The gospel of Jesus Christ is great news!
Consider this summary from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and notice the message, its reach and its implications:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Col 1:21-23)
The message is that people who were previously God’s enemies and who had flaunted their rebellion from Him have now become the recipients of God’s love and grace. He gave Jesus to atone for sin, changing their (and our) status from condemned to innocent, from putrid to cleansed. This has been achieved not by people’s efforts (as if they could ever be sufficient) but by Christ’s death.
I love the way the old hymn describes it:
St George Dragons fan at Eastwood Office 2007
“When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end to all my sin Because the sinless Saviour died My sinful soul is counted free For God the Just is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me.”*
News this good is not to be suppressed. Paul pictures its reach being for everyone, “every creature under heaven”. It doesn’t take long to recognise the need throughout our world. Crime, disputes, anger and violence within families heads our news, while surveys highlight loneliness, lack of purpose and absence of hope. At times people display a hunger for the gospel message and at others there is indifference, but in all seasons the gospel is needed.
“At times people display a hunger for the gospel message and at others there is indifference, but in all seasons the gospel is needed.”
This means there are implications for those who have been given new life in Christ and filled with His Spirit. Firstly, we need to hold on to the hope of the gospel and not allow this to fade. The world’s pressures can throttle growth so we need to keep reminding ourselves of God’s blessings. Secondly, we are to remember the call to proclaim the gospel, sharing its good news with others. Paul describes himself therefore as a servant, recognising a responsibility to carry the good news forward even when there is cost involved.
Our church recently held a camp at CRU Lake Mac. Our speaker reminded us, from the book of Revelation, of the suffering of those who were witnesses to Jesus. Two challenging phrases caught my attention:
I would rather suffer than give up on God and His promises
I would rather suffer than have people not hear the gospel
Gary as archery instructor at Lake Mac, early 1990s
I have been so thankful to have been part of the staff of CRU over the last 38 years and have seen people display such great commitment to the gospel. Thank you to all of you who have encouraged me to persevere in this and have set an example for me by your dedication to prayer and your support through your gifts. Thank you for seeking to put God first and sacrificially caring for others. Thank you to those who have worked alongside me and who have shown such great faithfulness. I’ve been so blessed to have been part of the CRU story, building on the foundation that was laid before my time, and now I look forward to continuing to pray and support as Nick Hood steps into the CEO’s role.
I am so delighted that he is willing to serve in this way and praise God for the way that He has shaped Nick, prepared him and equipped him for the journey. Please commit to praying for Nick as you did for me.
Thank you to all.
Onward and upward!
*Charitie Lees Bancroft, 'Before the Throne of God Above,' 1863, in Hymns of Worship (2001), music by Vikki Cook (1997).
Bruce Boyle and Gary Hill abseiling at Wahroonga Cliffs in mid 1990s