Q: Have you personally experienced God's power for your inner regeneration? (So SO needed; nothing is needed more for your human spirit and soul). You can experience this today!
Not sorta-kinda. Not a little bit. I was lost as a thirsty lizard on a very sun-drenched So Cal beach.
My grandfather Bill and my dad, Kim, had this saved secretary named Shirley Vold, and she could get candid. Bill (that's what he liked to be called) and my dad ran a decent camp with hundreds of wonderful people involved -- it was gobs of fun! (And both men got saved.)
Got some kids yourself? How do you pour into their lives?
So, what's your story? I wanna hear all about it!
Lord, please give boldness regarding Your Message and those who still need to grasp hold of it. There are few declarations in Scripture more courageous, more necessary, or more relevant to our generation than from Paul's words:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16 KJV
Paul was not merely expressing a personal preference for Christianity. He was declaring an unshakable conviction: The Gospel is God's own appointed means of rescuing sinners, reconciling them to Himself, and giving them eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel does not need to be made fashionable or entertaining to be powerful for people, nor does it ever need the world's approval to be true. Its authority does not rest upon the polished eloquence of its messenger, or the popularity of its message, or the acceptance of its audience. Its power rests in God Himself and in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Paul understood something every Christian must firmly settle in his or her heart and mind. You and I are not responsible for making the Gospel acceptable to the worldly people. We are responsible for faithfully believing it, living it out step by step, and verbally proclaiming it in love and truth. Do you write, sign, or speak any words? This is for us all!
Paul tells us all in Romans 1:16. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ and he had suffered for it. He had been imprisoned in Philippi, chased out of Thessalonica, smuggled out of Berea, totally laughed at in Athens, regarded as a mocked fool in Corinth, and stoned with real rocks in Galatia (See Acts 14:19).
But Paul remained very eager to preach the gospel in Rome. The seat of contemporary political power and of Pagan religion. No amount of worldly weirdness could stop him. Neither ridicule, criticism, nor physical hardships like persecution could curb his boldness from the Lord. For the gospel is the power of God. Yep, that English word Dynamite comes from this Greek word. Although the message may still sound foolish to some people today, the gospel is very effective because it carries with it the omnipotence of God. For your own benefit, are you open to hearing what is 100% true?
Prayerfully read through all of Romans! God's power is more than able to overcome man's depraved ego, his hard heart, his callous, sinful nature, and give him a brand new beginning and real life.
Think about the "power of God to Salvation." That's used five times in Romans. Yep, look at the verb form occurring in this book!
This key word basically means "total deliverance." Sure, via the power of the Gospel -- it's God Himself involved via His true Message that delivers people from their lostness (Matthew 18:11), from the fierce, just wrath of God (Romans 5:9), and from their willful spiritual ignorance (Hosea 4:6 & 2 Thessalonians 1:8), from their evil self-indulgence (Luke 14:26), and from the darkness of false religion (Lots of that here today. See Colossians 1:13 & 1 Peter 2:9). It rescues them from the ultimate penalty of their sin that is eternal separation from a loving holy God and from eternal punishment in a real place called Hell (See Revelation 20:6). It's for everyone who believes in Jesus, meaning to fully trust, rely on, and have faith in Christ. When used of Salvation, this word usually occurs in the present tense. It's about "believing in," which stresses that faith is not simply a one-time event, but it is an ongoing condition of relationship.
Remember: True saving faith is supernatural; it's a free and gracious gift of God that He produces in the human heart. It is the only means by which a person can appropriate God's true righteousness cuz any self-righteousness can NOT HELP. Saving Faith consists of three elements: 1.) mental: the mind is to grasp and understand the gospel message about the truth of Christ. 2.) Emotional: a person embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow inside over their sin and with joy over God's mercy and grace toward them as an individual. And 3.) Volitional. The lost sinner opts to submit his or her will to Jesus Christ -- they trust in Him alone as the only hope of their Salvation.
1. Never be ashamed of the One who saves you.
Why would anyone be? Jesus knew that following Him would sometimes place His disciples at odds with the prevailing culture. He understood the human temptation to remain silent when speaking His name might invite criticism, rejection, ridicule, or personal cost.
He therefore gave a sobering warning:
"For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26 KJV
See also Mark 8:38.
