Unashamed

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Rom. 1:16 NLT

 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.  I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. I Cor. 2:4-5

I find myself often less than enthusiastic to share the Gospel. I suspect it is because I am so self-conscious, so wondering how I will be received or how I come across. I also wonder if the person I would talk to would care about what I have to say. This didn't appear to be Paul's problem, though. He authored both of these passages.

When it first rolled out, Christianity was a new thing, the Gospel a plain thing, not appealing to scholars and sophisticated thinkers. It still isn't. Christians were new kids on the block, and often despised. Today genuine believers can be despised.

If Paul was alive today, he would tell us that the Gospel hasn't changed, it still is actually plain, almost deceptively simple in its content. He would also say that it has the power to make alive those who are dead. Paul relied on the power of God, and so should you and I. He has our back.
Beanscot's husband

I Don't Know Who Wrote This...

…but it's good.  The authorship is in dispute and maybe it's better that we don't know, because such an unflinching faith is almost impossibly heroic and difficult to maintain.  Still, it's good to try to live as an unashamed follower of Christ.   I am reminded of the Ranger Creed, the official missions statement of the United States Army Rangers: 

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
Rangers Lead The Way!!!
—Ranger Handbook SH 21-76[2] 

The Battlefield - Isaacs