Tag Archives: gospel

The Gospel

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Romans 1:16

The Gospel is powerful. The good news that we can be forgiven and saved through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has wonder-working power. It is the most powerful news in the universe. How?

The Gospel has the power to change lives. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul tells us “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” Those who hear and receive that Gospel will have their lives changed from the inside. As we grow in Christ, that inward change will exhibit outward evidence. Salvation changes lives.

The Gospel has the power to change attitudes. Romans 5:10-11 relates this powerful truth; For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. A heart that has been forgiven, reconciled, saved, and justified will be changed from selfishness to selflessness. The result will be a life that believes in Christ, worships Christ, and serves Him.

The Gospel has the power to change destinies. Jesus comforts us with the message that “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3) Those who have been reconciled receive eternal life (John 3:16-19) and will live with Christ forever after this life is over.  One day we will be with Jesus and we will dwell with Him forever. (Revelation 21:3)

One word of caution is needed. The Gospel will not necessarily change our circumstances. We will suffer and experience hardship in this life.  Being a Christian does not imply that our lives will be perfect.  But, even during those difficult times, Christ will be with us and comfort us. God will bring us through the difficulties of life and use them for our good and His glory.

Jesus changes lives. Has He changed yours?

Tony French

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The Peace Of God

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God ;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things .9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-9

This week’s study will focus on the peace of God. The peace of the Lord is what all God’s people desire and want. Yet, it remains elusive to Christians who struggle with doubt and fear. Paul’s teaching in verses 6 and 7 of Philippians 4 gives the Believer the roadmap to peace. An examination of these verses is in order.

Achieving the peace of God includes letting go of anxiety. How does one do such a thing? Letting go of worry involves focusing upon God and not one’s self. Moving past anxiety means remembering the Lord’s promised in His Word. And letting go of worrisome thoughts leads the Believer to rest in the power, presence, and sovereignty of the one true God, the covenant keeping God.  Discarding worry is paramount to realizing God’s peace.

The Christian is also commanded to be prayer always and to allow thanksgiving to be a prominent part of our time with the Savior. Child of God, pray about everything and ask for God’s peace to invade your existence. Continue in thanksgiving and praise every single day. Gazing upon what one does not have leads only to despair. Being thankful for what one has been given propels the people of God to peace that passes all understanding.

Finally, let the requests of your heart be made known unto God. Ask in faith believing that God is able. He won’t always do what we want Him to do. The Lord is always faithful and does what is best for His children.

Achieving peace is a battle and sometimes Christians give in to fear and doubt. When we practice these precepts on daily basis, God’s people are able to live progressively free from fear. The people of the Savior will learn peace when they bring their thinking in line with Scripture and when they attack every anxiety through prayer.

I pray that God’s peace will be experienced and realized by each of you this week!   

Tony French

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