Why the Gospel Still Matters

Over the past few weeks it seems as though any and all news media is full of negativity. That's really not surprising. In fact, it's one of the reasons that so many people never watch, listen to, or read the news at all. What is it about the past few weeks that has been so alarming? What could possibly happen to create so much anxiety and discouragement? Has the federal government's decisions become so reckless that there is no more hope for America?

If you are looking for Good News, then you have come to the right place. Not only do I have good news, but I have the best news. Romans 1:16 states, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes..." Not just good news for the Jews, but for the Greeks as well. A Gospel for everyone. A proclamation of the Father's love for each and every person in the world. In the midst of such madness that we read and hear about in the news, the Gospel still matters. It remains our hope and anchor. A message God's mercy, justice, and grace. The ONLY message we should proclaim.

I understand. There are times that the world seems more chaotic. When common sense seems to be thrown out the window. I know your frustrations. But what I cannot buy into is the idea that the world is going to hell in a hand basket. I have not lost hope for America. And I have not lost hope for the rest of the world. Why? Because I believe in the power of God contained within the Gospel.

I don't feel the need to start preaching judgement and condemnation. Whatever goes on in the world does not compel me to change my approach to life, ministry, and the declaration of the Father's heart. Our history books are filled with pages where we could have given up. I'm sure there will be moments in the future where it will look bleak once again. But this message has not and will not change.

The confusion we see in the world and the chaos that it creates comes from our rejection and/or ignorance of this message. Our failure to grasp the redemptive message of the Gospel leaves us to ourselves. It leads us to live our lives in a vacuum. Void of the Father's influence. Lacking the quality of life that we were meant to live all along.

If anything, the Gospel reminded the world that there was a God who cared about His creation. A Creator who saw us in our darkness and was determined to bring light. A Heavenly Father who heard the cries of His children and chose to act. That moment in history did not take the Lord by surprise. Jesus' coming wasn't a last minute decision, and it wasn't a last-ditch effort. Scripture tells us that it was all a part of something that the Father began before the foundation of the world. He knew where creation was headed. He knew where humanity would lead itself. Jesus' coming in the flesh was meant to demonstrate the Father's love once and for all. To reveal the goodness of God for all to see.

The Gospel still matters today. It remains the only message that delivers hope to a world in confusion. The one thing that we need to proclaim over and over again to every generation. The news that God loves, has revealed Himself in Jesus, has given Himself for us, and that He longs for us to walk in relationship with Him. YES! The Gospel still matters because Jesus' incarnation still matters. His death still matters. His resurrection still matters. His ascension still matters. It ALL MATTERS! Regardless of what takes place in the world. Regardless of what elected officials decide. Regardless of our bend toward war and calamity. The Gospel is the beacon of hope for every generation.

For those of us who have believed, who have encountered His salvation, the Gospel has made all the difference.
For those who have yet to believe, the Gospel remains the power of God for salvation.
Our belief or lack thereof has not changed the Gospel. It doesn't make it true or invalid. Our faith (or lack of faith) has everything to do with our experience and application of the Good News.

What if the whole world understood that the Father has reconciled them to Himself?
What if the whole world understood the Father's love for His creation?
What if they came to know, personally, the revelation of Jesus?
What if they believed that they were created by God for relationship? That they carried His image and likeness in the Earth? And were determined to spread this glory of God throughout all of creation?
Think it would matter? Think it would make a difference?

It's all too easy to believe (especially in America) that the government holds the agenda. That the righteousness of a nation is determined by those who lead us. But when I read the book of Acts I see a group of people who believed wholeheartedly in the Gospel and turned the world upside down. I see sons of God who were willing to endure the misguided concepts of governments to proclaim this Good News to the known world. I see men and women who believed that the love of God revealed in Jesus would make a difference not just in their personal lives, but that the Kingdom of God could spread like wildfire to each and every creature.

Yes my friends, the Gospel still matters. It's more than an antiquated message. It's not a fairy tale, myth, or legend. It is the proclamation of the Father's enduring love for us yesterday, today, and forever. A reminder of His goodness. An introduction to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our only hope. Jesus.