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The Gospel is Personal

Let's talk about the gospel. It's easy to assume that we all know what it is. For me, growing up, it meant that Jesus died for my sins and all I needed to do was follow the rules to keep my salvation. But let me tell you, it took years for me to discover the actual truth.


I was introduced to the gospel as a child, being born and raised in the church. I wasn't just a regular churchgoer - I was a PK (Pastor's Kid). That title came with its own set of expectations. People assumed I had it all figured out, that I was somehow closer to God just because my parents were pastors. But here's the reality—I knew more about religion than I did about a personal relationship with Christ. The journey to forge my own connection with God, separate from the church spotlight and traditions, was a path I had to navigate myself. I’d had lots of exposure to the word and to the gospel, but that's alone isn’t enough to save me. My relationship with Christ is my own, I can’t rely on anyone else to go to God the Father for me. My relationship with Christ is my responsibility.


I actually believe that growing up in church was a disadvantage for me in some ways when it came to my own personal relationship with Christ. Along with being exposed to the truth, I was also exposed to a lot of tradition. Truth is being a Christian does not mean that everything you do, say, or believe is right. Second-hand information was not enough of a foundation for me to build on. I had to encounter the truth for myself. It took a while for me to decipher between what I believed from personal experience with God versus what I believed based on someone else's word. I remember going to my old church just to sing and then almost immediately after worship going outside because I had begun to resent Sunday mornings. I would sit outside of church and talk to God, telling him there had to be more than this. I knew He was real, I had experiences with Him, I had felt His presence, I just didn’t know who He was.


I made a list of things I believed based on revelation from Christ and a list of things I had heard or been taught but wasn't if it was actually true. Bringing this list to Jesus I asked for his help to guide me to the truth. He helped me untangle the web of inherited doctrines and forge a personal connection with Christ. I needed more than tradition; I needed transformation. God guided me to trusted voices that deepened my revelation of who Jesus truly is and His plans for me. I realized it wasn't about performing rituals - it's about being transformed by the truth. Living in alignment with His teachings became more than an obligation; it became a natural response to the grace I had received. The gospel isn't just about what we believe - it's about who we become through Christ.


If this is where you are I encourage you to do what I did. Make a list of what you firmly believe and what you are unsure of. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13, 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' It assures us that as we search for God wholeheartedly, we will undoubtedly discover His presence and experience His transformative power. So that's what I did, and God held His end of the promise, I found Him … actually, He found me. Bible studies, sermons, prayer, and living examples around me have expanded my revelation of who Jesus Christ is, what He did for me on the cross, what he’s doing for me now, and what He plans for my future.


Now the gospel is not just a set of doctrines or a belief system to me. It is deeply personal. It has become my saving grace and the foundation of my life. Through the gospel, I have come to know the love of a Father who provides for me, corrects me when I'm wrong, and guides me along the path of righteousness. It's what gives me strength and hope in moments of weakness and uncertainty, knowing that God is not confined by my doubts but gently leads me beyond them. In moments of weakness, the gospel has been my source of strength and hope. It has given me a sense of belonging to a loving spiritual family and an assignment to be part of something bigger than myself.


I've come to realize that the gospel isn't just information; it's an invitation to a transformative journey with Christ. And that's why I can't keep it to myself. It's a free gift that's too good not to share. His love is inexhaustible, enough for everyone. And because of this overwhelming love, I'm compelled to fulfill the great commission—spreading this life-changing message far and wide. (Matthew 28:19-20)


I’m saved for one reason, and one reason only. Jesus Christ came and paid the price for the sin of the world. That’s the gospel. That Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, we can receive forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. The gospel invites us to repent of our sins, turn to God, and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. It offers the hope of salvation, transformation, and a restored relationship with God, ultimately leading to abundant and everlasting life in His presence. To many, that's just information or something that others believe, but to me, it’s my saving grace.


The gospel provokes a variety of different responses from us. It's simple. Either you choose to accept the free gift of salvation or you forfeit your inheritance. If you choose to believe the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done for you there are things that are required. It requires faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Savior. It calls us to repentance, a turning away from our sins, and a turning toward God. Accepting the grace of God freely offered through the gospel is essential. It's not about earning our salvation but receiving it as a gift from God. Surrendering our lives to Him and walking in obedience to His teachings become natural responses to the life-changing message of the gospel. Through discipleship and growth, we can continually deepen our relationship with Christ and become more like Him. Proclaiming and sharing the gospel with others is also part of our response, as we invite them to experience the same transformative power in their lives.


If you haven't yet responded to the life-changing message of the gospel, I encourage you to take a step today. Seek the truth for yourself. And when you find it reflect on it's truth and its personal implications for your life. Seek God in prayer, asking Him to reveal Himself to you and guide you on this journey. Reach out to a local church community or trusted believers who can provide support and guidance as you explore and embrace the gospel. Don't miss out on the abundant life and eternal hope that the gospel offers.

The gospel is not just information or something some people believe; it is a personal invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ. Through the gospel, we can find forgiveness, reconciliation, and purpose. It is in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ that we truly understand the power and significance of the gospel. May your own journey with the gospel be a testimony of God's grace and love, and inspire others to embrace the life-changing message for themselves.

 

Pray with me


Father, we come before You amazed by the life-changing message of the gospel. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our sins and offer us eternal life. We know that we are undeserving but loved unconditionally. May Your grace continually transform us from the inside out. We surrender all areas of our lives to You. Help us to walk closely with You, grow in discipleship, and allow You to shape us into the people You created us to be. Give us the boldness and compassion to proclaim the gospel to those around us. Use us as vessels to share the good news and lead others to experience the joy and hope found in Christ. May our lives be a testament reflecting Your glory in all we do. We pray for those who have yet to know You, that they may come into the revelation of who You are. May their hearts be opened to the truth of the gospel, experiencing the same joy, hope, and salvation we have found in Christ. Use us as vessels to share Your love and lead others into a personal relationship with You.


In Jesus’ name, amen.



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