I think it might be safe to say – we all agree. We are not “ashamed” of the Gospel – at least how we might understand this word, “ashamed.” We might be “ashamed” of something we have done. We might be “ashamed” of the actions someone close to us has carried out. There may be a number of things we are “ashamed” of. But the Gospel – the Gospel is not one of those things that cause us shame – is it?

I mean, the Gospel is not ours. It’s not our doing. It doesn’t originate from us. We are not the proprietors of the Gospel. It is all God’s doing. We are rarely ashamed of what someone else has done – especially if we had no control over it – and especially if it was something good not bad. What is meant by Paul when he says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”?

Well, for Paul to suggest that he is not ashamed, he must have come across people who were ashamed. But who would be ashamed? Who could possibly be ashamed of a gift – that is good – that we had nothing to do with – except that we are sinners and need God to redeem us.

For Paul there were people who were listening to the Gospel and taking in the message. Some of them may have been led by the Spirit to receive this precious gift of faith but yet they didn’t know how their families would react. They may have been ashamed. Faith in this Jesus of Nazareth was new. The people didn’t know how to deal with it. People might say, “Are you one of those Christians who follow that man from Nazareth? You’re not one of those – are you?”

“Oh no, I’m not one of those.” There was a fear of being “cast out” of the family. There was a fear, even, for one’s life. Some were ashamed of the Gospel. That was then and this is now. Do people really get ashamed of the Gospel in this free country where Christianity seems quite acceptable? Do people become ashamed of Jesus with their families, their co-workers, their friends at school? Have you ever been ashamed to be a Christian? Have you ever been ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – His gift of the forgiveness of all of your sins?

I ask you this question because, for one thing, I want you to be honest with yourself, but also to consider what the world would say to make us “ashamed” Christians.

My first week here at Christ Parish as the Assistant Pastor a woman called seeking a little guidance. She said, “A friend of mine has asked me to be the Godparent of her child but I’m not sure that I’m even a Christian.” We discussed the whole dynamic of being a Godparent, how they are asked to pray for the child, stand in the stead of the parents in Christian education if something were to happen to the parents, and much more. But I also asked her about her faith. Why would she say that she is “not sure” if she is a Christian?

She said, “Well, I have traveled to all sorts of different places and observed so many different religions. I saw Buddhist Temples in Japan and Hindu Shrines in India. When I was asked about my personal faith I hated to tell people that I was a Christian. Christians believe that there is only one way to heaven. But after seeing all of these other religions and the very kind people who serve Buddha and the other gods – I don’t believe that Jesus could possibly be the ‘only way’ to heaven.”

This woman admitted to me that she was “ashamed” that she use to be such a narrow minded Christian. She was “ashamed” of the Gospel given by our Lord – and in turn – created a new gospel that she would live by. She is not alone. Millions of people in this grand country think this way because having an “exclusive” religion is offensive. Exclusive religions were supposed to go out the window with all the other “exclusive” talk our country use to speak. We don’t “exclude” anymore. If it’s a public endeavor (and sometimes a private one as well) “inclusion” is the word of choice. We are past “exclusion.” We got rid of it during the civil rights movement. No longer are our schools closed to one race. And integration has been a very good thing. Even more than just social issues – we have attempted to move past those issues concerned with religion as well. For example, no longer are we to be narrow minded or even “closed minded” when it comes to couples living together without the benefit of marriage. No longer are we to be so narrow minded when it comes to human sexuality and how people express it. We are past that. We know better. We have more understanding and are more “accepting” of such behavior so that we can all get along and live in harmony together. Wrong!

The acceptance of what is directly contrary to the Scriptures actually shows how we are ashamed of the Gospel truth. Our world is “ashamed” of the Gospel. It’s too narrow – it’s too exclusive – and in this politically correct world we live in, we are led to believe by so many outside influences that the Gospel cannot be the only truth.

Think of Paul’s situation in the text for today. He was writing to the Romans – a people made up of some Christians (who were for the most part persecuted for their faith), some Jews and many who followed other gods. This was a “diverse” society. More diverse than maybe any other place in the world at that time. Just like in today’s society, it was easier to say, “All the faiths represented in Rome are valid and will eventually lead to happiness and bliss.” But Paul had a different understanding of the Gospel and this view comes right from the top. He says, “I am not ashamed to call myself exclusively a Christian in a place that is extremely diverse. It doesn’t matter if my life is at stake – I will stand for the ONE TRUE GOSPEL – the work of Jesus for my forgiveness.”

Today, we live in Rome. Kansas City Missouri – Platte Woods Missouri – is Rome. Our society is diverse with many different kinds of people, philosophies, ideas and religions represented. And Kansas City as a whole is not as diverse as many other cities around the country. But nevertheless diversity reigns. And being diverse is not a bad thing. We learn from people who are different from us. But we have to keep one thing straight. We must defend that one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no “wiggle room” in the Gospel.

And while the Gospel cannot be changed – it is what it is and there is one truth. The Gospel is the one truth for a very diverse world. You see, Jesus spoke to His very own people as the King of kings. He was the Savior of His own people Israel. He also made it clear that He was not only the King of the Jews, but the King of all people – Jews and non-Jews alike. Paul made sure the people of Rome would know the same. He said, “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish.” It matters not who you are or where you come from – the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross is the truth and there is no other truth. There is forgiveness of sins through that blood that Jesus shed for us. And this truth is not shameful. It’s simple the truth and it must be spoken. At all costs the world must know. The people must know. You and your families must know – there is but one truth – Jesus Christ. We are not ashamed.

In this multi-cultural world we live in we are blessed to have a “trans-cultural” Gospel. You see, people and families and communities are very diverse. But so is the Gospel – but with one truth. The Gospel is “trans-cultural” because it cuts right through all that makes us different to show us how we are the same. We are one in Jesus. And that one message is for all people. Standing up for that message is at times hard – we become ashamed. We may even be called “closed minded” people. But I’m willing to take that chance so that I can show someone who doesn’t know Jesus the truth in the Gospel. The Gospel “transcends” all that makes us different and unites us in the truth. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it’s something that should be shared in truth and love. Because Jesus shared it with us first, that Gospel work on the cross saves us by grace through faith. There’s no shame in that. Amen.

The peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus Amen.