TUESDAY, June 15 (Evelyn Underhill)

Romans 1:16-25. For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The Jews and the Greeks thought the early Christians were stupid for believing in a crucified Savior. But far from being ashamed of this belief, Saint Paul made it the heart of his gospel, and gloried in it as containing a revelation of the love of God which had in it "the power of God for salvation" for all people.

There is no stumbling block in the idea of a crucified Savior today. But there is still need for this upstanding attitude of Saint Paul's in the witness of Christians to Christ. Does a sneer make us cowards? Or the fear of unpopularity keeps us silent about our faith? (1969)

Sure I must fight, if I would reign;

increase my courage, Lord;

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by thy Word.

--Hymnal 1940, #550

PRAY for the Diocese of the Free State, formerly Bloemfontein (Southern Africa)

Ps 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; Numbers 11:1-23; Matthew 17:22-27

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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No Shame in the Flame

Jun 15, 2010 at 5:00 am

Written by Stephen,

I have seen this passage on bumper stickers that say "I am not ashamed of the Gospel". Bumper stickers are fun, but usually just confirm to other drivers what we already like or don't like. There are too many Church marquees that have pithy, cute and even negative sayings that have little to do with the Gospel. Speaking to the un-churched (and the churched) these I think only alienate. I have seen some that are very encouraging however. I have quietly shared my own love for the Gospel to others who don't believe, but have found that for me I have to just be myself and have a conversation not a confrontation, because I also don't want to shame someone who doesn't believe.

...

Jun 15, 2010 at 5:41 am

Written by Rob,

Stephen, I agree with your final statement. We can deliver the good news of Jesus Christ, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict that person of its truth. Very well said. Thank you. I wish more people thought like you.

...

Jun 15, 2010 at 7:18 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Yes, Rob. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

I think I know the truth; but, each new revelation and epiphany shows me that there is always a great mystery beyond my comprehension.

I walk in fear of spiritual pride -- the feeling that I have God figured out. That is something that I can share in honosty with others.

I pray that everybody everywhere be filled with the Holy Spirit; but, I don't assume that I'm filled and they are not.

reminds me of a favorite quote

Jun 15, 2010 at 7:33 pm

Written by daniel,

from Madeline L'Engle -- We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.

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