Jesus was not calling His followers to be argumentative, arrogant, insensitive, or needlessly confrontational. He was calling them to unwavering allegiance. There is a difference between being gracious toward people and being embarrassed about the truth that can save them.
A Christian should never make someone feel unwelcome simply because that person does not yet believe. But neither should we conceal the very message that can bring that person to Christ.
Love does not hide the truth to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. Biblical love speaks truth with compassion because the eternal welfare of another person matters.
Paul carried this conviction into his ministry. He had experienced imprisonment, rejection, public ridicule, physical violence, and personal hardship. Yet none of these experiences persuaded him that the Gospel was something to be ashamed of.
He wrote to Timothy:
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." 2 Timothy 1:8 KJV
Notice the final words: according to the power of God.
Paul did not tell Timothy to manufacture courage through human determination. He directed him toward the strength God supplies. Christian courage is not the absence of fear or difficulty. It is faithfulness to Christ in spite of them.
We must never allow the fear of people's disapproval to become greater than our concern for their eternal souls.
As Billy Graham's ministry consistently demonstrated, the Gospel must be proclaimed plainly: Jesus Christ died for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, and calls people everywhere to repent and believe.
2. The Gospel is not merely good advice. It is God's saving power.
What exactly did Paul mean when he called the Gospel the power of God unto salvation?
The Greek word translated power is dynamis. It describes power, ability, or might. The New Testament uses it in various contexts, including God's mighty works.
It is related to the word from which our English word dynamite developed. That connection can make an interesting illustration, but the biblical meaning should not be confused with an explosive metaphor. Paul was speaking of God's effective power to save, not merely describing an impressive force.
Consider what this means.
Human wisdom can educate a person, but it cannot regenerate a spiritually dead heart. Money can purchase possessions, but it cannot purchase forgiveness. Religion can establish outward routines, but religious activity cannot remove guilt before a holy God. Positive thinking can change someone's outlook, but it cannot reconcile a sinner to his Creator.
Only God can accomplish salvation.
The Gospel announces that God has done what sinful humanity could never accomplish for itself. Jesus Christ took upon Himself the judgment our sins deserved, died in our place, and rose again.
Paul explained:
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV
And further:
"But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV
The power of the Gospel is inseparable from the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
The message is powerful because its central figure is powerful. Its hope is trustworthy because its Savior is trustworthy. Its promise is secure because its foundation is the accomplished work of God.
The cross may appear weak to a world impressed by wealth, influence, political power, celebrity, and human achievement. Yet what looks like foolishness to the unbelieving world is God's appointed way of salvation.
The world offers self-improvement. Jesus offers new life. The world offers temporary relief. Jesus offers eternal redemption. The world tells sinners to save themselves. The Gospel announces that the Savior has come.
3. The Gospel does not merely improve a life. It makes a person new.
One of the most wonderful truths of Christianity is that salvation is not simply a change in someone's religious vocabulary, social habits, or outward appearance.
God does something much deeper.
He forgives sin, brings the believer into a restored relationship with Himself, gives spiritual life, and begins the transforming work of making that person more like Christ.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
This does not mean Christians become instantly sinless or never struggle again. It means that a genuine change of spiritual identity, allegiance, and direction has taken place.
The believer is no longer under sin's rightful dominion. He now belongs to Christ.
Consider these promises:
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4 KJV
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..." Hebrews 4:12 KJV
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1 KJV
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:2 KJV
The Gospel rescues us from sin's penalty and breaks its ruling power in our lives. It also gives us a living hope beyond the grave.
It does not promise a trouble-free earthly existence. It promises something infinitely better: that we belong to God, that He is at work within us, and that nothing can separate those who are in Christ from His love.
Think of a person who has spent years walking through a dark room, stumbling over the same obstacles, unable to find the door. The Gospel does not merely tell that person to walk more carefully. It brings the light of Christ into the darkness and opens the way to life.
That is what God does for sinners.
4. The Gospel reveals how a holy God can forgive guilty sinners.
Here we come to the very heart of the Christian message: How can God remain perfectly righteous while declaring an unrighteous sinner forgiven?
Paul answers that question in Romans.
The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. It shows us how God can justify sinners without compromising His holiness or overlooking their sin.
