CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES

Know “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

The“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Truth “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4

This Month's Theme: 

“Good News!”

You are setting patiently in the customer service area, but with a great deal of trepidation. You don't know what was causing your car to make that noise, but you know it can't be good. The service manager comes out and says it's your transmission and it's going to be expensive. This is not good news. Your heart sinks as you think there is no way this is going to work out.

Then one of the clerks from the payment counter comes over and tells the service manager that you had purchased insurance when you bought the vehicle and it will pay for all the repairs. Elation! This is the sudden feeling rushing through your mind as salvation comes from this dread!

Many of us may have shared an event that resembled this one, and can relate.

Here is something that you may never have considered before; the word “Gospel” means good news. That is, it reveals information that brings relief from dread; a way to erase a dept that is causing us to fall from the grace of our God.

In a world where good news is few and far between; it is about time someone shared some, right?

Sin is not always something that stands in front of us and waves a flag so you can see it. Yet, like an unseen mechanical problem that is working its way into something tragic; sin is working its way between you and God. Sin is simply falling short of the righteousness of God (not living according to our designed purpose). It comes from not knowing the will of God and being self directed (lawlessness), or by ignoring completely the laws of God given for our benefit.

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

God's word tells us that we are all guilty of this sin. This knowledge is like that of the tragic repairs needed to our car in the story above. Some will not care at all concerning this tragic news. For whatever unconceivable reason or excuse they choose to ride this tragic situation all the way to its inevitable end! Separation from God for an eternity! Yet, for those who feel the sadness and concern for this state, there is something you must know!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ message is that although man is a sinner, deserving of death (spiritual), God loved mankind enough to provide salvation. A kind of protection package that will repair the damage sin has done to the relationship between us and God!

Romans 1:16 “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.”

Now that is good news! God's word, through the Apostle Paul, tells us that the good news of Christ is the power of God to salvation and

everyone is eligible!

Practically every page of the New Testament provides information on the topic. In its simplest terms, the Gospel of Jesus is the “good news” concerning Him. At the Gospel's heart are Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The very first ‘Gospel sermon' spoke concerning “Jesus of Nazareth”; note:

Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”

Although He was put to death, death could not hold Him.

Acts 2:32 “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.”

From His resurrection, God gave Him a throne.

Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

With the realization of their relationship with God and that they were far from Him by their sins and being pricked in their hearts, they said; “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37. They would be told by Peter that there was good news and how to accept the good news, note:

Acts 2:38 -41 “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”

Their faith moved them to obey the good news and the words of protection given by God. The rest of the chapter as well as the rest of the writings of the book of Acts describe a church that grew rapidly and spread to all points of the earth. This was due to the need of men to have the protection from themselves, and the deadly sins they were accumulating.

People buy insurance for everything and it makes perfect sense to be protected this way. Yet, when it comes to their eternal souls, they seem completely oblivious to coming announcement of tragedy. However friend, it is possible to acquire life insurance for the soul!

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

How did God select to distribute this information and the joy of salvation from the tragedy of sin?

Mark 16:15-16 “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Once the protection is purchased, are there things one must do to maintain the protection? Yes! Just like maintaining a insurance policy for anything else of value.

Romans 6:17-18 “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

Everyone is eligible! It can save us from ourselves! It can bring us to God!

Now that is good news!