Living in and through the Gospel

I am eager like Paul to preach the gospel. Not only to those who come into my life that don't know Christ, but more so to those that are brothers and sisters with me in Christ. I mean if Paul was eager to preach the gospel to those believers that where in Rome, then what does that mean for us with those in our own back yards?

When I think of living for God's glory, I don't normally think of that in connection with gospel ministry. But thanks be to God that He is showing me that it has EVERYTHING to do with His glory. Which means if I am going to be living for God's glory it has to be in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ!

We are as pots of clay with this amazing treasure. The Scriptures are coming alive in my own heart. God's power and glory are in the gospel. He has entrusted me with this gift that is beyond words to express. There is no greater joy then to do the work of the Lord, and that work is to claim and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes to those in the world that are lost and need Christ, but even more so for those in the church. We are vine growers for the Lord, and that happens as we bring God's Word and gospel to other believers.

Paul said, "of first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). So I am making gospel ministry "of first importance" in my life. I am pressing on in the fight of the faith. I don't want my labor to be in vain, and if the work of the Lord is not done in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ then it is in vain. I am a soldier of Christ. I press on knowing that there is a cost. God's power is in the gospel. I can't do anything to save/change hearts, except share the gospel of Jesus Christ. God will use that to save His people and He will continue to use the gospel to change their hearts. The gospel is of daily need for the Christian. We don't put it on the shelf after conversion, but make it "of first importance" in our hearts and life!

May God give me a heart that continues to grow in Him. May I have boldness in Him to declare to everyone His gospel that will change us to be more like Christ. I must speak not to please man, but to please God. I won't waste the work of the Lord that He has given me in and through the gospel.