I’m amazed at the boldness Peter had when he preached the first sermon in Acts 2. The same Peter who denied Jesus publicly weeks earlier is now boldly proclaiming Jesus in front of thousands. I want that kind of faith; that kind of boldness.
I wish I could say I’m always bold and willing to talk to anyone about my faith in Jesus. I would be lying if I did. The grace of God is more than I (or anyone) deserves, and it’s his grace that can also empower us with a boldness that cannot be explained. When I’m walking closely with Jesus and following him, as I should be daily, I find myself walking in a boldness I wouldn’t have otherwise. With God’s grace, we find forgiveness but it’s a two-sided coin. On the other hand, we also find the boldness to live in that forgiveness.
I’m not ashamed of the gospel, and you shouldn’t be either if you are a Christian. Paul didn’t write those words in Romans 1:16 so it would look cool on a T-shirt or as a tattoo on your arm.
Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t be ashamed of the gospel if you are a follower of Jesus.
Jesus Defeated Sin.
When Jesus went to the cross it was finished. He defeated sin once and for all. No more sacrifices were needed. Ever! He said three words that changed everything in John 19:30, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (emphasis added).
Jesus Disarmed Satan.
As followers of Jesus, because of what he did on the cross we can live from a place of victory. Jesus not only defeated sin, but he also disarmed Satan. Colossians 2:15, says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Jesus Is Coming Back Again.
Jesus did what he said he would do when he went to the cross. He also said he will come back again. He keeps his word. His second coming is a promise. Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
Before I became a follower of Jesus I was mostly a shy person. Speaking in front of, let alone directly to, others terrified me. I can remember a time not long after I became a Christian the Lord pressed upon me to share Jesus with a co-worker of mine. I worked at a home improvement store and this co-worker was very open about his beliefs. So, one day in the outside garden department I told him who Jesus was and what he’s done for me and what he can do for him.
I wish I could say my co-worker became a Christian that day. He didn’t. But the Lord showed me something. Our boldness comes from him and because he defeated sin, disarmed Satan, and is coming back again one day, we can boldly proclaim the gospel without fear.
We Can Be Unashamed of the Gospel!
Jesus didn’t just save us from our sin. He also wants to empower us to live boldly on this side of eternity. So, who is the Lord pressing on your heart to share the gospel with today? Ask him for boldness. He will give it to you. The gospel is the best news anyone can hear and, because of Jesus, we can be unashamed to proclaim it to the world!
This article originally appeared on Thinke.org and is reposted here by permission.