DCLM Higher Everyday 29 July 2023 — No Shame: Embrace The Gospel

DCLM Higher Everyday  29 July 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — No Shame: Embrace The Gospel

Topic: No Shame: Embrace The Gospel.

Text: Romans 1:13-17

13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16For 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.

17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Key Verse: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Message

A youth was once asked what was hindering her from surrendering her life to Christ. She said that living a Christian life was boring, absurd and that she was ashamed of being identified as a Christian. Are you ashamed of Christ too? One of the most famous footballers in the world is christian, Neymar Jr. He grew up in Baptist Church and publicly preached Christ in various ways. He even wore the headband with the inscription, 100% JESUS. His football club leaders hated this. They were ashamed of the gospel. So in 2021, they made Neymar Jr. to sign a contract that he would get extra four hundred and sixty one thousand pounds any month he did not speak about Jesus publicly. Similar things are happening in other sports too – sealing believers’ lips.

Today’s memory verse shows that Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The gospel alone brings salvation to everybody and through it God’s righteousness is revealed. Genuine believers are never ashamed of Christ. This is the work of grace through faith. You can embrace this gospel today.

Quote: Paul was not ashamed.

Challenge: Christ justifies the unjust through the gospel.

Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, take away my shame; I believe your gospel.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)