I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. — Romans 1:16
I was excited about going to the baseball park to watch the Detroit Tigers play the Chicago White Sox. I proudly put on my Tigers T-shirt that morning before going to the opposing team’s stadium. But I had to wear a sweatshirt over my team’s shirt because it was cool outside. So I was disappointed that no one at US Cellular Field could see which team I was there to cheer for. No one knew I was a Tiger’s fan. After a 3-hour rain delay, the game finally started and I could cheer for my team and get my loyalty out in the open.
The apostle Paul had a loyalty that was most definitely out in the open — a loyalty to Jesus Christ. He wrote to the believers in Rome, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16). He knew that the gospel was “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” because Jesus had dramatically changed his life and its direction. In his preaching and witnessing, he proclaimed Jesus, the One to whom he had given his whole life (Acts 9).
The believers in Rome were also known for their allegiance to Christ. Paul said of them: “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8).
Is your loyalty to Jesus out in the open? — Anne Cetas
God put us in this darkened world
To shine as sons of light,
So, let us always teach the truth
And keep our colors bright. — D. De Haan
READ: Romans 1:8-16
Our loyalty to Jesus should be seen and heard in our lives.
The Bible in one year:
• Psalms 49-50
• Romans 1