JESUS &
THE GOSPEL
We human beings are naturally and universally in a bad state. That dismal point might be self- evident from just looking around or getting onto social media. But perhaps our primary problem is hidden: we are all and each “miserable offenders” (Common Prayer language, there!) BEFORE GOD, having failed at acknowledging and thanking him. Yes, we’ve never properly got around to acknowledging the Creator as Lord over every segment of our lives, including our intellectual life. Thanking Him formally and informally. But also, we haven’t taken refuge in Him as do trusting children with a good Father. Instead, our every thought of our Creator is tinged with suspicion. Really. This is true of everybody.
Which brings us to an important question: So, who are Jesus’ people, who are right with God and heirs of a glorious and eternal Life, who have acquired the divine YES?
THE BAPTISTS, of course. (Har har har - That’s a little preacher humor, there.) No, Jesus’ people are all those wretches (“Amazing Grace”) who simply listen to what God has done for them, the ‘miserable offenders,’ and believe. They turn from disregarding God, even if that
disregard had a moral or religious look, and they turn to acknowledging what is true about God in Jesus Christ, and so what is true about them.
The Gospel isn’t just for spiritual people (whatever that means) or bookish people or westerners or any subcategory of humanity. The Gospel is for Everyone! Meaning, you can get in on that Gospel right now, as you’re reading. Do you believe what God has given us…you… in
Jesus? Well then, you’re in! Justified! Go visit a gospel proclaiming church and ask the pastor there about next steps in this new life.
And if you don’t yet believe, but are interested in learning more about this Gospel, please do reach out and let us try to answer your questions or satisfy your arguments. Your reading this today is no accident – God loves you and is reaching out to you at this moment!