Are You Sure?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel,

For it is the power of God for salvation to

Everyone who believes.

Romans 1:16

Confidence is key. Whether you are on an athletic field, in a classroom, or a boardroom, you have to believe in yourself and your approach. Of course, I am not speaking of an ungodly arrogance here, but a confidence that one is doing the right thing for the situation. There has to be some sense that you are sure.

While such confidence is important in other arenas in our lives, there is one that stands apart. There is one area in which we must show more confidence than all others. That is, we must be sure of our God and His plan for our salvation. It is often questioned whether or not there are multiple ways to God. And, if there are, why are you so sure that your way is right?

The Apostle Paul had no doubt. He was able to say with absolute confidence that he was “not ashamed” of the gospel. So sure was Paul that this gospel was the only way to God that he constantly put his life on the line in order to share it. He believed with all of his heart that people who die without the gospel go to hell. For him, this was unacceptable and people had to know. He lacked no confidence that this gospel was true.

When I read passages like this, as familiar as it is, I am humbled. I am reminded that the business of spreading the gospel is serious business. The call to “go” is not a call that we should take lightly. The call to “go” is a mandate, not a suggestion. Oh how I pray that our confidence in the gospel would grow. I also pray that the truth of the exclusiveness of the gospel would be driven home to us. Let our hearts be the same as Paul’s. May we say with him confidently, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.”

Taking a Stand in a Christ-less Culture

The Apostle Paul’s passion for the gospel never ceases to amaze me. As I have written before, when Paul met Christ, he went from chief persecutor of the church to chief propagator of the church. Paul never missed the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. It is as if it burned within him and no matter the circumstance he had to share it. Sometimes this is in the form of a simple testimony and sometimes he argues his case as if he is standing before the Supreme Court.

A story is recorded in Acts 17 of one such instance when Paul makes a case for Christ. Paul is in the city of Athens. He is waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive to assist him in the ministry. However, while Paul is waiting on them he begins to take note of all the idols that are within the city. At the same time we are told that, “his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16). As a result, he begins to make his case for Christ and the gospel.

As Paul is making his case, he approaches it in an interesting way. He starts with what they know; he finds common ground with them. He says, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘to the unknown god’” (Acts 17:22-23). Paul found an open door and walks through it. He then says, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). Paul then goes on to make a very detailed argument as to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

As we think about sharing the gospel, there are several things we can learn from Paul. First of all, this event takes place in the normal flow of Paul’s life. He is simply waiting on some friends to arrive and killing time. Second, Paul finds common ground with the Athenians. He does not start a huge argument as to the sinfulness of worshiping idols; he simply uses these idols as a connecting point to share the one true God with them. Third, Paul is not shy about sharing the truth even though idol worship was clearly the accepted practice of the day in Athens. Every believer would do well to model their life and witness after Paul.

When Difficulties Direct

Throughout the book of Acts we have seen the progression of the gospel. We are reminded once again of Jesus’ Great Commission. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have seen the gospel proclaimed in Jerusalem, in Judea, and Samaria. Now we come to Acts 13 and we see the gospel launched “to the ends of the earth.”

Paul and Barnabas have been preaching the gospel. The Jewish people that they were speaking to were responding with great interest. Unfortunately, this upset the leaders of the people. The Bible says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:45). Paul and Barnabas could have allowed this to discourage them. They could have looked at the situation and quit. Instead, they simply say, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). The Gentile response is also worth noting. We are told, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).

This story has two things for us that are worthy of note. First, we are reminded once again that God has a heart for the nations. God’s desire is that all people will come to a saving knowledge of Him. As believers, we are to take part in this gospel advance. Second, it was after a difficult situation occurred that the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. We must be careful not to view every challenge as a negative. Sometimes God uses these difficulties to direct our path and accomplish His will. Walk in faith and expectation…even in the difficult times.