email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

September 24, 2018

Titus 3:3-7

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

New International Version (NIV)

                When you hear the word “gospel,” what do you think? When I was young I often heard it in the context of music. My dad loves Blue Grass Gospel music. Later I heard the word in the preaching intonations of the inimitable Billy Graham. What does gospel really mean?

                For Paul, the gospel was simple. First, we are worse off than we thought! Hear it in v. 3, “At one time, we too . . .” were in a lot of trouble. Second, we are more loved than we ever dreamed. Hear it in Paul’s words: the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared and he saved us. Of all the news we will hear today, none is better than this. God loves us and found a way to save us, not because of righteous things we had done but because of his mercy.

                Michael Horton defines it this way: “The gospel is not good instructions, not a good idea, and not good advice. The gospel is an announcement of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.” This gospel fills us with hope. We are not who we used to be. Best of all, we are greatly loved by the one who knows us best.

Pray with me:

Father, thank you for good news today. We need it. When the world seems to go from bad to worse, remind us again of all that you have done for us. Make us messengers of your good news to others today. Let us not keep it to ourselves, because the gospel is news too good to keep to ourselves. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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