The Gospel

11/28/12 The gospel is not only a message we share we lost people. The gospel is for us. In its simplest form the gospel is God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ God is making all things new. This applies to individuals who repent and believe as well as all of creation that will one day be made new. . Through the gospel we are empowered to tell the gospel and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. You should never get over the gospel! It is truly the power for salvation. Listen to what Paul wrote to the church at Rome .Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Notice that the gospel is the power of God and through the gospel we have the power to live by faith. (A life of faith is the only way to please God.) The gospel is Christ-centered and the gospel is what Jesus Christ did for us. It seems that many believers are attempting to live the Christian life apart from the gospel. This is why many are worn out and tired and few seem to have authentic joy because they are trying to do what only Christ can do. Jesus came to give His life and in doing so He gives life to all who repent and believe. The work God has called us to do is empowered by means of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV) 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace (underserved favor) toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. God was working in and through Paul to carry out His mission and purpose. Paul was blessed and God was glorified. It must be the same with you. The life that God demands we live can only be lived by grace. And grace comes by means of the gospel. When you live a life through the gospel you are living a Jesus-centered life. And that kind of life is what pleases God. Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for my sin. Thank you that He rose from the dead and now lives at Your right hand interceding for me. Forgive me for attempting to do what you have already done for me. In Jesus name, amen.