"The Truly Proud Life In Jesus"

Learning To Follow Jesus is an adventure into a life that always makes a difference somewhere, in someone virtually every day. I've noted that not a few churches and other spiritual organizations use as their motto "Making A Difference" or some similar variation on their websites and other promo materials. But how does that actually happen? How does your church 'make a difference' in the ministry field where it is located? Some powerful words to challenge all of us -

"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Timothy 1:8-10 NIV

About ten years earlier Paul had written the thesis statement of his life -

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew , then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16 NIV

If I affirm this same conviction for my life, "Not ashamed of the gospel", is there enough evidence to confirm that? Please take a moment or several minutes or an hour to seriously weigh your own faith in the balance. Does the evidence affirm your pride in the gospel?

Years ago I was confronted by a well meaning brother following a sermon I preached on this general theme who, with a red face and neck muscles bulging said, " I COME TO CHURCH DON'T I!" I put my arm around his shoulder and said, "Yes you do. For what purpose?" That seemed to confuse him. Years later, he shared the gospel every day of his life as the leader of a state supported group home for men working to re-start their lives after years of drug addiction. He decided that he could do more than sit in a church pew on Sunday morning. He took the necessary steps to become a qualified drug and alcohol counselor and was certified by the state to work in that program. He may not appreciate me doing this but you need to know - his name is James Anthamatten and he has given most his adult life to proving his pride in the gospel of Jesus Christ - and I am very proud to call him brother.

If you are someone whose pride in the gospel may not be evident (other than the fact that you 'go to church') maybe you should read Paul's encouragement to Timothy over and over until you can put your NAME there as though Paul addressed it to YOU. Through his Spirit our Father has gifted all of us to make a difference in our family, at our job, in our neighborhood and in Jesus' body the church. Use his gift to actually make a difference. Then your pride in the gospel is real.