21 Days of Hunger 2015

21 Days of Hunger 2015 Devotional

January 5, 2015

Romans 1

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  Romans 1:16

Paul’s letter to the Romans was addressed to believers living in Rome. It was a difficult time to be a Christ follower.  Paganism was at its height.  Anyone who wanted to succeed or be accepted in mainstream society was expected to burn incense to their favorite god and worship in the pagan temples. In fact, those who served Christ and refused paganism were considered atheists and blamed for incurring the so-called wrath of the gods. Drought, famine, sickness and suffering were all thought to be the gods’ judgment against Rome brought on by the atheists who called themselves Christians.

It was against this backdrop of persecution, cultural animosity and rejection that Paul declared, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ! What a bold declaration of faith. With reckless abandon he announced to the world that he belongs to Christ, and furthermore that Christ alone is the power of God for salvation.

It was this kind of bold, assertive faith that not only challenged a lost, darkened world, it brought about its transformation. Paul, or rather, the Spirit of God in Paul, turned the world upside down for Christ because he allowed himself to be used by God. The same can be true of us. Although it may be uncomfortable and awkward at times, we too can