The21stcenturyyouth

I refuse to be ashamed of the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first,^[w] and then people everywhere! ¹⁷ This gospel unveils a continual revelation of God’s righteousness—a perfect righteousness given to us when we believe. And it moves us from receiving life through faith, to the power of living by faith.^[x] This is what the Scripture means when it says:

“We are right with God through life-giving faith!”– Romans 1:16-17 (The Passion Translation)

If you like me ever wondered “What really is the gospel?” you would know that outside of the scriptural base line description of the gospel being our salvation through our Lord Jesus, so many “teachers” of the word have preached it to be everything but and many times we are left with more questions than before. If you are still wandering and/or wondering like I was I would like to lovingly suggest that you study the bible for yourself and with the overflowing wisdom of the Holy Spirit, I believe there will be mysteries revealed to you and the gospel along with our responsibility with it will become clearer to you.

Growing up in church, I was very acquainted with the sacrifice of Jesus and how believing this “story” was the beginning of the journey to salvation. I know I said the beginning of the journey, when infact; believing that Jesus took my sin upon himself with no contribution from me, believing so strongly that I accept it as truth and I confess it with all sincerity IS my salvation. This is all I needed to do to be saved, to be among the called and chosen, everything I strive towards after this is to live a life worthy (live knowing and exhibiting the value) of this great love (Ephesians 4:1-4, Philippians 1:27).

Somehow, I never grasped this truth or rather I did not understand exactly what it meant and how it applied to my life so I was stuck in a rut of self-works trying to make sure I earned the right to still be in the “Christian race”. When I did not meet the standards I would move to self-persecution and feel lost. Self-persecution is one of the many persecutions that hinder the spread of the gospel because it comes wrapped up in guilt and shame (like thorns that choke the seeds from growing).

The church in the New Testament scriptures faced deathly persecutions for believing in Jesus, there were many things pulling their attention and events that fostered fear in their hearts that choked the gospel out of them. We can definitely say the same about the church today. Social persecution, threats and even FOMO has caused many Christians to dilute the gospel or not even share it at all. Sadly, I was one of those Christians. Today, there are “progressive” Christians…what does that even mean? Progressing “away” from the scriptures? I digress.

I don’t know how popular the opinion that we underestimate our flesh and overestimate our willpower is. This opinion was formed through personal experience, so I know for a fact that outside of Jesus Christ I could never be called a Child of God or even have the will to live the life (both on earth and eternal) that comes with being joint heirs with Christ. The gift of experiencing God, with no guilt or shame or continual sacrifice (Hebrews 9) is so special we should be excited to share this news with everyone (and we are commanded to). This may sound foolish to the world because faith goes against the human understanding and rationalization (we believe what we can see or explain) but don’t let that dampen your excitement.

There is so much to say on the gospel, its enemy and our responsibility. Many of us don’t share it or are still ashamed and afraid because we are yet to grasp it’s depth. It’s no wonder Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:16-20, Ephesians 3:16-21) that they experience the life they had been called to, that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened to the full knowledge of the gospel and be equipped with the hope and faith in the fulness of God through Jesus. I say no wonder because until you fully understand, you will feel inadequate and thus unsure of spreading the gospel and accepting your role in the great commission. The great news is that it is more than possible for God, through His Spirit to open our eyes and fill our hearts with the courage to live worthy of the calling. He is more than able to do this and more! (Ephesians 3:20).

We have been justified! (Romans 5:1) Not by works but by faith. We are carriers of the divinity of Christ, we are foot soldiers on earth to bring news of this justification to salvation to the world. Do not feel like anything less.

If you are yet to receive Christ, please yield your heart to the One who loved you even before you were formed, before you thought about Him and even while you still dwelt in darkness and sin. The price has been paid, we can now approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy. The Lord is waiting for you, this is not Consumerism Christianity where something goes for something. This is a call to love, fellowship, intimacy. Granted, there are rewards and blessings that follow this decision but this is not the focus or else the truth is still not fully formed in us. The focus is Jesus our King who has called us to life eternal.

Let Jesus in, He is waiting at the door.

If you would like to make this decision, please see the “I’d like to stand out” tab.

Don’t forget to sign up for post notifications as we advance in Christ.

Love you,

Chito.