CTG 0048

GOSPEL AND KINGDOM 

As followers of Christ it is a great encouragement for us to know that Jesus has been tempted in every way that we are without giving in to any sin. 

The extent of the sufferings he experienced, confronting all the trials of our humanity head-on, enables him to sympathise with our weaknesses on a very personal level. And we are encouraged to confidently approach God to receive his mercy and grace that will provide us with the necessary help at the appropriate point in time as we hold fast to our Saviour. Having triumphed over Satan, sin and death the Son of God ascended to the highest place next to his Father in heaven. And "he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)." 

In the middle of his intense earthly trials Jesus maintained his obedience to his Father. Sinless. So that he could bear the sins of the world, the spotless lamb of God offering up himself as the effective sacrifice for our sins. The holy one, our substitute, bearing our shame. So that all who repent and place their trust in him can receive God's gift of righteousness in Christ. Forgiven, cleansed and reconciled to God. This is the eternal objective why God sent his Son into the world. Father, Son and Holy Spirit motivated by eternal love, redeeming the lost, giving eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. 

When the eternal Son of God came into the world one of God’s angels gave this message to a group of shepherds who were working close to the place where he was born: 

"Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David (Luke 2:10-11 NLT)!"   

Centuries earlier Isaiah prophesied the word of the Lord: 

"For a child is born to us, 

a son is given to us. 

The government will rest on his shoulders. 

And he will be called: 

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

His government and its peace will never end (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)." 

Anyone reading this who has been considering the gospel about Jesus Christ. Who has not yet crossed the line between interest and actually putting your trust in the Saviour. Maybe you are concerned whether you will be able to maintain the christian walk. May God help you to grasp that it is Christ who saves you and keeps you by faith. And he will transform your life as you respond to his love and mercy, as you stay Jesus-focussed. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you. 

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved … ()Acts 16:31 NLT)." 

"… everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Acts 2:21 NLT)." 

He brings us into his kingdom, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, through the gospel. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 

Daniel 7:13-14 

Matthew 4:13-17; 6:31-33 

Mark 1:14-15; 4:1-20; 14:60-62 

Luke 1:1-2:40 John 1:1-18; 1:29; 3:1-21  

Acts 1:3-8; 8:12; 14:21-23; 16:16-40; 19:8-10; 20:24-28; 28:23-31 

Romans 3:9-26; 10:4-17; 14:17 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 10:12-13 

2 Corinthians 3:4-18 

Galatians 5:16-6:2 

Ephesians 2:1-10; 5:1-21 

Philippians 2:1-18 

Colossians 1:1-14; 4:10-11 2 

Timothy 2:8-13 

Hebrews 1:1-2:4; 4:12-16; 7:23-27; 9:14  

1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:24; 3:18; 5:6-11 

2 Peter 1:1-11 

Jude 17-25 

Revelation 1:4-9; 5:9-10