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I’ve been thinking lately about how discontent I can become when I hear something preached other than the central message of the Gospel. I need to here about the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, how he suffered and died for my sins, and how the the just wrath of God that was hanging over my head was appeased by the willing obedient death of the Son. More and more this is becoming the central thing that occupies my heart and mind. Today while reading in Romans I see why this is so.
Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Notice that it is the “power of God for salvation” to everyone who believes. The gospel is a power that enables one to believe and a power that enables our ongoing belief and obedience. Also notice that the “righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith” The gospel empowers our faith. We are also told from this text that the “righteous shall live by faith”. We don’t “learn or get” the gospel and then move on to higher or more advanced teachings. The gospel is what we must have moment by moment of everyday. We need it to live! It is more important than air or food in the Christian faith. To those that would say, yes, but what about how to have a better marriage? Or what about how to raise good kids? Or what about how to have my finances in order? Or what about dealing with racial justice or helping the poor? Or how do I lead a holy life? To all these I would say, yes they are needful, but they are not the gospel. The gospel is the solution to all these issues! When we teach, preach and live the gospel Jesus receives the glory and we get exactly what we need. When we understand the gospel, we treat our spouses better, we raise our kids to trust Jesus and not their own moral goodness, and we spend our money to advance God’s kingdom and not for selfish destructive pursuits. We love people of any race because Jesus did, and help the poor because Jesus did. When we feel the mercy of the gospel, we are transformed into merciful people, and the battle for personal holiness can only be won in the power of the Holy Spirit working though the gospel.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for my salvation.
I have just finished reading a book titled “Chosen for Life - The Case for Divine Election” by Sam Storms that I would like to commend to you all. If you are looking for an honest, readable, humble description of what Calvinist actually believe, this book is for you. Whether you agree with (as I do) with Dr. Storms points or not, you will be challenged and educated. I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Storms last year and was very impressed with his humility and teaching abilities. Thank you Dr. Storms for an excellent book.
A couple of links for those interested in picking up a copy of the book.
Directly from Enjoy God Ministries(I got mine here, autographed too, very cool!)
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/books/chosen-for-life
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Life-Case-Divine-Election/dp/1581348436
God is enough. Amen.
How can I stay safe and silent while people perish? Can I pass them by, while I myself stay safe? Is it possible to follow Jesus and not offend your friends and family or the stranger on the street? If fervor and zeal for the glory of God is mistaken for foolishness or insanity, isn’t it worth the price?
By God’s grace:
I can not stay silent, I must share the news regardless of the cost or shame. The glory of God will not let me be comfortable. It is a Holy Restlessness. For the glory of my Lord Jesus.
True love aims at satisfying people in the glory of God. Any love that terminates on man is eventually destructive. It does not lead people to the only lasting joy, namely, God. Love must be God-centered, or it is not true love; it leaves people without their final hope of joy. - John Piper
For the full text this quote was taken from visit this link. The Goal of God’s Love May Not Be What You Think It Is.
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