Random Thoughts on the Really Good News

“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT) The faith that the Bible speaks of is not some blind leap into the dark, but it is believing that what God says is true even though we are not now observing it, or able to prove it.  For example,  God has promised to resurrect the dead when Jesus returns. We assume and expect it to happen even though we have never observed anyone dying and coming back to life. But we have chosen to believe the Bible. Some say there is no God and when we die that is it…that is their faith.  They have no hope beyond this world.  Choosing to have  faith in God gives me peace and hope in this chaotic world. I agree with Paul when he said… “If in this life only we have hope…we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

"Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all humanity. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God... And now I commend you to God and to the word of His GRACE, which is able to build you up and to GIVE you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:26-32) The revival was over. We had listened to a dynamic speaker for two weeks. During that time there were over 90 decisions for Christ and many other rededications. At one service, everyone there walked the aisle to make one decision or another or to pray at the altar, myself included. At the end of the last service, we had been challenged to "go win the world to Christ, one person at a time, bcause he who wins souls is wise ". Everyone was saying Amen and left fully intending to be a part of a great renewal. The evangelist received a big love offering and off he went to his next scheduled revival. Sound familiar?  Problem was that two w

The word “gospel” means “good news” The good news is about the Son of God, Christ Jesus… “It is the gospel of God…concerning His Son” (Romans 1:1,2) The good news was made known to the Apostle Paul through a revelation of Jesus Christ… “For I am making known to you, brethren, as to the gospel, which is being brought by me, that it is not in accord with man. For neither did I accept it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12) The good news is powerful… “…it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Romans 1:16) The good news reveals the righteousness of God… “For in it the righteousness of God is being revealed…” (Romans 1:17) Is there a simple statement of the basis for the good news? – yes there is… “For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been resurrected the third day according to the scriptures...

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) At the center of an ideal family relationship is love, agape love. By family I mean a father, mother, and their children.  In this kind of relationship with each other there is security, peace, faith, hope and joy….and freedom. My perception of God is that He meets mankind on this basis…as His family. Not on a scientific, forensic basis of pure justice under Law…like is required in the government of men. We are not dealt with out of His overbearing demand for obedience to His just Law, but under the Grace of a loving parent who gives us an ideal standard to live by, then allows us to test this standard within our own unique set of circumstances. Eve