Lectionary reading from the Blue Book: Read full passage here Romans 1:1-7, 16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.
We’re not ashamed of the Gospel (i.e., Good News) either! However, we are more aware of our disconnect to some “Christians” version of the Good News than at any other time in our faith journey. We are pretty sure we don’t follow the same Jesus Christ. We don’t know this punitive God of disordered political attachment and paranoia.
We’re proud to know Jesus. We’re honored to connect to the One who ate with the “unclean” but rebuked the religious. We applaud the Good News that continues to expand our consciousness and eradicate prejudice. We cheer for Christ, who is the Word, and didn’t use the Scriptures to shame people. Ohhh, we could on, but you get the idea we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ =)
How are you connected to the Christ of the Good News? Who are the Christians you are connected to and are you embarrassed or ashamed of how they share the Gospel? Our advice- maybe it’s time to change your connections. Spend time talking to God about these things…