Romans 1:16 “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.”

Most Christians are ashamed and embarrassed to share their faith with others.

This is for a number of reasons: 

1.    Fear of man

Some Christians are afraid of what other people would think of them; others are afraid of what would happen to them, and there are some that are afraid of what they will lose.

Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

The reality is that many Christians will be evil spoken of; physical abuse may take place, or even the loss of loved ones. However, God is with the Christians even unto death.

2.    Lack of courage/boldness

 Courage must be evident in the life of a witnessing Christian, and courage is found in God and His Word. Seek God in prayer and search His Word for Strength. Acts 4:29 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”

3.    Lack of love for the Lord

Jesus challenged His disciples by saying “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” The same is true for 21st Century Christians; if we love the Lord then we will tell others about Him without shame. Let Christ Jesus’ love move you to live for Him by telling others. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15


4.    Lack of Understanding

The Gospel of Christ is the “Good News”, it’s not bad news. Do not allow the bad reaction of those that do not want to believe on the Gospel influence you to think that what you’re sharing is bad news. Telling someone how to get to Heaven is the best thing you can ever share.

Romans 1:16 “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.”

It is also the poer of God unto Salvation to those who believe. God’s power over sin, death and hell,

It is not limited in its invitation, it is offered to all.

Committing your life for the Gospel’s sake is not in any way a waste, but rather the most profitable eternal cause anyone can have. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because he knew who he was serving - the greatest God in the universe and in Heaven above. Paul knew His God!

 



2 Timothy 1:12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Remember, it was God who hung naked on that Cross. Why should we be ashamed of the one that took our shame?

Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Having friends is a blessing in life. There are different kinds of friendships people form; school, work, close, and best friends.

However, some people find it hard to make friends. This may be caused by some thinking they are too good to make friends with others. Others are waiting for people to be friendly to them. It is common today to hear people from schools, churches, and in the work place say, “They are not friendly.”

Notice what the Bible says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:”

A person that has a friend must be a friend to them.

    ~ Here are a few ways to be a Friend ~

1.    Demonstrate  True Forgiveness

Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

2.    Be Open and Truthful

When a need arises, approaching your friend with the truth may be difficult, but it is better than not saying anything at all.

Proverbs 27:5-6 “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Vs 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

3.    Give Biblical advice in a Loving Manner

It is a good thing to give good counsel from God’s Word, but it is better when it is done in a loving tone and a timely manner. “…speaking the truth in love…”

Proverbs 27:9 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.”

4.    Trust your Friend

At times people will try to break up good friendships, marriages, and the unity of a Church by gossip, etc.

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

5.    Stand by your Friend in the Tough Times

A good, faithful friend loves in good times and bad times; they will not leave them for dead.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

6.    Be an Encourager

Friends are to be encouraging one another when they are discouraged. “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:10

  A true friend will build others up, and not tear them down.  They will help them grow closer to Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

7.    Introduce your Friend to the Greatest Friend

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior & Friend, then the best thing that you can do for your friends is to introduce them to Jesus.

Mark 5:19 (Jesus Said) “…Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

C Haddad

The Lord is my shepherd
That’s relationship!

I shall not want
That’s supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That’s rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters
That’s refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That’s healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That’s guidance!

For His name’s sake
That’s purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That’s challenge!

I will fear no evil
That’s assurance!

For thou art with me
That’s faithfulness!

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
That’s shelter!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That’s hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil
That’s consecration!

My cup runneth over
That’s abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That’s blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That’s security!

For ever
That’s eternity!