Why I am Not Ashamed
Do you know Jesus? In today’s woke and worried world, living out faith in Jesus can stir up emotional responses. Here’s why we should never be ashamed to say the name of Jesus and live out serving Him.
Even though I love every book of the Bible, Romans has such a special place in my heart! The more I read it and meditate on it the more I know God, and love Him and grow in faith! Today let’s talk about one of the main themes of this glorious book and why I am not ashamed!
The book of Romans was God-inspired and written down by Paul. Paul was a Jew born in the days of Jesus. Let’s get a little background into the one who wrote down this God-breathed book.
Paul was born in Tarsus of Cilicia, a Roman province on the south eastern coast of Turkey. He was born a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin and he, by virtue of being born in Tarsus, was a Roman citizen. His given name was Saul.
It’s very important to know, Paul did not know Jesus before His Resurrection.
Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the best teachers of the day. Paul was a Pharisee, a good God-fearing Jew.
As an adult, Paul traveled to Jerusalem where he became zealous in persecuting a new group of Jews called “The Way”.
These were the early believers of Jesus Christ and the new church formed after the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
It was on a trip to Damascus to round up some of the new Christians who fled there from persecution that Paul met the risen Savior Jesus Christ in person.
Jesus appeared to Saul and literally knocked him off his horse. It was on that road to Damascus Saul’s heart was changed forever and he took on the name Paul. Paul means “little”.
His conversion to Christianity was astonishing. Paul became a devout follower of Jesus! Fourteen books of the Bible are attributed to the hand of Paul.
The book of Romans is really an “epistle” or letter. Its original name was “the epistle to the Romans” but shortened to Romans.
Romans is the treatise of the gospel. It is a long book taking a systematic and comprehensive look at the salvation that is offered to all people by God.
Romans is a masterpiece in the Bible and in all of literature!
I boldly can proclaim God’s salvation to all people because I am not ashamed of this great, free and awe-inspiring gift God lays out before us in Romans!
Paul says it best…
FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK.
FOR IN IT IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM FAITH TO FAITH, AS IT IS WRITTEN, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH”. ROMANS 1:16-17
These are such beautiful and true words. But they are also heavy and not easy to understand!
Let’s break the first part of these verses down and use today’s language to understand the amazing truth Paul was inspired to write…
FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED…
Ashamed meaning just what it says. Not embarrassed, dishonored, displaced, misplaced confidence or support, humiliated, wrongly aligned with.
Paul is not ASHAMED OF THE
GOSPEL…
Literally, “the good news”. The Greek word is euaggelizo (pronounced yoo-ang-ghel-id’-zo). It comes from two Greek words “eu” meaning good or well and “angello” meaning “herald or to pronounce a good message”. The gospel means to tell the good and complete message about the Lord Jesus Christ.
So, we see that Paul is not ashamed of proclaiming the good and complete message about Jesus Christ.
FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION
The gospel, the good and complete news of Jesus Christ (His life, death on the cross, resurrection, and salvation) is the POWER OF GOD…
The word power is the Greek word “dunamai”. It’s where we get our word dynamite! What an amazing and truthful word picture of the power of the gospel! The gospel has dynamite power! The gospel is entirely able to accomplish …
SALVATION
Salvation is the idea of being in mortal danger and then being complete and wholly delivered into safety.
Mankind is in mortal danger without God.
Whether we acknowledge it or not it does not change the truth that all humanity is separated from God. And if we die separated from Him we will spend eternity without Him.
There is no way that we can mend this separation because our sin is what separates us from God! And sin is so against God that the payment for sinning is death itself.
Jesus, God’s only Son, wiped all of the sins of the world away by dying in our place on the cross. He and only He offers us the FREE gift of taking us from eternal separation and delivering us into the safety of God’s eternal arms!
TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES
The free gift of salvation is offered to everyone! Every single person. No matter how good or bad or in between you are. Salvation is offered to EVERYONE!!!!! There is absolutely NO exclusion.
We receive this gift by believing. So what exactly IS believing? Knowing what true belief is is really a matter of life and death!
