Wednesday, 1/22/20 – Pressing on…

Kinfolk Unashamed

“Shame” refers to “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.” To be “ashamed” means “to be embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations.” It can also mean “to be reluctant to do something through fear of embarrassment or humiliation.”

Jesus said “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38). Luke tells us the same (Luke 9:26).

Jesus is saying that if a believer is reluctant to do a thing that would identify him or her as a follower of Jesus Christ, as a disciple of His, as one who acknowledges the personal Lordship of Christ in one’s life, for fear of embarrassment or humiliation before others, if that is the case then Jesus will experience “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress” at the thought of granting that soul entrance into His Kingdom!

But there is another scripture that gives us great hope. In another place (Heb. 2:11) Jesus says that because of His atoning death and resurrection, “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters”

Paul boldly announced, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Could you say that… Say that boldly?

The day is coming when all who may laugh and scorn now will fall to their knees acknowledging their folly and pleading to Christ for mercy. But on that day it will be too late. Scripture is clear. He will say to them “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matt. 7:23).

In both the Mark 8 and Luke 9 accounts Jesus had just finished telling how foolish one would be to forfeit their eternal soul for any treasure. He said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). Stand tall Christian. There is serious business to be done in this world. Be counted among the redeemed. Whatever consequences such a profession may bring they are well worth the reward of one day hearing Jesus acknowledge that you are not only His friend, but His brother… His sister…

Press on…

To hear Pastor Andrew’s complete message, go to the Lincoln Baptist Church website and look under ‘Sermons Online’ for the Jan. 18 message.