What do you do when influential people get away with breaking the law?
Do you get frustrated?
Do you get angry?
Do you feel powerless?
News like this makes me feel helpless, but there is a silver lining in this situation. It makes me lean on the power of God even more. Let us understand the power that comes from God.
Our verse for this devotional is:
Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Here are my key takeaways from the verse:
1. We must not be ashamed of the Gospel.
John 4:13-14
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Some Christians are reluctant to share the Gospel. It is understandable. It seems that being an atheist is the thing nowadays. Those who believe in God are deemed to be narrow-minded.
Let me share a story. The year was 2014. I was a singled dad who mindlessly dates for sexual pleasure and lives a hand to mouth existence. My inability to provide for my kids caused pain that was slowly killing me. I did not have a clue on how to get my life in order.
Fast forward, 2020. I am now considering opportunities in the real estate market here in Sydney because God gave me the ability to buy a property.
How did that happen? I could not explain. All I know is that one night in 2014, I decided to give my all to Christ. My life turned drastically from that moment.
Do not be ashamed to share the Gospel. Everyone needs Jesus. Some people are just embarrassed to accept that they need help. Others are just afraid of the consequences of receiving Christ.
2. The Gospel gives us power.
Believing in Jesus allows us to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.
He teaches
John 14:26
English Standard Version (ESV)
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
He empowers
Romans 8:26
English Standard Version (ESV)
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
He gives wisdom and strength
Isaiah 11:2
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
He gives fruits
Galatians 5:22-23
English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Imagine this, the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within the believers of Christ. Imagine having that kind of power. Nothing is impossible.
3. The power of salvation is activated by faith
Acts 2:38
English Standard Version (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We have access to the most potent force in the universe, and it starts with believing in Jesus.
People have everything to gain when they receive Jesus. They receive:
Immortality
Residency in heaven
Victory on earth
Peace and joy
Faith, hope and love
People have everything to lose without Jesus. They receive:
Death
Hellbound
Absence of divine help on earth
Stress and sorrow
Fear, frustration, and hate
Why will you turn back on Jesus?
4. The power of salvation is for everyone.
Galatians 3:28
New International Version
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
God plays no favourites. He loves all of us. Regardless of what we have done, He loves us.
Do not hesitate to share Jesus because of past and future mistakes. He knows everything. He knows the bad things you have done and will continue to do, but He loves you with perfect love.
The Gospel is for everyone.
Let us Sum it Up
We must be bold in sharing the Gospel. It has the power to change lives for the better.
We receive the power of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus. We can do anything with this power.
People need Jesus regardless of their situations. We need Jesus more during these hard times. Share the Gospel to everyone.
Prayer of Salvation
Friend, if you want to know Jesus, but you are unsure of your standing in faith, say this prayer.
God sees your heart, so say the words with conviction and faith.
"Father, I am a sinner. Forgive my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross so I could live fully on earth and in heaven. Change my heart and mind according to your will. This I pray, in the mighty Name of Jesus, amen."
Friend, if you prayed this prayer in faith, I believe you have set things right with God.
If you want to grow in faith, find a Bible-based church. You can also reach out to me through my social media platforms and this website, www.high3r.com. I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading this devotional story, and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website.
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