Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel

We are at all times challenged to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. Our culture tries to intimidate Christians with accusations that we are backward or narrow-minded. How we react to these charges is an indication of our spiritual progress.

The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because he knew it was "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). However, he also knew that there is a delicate balance between truth and grace: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6).

We must remind one another continually that the world will never stop tempting us to conform to its image. But just as it is the strongest fish that swims upstream, it is the believer who refuses to be conformed to the world who brings the most honor to God.

When you begin to understand the incredible dynamikos (dynamite power) of the Gospel, you will cease to be ashamed of it. Through this dynamikos, you will swim upstream, proclaiming the power of the Gospel to a dying world.

The Christian life seems easier when we are safely within the walls of the church; it is when we stand with God in the world that we are tested. God chooses to use everyday people to advance His kingdom. He doesn't need a celebrity or a superstar to give Him credibility: He is His own best witness. But we must lean on Him and be His instrument when our call demands it.

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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.