Believing, according to the bible is:
- An accent to a belief. In other words, we acknowledge and have a strong intellectual conviction of the good news. We believe that the good news is true. But it can’t stop there. The book of James tells us that even the demon believe in God and shudder. Just saying “I believe in God” is not true belief, but it is the first step!
- A surrender to those beliefs. We must not only acknowledge that Jesus is our Lord, Creator and Owner, but we must bow our knee in submission to Him. What a sweet surrender it is! I can tell you my life is entirely different and superbly better since I have accepted God’s free gift of eternal life through Jesus!
- Now, the third step is done by God. It is a life that reflects that belief. GOD will start changing YOU! You just keep believing and submitting or obeying God and He will change your life! What an amazing change it will be. I am NOT AT ALL the person I was before I believed at the age of 33, and I thank God every day!
True belief is such an important, life-saving, life-changing topic!
To know more about what true belief really is see WHAT DOES REAL FAITH MEAN
TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK
Jesus came to planet earth and died a horrible death on a cross as He bore the sins of the world on Himself to offer salvation to the entire world. Every single person. Every person of all ages past, present, and future.
He died for YOU AND ME!
But the good news, the news that has dynamite power in it to change our lives was first given or told to the Jews. Jesus was born a Jew and Jesus first told the Jews about the salvation He offered.
In Jesus’ day, there were two divisions of people, Jews and Gentiles. If you were not a Jew you were a Gentile. So everyone in the world who was not a Jew was called a Gentile. Gentiles were also known as Greeks.
After the good news of salvation came to the Jews first it spread to the rest of the whole world! Jesus’ last words on earth were to His Jewish disciples…
“GO, THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL I COMMAND YOU; AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE. Matthew 28:19-20.
The good news of the Gospel IS the power of salvation for all people in all times! For me and for you!
This is why I write “Sunday Scripture” every week. This is why I am not ashamed! This is why I am not shaken and have peace.
I know that I may not be politically correct (and honestly I could care less about that), and what I say might be uncomfortable to some and convicting to others. But I am compelled as a disciple of Jesus to speak the truth and speak it in love.
It is God who has blessed me with this platform and not anything I have done.
I can tell you how to set a pretty table but what is the eternal value of that? I can show you how I decorate my home but what is more important?
Isn’t pointing people to the Lover of their souls of much greater value? Sharing the good news is the matter of eternal life or death!
God is love and His word is a love letter to the world. His salvation is the most perfect single act of love! Why would we ever be ashamed?
My great honor is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, God’s job is to do the saving!
Be bold! Be loving! We have a great Savior and we need to tell everyone we know! For I am not ashamed of the gospel!
You, Yvonne, are a sturdy vessel who is steadily being poured into by our awesome Jesus! God gave you the gift and discernment for decorating, knowing that you would use your stage for HIS GLORY! Well done, good and faithful servant! With Jesus Joy! Tamara
How beautifully said!!
Beautiful words, Yvonne, on a beautiful October morning! I, too, am not ashamed. Thank you for doing what you do, and knowing that this is the most important message of your blog. God bless. I am off to early Mass this morning, and thankful that we can attend. Stay safe and well!
Amen!
Hallelujah!! Keep it up?
We are studying the book of Romans in our Precept Bible study class n also our Sunday School classes at church. Thank you for your wonderful thoughts on this amazing revealing book. I am not ashamed either.
Yvonne, I could not agree with you more. There is nothing to be ashamed of, you are a child as I am of God and we should speak our truth. Not to mention the fact that this is your blog, and it is not only about decorating, it is about you, your life, your home and your life includes God. Thank you for sharing your ministries there are many that love it and those that don’t can pass it by if they want.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful message from the book of Romans.
Thank for your sharing the good news of the gospel. I enjoy your Sunday morning reflections. Explanation is not necessary although after reading the blog, you were not explaining. Keep on spreading the word! We need it now more than ever!
Thank you for the inspiration and helping us along to understand and enjoy the bible. Some parts are very confusing to me when put in biblical terms, you have helped with that. in this day and age I feel we all need our Lord more than ever. Thank you for always being an inspiration, we should never stop learning or spreading the word.