Paul continues:
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17 KJV
Our greatest problem is not merely that we make mistakes, have weaknesses, or occasionally fall short of our own expectations. Our deepest problem is that we have sinned against a holy God.
And our greatest need is not simply to become better people. We need to be reconciled to God.
Consider the beautiful simplicity of Paul's explanation:
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" Romans 3:22 KJV
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 KJV
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Romans 3:24 KJV
"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" Romans 3:25 KJV
"To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:26 KJV
There is the wonder of the cross.
God did not pretend sin was harmless. He did not simply overlook our rebellion. He dealt with sin through the sacrifice of His Son.
At Calvary, Jesus willingly bore the judgment our sins deserved. God's justice was not abandoned; God's mercy was wonderfully displayed.
The cross is where we see both the seriousness of our sin and the immeasurable love of God.
And the resurrection declares that Jesus Christ is alive, that death has not conquered Him, and that everyone who trusts in Him has a living Savior.
Paul explains the believer's justification through Christ's sacrifice:
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9 KJV
Salvation is not a reward for people who have managed to become good enough. It is God's gracious provision for people who cannot save themselves.
Listen to how clearly Titus expresses this truth:
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus 3:5 KJV
"Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" Titus 3:6 KJV
We do not earn salvation by performing religious duties, accumulating good deeds, attending church, or trying to balance our sins with our good intentions.
We are saved by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
That does not make good works unimportant. Rather, good works become the fruit of a life that has been saved and transformed by grace.
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for a life of good works.
5. Salvation is God's work, received through faith, not achieved through human effort.
The Bible never presents salvation as a joint accomplishment in which God does most of the work and sinners supply whatever is missing.
God is the Author of salvation. Jesus is the Savior. The Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells the believer. Our responsibility is to repent and believe the Gospel.
Paul writes:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8 KJV
"Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9 KJV
Notice the order: grace, faith, salvation. We have no grounds for boasting.
Faith is not a payment we offer God. It is the means by which we receive what Christ has accomplished.
Consider Abraham:
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Genesis 15:6 KJV
Abraham was not declared righteous because he had earned God's approval. He trusted God's promise.
Paul uses Abraham's example to demonstrate that justification has always been by faith rather than human achievement.
"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." Romans 4:4 KJV
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Romans 4:5 KJV
This is an extraordinary truth: God justifies the ungodly who believe in Him.
Saving faith is more than agreeing that Jesus existed or acknowledging that Christianity contains worthwhile principles. Biblical faith involves personally entrusting oneself to Jesus Christ.
We can understand its expression through three closely related aspects:
- Today is the day to get it, to grasp hold, to understand the Word: The mind hears and understands the Gospel. We recognize who Jesus is, why He died, and why His resurrection matters. Faith does not require intellectual ignorance.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17 KJV
- Conviction and affection are gifts too: The heart embraces the truth, recognizes the seriousness of sin, and welcomes God's mercy. Genuine faith is not cold acknowledgment of historical facts. It involves a heart awakened to its need for Christ.
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." Romans 6:17 KJV
- Personal surrender and full trust are choices for you: The will turns from self-rule and rests upon Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Genuine faith produces a new direction of life, although believers continue to grow and struggle against sin.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1 KJV
These are not three separate methods of salvation. They help describe the nature of genuine saving faith.
And we must be careful not to confuse the instrument of salvation with its source. Salvation is God's gracious work, not something we generate through the strength of our emotions or the intensity of our determination.
6. The Gospel delivers people from darkness, judgment, and the dominion of sin.
The word salvation in Romans 1:16 carries the idea of rescue and deliverance.
What exactly does God rescue us from?
From condemnation: Our sin places us under God's righteous judgment. The Gospel announces forgiveness and justification through Christ.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9 KJV
From spiritual darkness: Apart from Christ, humanity is alienated from God and unable to reconcile itself to Him.
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" Colossians 1:13 KJV
From the dominion of sin: God's purpose is not merely to pardon our past but to transform our present lives.
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14 KJV
From the corruption of our former way of life: The Gospel calls us to a new identity, a new allegiance, and a new way of living.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" 1 Peter 2:9 KJV
From eternal separation and final judgment: Those who reject Christ remain accountable for their sins. Those who belong to Him possess eternal life.
