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Jarrod Jacob: “The Gospel Of Christ”

The gospel of Christ is something that deserves our respect. Paul said, “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” (Rom. 1:16). The words of the gospel are inspired by God (II Tim. 3:16-17). Why does the gospel deserve our respect?

    First, when the gospel was preached in Acts 2, it centered on Christ. For this reason it deserves our respect. In Acts 2:22-36, we learn about Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection. As a result of this sermon, about 3000 were baptized into Christ, and added to the church that same day (Acts 2:38-41). From that time on, when people were taught the gospel, those who had honest and good hearts obeyed God’s word and were saved (Acts 8:12, 35-39, 10-11, 16:30-34, etc.)! The gospel will save people today just as it did in the first century.

    The gospel of Christ is not for the faint of heart; nor for those afraid of confrontation! Paul told the Ephesians, “And take the...sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). The Hebrew writer said, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…” (Heb. 4:12). The word of God is not a defensive weapon (Eph. 6:16); it is an offensive weapon (Eph. 6:17)! This weapon is to be used in the “pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Cor. 10:4-5). It is high time that we used it in this manner! We shame the name of Jesus when we refuse to use the gospel as the sword it is.

    Further, there is only one gospel by which we are saved (Gal. 1:6-7). While there are many who try to pervert the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7), we must “try the spirits,” and see whether they are of God (I Jn. 4:1). If they are of God, we need to listen. If they are not, we need to reject the doctrine and rebuke the teacher (Rom. 16:17)! Who is willing to do this? In case some are uncomfortable thinking about fighting, let them remember that Paul said, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). I do not want to find myself facing God’s wrath (Heb. 10:31). Thus, I must use the gospel skillfully as the sword it is. I want to be in fellowship with God and His Son. This means that I cannot give consent, or appear as giving consent to the enemies of righteousness, regardless of what form they take (II Jn. 9-11; Rom. 1:32; Acts 13:10)!

    The gospel is an important tool worthy of our respect. Without it, people wander through this life in ignorance and in sin. Without it, man has no hope, no goal, and no purpose for living. Who will deprive their friends and loved ones of a chance to hear the “glorious gospel of the blessed God” (I Tim. 1:11)? Jesus brought this gospel to us, and it is our responsibility to obey it (Mk. 16:16). Who will do it? Will you?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167

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