FBC Daily Devotions

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10.

No one can deny the power of the gospel to save. We can try arguing and debating peripheral issues, but in the end it comes down to one’s relationship with God through Christ. The power of the gospel comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not by our own strength, but by His. The gospel has the power to save, and it brings forth a change in the life of the believer. A willingness to live for Christ accompanies salvation. Debating and arguing has its place, but only if an individual is willing to make a change.

Reading the passage from 1Thessalonians, what was the evidence of their salvation? (i.e. what gave Paul the assurance that they’re salvation was real?)

v. 6 ______________________________________________

v. 7 ______________________________________________

v. 8 ______________________________________________

v. 9 ______________________________________________

God has given us to the gospel in order to live a life pleasing to Him both now and for eternity. He has given us the power to live a changed life.

To Consider

The gospel changes lives. The Thessalonians had come a long way since their pagan days. How has the gospel changed your life?  In what ways is it similar to that of the Thessalonians?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-5.

The essence of the gospel was passed down to Paul who passed it down to us: that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he was raised from the dead. Continuing on in the chapter, Paul discusses our own resurrection. This is all good news for us, His children. It is a simple message really, and yet it can be a very difficult one to convey simply. If someone asked you to explain the gospel, could you?

Here is one way (and there are many) to keep it simple and brief. It is wrapped up in just a few verses:

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Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• 1. Our sin has a penalty, and it is death – eternal death apart from God and heaven. (The issue of sin is usually accepted. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t believe they aren’t guilty of sin.)
• 2. But God paid that penalty with the gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin and give us eternal life. It was a gift, therefore eternal life cannot be earned.

John 1:12

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Romans 10:9

“…if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

• 3. You can receive the gift of eternal life by placing your trust in Jesus for your salvation and then striving to follow Christ in your life.  When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and believe he was raised from the dead, the Bible says we can be saved from God’s wrath, the penalty of sin.

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Certainly there are other ways to share the gospel, and perhaps there are things that could be introduced that aren’t introduced here. But the gospel is simple at its core. It is God saving mankind from the wrath of sin by giving and taking the life of His only Son for the payment of the just penalty of our sin, and raising Him to life to give us life with Him forever. Give thought to the gospel message – it is good news.

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

IN YOUR OWN WORDS

The gospel – it is good news because it has reconciled us to God and assures we will live with Him for eternity. It is the message that needs to be heard by everyone. As an act of love, it is the greatest thing we can do for someone without Christ. This week’s devotions are intended to help you share your faith. It begins with an understanding of the gospel message, the experience of the gospel power in our own lives, and the sharing of the gospel – sometimes in our own words. Read on… –Pastor Mike

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two things did God impress upon you this week?