Monday Morning Encouragement -- Good News


"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 8:8


Here is the gospel. 

Plainly and simply put, God loves us so much that Christ died for us. He suffered and died for our sins. He died in our place. 

Our sin condemns us. The Ten Commandments were given to reveal our sin, so that no one can say "I am sinless."  "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20) Trying to keep the Ten Commandments in perfect obedience is impossible. God knows that, and that's why He sent His Son to do what is impossible for us to do ourselves. Christ fulfilled every law perfectly, and therefore His sacrificial death in our place was the only one acceptable to God. What amazing love!

Here's where our worldly culture gets tripped up. Rather than grasp onto Jesus for their salvation, they declare that there is no God and the Ten Commandments are meaningless. They declare themselves righteous, and more and more we're beginning to see the tragic result of that way of thinking. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) 

We are living in a world full of fools. One of whom was me before the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the truth about my sinful and hopeless condition. I came to understand that if I continued on the path that popular culture claims will bring me fulfillment, I would die in my sin and forever be separated from God. That's what Hell is; separation from God forever. Think for a moment what a place without God's presence would look like. 

Here's how Gotquestions.org describes it:

"To be separated from God is to be forever shut off from light (1 John 1:5), love (1 John 4:8), joy (Matthew 25:23), and peace (Ephesians 2:14) because God is the source of all those good things. Any good we observe in humanity is merely a reflection of the character of God, in whose image we were created (Genesis 1:27)." 

I don't want anyone to experience eternity in Hell. If you haven't repented of your sins, confessed them before God, and received Jesus as your Savior, putting your trust in Him to save you, then I urge you to do that right now. Don't put it off.

"As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”*

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

*Isaiah 49:8

The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word evangelion which translated in Old English means good news. 

Indeed, this is good news!

What better song to share today than In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) sung by Adrienne Liesching.


If you have made the decision to follow Christ after reading this, would you please let me know. I would love to pray for you, as well as praise God.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.




18 comments

  1. In Christ Alone is one of my favorite modern hymns.

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  2. I love that song. You explained the gift of salvation well!

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    1. It truly is a gift, isn't it Mari? A gift freely given by God that cost Jesus everything! xx

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  3. PS - Have you heard the song All my hope by Crowder? I think that one is so good too!

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  4. Such true scriptures. I received God's salvation many years ago and I still pray that he will continue to guide me and "favor" me. It has been a hard road, and sometimes hard to have the faith, but I do, and He does bring me light and joy many times. Hugs. Marilyn

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    1. Thank you for sharing this, Marilyn. Anyone who is familiar with your life knows the challenges you've had to your faith, and yet you continue to shine the light of Jesus! Love you, sister! Hugs.

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  5. I'm a wretch that was saved! So much to learn about our God, three in one.

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  6. Beautiful Monday morning post. Have a beautiful week. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks, Kris. Hope you have a beautiful week, too! xx

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  7. Amen! Now is the time to repent and accept Christ. We don't know how many more days we have ahead of us. Thank you for this post.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. You're right, Betsy. We do not know how much time we still have. Before I became a follower of Jesus I was in an automobile accident that could very well have ended my life. If that had happened I would have spent eternity in Hell. I'm so grateful that God spared my life and gave me the opportunity to make things right with Him. Now I am ready at any time to meet Him, and I know that I will be with Him forever in Heaven when I do finally pass from this earth. xx

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  8. The first step is knowing that we are sinners and that if we repent with a sincere heart, our Lord will forgive us. He paid the price for all of us, a free gift that we can receive by fully trusting in our Lord's love and grace. For many years, I was under the illusion that I could work my way to heaven and Jesus by being a good person and doing good works. That is a lie that so many believe . . . that devalues His death. I many so grateful that someone like you, was brave enough to speak the trust to me and cause me to see the power in Christ's blood.
    He is our way and the only way to the Father. Praise the Lord!
    Thank you for this post, I am praying that it will cause someone (even one if not more) to open their eyes and heart and truly enter in to God family.
    Bless you sweet friend,
    Connie

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    1. Thank you, Connie, for sharing your thoughts. Everything you wrote is true. Jesus is the only way to the Father. He said it Himself. Thank you for your prayers. God is always moving, always calling people to Himself through His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. God bless you, my friend. Hugs.

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