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15 KJV
The Gospel is not a minor religious adjustment. It is God's rescue mission for lost humanity.
Jesus did not come merely to make comfortable people slightly more religious. He came to seek and save the lost.
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10 KJV
This is why evangelism matters. We are not simply inviting people to attend another meeting, adopt another tradition, or become members of another organization. We are telling them about the Savior who can forgive their sins and give them eternal life.
7. The Gospel Message gives people light to walk in, and gives life to enjoy. Abundant and lasting.
The power revealed in the Gospel is consistent with the creative power of God throughout Scripture.
In Genesis, God spoke light into existence.
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Genesis 1:3 KJV
John begins his Gospel by identifying Jesus Christ as the eternal Word:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 KJV
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4 KJV
Jesus Himself declared:
"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 KJV
What a beautiful picture! The same God who commanded physical light to shine into the darkness is able to bring spiritual light into a sinner's heart through Jesus Christ.
This does not mean that the Gospel is a new form of self-help or that conversion guarantees a life without suffering. It means that the living God brings people from spiritual darkness into fellowship with Himself.
Paul describes this treasure beautifully:
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV
We are fragile vessels carrying an extraordinary treasure. Our strength is not the message. Our eloquence is not the message. Our reputation is not the message.
Jesus Christ is the treasure. Hear Paul continue on:
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;" 2 Corinthians 4:8 KJV
"Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" 2 Corinthians 4:9 KJV
And he explains the foundation of Christian hope:
"Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you." 2 Corinthians 4:14 KJV
The Christian life is not a promise that we will never be knocked down. It is the assurance that suffering, opposition, and even death cannot ultimately separate us from the victorious Christ.
The messenger may be weak. The message is not.
8. Paul was not ashamed, even when the world gave him plenty of reasons to be silent.
To understand the force of Romans 1:16, consider the life of the man who wrote it.
Paul did not preach the Gospel from a comfortable distance. He experienced the personal cost of proclaiming Christ.
Consider just a few episodes from his ministry.
In Philippi, his body was beaten and imprisoned.
"And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:" Acts 16:23 KJV
"Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks." Acts 16:24 KJV
In Thessalonica, opposition forced him to leave.
"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews." Acts 17:10 KJV
In Berea, opposition followed him there as well.
"And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still." Acts 17:14 KJV
In Athens, some mocked his message.
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter." Acts 17:32 KJV
In Lystra, he was stoned and dragged outside the city.
"And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead." Acts 14:19 KJV
Notice the pattern: imprisonment, hostility, ridicule, rejection, and physical violence.
Yet Paul continued preaching and teaching the truth.
He did not mistake opposition for evidence that the Gospel had failed. Nor did he interpret popularity as the measure of God's approval.
He understood that the truth of the Gospel does not rise or fall with public opinion.
There is an important distinction here: Paul was not seeking persecution, nor should Christians manufacture conflict to demonstrate their courage. He was simply unwilling to abandon the truth to avoid suffering.
He was determined to make Christ well known, personally known like a good friend is known cuz He is a Good Friend. The very Best of friends!
And he longed to preach in Rome, the great imperial capital of his day. He wrote:
"So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." Romans 1:15 KJV
That eagerness is remarkable. Rome represented extraordinary political influence, imperial authority, and pagan religious culture. Yet Paul wanted the people there to hear about Jesus.
His confidence was not in Rome's willingness to listen. It was in God's power to save.
A hostile audience cannot make the Gospel less true. A powerful government cannot make Christ less Lord. And a culture's disapproval cannot cancel God's saving promises.
9. Why does the world find the Gospel offensive?
The Gospel Message confronts some of humanity's deepest assumptions.
The world often wants a religion that affirms human goodness, celebrates personal autonomy, and leaves people free to define truth for themselves. The Gospel does something entirely different.
It tells us:
We are sinners, not merely imperfect people.
We cannot save ourselves.
Jesus Christ is not one of many possible saviors. He is the Savior.
Repentance is necessary.
Forgiveness is received through Christ, not earned through human merit.
Jesus is Lord, and we are called to follow Him.
That message challenges human pride.