Yvonne, you say it girl! We are not ashamed of the gospel. I love your blog and the Sunday teachings are wonderful.
from Alison, a pastor in South Africa
Hello, my friend in South Africa!
Over the years you have shared some beautiful posts but this is the most beautiful of all.
Continue to be bold, be loving! Praying for you!
Thank you Mary!
Beautifully said!!!!
Hi Yvonne, This is the first time I leave a message on your comment section,but today after reading your message “Why I am not ashamed of the gospel” I felt the need to thank you for your wonderful Sunday messages and how much the mean to me.So thank you for sharing your faith every Sunday!
I also want to Thank you for sharing you beautiful home .Every morning I look forward to your posts and I have learned a lot about decorating my home.
How nice Ingrid!
Amen and Amen! Your beautiful heart for God makes your decorating even more attractive. Maybe it’s because we can see a bit of our Creator through you.
I, too, can attest that life is so much better after sending that head knowledge (it’s good, but only a start) down to one’s heart. Not ashamed, sisters, even though it took me 38 years! Have a beautiful Sunday.
Thank you for ALL of your sharing …
Mondays through Fridays: The Pretties ..
Sundays: The Perfect!
Amen!
I look forward to your Sunday posts, Yvonne. It is heartwarming and comforting to know that you see what’s truly important in this world. I sometimes feel guilty about enjoying my home and surroundings so much but you seem to be able to put it all in perspective. I have never been ashamed of my beliefs but I’m sure I could improve sharing them with others. Thank you for the inspiration.
Amen, beautiful.
Amen! Thanks for sharing! God is not ashamed of me and I will never be ashamed of him.
Blessing to you and your family
Good morning, Honey! THIS post is SO spectacular. Thank you. Hope you have a most blessed Sunday. ?
Just these words to think of in this coming week, “God is LOVE and His word is a love letter to the world”. It makes me think of those times when my husband used to write those fantastic letters and cards!
Love is a concept that comes from the heart, so just trying to show others a bit of LOVE and “togetherness”, can change, first us, maybe others, later. This change just means accepting God in our daily lives.
And I am not ashamed of being loved by Him!
Hope you have a fantastic week full of the LOVE and protection of God to you, your family and everybody in this blog. Big hug again,
Charo
Amen and amen! Your Sunday blog is my favorite of the week! May you continue to shout God’s salvation from the mountain tops!
Thank you for that beautiful testimony of God’s gift and grace to you and to me and to ALL who will accept it. (Would love to hear the story of how you came to Christ at age 33!)
We just left church where this morning our Pastor shared another message in a series on God being the main character of the story, every story, whether my life’s or in the life of Abraham or Joseph, He is the main character and completely sovereign and in control, and we are not. How comforting even this past week with all that has happened to know that nothing takes God by surprise, it is all a part of His plan for His glory! He’s got this!
My favorite part of the verse you so beautifully expounded on is, IT IS THE POWER OF GOD! Think if that! The gospel of Christ is the power of GOD for salvation! Why should we be ashamed?!
It is a pleasure to follow a fellow christian. As much as I appreciate all your decorating expertise, I always know it is with a Christ like mind. Thank you for posting your testimony!
Thank you for this important message Yvonne. Becoming a Christian by believing that Jesus is Gods only son and that he hung on a cross for our sins. Wow! What a love!!!! How could anyone ever be ashamed to share our belief about an innocent man who would be our sacrifice that we can have eternal life? He loves every person in the world no matter what. I pray that ever person that doesn’t know him will be touched by the Holy Spirit and Be convicted of their sins and ask Jesus to come into their heart and save them. What a different world this would be. May God richly bless you as you continue to present the gospel truth.
I enjoy your Sunday blog. Saul/Paul did become a dedicated believer in the 13th chpt of Acts. God showed/gave Paul His loving grace. When God ask Paul if his grace wasn’t enough…..after Paul ask for the thorn to be removed from his side. God shows us daily His lovingkindness also. You are so right …never be ashamed of God….continue to count your DAILY KINDNESS AND GRACE FROM GOD.
