How many of you believe that God is about to bring in a great harvest to Calvary City Church and across the Body of Christ? The Holy Spirit is moving. This pandemic is not a bondage but God is causing a greater harvest to come in.

The theme for this year is “How will they hear?”. It is not just a commitment for pastors and leaders but the entire church body, through power, for evangelism.

Roman 1:16
“For I am not ashamed”

Background:
The book of Romans is written by Paul. He has always wanted to go to Rome and visit the church there but never could. So Paul wrote a letter to them; the most systematic book on the Gospel and deeply theological.

The central theme of this book is the Gospel.

“For I am not ashamed”:
Saul was an evil man who persecuted the early church before becoming Paul. He had knowledge of God but lacked revelation to know the Gospel.
We sometimes have knowledge of God but not a revelation of Him. We need an encounter with God through the Gospel.

When Paul says it, he acknowledges the power of the Gospel to change lives. If Paul could have an encounter with God, we are entitled to have an encounter too.

1. The Gospel has the power to change lives.

A1: Accepting the Gospel means being willing to suffer for it and still have joy. It’s not about what the Gospel can do for us but what we will do for the Gospel. Paul is saying that He is not ashamed of the Gospel because the Gospel is the power to save souls (2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:6)

A2: Accepting the Gospel means becoming a role model for others (Romans 1:8) To be a true believer, we need to practice holiness and purity, being a role model to our families, workplace and those around. Our speech and conduct can cause others to want to pursue Christ. Are we known for our faith? Our actions speak louder than our words (1 Thessalonians 1:7) Are you modeling a right response to the Gospel?

2. The Gospel has the power to make you a witness. John 4: 28-29 shows a woman who despite her problems, became a witness. Most of us are called to be a witness with our lives. God has placed us where we are because God trusts us so much to have the Gospel turn us into a witness. (Acts 1:8)

3. The Gospel is the power of salvation. Salvation means deliverance from sins and its consequences. Jesus is the redemption for our sins and to restore our access to our Father God. (Romans 6:23, Isaiah 59:2)