Hope of this world -- the gospel of God

KEY SCRIPTURES: Romans 1

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
- Romans 1:16-17

Insight:

Ashamed of the gospel? How absurd, right? How can I be ashamed of the gospel? I am saved because of the gospel. If no one had the courage to share her faith to me, I wouldn't have become a Christian. Thank God someone was courageous enough to do so.

On a sobering note though, I think this is what's holding a lot of us from sharing the gospel--shame, embarrassment, timidity or lack of courage. Yes, come to think of it, a lot of times, we are ashamed. I am ashamed.

I remember how I used to read the Bible in the office pantry during lunch break. I distinctly remember when my boss came in, looked at what I was reading, and then frowned. The Bible is obviously something he's not so enthusiastic about. When I put my Bible down and started looking at the daily papers, his face registered a smile. Then I thought, "Oh, my boss likes it when I read the newspapers more than when I read my Bible."

To be honest, since that day, I became wary for my boss to see me reading my Bible. At work, it seems like "religion" is a very touchy matter. In the name of cultural and religious diversity and freedom, no one can anymore feel free to be seen with his declaration of faith in public. It is sooo sad.

Being all creations of God, we were endowed with the natural instinct or knowledge of the existence a divine power. Nature attests to it, our own consciences (whether we believe God or not), our morality or sense of good and evil -- they all point to God.

But, society has become godless and wicked, blind to the truth. And the results are horrible. We read them in the newspapers everyday. Yet, these are things that Paul enumerated in the book of Romans 2000 years ago!!!

1. People worship idols, the very work of their hands. These idols may look like mortal man, but worse, they look like reptiles, animals, birds. The Bible tells the truth: people's thinking have become futile and foolish. Despite all these, they claim to be wise!!!

2. Sexual impurity. Don't we see this in all movies? People who meet each other for the first time get attracted to each other, have sex, and live together to try and see if things will work out. Yet, no one flinches at the thought anymore! It is accepted by the society. People start living in at the age of 15! How very, very sad. No wonder a lot of kids have to grow up without mom and dad. No wonder divorce multiplies everyday. No wonder it's projected that in this decade, there will be more blended families than nuclear families.

I remind myself everyday not to be judgmental. But I pray that I never, ever learn to accept this as "normal" or "alright" in my heart. I feel sad for the future generations of children who will grow up to see this kind of setting as "usual" and "normal" and "correct". We have a big obligation as Christians to raise godly kids who will light their lamps in the darkness of the generations to come.

3. Worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator. This is probably the most pandemic spiritual disease of today, which affects even Christians. When blessings become more important than the bless-or, it is a sign of godlessness. That is why we need to remind ourselves everyday of where our real treasures are. They're in heaven.

4. Homosexuality. "They are also humans. We have to accept them as they are." I overheard an officemate saying this about homosexuals. Certainly we have to love them, just as God commands us to love even our enemies, but we never have to accept homosexuality as right. The Bible says it's wrong. It's godless. The only reason why we have rallies all around us asking to legalize same sex marriage is not because of RIGHTS, it is because of GODLESSNESS. I even see "Christian" families rally for gay rights.

If we truly love them, we will lovingly pray for them and point them to the truth of the issue. People who accept homosexuality and even condone tthose who practice it, don't really love, they're just being nice.

5. Depraved minds, doing what ought not to be done: wickedness, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful, inventors of evil ways, they disober their parents, senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."
Romans 1: 32

The world has all the signs of godlessness. Jesus said that there are only few who are chosen. These few are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. If the few are ashamed of the gospel of God, what is the future of this world?

May God give us the courage EVERYDAY to boldly proclaim his gospel, to courageusly lead people to the truth, to lovingly correct people if we need to, to stand our ground against sin, and to pass on the torch to the next generation.

Have a great day everyone!

DECISION: Share the gospel. Actively pray and look for people who are seeking for God.