Fixed!

Fixed!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 KJV

There are some statements we will make in the course of our lives that are from the place of personal conviction, not what someone forces us to say. The statement in today's extract is one of such. You don't hold on to the truth of God's word if you have not first tested it and found it to be true. I must be able to clearly define the role, function, effect and impact of God's Word in my life, because there will be life questions to which I have to provide answers. What would be my response if I have never experienced the power of God's Word or never allowed it do His work in me? It is therefore clear that before I am able to declare as Paul has done in today's extract, I must first test and prove the worth of the gospel of Jesus. 

My life has to be the platform for that test. We see Paul, a one-time contractor for the Jewish establishment, helping to arrest those who belonged to Jesus. He was found as the curator of the personal belongings of those who stoned Stephen, and then also the letters that allowed the arrest and imprisonment of those who claimed to belong to the Way. We know his encounter with the Light, and how his life turned out. I may have the same dramatic conversion, but there has to be a confrontation with the past, a conversion from that past and a conversation with the Holy Spirit leading into a new life. I cannot break that process, because that is the power of the gospel:, it does not leave a man the same way he is met.

The gospel of Jesus does not seek to conform to what is comfortable for man, but seeks to transform men to the standard of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel does not bend to the will or applause of man, but seeks to glorify God by taking the mess that is man and turning his life into a message, a ministry and a masterpiece. I also note the part that I must play to bring that power to reality: I must make room for it by believing. As powerful as God's Word is, it can only be seen in me if I allow it work. It does not reduce its efficacy or impact; it is only limited by how much room I give it. If I do not limit it, then there is no limit to what it can achieve in me.

It is for ALL who believe, no matter the tribe, race, colour or affliation. The past is the best start for showing off the power of the gospel. The gospel takes me as I am, cleans me up and then places me where I can best reflect the glory, power and mercy of the gospel. Don't forget: the gospel is about Jesus, not any man. Jesus came from the Jews, and in his earthly ministry, he made his people the first priority, but they were not the only recipients of this power. We all have now being brought into the kingdom of Jesus, by faith and confession. We are now partakers of the divine, made available and accessible in and through Jesus. Now that you know of this power, what is your response: accept or reject it? Remember, your response has eternal consequences. God's time of favour is here.