For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

As we look forward to Thanksgiving, and Christmas, let us remember the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST - The “Good News.”

In this day of depressing headlines and uncertainty, good news is very welcome. What better news could there be, than what the old hymn says; “The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”

When we refer to the “Gospel” we are referring to the “Good News” that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sin. Now by faith in Christ alone, we can become the children of God.

The word gospel is found 98 times in our King James Bible. In our Bible there are four gospel books entitled:

∙               The gospel according to Saint Matthew.

∙               The gospel according to Saint Mark.

∙               The gospel according to Saint Luke.

∙               The gospel according to Saint John.

These give us an understanding of the life, ministry and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his epistles on three different occasions concerning “his gospel.” For example;

2 Timothy 2:8   Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

There are many subjects in the Word of God. Salvation, forgiveness, holiness, heaven, hell, death, the Devil, angels and so forth. But, the greatest of all subjects is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul gives us a clear statement of what the gospel of Jesus Christ is in his letter to the church at Corinth.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1Corinthians 15:3-4

There are many things we can learn from the Holy Scriptures:

∙               The Bible is the true Word of God, and the wisdom of God.

∙               The Bible contains the laws, commandments, and the council of God.

∙               The Bible gives us instructions on how to get the most out of life, and how to be blessed by God.

But most importantly, the Bible teaches us about the love of God, and how to receive salvation. My friend, it is only by the gospel of Jesus Christ that a sin sick soul can be healed, and made acceptable to God. A person does not, and can’t, contribute anything to their salvation - IT IS A GIFT!

Different Aspects of the Gospel

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, each, give us a view of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

∙               Matthew presented Christ as the King of Israel.

∙               Mark presented Christ as the servant of God.

∙               Luke presented Christ as the Son of man.

∙               John presented Christ as the Son of God.

Each of these men shows us how Jesus lived among men, and before Almighty God. The word “gospel” means glad tidings, or good news. It is the best news this world has ever heard! The gospel is about the Savior coming to lay down his life for sinners, the enemies of God.                                

In the New Testament, there are different aspects of the gospel that are stressed.

∙               The Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1; 1 Cor. 9:12) The gospel of His Son (Rom. 1:9) These two descriptions speak of the good news of salvation. Salvation comes through the person, and work of Jesus Christ who is the very Son of God in human flesh. This is good news of deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and presence through Jesus Christ.

∙               The Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24) Emphasizes that salvation in all of its aspects is on the basis of grace rather than on some meritorious system of works. GRACE = Undeserved and unmerited!

∙               The Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 24:14) The good news that God will establish His kingdom on earth through the two advents of the Lord Jesus Christ.

∙               The Gospel of Peace (Eph. 6:15) Describes how this good news of salvation in Christ brings peace in all its many aspects (peace with God, the peace of God, peace with others, and world peace) through the victory accomplished by the Savior.

∙               The Everlasting Gospel (Rev. 14:6) Expands our perspective of the gospel as we normally think of it.

IT IS THE ONLY SOUL SAVING GOSPEL

A Misleading Message

“Just believe on the name of Jesus, and you will be saved,” is a common message of some professing Christian ministers. Others say “Jesus loves you,” and we often see that on bumper stickers.

It is certainly true that belief in Jesus Christ is the major requirement of salvation - although more is required than just intellectual agreement. God certainly does love all of us. But not one of these common sentiments is the true “Good News” message that Jesus Christ brought.

The truth is, Jesus Christ suffered and died for you and me. Why? Because we’re sinners who have broken the laws of God.

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24

God loved us so much he sent his only son Jesus to pay for our sins.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Jesus also suffered and died because God the Father wants everyone to go to heaven.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Yes my friend, Jesus died, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and AROSE ON THE THIRD DAY! Satan, the author of death was forever defeated, and his power was broken.

As Jesus predicted, he arose the third day early Sunday morning conquering death. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:5-6

Why We Need Salvation

If we take a good, long look at the human heart it will not be hard to understand why we all are in need of a new heart.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah17:9

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: Romans 7:18a

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.       John 8:24

In order to accept the Lord Jesus as our savior we all must receive a change of heart. Only then would we be willing, or even able to receive the gospel, which is God’s only plan of salvation. There is no other way to be saved from sin.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Faith in Jesus Christ is a life changing experience, because life is received. The gospel does not make us a better person it makes us a new person.

The power of the gospel makes a sinner a saint, making one acceptable to a Holy God.

The gospel is God’s saving grace towards repenting sinners. It is not Jesus saves, if you join some church, or you are baptized, or you speak in tongues, etc... Many ministers preach this type of information but what they are preaching is a false and limited gospel.

God’s saving grace requires nothing of the sinner, but faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Salvation comes when one trusts, depends upon, and relies upon Jesus alone for salvation. Salvation comes to the sinner who believes Jesus is who he says he is, and he is the one who died on the cross, as the word of God declares.

Calvary’s Cross

Salvation for sinners was accomplished upon the cross. Sin was paid for there, and there alone. Victory came when Christ arose victorious over death, and the grave. The preaching of the gospel, and the working of the Holy Spirit together convicts, draws, and converts sinners. Ministers, missionaries, or evangelists cannot save anyone. Salvation is of the Lord, and it is a gift received by faith. A simple message about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus brings salvation to anyone who trusts Christ as their Savior.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Heavenly Father, we pray that through our website and newsletter we have helped someone come to know of the saving grace of a loving, forgiving savior. We ask, Father, that you will bless our readers, and their families as they enter into another year. We thank you for all you have blessed us with, here at Country Preacher Ministries, Inc. We look forward to serving you today, and every day as you allow us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen - Preacher