Paul explains:
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Corinthians 1:25 KJV
The problem is not that the Gospel lacks wisdom. The problem is that fallen humanity frequently resists the authority of God.
Paul writes:
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7 KJV
James gives another warning about divided allegiance:
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4 KJV
This does not mean Christians should despise unbelievers or withdraw from society. Jesus loved sinners and welcomed them, yet He never compromised the truth to gain their approval.
We are commanded to love our neighbors, serve others, listen carefully, and speak graciously. But we must not confuse loving people with approving everything they believe or do.
Our calling is to love people without surrendering the truth that can set them free.
Paul understood that the cross would be considered foolishness by some. Yet he refused to substitute a more attractive message for the one God had given.
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV
That is the simplicity and sufficiency of biblical evangelism.
We do not need to make Jesus more marketable. We need to make Him known.
10. The Gospel must be proclaimed, not merely admired.
There is a difference between believing the Gospel privately and faithfully making it known to others.
A person can appreciate Christian teaching, enjoy worship music, admire a pastor, and participate in church activities while remaining reluctant to speak about Jesus outside the church.
But Christ calls His people to be witnesses.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19 KJV
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20 KJV
We should not assume that everyone has the same opportunity, personality, or calling to evangelize publicly. Some preach to crowds; others share Christ with a neighbor, a family member, a colleague, or one person who needs encouragement.
But every Christian should be willing to point people toward Jesus.
Peter gives us an important balance:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15 KJV
Notice the combination: readiness, conviction, meekness, and reverence.
We should be prepared to explain what we believe, but we should never confuse boldness with harshness.
A gracious gospel-conversation can begin with a simple question:
How are you doing spiritually?
Have you ever considered what Jesus Christ did for you?
Do you believe there is a way to know that your sins are forgiven?
May I share with you why my relationship with Jesus matters so much to me?
Sometimes the most meaningful ministry begins by listening carefully, caring sincerely, and then sharing faithfully.
Care enough to listen. Love enough to speak. Trust God enough to leave the results in His hands.
A sobering observation from Barna research
The need for renewed evangelistic conviction is not merely theoretical.
Barna's December 2025 analysis of American Christian trends reported that only 31% of Christians strongly agreed that they personally have a responsibility to share their faith.
It is possible to become so occupied with maintaining our own Christian routines that we neglect the people around us who have never genuinely heard the Gospel.
We can attend church, read Christian books, discuss theology, and enjoy Christian fellowship while overlooking the person who desperately needs to know Jesus.
The answer is not guilt-driven activity. It is a fresh understanding of the grace we have received and a renewed love for those who have not yet believed.
If we truly understand what Christ has rescued us from and what He has given us, we should want others to hear about Him.
11. The messenger is only the vessel God can use. God's power is the treasure.
One of the greatest mistakes Christians can make is to believe that successful evangelism depends primarily upon their own intelligence, personality, persuasiveness, or public-speaking ability.
It does not.
God uses ordinary, imperfect people to communicate an extraordinary message.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that his ministry was not built upon impressive human rhetoric:
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:" 1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:5 KJV
Our responsibility is faithfulness. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts and regenerates. We cannot argue someone into spiritual life, manufacture repentance, or force a person to believe.
We can explain the truth, answer questions, pray, demonstrate Christ's love, and extend the invitation.
But only God can give new life.
Peter describes the new birth as the work of God's living Word:
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23 KJV
And Paul reminds us:
"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:7 KJV
What a relief!
We do not have to be extraordinary people to serve an extraordinary Savior.
You may never stand before a congregation. You may never write a book, preach a sermon, or speak to a large audience. But you can tell someone what Jesus has done for you. You can open the Bible with a friend. You can pray with a hurting person. You can share the hope of eternal life with someone who has never understood the Gospel.
A single faithful conversation may become a moment someone remembers for the rest of his or her life.
As Charles Spurgeon really emphasized in his sermon on the power of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit is the one who changes human understanding, the will, and the affections of the sinner through the pure truth of God's Word.
The messenger is not the source of the power.
The Gospel is what? It's God's message. The Holy Spirit is God's power. Jesus Christ is God's Savior.
12. The ultimate reason we must never be ashamed: Jesus is alive!
Christianity does not rest upon the memory of a good man who once lived, taught, and died.
