…the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. Colossians 1:5
What a delight to see and hear the glowing report of God’s goodness and favor upon the Kenya team’s return. Their purpose was to simply share the gospel and introduce or reacquaint people with the truth of the gospel. Literally meaning “good-news” the gospel is the wonderful fact of Jesus’ victory over Satan, sin and death. That those who believe will live forever. In simple reality— Christ died for our sins, and rose from the dead!
We are certainly blessed by the gospel, but also privileged to handle it in certain ways.
This is a privilege for us whether at a hut in Kenya, or our neighborhood in Yamhill county—
1) Like Jesus in Matt.4:23, going about sharing the gospel.
2) Like Paul, we too are to defend the gospel, Phil.1:17. Peter tells us to “always be ready to give
a defense… for the hope that is in us.” I Pet.3:15
3) As church family the gospel is to be something we work together to advance. Phil.1:27
4) With thankfulness and joy, the gospel is to be a center-point of our fellowship. Phil.1:3-5
5) Be ready to suffer simply for sharing the gospel. II Tim.1:8
6) Wisely and humbly live life in a manner which does not create obstacle, confusion or hinder the
gospel. I Cor.9:12
7) The gospel is powerful as the way of salvation from God… don’t be ashamed of it! Rom.1:16
8) The power of the gospel does not come from intellect, or clever persuasion. The real power lies
in its presentation “in the Holy Spirit.” I Thess.1:5
Two concluding thoughts, first from E. Stanley Jones—Religions are man’s search for God;
the gospel is God’s search for man. There are many religions, but one gospel.
From Susanna Wesley—There are two things to do about the Gospel—believe it and behave it.
Maranatha!