The Lord Jesus said that we need to be born again. In John 3:3, it says: “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Apostle Peter taught that we were born again by the incorruptible word of God: 1 Peter 1:23 “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” So, according to the Scriptures, we now have a new nature. We no longer live according to the dictates of the flesh. Our new nature and DNA comes from God’s Holy Spirit. Galations 5:25 says: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives”. Paul gave us a snapshot of the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Galations 5: 19-26 (NLT) says: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” It’s very clear and simple. The above verses clearly outline whether or not you are following the Spirit’s leading, or still allowing the old nature to control you. The more time you spend with God’s word and His Holy Spirit, the more the fruits of the Spirit will shine through you! We have a Spanish saying that translated to English is: “Tell me who you spend the majority of your time with, and I’ll tell you who you are”!
Paul used the word “ashamed” in Romans 1:16. He said this: Romans 1:16 “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.” He was honored to be a minister of the Gospel. The word “ashamed” means: “feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace; reluctant or unwilling to do something because of shame or embarrassment.” Today, the enemy is working overtime to try to make Christians ashamed of sharing their faith. He is trying to confuse this generation about what the Gospel is. In many cases, ministers are not even preaching the gospel of salvation anymore. They are preaching wellness, feeling good and positive thinking. But Jesus did not die on the cross so that we can feel good. He died on the cross to deliver us from the power of darkness, and translate us into His Kingdom. I don’t need the cross to “feel good.” I need the cross to be set free; to be born again; to be forgiven of my sins; to be part of the family of God; to be able to stand one day in the presence of God without guilt and shame. That is the Gospel. It is good news about eternal salvation. People, do not be deceived. What Jesus did on the cross is the greatest message in history, period! I am not ashamed of His love for me, and what He did for me. Are you?
Romans 1:16 “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.”
