Sunday, April 14, 2019
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15) The message of the kingdom is found in the Gospels and in Acts. It was preached by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. Jesus prophesied this same message shall be taken to the ends of the world and He commissioned His disciple to do the same with the promised Holy Spirit’s power for the task.
There is only one gospel: Jesus preached it, transmitted it to His disciple, and has committed it to His church. Paul warned against never receiving any other gospel. “Any other” may be either a message of outright error or an argument for a diluted message, devoid of power through nominally Christian.
Jude 3 urges us always to contend for the original, “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Hold to the full, “gospel of the kingdom,” and expect the Lord to confirm that “word” with signs He promised (Mark 16:15-18).
It is important for us to understand, the pathway given to us by Jesus, points each believer to the need for power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us – His church. In His incarnation Jesus’ Person and perfection exceeded ours in every way, yet Jesus still acknowledged the need for His own receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit to pursue His ministry. What more needs to be said? Let each of us personally hear His command: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:22)
Cornerstone Worship Center 