BE UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT THE GOSPEL – Pastor Chris
Friday, July 9, 2021
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… (Philippians 3:8).
When I analyze some of the things going on in the world today, I remember the commitment of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They said to the king, “We will not bow to your image of gold.” And the king got angry and threatened to throw them into a burning fiery furnace. But they responded boldly, “Our God is able to deliver us from your fire; but if He doesn’t, we still won’t bow” (Read Daniel 3).
They weren’t refusing to bow to the king’s image because they expected that God would deliver them. It didn’t matter to them whether or not they’d be delivered from the fire. They were standing their ground because of their commitment to the Lord, recognizing that He’s the only true God. Thus, in spite of the intimidation, they wouldn’t budge! What a conviction!
It was a similar case with Daniel. There had been a decree against prayer to any God but the king for thirty days. But Daniel continued in prayer; the Bible says when he found out a decree had been passed to outlaw prayer, he prayed again as he always did, knowing that the supervisors were watching (Daniel 6:6-10).
For refusing to yield to the obnoxious decree by the King, Daniel was thrown into the Lion’s den. There’s no record that Daniel prayed to be delivered from the lion’s den; he was rather ready to be eaten up by lions than deny his faith in God. These are set for us as examples. Our situation today isn’t any different. When it comes to what God has said versus what anyone else is saying, it’s not a difficult choice; there’s just one way we go—Jesus only! We serve the Lord Christ. When it comes to the call of the Gospel, live or die, we’re the Lord’s! Hallelujah!
Never find yourself apologetic, intimidated or reluctant to express your convictions about Christ and the message of the Gospel. We’ve got to be ready. We’re from a lineage of those who gave everything and requested no deliverance; they wanted a better resurrection, a victorious one. Come what may, be undaunted; be bold about your faith in Jesus Christ. Be convinced and compelled by the truth of the Gospel and preach it boldly.
CONFESSION:
I’m convinced and compelled by the truth of the Gospel; and I refuse to be afraid of persecution for proclaiming Christ Jesus. Nothing in this world can daunt my love for Christ and passion for the Gospel. I preach it boldly everywhere, and He’s with me and in me, confirming His Word, with signs following. Praise God!
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts 20:22-24 AMPC And now, you see, I am going to Jerusalem, bound by the [Holy] Spirit and obligated and compelled by the [convictions of my own] spirit, not knowing what will befall me there—23 Except that the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me. 24 But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God’s grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 20:1-16 & Job 19-21
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:36-50 & Joshua 5
