Have you ever thought about what the Gospel, the Good News, is all about? The simplest answer is that Jesus died for our sins, but really, there a much more profound and deeper message contained in the pages of scripture.
Jesus did indeed die for the sins of the whole world, but in God’s eternal purpose, His plans were to do something never seen before, a new creation. He would call from among mankind, believers, who would come together in common faith and unity to constitute as a Church, who would serve as a bride for His Son. Its purpose, as Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 3 (NLT):
“God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, (His eternal purpose), which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
What a profound notion, that the very angels in heaven watch in amazement at what God is doing through the Church on this earth. When the prophets of old were writing about the gracious salvation that was to be offered, they were anxious and excited and wanted to know when the glorious things of Christ’ suffering and the glories to be revealed would take place. And they were told, by the spirit, that the things they were writing were not intended for them, but for the Church, you and I and all who are called according to His purpose. Peter says that even the angels are eagerly watching these events play out as God’s spirit moves mightily in the hearts of men and women alike around this planet, slowly transforming each into the image of His Son.
With that incredible knowledge and understanding, is it any wonder why Apostle Paul proclaims with unabashed enthusiasm in Romans 1:
15 “So, I am eager … to preach the Good News.
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
So, the question is, do we ever find ourselves ashamed or intimidated to share the Good News of Jesus Christ? I admit, there have been times, especially early in my faith, when I was intimidated and shy to express my newfound faith in Christ, but ashamed, never!
Anyone who truly understands the wonderfully deep plans and purposes of God cannot help but get excited in this life, especially as we see the end of the age draw near. Are you excited? Are you willing to share that Good News with any who asks?
I was amazed and deeply moved last football season by 2 young men who were quarterbacks for 2 different professional football franchises. With a whole nation of avid football fans watching live on TV, they unashamedly proclaimed what was most important to them. Let me share the brief conversations:
C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans
“I can’t do anything except by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… I’m thankful to be the vessel that Christ picked to lead this… franchise. I can do nothing but thank the Lord.”
Interviewer: “What are the writings on your wrist band as you came out of the tunnel to start the game?”
C.J.: “I put a lot of stuff; a cross, triple 7’s, and then “to the glory of God” and then Proverbs 3:5&6 as my favorite scripture verse.” (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”)
Mason Rudolph – formerly the Pittsburg Steelers
Interviewer: “What worked for you tonight?”
Mason: “First of all, just thankful to my creator, Jesus Christ, for giving me the opportunity to play this game and for carrying me through the dark times and getting me back to this special moment.”
As Paul writes in his 2nd epistle to Timothy:
“ Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,…”