Matthew 10:32,33. “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in Heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in Heaven”. I am definitely not ashamed!!
Amen! I think of this verse often!
Thank you!
God bless!
THANK YOU FOR TODAY’S LESSON.
You are welcome!
You have a beautiful home but the reason I follow you is to read your Sunday message. You have an amazing testimony of the gospel and I have learned so much from you. Thank you
Thank you Terri! God bless you!
I look forward to your discussions of the Scriptures. May the Lord continue to use you in presenting the Gospel.
Your Sunday messages have inspired me to go deeper in my understanding of the Bible. You have a way of sharing these lessons in a very personal way. Thank you!
I’m thrilled you are going deeper JoAnn! It’s amazing what God will show you!
How I thank God for you, Yvonne! You are not ashamed to tell others about the Lord and how He died on the cross and bore our sins and all one has to do is accept Him as Lord and Savior. What a gift He has given us! It is my prayer that many will come to know the Lord through your testimony and wonderful Sunday posts. May God continue to bless you, Yvonne, and make you a blessing to all those who read your posts. We will never cease to thank God for you! Thanks, again, for sharing your wonderful heart with us.
Wow ! Preach it Yvonne !
I am very thankful for your Sunday blog! I have learned alot by you explaining the scriptures. I am not ashamed either!! Keep the gospel flowing.
Lovely post and so important……Thank You!!!!
Play “I Am Not Ashamed”
on Amazon Music Unlimited (ad)
Listen while you read!
We’re an anchor for those who are hurting,
We’re a harbor for those who are lost;
Sometimes it’s not always easy bearing Calvary’s cross.
We’ve been ridiculed by those who don’t know him,
And mocked by those who don’t believe.
Still, I love standing up for my Jesus
‘Cause of all that he’s done for me.
That’s why I am not ashamed of the gospel,
The gospel of Jesus Christ.
No, I am not afraid to be counted,
But I’m willing to give my life.
See I’m ready to be all he wants me to be;
Give up the wrong for the right.
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel,
No I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
For ev’ry moment his hand has held mercy,
For all the love he’s shown all my life,
A simple thanks doesn’t say how I’m feeling;
I get tears in my eyes.
So, as for me I’m gonna keep on believing in the one who’s been so faithful to me.
I’m not out to please this whole world around me,
I’ve got my mind on eternity.
That’s why I am not ashamed of the gospel,
The gospel of Jesus Christ.
No, I am not afraid to be counted,
But I’m willing to give my life.
See I’m ready to be all he wants me to be;
Give up the wrong for the right.
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel,
No I am not ashamed of the gospel…
Of the gospel of Jesus Christ
(I’ve got too much behind me to let this world blind me.
To some he’s a name, but to me, he’s my ev’rything)
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel,
No I am not ashamed of the gospel…
I’ve got too much behind me to let this world blind me.
Maybe to some he’s a name, but to me he’s my ev’rything.
I am not ashamed of the gospel,
Oh, I am not ashamed,
Oh, oh I am not ashamed of the gospel,
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel…
Of jesus christ
Amen!!!!
I look forward to reading Sunday Scripture each week. Yvonne, thank you for sharing.
Yvonne, Thank you for each and every one of you Sunday good news writings. I always enjoy them. I love your decorating pages and each of your Sunday pages are just icing on the cake. Sincerely, Carole Lawton
Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing these truths. I am inspired by your posts and challenged to do more to share the power of the Gospel with others.
Yvonne,
I can not being to express how much I look forward to your Sunday posts! Of course I read all of your other posts too but Sunday’s is always such a blessing to me. I have been a Christian almost all of my life but the older I get (now 60) the more I realize I have to learn from God’s word. Through my adult life as I read my way through the Bible, I would pick a verse from each chapter and restate it as if it were written personally to me. I received such great understanding. Now I am widening my focus on how all of the books relate to each other and finally seeing a bigger picture of God’s plan. You bring me such appreciation for God’s relationship with us, a saved sinner. God bless you Overflowing for using your platform to reach those who are seeking even if they don’t know it yet
Thank you Glenda.
