The Way - Jeremiah's Vow

What is the Gospel? (Pt. 11) – “A New Journey”

This is part of the series “What is the Gospel?”

The salvation that the Gospels herald produces new life in us as we are born again; it fulfills the purpose of God by re-creating us into a new creation, and finally it puts us on the road of a new journey. We are on a journey to a new land. The writer of Hebrews captures the beauty of this when they tell us that “by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. … For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” [Hebrews 11:8-10, ESV]. By faith, we believe and live and journey with God. We are not called to know the destination.

All that God gives to us is the assurance that on this journey we will walk with Him through the trials and triumphs that life will hurl our way. Even Peter spoke of the transient nature of the people of God in this world [1 Peter 2:11]. This world is not our home. The quicker we realize that our faith in Christ has altered our trajectory from eternal suffering to eternal joy the more we will prize and participate in the process of growing in our understanding that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” [Romans 8:28, ESV]. God is calling us to join Him. He still desires to walk with His people, if they would but come [Genesis 3:8].

The Joy of the Gospel

The Gospel reminds us of the path that we are to walk.

We have been back a day from our ski trip and as I think about our time in North Carolina I keep going back to one theme that was shared with us – the gospel of Jesus Christ is a reason for joy.

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel is what God has prescribed as the doorway to new life in Jesus. The Gospel reminds us of the path that we are to walk. The Gospel is a message that points to a new relationship with, not only God, but with ourselves and those we encounter.

The Gospel has power, but it also provides purpose. The Gospel is a message of hope, but it sends us on a mission of Peace. The Gospel speaks to the joy of salvation from the jaws of death and hell. Yes, the Gospel is Good News, but it is so much more. I thank God for reminding me of the Joy of the Gospel.

True Humility

True humility does not come from my actions, but from my relationship with God.

I recently had a conversation with someone about the nature of humility. The word itself seems a bit intimidating. I would like to think that I am humble, but in even trying to say it I lose the very thing I am trying to achieve. Or do we?

I have come to realize that true humility, not the stuff that makes you feel belittled or worthless, but true humility does not come from my actions, is seen in my relationship with God. The greater my understanding and acceptance of who God the closer I am to what God wants.

When I seek to grow in humility I am confronted with the awesome truth that I am unworthy of being in a relationship with Him at all.

God is holy. His holiness makes having a relationship with him impossible. But when I can appreciate the distance God had to travel to bridge the gap between my sin and His glory I am on the road to humility.

Humility is not a line to be crossed or a prize to be won. Humility is so much more than that. It is the final acceptance that God has chosen to come to this earth and provide a way for me to enjoy Him. And it is then when that vertical relationship is what it ought to be, then I can act toward those around me in a way that is both pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

Last Updated on March 4, 2023.

The Cross of Christ

There is within each of us a tendency to draw our attention inward. We are surrounded by a multitude of stimuli. Each voice calling us to become so immersed in our own perceptions and experiences that we have to work to consciously lay them aside to even try and connect to something other.

As I think of the cross of Christ I am confounded by the truth that Jesus exited heaven so that He could experience earth. Jesus relinquished eternal authority so that He could resurrect human frailty. Because of the chasm that exists between the world and the highest heaven, we find the bridge of divine love, built by God Himself. And it is Jesus alone who demonstrates the quality of life qualified to journey across its breadth.

Christ exemplifies the seriousness and determination required to lay aside what is familiar and comfortable for that which is foreign and burdensome. As I consider His example I utter this prayer:

Oh that I may follow in that line and reach the shores of glory; to hear the voice of God as he speaks, “Well done!” Amen.

Last Updated on February 10, 2023.