Two Quotations

Here is a brief snippet from a lengthier quotation of J. I. Packer (found at Together for the Gospel):

Without realizing it, we have during the past century bartered that gospel for a substitute product which, though it looks similarly enough in points of detail, is as a whole a decidedly different thing. Hence our troubles; for the substitute product does not answer the ends for which the authentic gospel has in past days proved itself so mighty.

Meanwhile, compare this quote from Ray Stedman, cited by Milton at Transforming Sermons:

All Christians would agree that what is most needed in the present age is a loosing of the power of God among us, but what is often forgotten is that the proclamation of His word has always been God's chosen channel of power.

These two quotations reflect upon and support one another, I think. The Apostle Paul was not "ashamed of the Gospel." Are we?