"The Power of the Gospel"

 

Romans 1:15-17 "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

     The Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is a powerful message that has changed the hearts and lives of many people for thousands of years. The good news of CHRIST's substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection has brought joy to the lives of millions who have realized their sinful, hopeless condition and wholly trusted in JESUS' finished work on Calvary's cross. We have received the forgiveness of sins and have been reconciled to GOD the FATHER, so why would we not unashamedly proclaim this good news to others and allow GOD's SPIRIT to work in the hearts of those who are willing to consider its life-changing power ? After all, that is what JESUS commanded us to do, and that is what HIS apostles did throughout the first century. Why, then, do many Christians today suddenly feel as though the Gospel message is ineffective unless it is first sugar-coated or disguised so as to be more palatable to the unsaved ?

     Churches today have turned to gimmicks, marketing techniques, and even deception in an effort to "win the lost," and though their intentions may be good, they are actually harming the cause of CHRST by trying to gain converts through these faulty means. Why is this happening ? The first reason is that many do not accurately understand the Great Commission. Second, it is occurring because some fail to comprehend the inherent power of the Gospel. Finally, countless churches are negligent in realizing the harm caused by using ploys or subterfuge in seeking to win the lost. The Gospel message "is the power of GOD unto salvation" (v.16 pictured above). Therefore, we must purpose to forthrightly declare this life-changing, wonderful good news in clarity and truth. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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