Edward Hoare
The Believer Not Ashamed of the Gospel
"The Believer Not Ashamed of the Gospel" by Edward Hoare is a sermon delivered in the mid-19th century, specifically in 1850, during the Victorian era. This work is a religious discourse that serves as the sixth anniversary sermon of the Church of England Young Men’s Society. The central theme of the sermon revolves around the affirmation of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the reasons believers should be proud to proclaim their faith rather than feel ashamed. In this sermon, Hoare emphasizes three reasons for not being ashamed of the Gospel: its divine origin, its promise of salvation, and the magnificence of its inclusion for all who believe. He reflects on how human nature often finds pride in worldly achievements while feeling shame for divine grace. Hoare articulates that the Gospel is not merely a human creation but rather a divine gift with transformative power, capable of bringing salvation to anyone who believes, regardless of their background. He also highlights the hope and joy that come from understanding salvation as a process that leads sinners to a righteous relationship with God, culminating in eternal life. Overall, the sermon aims to inspire conviction and commitment among young believers, urging them to actively spread the message of the Gospel without shame.