Gratitude for the Gospel
Dear Friends,
Presently we are witnessing a great awakening taking place throughout the world. Many people from other faiths are coming to Christ in extraordinary ways. Some are having encounters with Jesus through visions or dreams, especially in countries where the Christian faith and the Holy Scriptures are banned. Others are earnestly searching for truth. The Spirit of God and the Word of God are working mightily in this world revival.
When the apostles walked the earth, they preached the Word of God so powerfully under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that people were convicted or "cut to the heart," crying out “What shall we do?” And a great many were saved, including Jewish priests!
At Pentecost, Peter preached the Gospel to the Jews with great zeal – furnishing many proofs that Jesus was the Messiah.
Acts 2:37-38
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,
"Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The conviction of the Holy Spirit challenges us and commands a response!
Heb. 4:12-13
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in
all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
to whom we must give account.
When the Word of God judges thoughts and attitudes, it exposes the heart. There are no longer any excuses before God! It challenges us to admit our guilt and to repent so that the Lord can forgive, heal, restore and empower us to live for Him and serve Him!
The convicting work of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can be likened to the mulberry fig tree whose fruit is “pierced” to accelerate the ripening and sweetening of the fruit.
A humble and yielded heart - pierced by the Word of God - is made tender, supple and pliable in the hands of the Lord; there is a distinctive sweetness to such a heart.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is often produced through trials, tests and hardships in life; like the piercings of the mulberry fig tree, they often develop through pain, suffering and sacrifice. Though the Word of God may cut to the heart, it will not draw blood. The blood of Jesus has already been shed for our sins! The Word will cleanse, heal and renew our hearts and minds as it equips us to run our race and fulfill our divine mission on this earth.
Romans 5:3-5
…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has
poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what we are facing! The Lord will never fail us!
Isaiah 49:23 The Lord affirms:
…those who hope in me will not be disappointed.
John 14:21 ESV (emphasis mine)
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will
be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Jesus is our source of strength and encouragement. The Lord was manifest to the three Hebrews in the midst of their fiery furnace! He is presently revealing Himself among the persecuted church throughout the world.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help
you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Matthew 28:20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Many Christians fail to understand the extraordinary blessing of being alive in this generation:
Matthew 13:17
For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, but did not see
it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Jesus’ words shine even more when we remember how privileged His first followers were. The twelve walked beside Him, saw His miracles, and heard Him teach face to face — an honor the prophets and saints of old could only imagine.
We, as New Testament believers, enjoy the full revelation they longed for — no more shadows or distant prophecies, but the living Word in flesh and blood. It can be easy for us today to take the gospel for granted. When you read the Gospels, pause and give thanks. You are standing on holy ground — enjoying the very revelation that even angels longed to understand.
May this truth deepen our gratitude for the Holy Scriptures we uphold and ignite in us a fervor to share the Good News with a world living in great darkness and despair. Let us deepen our worship and fuel our zeal to share the Good News with others in these last days!
May the Lord richly bless you and your family as you enjoy the beauty of His creation in this wonderful spring season!
Pastor Paul