It rests upon the historical reality of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
Paul made this the foundation of his preaching:
"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:" 2 Timothy 2:8 KJV
"Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." 2 Timothy 2:9 KJV
That last statement from God deserves to be remembered.
Paul could be imprisoned, but God's Word could not be imprisoned. His circumstances could be restricted, but the Gospel could not be silenced.
The Roman authorities could restrain a messenger. They could not reverse the resurrection.
The world could reject the message. It could not make the message untrue.
The grave could not hold Jesus.
And because Jesus lives, the believer's hope is not wishful thinking. It rests upon the risen Christ.
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." 1 Corinthians 15:20 KJV
This is why the Christian does not have to live in fear of death, public opinion, or the changing values of society.
Our Savior lives. His promises stand. His kingdom will endure.
As the beloved hymn Amazing Grace, written by John Newton, expresses:
"I once was lost, but now am found,"
That is the testimony of grace. The Christian is not boasting about personal goodness. He is rejoicing in the goodness of the Savior who found him.
13. A personal invitation: What will you do with Jesus?
We have considered the power of the Gospel, the seriousness of sin, the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and the hope of His resurrection.
But the Gospel is not merely something to study intellectually. It demands a personal response.
You can know Christian terminology without knowing Christ. You can grow up in church, memorize Scripture, admire Christian teachers, and understand religious traditions without ever personally entrusting your life to Jesus.
Being religious and being born again are not the same thing.
Jesus told Nicodemus:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 KJV
Nicodemus was religious, educated, and respected. Yet Jesus told him he needed something deeper than religious knowledge. He needed spiritual life.
That need has not changed.
Can I give you an opportunity today? Yes. If you have never personally trusted Jesus Christ, come to Him now, or come back to Him now.
Perhaps you have spent months or years trying to become good enough for God. Perhaps you have carried guilt, regret, shame, secret sin, or the exhausting burden of trying to fix yourself.
Perhaps you have mistaken religious activity for a personal relationship with Jesus.
Hear the good news:
Jesus Christ died for sinners on the Cross at Calvary. He took the judgment our sins deserved.. in my place, in your place. He was physically buried, and He physically rose again. He offers forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life to everyone who genuinely repents and believes in Him.
You do not have to clean yourself up before coming to Christ. Come acknowledging your sin and your need for His mercy.
Jesus said:
"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37 KJV
Paul declared:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9 KJV
And:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13 KJV
This is not about repeating magic words. No prayer, religious ceremony, or emotional experience earns salvation. God saves the person who genuinely turns to Him in repentance and places his or her faith in Jesus Christ.
Come to Jesus, not because you have made yourself worthy, but because He is a sufficient Savior.
You can express your repentance and faith in Jesus right here and now. Would you like to pause pray something simple like this:
A Prayer of Repentance and Faith
Heavenly Father,
I come to You on Your terms. Yes, as I am before You acknowledging that I am a lost sinner and cannot save myself. There's nothing I can do to make myself righteous. I have sinned against You, and I really need Your mercy and forgiveness.
I believe that Jesus Christ is God, Your Son, that He died for my sins on the Cross, that He was buried, and rose again. I believe He is the only way for me -- the only Savior and that my hope of eternal life rests entirely in Him with His power.
I turn away from my sin now, and from my former self-reliance. I place my full trust in Jesus Christ alone. Please forgive me, save me, and give me new life through Your Holy Spirit. Jesus, by your Spirit come into me -- I'm all Yours and recieve You by faith.
Father God, teach me to follow Jesus as my Lord, real close, to love Your Word, to walk in obedience by wisely applying the Bible priciples, and to live for Your glory.. all the way Home.
Thank You for Your mercy, Your grace, and the salvation You freely offer us sinners through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you belong to Christ Jesus but have grown distant from Him, then come back to Him. Not to me or to some denomination, to Him. Then let Him lead you to be a part of a healthy local Christian church (that teaches through the whole Bible).
Perhaps you once walked closely with the Lord at one time, but the distractions of life, disappointment, compromise, spiritual weariness, or unconfessed sin have affected your fellowship with Him.
Do not confuse spiritual discouragement with a reason to abandon the Savior.