You go girl. This is your blog and if haters are out there then be gone. We will pray for them.
That is exactly what I do. I pray for all those who hate me because of my Lord!
It is such an honor to have found your blog a few years ago. Your inspirational words about the love of Jesus is so comforting, especially during these unsettling times. I look forward to reading your Sunday messages every week. I admire your strong devotion for spreading the truth about God.
Hi Cecilia, I’m always so thrilled when I see your comments. Have a blessed day.
Loved reading your post this morning ❤️
I could not agree with you more. Paul, who once was known as Saul, was a very bad man. He killed Christians. Why was he chosen to help preach Gods word, when he was so evil? God knows our hearts. So maybe he used Paul to show us, no matter how bad we might be, that if we repent, and change our evil ways. Do Gods will, that he will always open his arm to us. In today’s world there are so many Sauls. The good news, it’s still not to late for any of us to change our evil ways, and do Gods will. To follow in Jesus footsteps. For he too show us the way to that narrow road that leads to everlasting life.
Thank you always, for your words of encouragements.
What a blessing to you (and to your readers) that God is using your talent of decorating as a platform for you to reach out to others. I look forward to your weekly scripture. Thank you for standing strong for Christ.
Thank you Yvonne for the balance that you bring to your blog. I look forward to your posts each day and truly appreciate your Sunday posts. Praying for Blessings for you and your family. Warmly, Eva
Probably the most compelling of your Sunday messages! Thank you for sharing Jesus here. You are not ashamed!
Beautiful message this Sunday and every Sunday! I am in awe of your knowledge!
Please never stop your amazing message each Sunday.
Sincerely,
Suzannah
Wow, this just blessed me so much! Thank you for not being ashamed! I pray this message gets into the hands of everyone who needs to hear it today.
Thankyou Yvonne. I too am a believer and follower of Jesus. Thankyou for the encouraging message. Keep up the Good work. !!
How beautiful was your sermon for the day and week which my daughter Raque and I love reading and how odd that you would talk about Saul who became Paul as I was discussing hhim a few days back with Raque, I was thinking minds staying in and on God, think alike sometimes, not seperated by our physical distance from one another on this earth. May God bless you and you husband and family and enjoy this holiday week-end.
I agree 100% with you. I need to do more sharing – step out in faith. Thanks for reminding me.
Amen Sister! We just had a sermon on Romans today as well! I love your sharing of your faith in the midst of your decorating advice and and recipes etc. Living life to the fullest with God’s Blessings. I need this as well as the young Mom out there who is in the throws of life raising kiddos. I, too, am a Grandma, moving to a new house soon (that we are building). Your moving experience is helping me through to down-sizing or (right-sizing as someone said.) Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this, I for one appreciate it.
Janie Gourley
How nice of you to say, Janine!
Amen! I just signed up for your blog and I’m glad I did!
Welcome to the StoneGable family, Liz!
Beautiful post. Thank you. My favorite phrase is Jesus I trust in you.
Amen and Amen, thank you for sharing the gospel of our Lord and Saviour words… the world needs Christ Jesus in thier homes, hearts, 🙏 schools, we must be praying for the light of all theses lost souls, this is spiritual warfare , we must put on the full Armour to face this lost dark world
I think we should all put on the full armor of God every morning before we do anything.
Good morning Yvonne,
I’m so thankful for all God’s blessings upon you. Your gift of sharing the gospel is priceless! And were it not for your platform of teaching decorating tips and skills some might not have found your Sunday devotional. Your gentle, yet bold way of sharing your faith and love for Jesus Christ is spiritual nourishment that we need in our upside down world today. Clearly the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Your faith, friendship, and wisdom is evident in your writing and I welcome you into my home anytime.
Blessings to you and your family.
Denise from Iowa
Thank you, Denise. God bless you!
God bless you, Denise.
Thank you for writing this inspiring column for us each week.
Paul’s letter to the Romans is my favorite book of the Bible, I think.