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Peter tells us that the time of living for the flesh is past. He says, “the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” No more!! All done!
Perhaps since God can’t even remember my past sins, it is time for me to stop allowing the devil to remind me of them. Saint Augustine said there is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future. That brings me to something I AM NOT ASHAMED of.
Today’s verse says I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, BECAUSE IT IS THE POWER OF GOD THAT BRINGS SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES
I am not ashamed, because I know the power the Gospel has to free someone from sin.
I am not ashamed, because I know the power the Gospel is freely offered to all who will believe.
I am not ashamed, because I know the power of the Gospel is stronger than anything the enemy has to fight it.
No, I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The GOSPEL is the power of God that brings salvation to EVERYONE who believes.
Even people like me!
What about you?
Have you embraced the Gospel, Christ’s offer of total forgiveness?
If not, let’s talk about why not.
If you HAVE embraced Christ, can I encourage you to share this message boldly in your circle of friends.
Lift your voice with mine and millions of other Jesus followers around the globe.
Shout it from the rooftops:
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL !!!!!
It is the power of God that brings salvation to EVERYONE who believes.
