Gospel Truth

When it comes to life, we all struggle with something or another.  For some, it is sickness; for some, broken family relationships; for others, financial problems. Some struggle with habitual sins or with their situation in life, with jealousy or anger or pride... I imagine the list could go on and on.  Over the last 10 years or so I (and a number of good friends) have been learning more about the Gospel. Many people have caught on to this simple truth so much quicker than me. Some of this really hit home a few days ago as a good friend led our church camp in an exploration of Paul's Letter to the Galatians. Often we followers of Christ forget that the Gospel is not just "getting saved", but rather "total help for total need".  It's not the Gospel, plus church attendance, or plus giving, or  plus good works, or plus witnessing, or living a perfect life (as if that were possible)... .  We could do nothing of our own to gain salvation, and there is nothing we can add to it.  We often mess up... but God the Father patiently waits for us to realize that He, as Holy as He is, loves us with such an indescribable love.... There is such a wonderful freedom in that realization... 

Paul, in Romans 8, says that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God which we find in the Messiah, Jesus (Isa).  Not even death can come between us.  And all we have to do is believe in Jesus.  So simple.  So simple that many people cannot believe it... they think there is more we must do.  But there isn't. We need only believe.  Just like the thief on the cross who believed in Jesus.  No chance to go to church, be baptized, give some money, witness to others.... yet, Jesus promised Him a place in Heaven because in his heart this wicked (just like you and me) person believed that Jesus is the Messiah.. the Holy One... Almighty God.   Whether you are a pre-believer in Christ (haven't accepted Him as your saviour) or a believer who is struggling with some habitual sin that is bogging you down... why not come to Him in humility and ask His forgiveness?  He freely gives to all who ask.  

My prayer is that I will always remember that He has done it all... and that I do not need to prove anything... even if I fail Him.  My life is In His Strong Arms.....