The gospel – Part 2

Paul was always more than happy to share good news about Jesus Christ to anyone that would listen. Paul said he was not ashamed to take the gospel of Christ to the streets, despite the shame he suffered for the sake of the gospel.

What is it that preaching the gospel has cost Paul? 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 threw light on what it cost Paul for the cause of the gospel. Paul was mad for the gospel, laboured more than others for the gospel, was put in prison more often, was whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Paul was beaten three times with the roman rods for the cause of preaching Christ. The Jewish leaders gave him thirty-nine lashes on his body, he was stoned and three times he was shipwrecked.

For the sake of the gospel, Paul slept in the sea for a day and night. He was been blasted with cold because of lack of clothing to cover his body; was hungry and thirsty countless times; spent sleepless lonely nights; faced robbers who made away with his personal belongings; faced dangers in the cities, sea and deserts. He was betrayed by people who claimed to be fellow believers; embarked on long journey and faced danger from his own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles whom he went to preach to.

Despite all manner of shame Paul suffered for the cause of the gospel, he said he’s never ashamed preaching the good news about Christ. What an unwavering commitment for a cause! Since you believed in Christ, has the gospel of Christ cost you something? Are you ashamed of making known the name of Jesus in your environment? If you answer in the negative, you have no excuse before God on the last day. Pause a minute and ponder on what it cost Paul for this just one cause: gospel of Christ.

What should be our attitude towards the gospel?
Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. Don’t be a Christian that avoids being identified with Christ publicly. Let people know you are a Christian. Don’t hide your Christianity. Fully embrace Christ and whatever He has for you. Embrace God’s love, mercy and salvation. Live out the gospel faithfully, so that Christ shall be manifested in you. Don’t be ashamed of Christ, faithfully live for Him.

Accept the free gift of salvation and all that Christ accomplished on the cross so that you will not perish in Hell. Don’t be ashamed to give your life to Christ if you are a sinner.

Freely share the gospel and tell others what Christ has done for you. You may not have all the answers to the questions people may ask you as you share the gospel, but you can share your testimony of salvation like the blind man who said: “Once I was blind but now I can see.”

Firmly defend the Gospel. Stand up for the gospel. When it is attacked, defend it with the truth (Sword of the Gospel). Don’t keep quiet when the Gospel is under attack. You don’t fight but speak up. Let your voice be heard and don’t be afraid of public opinion and people speaking profanity against the gospel. I am Born Again and I am proud of it. Jesus said, if you were ashamed of Him, He would be ashamed of you in Heaven.
Today’s Nugget: Don’t hide your Christianity.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stand out for the Gospel of Christ
Prayer lines: 09078154261.
E-mail: aggospelbell@gmail.com
Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria.