Not Ashamed: 16 reasons from Romans 1-16

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. Romans 1:16, NASB

I've been listening to Dr. Ed Young's sermon podcasts on Romans and reminded of how much this book of the New Testament has to offer. So when Nancy Taylor asked if I'd teach her Life Bible Study class at Houston's First Baptist Church, I was thrilled to hear that they had also been studying Romans. Yesterday, I was blessed to meet this great group of ladies and share with them not only the HeartCall way to present the gospel, but teach them 16 truths (one from each chapter) from Romans on why we are NOT ASHAMED of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

In the months to come, on this blog, I will be posting 16 reasons we are not ashamed and I encourage you to begin reading in Romans and looking for the answer to the question, "Why are we not ashamed of the gospel?"

It's a bit hard to define not ashamed, but the idea here is that because of what Christ did for us, we are not to hide what we believe and why we believe it. If we really know that Christ is alive, we want to tell it. In Romans 1, Paul tells us that we are set apart for the purpose of the gospel (good news of Christ). Because of Christ, we want to tell others! Especially during this Easter season, let's look for ways to get to know people and share with them the difference that Christ makes in our lives!

Start reading Romans and see what you find. I'd love to hear so post it on our Facebook page at Jaye Martin Ministries or send us an email through our website, www.jayemartin.com/contact.

Happy Easter season! He is Risen!

who is this king of glory?

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
-Psalm 18:2

With the new film "Captain America" coming out in theaters soon, I was reminded of heroes. There are many tales of knights, crusaders, warriors, kings and the underdogs who came out to win victoriously. What is your favorite story of a hero? Maybe the people who housed escaping Jews from the Holocaust? This thing that stands out among heroes - what is it about them? Bravery? Valor? Honor? Strength?

What stands out most to me is their passion that they have for living for more than just themselves. That makes them heroes to me. And you know, I have most found this hero in Jesus Christ. He is God who came to earth to not just show us the way to go but to rescue us.

• He came, not ostentatiously but humbly in a manger. 
• He came, not only to love just those who were thought of as well-respected in community or those in power, but also to love the weak, the brokenhearted, the widows and the children. 
• He came, not at a yell but with a message filled with hope, forgiveness and God's plan to redeem, rescue and guide a weary world.

We can so easily fall into the siren tune of turning away from our Creator and Savior, and yet - and yet, He sees us fully and wants us back. He wants us back enough to sacrifice for us. In fact, He is the sort of God Father to run to us with open arms like the prodigal son's father. He wants us to believe in Him - to trust in Him and to ask for His help because He is wise and good.

Knowing this hero is monumental.

Who is this King of glory?

I think Third Day's lyrics below and the words in this link - "King of Glory" sung live by Third Day - capture Him well.

"Who is this King of glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with hearing His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder, of forgiveness that I need
Who is this king of glory who offers it to me?

Who is this King of angels, oh blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of heaven and all its mysteries
My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand
Who is this King of glory, Son of God and son of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of Kings
The Lord of earth and heaven, the Creator of all things?
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me"

How will we respond to such love, such bravery and such sacrifice? Will we trust Him with our lives?