“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”  Romans 1:16

The gospel is power!  The Greek word is dunamis, from which we get the words “dynamic,” “dynamo,” and “dynamite.” The gospel contains the dynamic power of God to change lives.  What does the gospel do?  It saves sinners.  What else will save sinners?  Not science, education, religion, moral reformation, fame or fortune?  No, only the gospel can save sinners!  It has the power to change our past (forgive our sins), – impart new life (our present), and admit us into heaven (our future)!!  No other power on earth can do that!!

One of the most dramatic examples of the Bible’s ability to transform lives involved the famous mutiny on the “Bounty.”  Following their rebellion against the notorious Captain Bligh in 1790, nine mutineers and their Tahatian friends, found their way to Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the South Pacific.  Ten year later, alcohol, murder, disease and fighting left only one man alive—John Adams.  Eleven women and 23 children made up the rest of the Island’s population.  The women and children were so afraid, they built a fort to protect themselves.

About this time, Adams came across the “Bounty’s” Bible in the bottom of an old chest.  He began to read it, and the divine power of God’s Word (God’s dynamite) reached into the heart of that hardened murderer on that tiny volcanic island in the vast Pacific—and changed his life forever!  The peace and love that Adams found in the Bible entirely replaced his old life of quarreling, brawling and liquor.  He embraced the Cross of Jesus!  Then began the  work of educating the women and children, teaching them to read and write using the Bible.  Eventually, every person on the island experienced the same amazing change that Adams had found, peace with God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 1808, Pitcairn was rediscovered by an American sailing ship.  The captain was amazed to see how kindly the people treated each other and their ability to read and write!  John Adams was eventually granted amnesty for the mutiny.  As of 1988, with a population of slightly less than 100, nearly every person on Pitcairn Island was a Christian!  The dynamite of God!!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.”  The word “believe” means to make a personal commitment, to trust by an act of the will.  The gospel demands a personal response.  It’s not enough to hear the gospel, you have to respond.  To neglect, is to say, “no.”

Admit that you have sinned (“All have sinned and fall short of His glory.” Romans 3:23) 

Believe that He died for you (“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8)  

Confess your sins and repent (“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9)

When you respond with a “YES,” you will never be disappointed!  Your new life will begin!

Your friend, Jean