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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Bible study

  • The Gospel – Spreading Joy

    The Gospel – Spreading Joy

    Johnny-jump-up (viola tricolor) has a lot in common with the gospel

    If you’ve known me for any length of time, you likely know that my favorite flower is the Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor). It seeds prolifically, pops up in unexpected places, grows in rough conditions and brings a smile when you see one. It reminds me in many ways of the gospel, bringing joy.

    Only God knows how many gospel calls have gone out (He sows prolifically). The gospel is seeded through the words of the Bible. The life of Christians calls people. Our testimony calls people.  The Holy Spirit calls out the good news of the gospel in ways we can only imagine. Like Johnny-jump-up seeds, the gospel is being sown everywhere, bringing joy as it grows.

    The gospel takes root in what we might consider the hardest of soils and the worst of conditions. It’s sown into the hearts of the enemies of God, people who love their sin, and people who had no idea that they needed a savior or who at times rejected the concept entirely.

    It happens unexpectedly. Even you and I were transformed by the power of the gospel and God’s incredible, unending grace. The Lord died to cover our sins and bring us to life.

    When the gospel takes hold, the person is changed forever. It’s a beautiful sight to behold. The newborn is far from perfect yet (what newborn is?), but they are undeniably changed.

    A sinner is forgiven. An enemy is now an heir. A former slave to sin is welcomed into the Kingdom of God.

    I have to rejoice and smile every time I see or hear of the gospel bearing fruit. I know it isn’t just me. The Lord rejoices and all the angels in heaven do as well.

    Yahweh your God is in your midst, A mighty one who will save. He will be joyful over you with gladness; He will be quiet in His love; He will rejoice over you with joyful singing. Zephaniah 3:17

    I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

    In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

    My Johnny-jump-ups bring temporary smiles and joy. The fruit of the gospel brings everlasting rejoicing.

    Let us do our part to sow seeds of the gospel and rejoice when we see what the Lord does with them.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God) 

    Be blessed 

    Kevin 

    Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone) 

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    SUMMARY

    The Johnny-jump-up becomes a picture of the gospel: spreading unexpectedly, taking root in hard places, and bringing lasting joy wherever God causes it to grow. Just as the flower thrives in unlikely conditions, the gospel transforms sinners through God’s grace and produces eternal rejoicing in heaven and among believers.

    KEYPOINTS

    ·  The gospel spreads widely through Scripture, Christian witness, testimony, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

    ·  God causes the gospel to take root even in hardened hearts and impossible circumstances, transforming lives completely.

    ·  Every repentance and changed life brings joy not only to believers, but also to heaven itself.

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    This might be the best news you’ve ever heard. You may also like “Spread of the gospel”

  • The Countercultural Jesus

    The Countercultural Jesus

    reflected in a puddle made me think of the countercultural Jesus

    Looking at this picture of trees reflected, it’s hard to tell which way is up. That’s the way things are sometimes. The bible upends everything, and we worship the countercultural Jesus.

    The world tells us either that there is no truth or that you make your own truth. The world tells us that there are many paths to heaven. Jesus says, “No.”

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6

    The world tells us that we are all good people. Jesus says that isn’t true.

    And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.Mark 10:18

    The world tells us we can earn our way to heaven. The Bible says differently,

     For by grace you have been saved through faith, and [a]this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

    The world teaches us to hate those who are different from us and to hate our enemies.  The countercultural Jesus differs.

    “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …” Matthew 5:44-44

    The way of the Christ follower will always be a path that conflicts with those who are not. The world hates Him and His message. They may well hate and reject us as well.

    The path of the Christian leads to eternal shalom (peace with God and blessing). The path of the unbeliever leads to torment and turmoil forever.

    There truly are, as the countercultural Jesus said, a wide path and a narrow one. I urge you to stick to the narrow trail.

    Trust Him by faith and follow even when the path diverges from the ways of the world.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

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    Kingdom Diversity

    SUMMARY

    Following Jesus means embracing a truth that often runs against the values of the world, trusting that the narrow path of faith leads to eternal peace with God.

    Three takeaways:

    Jesus teaches absolute truth and declares Himself the only way to the Father.

    Salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not something earned by human effort.

    Christ followers are called to live differently from the world, even loving enemies and enduring rejection for His sake.

    The Gospel – the best news you will ever hear