The Lord calls His children to repentance, renewed obedience, and restored fellowship.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 KJV
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." James 4:8 KJV
You do not need another substitute for Jesus. You need renewed fellowship with Him.
Return to His Word. Return to prayer. Return to obedience. Return to the joy of knowing Him.
And if you are already walking with Jesus, do not keep the good news to yourself.
There are people around you who need to hear that forgiveness is possible, that sin does not have to define their future, and that eternal life is available through Jesus Christ.
You do not have to be ashamed.
You do not have to be famous, unusually gifted, or professionally trained to share the Gospel faithfully.
You simply need to know the Savior, understand His message, love people, and be willing to speak.
Have you ever heard how Spurgeon put it in his sermon? The Power of the Gospel:
"The Gospel does not merely tell men certain Truths of God, but it gives life, power and Grace to them."
That is the message worth carrying, as the Spirit leads you.
God, help me never be ashamed or embarrassed of You or Your Gospel.
Our world does not need a watered-down Christianity, a more fashionable Jesus, or a Gospel redesigned to accommodate the preferences of every generation.
It needs the real Jesus Christ of Scripture.
It needs the truth about sin, the sufficiency of the cross, the reality of the resurrection, the necessity of repentance, and the wonderful availability of God's grace.
We must speak the truth without arrogance, extend grace without compromising Scripture, and love people enough to tell them about the Savior.
The Gospel is not our invention, our achievement, or our personal philosophy. It is God's good news concerning His Son.
We are simply entrusted with the privilege of making Him known.
Never be ashamed of the message that can save a soul. Never be embarrassed by the Savior who gave His life for you. And never underestimate what God can do through one ordinary believer who is willing to faithfully tell another person about Jesus.
Paul's declaration should become our conviction, too:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16 KJV
Stay accurate with what's so - be faithful to the Lord and Scripture. By His power be fruitful too:
1. The Greek word dynamis here is "power": Yes exactly, Romans 1:16 uses dynamis, meaning the very power or almighty of God. The English word dynamite ultimately derives from the Greek word, but the explosive from that illustration should not be mistaken for Paul's actual definition of it.
2. Saving faith: The Greek expression translated "that believeth" in Romans 1:16 is a present participle. It is okay, totally appropriate to emphasize persevering faith by God's grace as a biblical characteristic, but the verb tense alone does not prove that salvation is maintained by our continuing performance at all. Our confidence rests in the powerful Son of God, Jesus Christ.
3. The gift of faith: Ephesians 2:8–9 clearly teaches us that salvation is God's free gift, received through faith. Not earnable! Christians differ on whether the word "that" specifically identifies faith itself as the gift or the whole saving event. The essential truth is that God's salvation is entirely by grace, not earned by works.
4. Paul's experiences: The biblical record identifies Lystra as the location where Paul was stoned with rocks, and Athens as the place where some people mocked his true preaching. It does not say that every person in Corinth regarded him as a fool. These distinctions do matter.
5. Deliverance: Luke 14:26 concerns the cost of discipleship and Christ's supremacy over all family relationships, not specifically deliverance from self-indulgence. Hosea 4:6 concerns Israel's rejection of sound knowledge. Neither should it be used as a direct definition of salvation.
6. Evangelistic statistics to keep in mind: Mr. Barna's 2025 finding that 31% of Christians (those God "saved", that's a Bible term..) strongly agreed they currently have personal responsibility to live the life and verbally share their faith in Jesus (this is a survey finding for indiviual believers, not a biblical measurement of any local church's spiritual condition).
Here's another distinction worth guarding: We proclaim salvation by grace through faith alone, in Christ alone, but the faith that saves does not remain alone. Genuine salvation produces a changed life, growing obedience, love for Christ, and spiritual fruit. We do not work to become saved; with good works, the Holy Spirit directs us in, we willing serve because, through Christ, we have been saved. We work from salvation (to please and glorify the Lord), not for salvation.
What must I believe to be saved? How real Salvation Happens.
The Bible's Gospel message (is Good News for you! Yep, it's for pointing us all to Christ when we understand the bad news. You and I have sinned against Him). It's our hope, cuz He is the Ultimate Solution for lost people of every age. Heaven and Hell are real places. Time for us here is brief, so this is the Message worth giving our lives to proclaim.
