Unashamed of the Gospel by Perpetual Nwanna Oluchi

This present age is a more crucial time in history when Christians need to defend their faith. The world regards the Gospel as a "weak and childish thing" that has done its work in time past. As the progression of man into knowledge began to increase in leaps and bounds then it should be done away with.

Unashamed of the Gospel by Perpetual Nwanna Oluchi

With the intense pressure from the world to compromise the testimony of our true witness, we have not been called to cower in fear, for we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear (Romans 8:15a) but instead, we have received the Spirit of adoption that boldly helps us proclaim Jesus Christ.

I was caught to the heart when I found these words of the Lord saying "For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38 AMPC)

To be ashamed of Christ is to live a life inconsistent with His truth. The Christian journey entails that we are practical about it. Over time I've realized that walking with Christ is demanding and not only that but requires that I give Him my all.

 I was always comfortable being a low-key churchgoer, fulfilling all that is required of me with utmost religiosity but when I encountered Christ and saw the need for a savior on that day in my room my life changed, and though I didn't fully understand what I was getting into but I was ready to take a big risk and see it through to the very end.

The Apostles of Jesus clearly show us what it means never to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the High priest and Sadducee who were filled with indignation laid hands on the Apostles and put them in prison. That night the Lord's angel brought them out, and made a striking statement "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life"

These same men were the ones who gathered themselves in a room to pray for boldness to the end that they would be able to proclaim the Word of God. Another account was given of Apostle Paul who had at several times faced persecution but in one of that persecution, the Lord appeared to him encouraging him. "And [that same] the following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, Take courage, Paul, for as you have borne faithful witness concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome. (Acts 23:11 AMPC)

It is worthy to note that the Lord was not oblivious to the fact that they faced persecution or encountered difficulties for His Gospel to be preached, but instead He encouraged them to keep on spreading the Gospel. It can also be seen that the Gospel came with a price.

At one time in my academic journey, I was in an online study group, our academic calendar was so compressed that we barely had enough time to prepare adequately for examinations. I needed to gather every study material that would facilitate my exam preparations and being in this group was about the best thing I could have done for myself.

The tutoring was handled by students who were one academic level higher than us, no doubt we were taught adequately and study materials were released. On that beautiful day that marked the commencement of our exams one of the tutors made a disturbing statement. He encouraged us to assist ourselves while inside the examination hall.

They began to make a mockery of students who do not engage in any form of malpractice during exams, treating their faith as trash of which I was one of them.

I was disappointed and angry. Angry that I was not bold enough to counter their opinion about what they thought was right but wrong, angry that they thought it was sheer foolishness to not engage in examination malpractice, angry by the fact that the works of darkness subtly want to gain relevance over light but I thank God that others like me would raise the standard of righteousness and Gospel of truth unashamedly in the exam hall.

As explained by Merriam-Webster dictionary the word "unashamed" translates to being without self-consciousness.

We live in a time where many are too conscious of self, they do not want to be seen associating with things that have to do with God. They would rather not risk being called "Jesus boy" "church girl" "pastor" "holy holy" and the list goes on.

We forget so soon that God made us for His pleasure and as such we have been called to show forth the praise of Him who has called us into His marvelous light unashamedly. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"(I Peter 2:9 NKJV)

However to deny Christ is to try to win favor in the world's eye and effectively preserve one's own life, then again our Lord asks a deep question. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?"( Mark 8:36 NKJV)

Such a one stands to gain nothing because friendship with the world is enmity with God and as Jesus rightly puts it the flesh profits nothing.

Apostle Paul boldly identified with this truth and as such proclaiming, Jesus's message became something he lived for even if it did require putting his life at tremendous risk.

Was it easy for him? Definitely not! But he knew God was his source of strength.

LIVING OUT OUR FAITH DAILY.

The Word of God expressly tells us that we must live out our faith. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;" (Philippians 2:12 NKJV)

It is a powerful reminder that the Gospel we have received must be put into motion, we should not be afraid to share our faith regardless of our circumstances but instead be intentional about sharing it. As we go about our daily activities we must learn to prioritize God, honor God, and treat others with love too. The way we treat others tells a lot about how much we have allowed God to form in us. As such our outermost life is a demonstration of what goes on in the innermost part of our heart. 

Everyone must be treated with respect and kindness regardless of their belief or background. 

Like Jesus who was not indifferent towards the Samaritan woman despite the bias between Jews and Samaritans at that time, we are to act in like manner.

Jesus was not comfortable being with only "His people ", instead He took it a step further and engaged the woman which eventually led to her conversion, not only hers but her fellow tribespeople.

This is the change Jesus seeks to effect in the life of people today, the world is hurting and we are the vessels Jesus needs to bring about this change.

SETTING BOUNDARIES FOR OUR LIVES.

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful

(1 Corinthians 6:12 NKJV).

Our freedom in Christ indeed allows us to do anything, but that does not mean everything we do is good for us. As believers, we must learn to set boundaries consistent with the Word of God.

Truth is, if you do not set a standard the world would give you its standard for free or you would even be forced to adopt the world's standard and of truth, the world remains ever contrary to the word.

A Christian lady who does not think it's inappropriate to visit a male at uncouth times needs to rethink and retrace her steps. A Christian brother who thinks it's okay to have a combination of secular and gospel music playlist needs to realign and as Jesus says "For every tree is known by its fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.

(Luke 6:44 NKJV.)

"Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh."

(James 3:11-12 NKJV.)

We have been redeemed unto God out of every tribe, nation, and everything contrary to His kingdom. Believers should not be comfortable with just anything but instead have a standard that separates them from the rest of the world.

 

JESUS, UNASHAMED. 

In this part of West Africa, Nigeria precisely most parents involved in business take it upon themselves to train their children once they come of age in the line of their business to keep up the family's business legacy. It is the joy of every Father to see that their child takes up full responsibility for what has been handed down to him or her.

Beginning from the age of twelve, Jesus was one Child that grew strong in spirit. By this time the Bible records that He was seen in the temple seated amid teachers learning about the ways and kingdom of His Father. Though His parents did not fully understand the significance of what he did, Jesus knew it was expedient that He goes about His Father's business. Such great wisdom for a twelve-year-old!

Submitting Himself under  His parents and the dealings of God for His life a substantial period of years passed and He showed up to be baptized by John the Baptist after which He took to the streets of Galilee proclaiming repentance.

"From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

(Matthew 4:17 NKJV )

He sought to reconcile men back to God first before the miracles, signs, and wonders ensued.

As Jesus's earthly ministry progressed He didn't have it easy as well because He encountered the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the rest who constantly saw Jesus as a stumbling block to their man-made doctrines.

 "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."

(Mark 7:8 NKJV)

Several attempts were made at His life, one of which they were going to throw Him down a cliff. Jesus's joy stemmed from doing the will of His Father and ensuring that He finished His work. 

The consummation of Jesus's journey on earth was the shame of the cross He bore for mankind to be saved. He became a curse for our sake, despised and trampled upon. The God of the whole universe! "for he who is hanged is accursed of God."( Deuteronomy 21:23b NKJV.)

If Jesus had not died, surely condemnation would have been at work in us, and the Life of the Spirit we now partake in would not be a reality.

Jesus chose to endure the shame and pain of suffering and looked forward to the glory that would arise from His death on the cross." looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

(Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)

Jesus forever remains our pattern Man and if He endured this much shame for us and yet isn’t ashamed to call us brethren (Hebrews 2:11 NKJV) then we must be of the same mind as Christ Jesus. We must unashamedly proclaim Him  before all men. May God impart in us the spirit of boldness. Amen.


 

 

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