The Good News for the World

The Great Commission (or Jesus' famous last words) gets a lot of press among evangelicals, and rightly so.  After all Jesus was giving his disciples and us marching orders.  Although opinions may vary on the primary aim of the local church, most agree that making disciples through the gospel is of utmost importance.  But what is "the gospel?"  [there is actually a nice little volume by the same title]

In case you are unfamiliar with it, let me give you a brief summary of the gospel:

The gospel is the good news that actually starts with some pretty bad news.  Mankind is completely ruined because of sin.  Because of our sin we all face the judgement and wrath of God, and rightly so.  There are no good deeds or religious acts that we can do to make ourselves acceptable to God.  However, God in His grace and mercy provided a way for our sin to be removed and His wrath to be appeased through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus lived a perfect life and died sacrificially on the cross in the place of sinners. In demonstration of victory and power, Jesus was raised from the dead.  His sacrifice for our sins was totally sufficient and accepted by God the Father.  Everyone recognizing their hopeless condition, their offense of sin against God, turning from their sinful/selfish life and believing in Jesus Christ - they will be "saved" and made right with God. Jesus takes our sin and we receive His perfect righteousness when we repent and believe.  Believing in Jesus is the expression of faith, resting one's entire life on what Jesus accomplished by His sinless life, purposeful death and victorious resurrection.  Having come to believe in Jesus, the "born again" Christian will remain a faithful follower of Jesus forever.  All of this is a gracious work of God.

Perhaps more could be said about the gospel and one can certainly elaborate some of the details.  But the heart of this truth is seen in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is the good news that we are commissioned to share, it is for the whole world.  I noticed that in addition to the US, there are individuals from many other countries who find there way to this blog.  While I suspect most visit here without genuine interest in my thoughts, I understand the power of the gospel and the reach of the Internet.  So I publish this post in an effort to reach the world with the good news.  My prayer is that someone will read this wonderful truth and embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord.  To the glory of God!

Federal Bailout Concerns?

"For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Tim. 1:12

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Mt. 6:31-34

The current financial crisis is the latest buzz among all the "talking heads." It seems everyone has a different solution. I'm not very smart when it comes to economics and finance. I realize that if you spend more than you make, you will have problems. I also realize that if you don't save money for a "rainy day," then when it rains you will get wet. Furthermore, I realize that cash is a great thing and credit can often get you jammed up. Then there is something about buying low and selling high that I once heard some stock broker say. Anyway, I just have a simple-minded way of understanding this stuff. Call me crazy or stupid. It makes no difference to me.

But the real deal is this. Although I have some money invested and try to build up our savings account, that is not where I have placed my total confidence. The crash of the US economy or the failing of 2 or 3 huge companies doesn't change my ultimate outlook. I'm trading in eternal currency. I've already been bailed out. My debt has been paid in full. When my broker speaks, worlds are created.

If you are with me on this one, praise the Lord for His grace. And pray for those blinded by the enemy and seeking to justify themselves.

The Alphabet and Salvation

Maybe you have heard someone say the way to salvation is very simple. Some say that salvation is as easy as A-B-C. In fact, someone developed a model that is primarily geared toward children using the ABC format: Admit, Believe, Confess.

A - admit to God you are a sinner, repent or turn from your sin

B - believe that Jesus is God's son and that he died for your sins and rose again

C - confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, place your faith in what Jesus has done for sinners on the cross

During our Bible study last night (which was really not about the ABC's) someone brought up an interesting point. They surmised that it would be helpful to add another letter to this model, the letter "D." Which stands to reason since it is the next letter in the alphabet. This person suggested that "D" should be used to explain that those who are saved will "Demonstrate" their salvation by a transformed life and a conformity to Christ. I think this is helpful and very insightful.

I also think that a watered down ABC presentation can be misleading and insufficient. We must be careful not to rush toward a "simple" method or model and leave out vital truth about God and the gospel. God is holy and our sin is offensive to him. We do 'admit' to God that we are sinners, but repentance must not be left out of the equation. A full understanding and explanation of the Cross of Christ should also be part of our evangelism. Additionally, those who come to faith in Christ ought to live a life that "Demonstrates" this spiritual transformation. Finally, salvation is not achieved by anything that we do.

At the end of the day, the Salvation of a dead sinner is the work of the Holy Spirit of God. As Christians, we may be a witness to this salvation and may even be used by God to share his precious gospel that in turn may lead someone to faith in Christ. This is part of our Great Commission. Oh that we would be faithful to the task - to the Glory of God.

Victory and Peace

We have just come through the celebration of Easter. One of the primary themes we celebrate around the cross and the empty tomb is that of victory. Jesus Christ's death and resurrection won the victory over sin and the grave. All of those who place their faith in him share this same victory. The picture to the right shows Winston Churchill during the time of WWII flashing the "V for Victory" sign. Maybe this picture was taken on an Easter Sunday. Just a thought.

In addition to victory, those who are in Christ have peace with God. We are no longer his enemies. Moreover, we experience the peace that comes to our hearts in knowing we are forgiven and have come into a right standing with our Creator. You might call this the peace of God. In the 1960's during the Vietnam war there were many who used the same sign as the "V for Victory" but they called it the "peace sign." It is really both for Christians. As followers of the Lord Jesus we have victory and peace.

Allow these truths to encourage you in your walk with Him today.

God Doesn't Speak English

I have been made aware that there is an individual in our community that is asking questions about God. I will be seeking an opportunity to "speak" with this person. The challenge for me will be that we don't speak the same language. I barely speak English. Actually, I am fluent in West Virginian, but that's another post altogether.

Someone close to this person, who speaks the same language, has asked me to help them share the gospel. Yesterday I provided a few key Bible verses that will be helpful. At the end of the day, regardless if there is a language barrier, the Holy Spirit of God must do the work. God doesn't speak English, Swahili, Spanish or Arabic. God speaks to the heart, to the deepest need of the soul. "For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness" (Rom. 10:10).

Furthermore, it is clear from Scripture that when all is said and done there will be a great multicultural chorus of praise to God (Rev. 5:9). Isn't it awesome how the Creator relates to all of His creation, not just those who speak English (I say that because we are so very proud of our language aren't we). And, by His grace He will bring many, from every tongue and nation, into a relationship with Him through faith in Christ.