The Relevant Christian
George T. Frey, Jr.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; …. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. - Romans 1:16–17
In this scripture the Apostle Paul communicates something about Himself that should be true of all Christians who would be relevant in today’s society. We should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
The first definition of relevant found in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is, “bearing upon or properly applying to the matter at hand and affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matters at issue or under discussion.”
Our text speaks directly to the foremost “matter at hand” and the most urgent “matters at issue.”
First of all the relevant Christian should not be ashamed of the person Jesus Christ; His circumstance of birth, the manner of His incarnate life and ministry, the doctrine He taught, the way and purpose of His death, His resurrection and ascension or His present day ministry.
We are ashamed of a person when we do not want to be identified as having a familial or congenial relationship with that person.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32–33
As Christians we a pleased to be associated with Jesus Christ. We are not shy about our belief in the gospel accounts of His life and ministry, and we are always found to be on His side presenting evidence to confirm His gospel in every dispute.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: - 1 Peter 3:15
Second, as relevant Christians we are not ashamed of the cause of Jesus Christ, which cause we have been conscripted to participate in by both love and commandment.
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. - 2 Corinthians 5:14–15
The cause of Christ is the cause of creation and the existence of mankind, to glorify God through the accomplishment and completion of the marvelous plan of redemption.
Far from being ashamed, we are inspired and involved in the cause of Christ; our lives are effectively applied “to the matter at hand” through His cause.
Finally, as relevant Christians we are not ashamed to proclaim “to every creature” the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is through this gospel that God provides salvation to “everyone who believes.”
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: - 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
It is through the gospel of Jesus Christ that God reveals that no man can attain to the level of righteousness necessary for his own salvation, but that God in Christ has provided His own righteousness for the salvation of the believer.
Nothing is more relevant to those who are hell bound, and cannot save themselves, than a Savior. You know the Savior. You have been commanded to tell others about Him and the salvation He has provided. This is the most loving, meaningful and valuable thing you can do for anyone. Be the relevant Christian!
