The Lost Message of The Gospel
The Gospel; the foundation upon which anyone who considers themselves a Christian. The good news that Jesus the Christ came to Earth, died on a cross, and rose again the third day. News that is designed to bring about a profound change in anyone it comes into contact with. A truth so powerful it is able to save anyone who believes it from an eternity without God. Man is no longer destined to be a slave to sin, but promised an abundant life. A life full of joy, peace, overcoming power, and the knowledge that God has made a way for us to come live with Him forever. O the things Christ suffered to buy us this abundant life. Rejected by the very people He came to save, He suffered many things. Things He had to suffer because He was destined to suffer them:
Matt 16:21 (KJV)
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Matt 17:12 (KJV)
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
Mark 8:31 (KJV)31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
There can be no doubt that Christ suffered while on Earth. He endured the suffering, so that you and I could enjoy a life full of happiness, joy, and peace. Or did He?
The lost message of the Gospel is that it will fall upon us to suffer as well. No one who wants to follow Christ does so without taking up his cross and following Him. Christianity and suffering go hand in hand. His disciples suffered. His apostles suffered. Countless others have suffered for the Cross as well. Some have suffered to the point of giving their very lives for the Gospel.
Matt 16:24-25 (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Romans 8:17 (KJV)
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Phil 1:29 (KJV)
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
2 Tim 3:12 (KJV)
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution
1 Peter 4:1 (KJV)
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
How about you? What has your walk with Christ brought you? How much have you suffered with Christ? Take comfort, my friend. Your suffering is not in vain. Those who really want to know Him will suffer as He suffered and countless others who have gone before you.
2 Cor 1:7 (KJV)
7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
2 Tim 2:12 (KJV)
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
1 Peter 4:13-14 (KJV)
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
So, my friend, the next time you feel persecution coming your way; the next time you feel temptation coming over you; the next time that spirit of oppression sets its sights on you, just know that Christ suffered before you. Take comfort in knowing you have been counted worthy of suffering. Focus on that Power living within you. Power to overcome this world and all the pain and suffering it brings with it. Be thankful that, for a time, you get to be just like Jesus and walk by faith.
I want to know Him. I want to really know Him. I want for Him to see me as someone who doesn’t live for Him because of His joy, peace, and the abundant life He’s offering me. I want to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. I want for Him to see me as a co-laborer in His divine plan to save the world.
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