Live in the gospel

The book of Acts, continues at an exciting pace as in Chapter 3 we see a lame beggar being healed.  His life is transformed.  He was an outsider, now he is a worshipper. We long to see that same transformation take place in many lives today.  We long to see the church grow.  So how is it possible?

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man who you see and know was made strong.  It is Jesus name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him. 

Acts 3:16

The transformation in this mans life is one example of the power of the gospel.  We shouldn't have to look far to see that same transformation.  We should see it in our own lives. Peter goes on to explain the complete healing which the gospel brings about.  Through the gospel all our sins are forgiven, we experience refreshment now and have a certain hope of a share in the renewal of all things when Jesus comes again. As we reflected on this, we discovered the need to understand the order of the gospel.  We need to know what salvation (complete healing) means for us in our experience NOW.

• We are promised forgiveness of sins now.

• We are not promised freedom from the presence of sin.  We shall still cry as people hurt us.  We shall still mourn when family and friends die.

• We are promised refreshment in the midst of the trials and difficulties of life now.

• We are not promised life will be easy.

• We are promised a place in God's new heavens and new earth.  When we shall have a body free from pain, know full joy and freedom in our worship.  We shall know peace in our minds and in all our relationships.

It is a great hope we have - Jesus is a great Saviour. We don't get all the blessings now, but we should still seek to live in the gospel.  Everyday. We sin everyday - so we must keep repenting, turning back to God.  Saying sorry to him, and sorry to those whom we have wronged.   Knowing that God does truly wipe the slate clean ever time. We must work hard to live at peace with one another, knowing that all our sins have been forgiven, so we can forgive those who have sinned against us. We must not despair thinking that God has given up on us.  Look to him for refreshment now, and hope in him for shalom in the future. Never neglect the gospel.  Never move on from the gospel. Keep living in the gospel, and allow Jesus to live the gospel out in every circumstance and relationship he calls you to live in today.