Gospel

John the Baptist made his days count. He lived life “plain and simple”–camel hair clothes and a leather belt; roasted locusts (surely, he didn’t eat them raw) and wild honey to eat. But what impresses me most is that John the Baptist was a man who knew his purpose. He was on earth to prepare the world for Jesus, and he never wavered. He lived with a spiritual focus. Isn’t that the kind of life you want to live?

Life is short. Everyone dies. Eternity is long. God offers the free gift of life. Why do people choose not to believe in the gospel? Why do some see the message of Jesus as unattractive? Why do others communicate that this free gift is actually not free at all, but one must work to attain it? The answer to all these questions is Satan. Here is what he does.

Jesus followed the Father’s will all the way to the cross. There, on the cross, he died for your sins and mine. God’s servant served us by paying the penalty of our sin.

The future of the gospel depends on this process of entrustment.

God must prepare the heart before we can present the message.

In today’s passage, the psalmist prays that God will cause his people to flourish.

Salvation declares me not guilty; it produces spiritual growth; it delivers me home.

Honor God with your life, keep sharing the gospel and pray for God to do His work in the life of your loved one. The Father must do the “drawing.” Leave His work to Him! 

When we trust in Jesus - His death to pay the penalty of our sins - His blood is applied to us. Our sins are forgiven. We are declared righteous before God.