What Does It Mean to Live the Gospel

I wish that I would have understood just exactly what the Gospel really meant years ago.  For many of us, the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus Christ came to save sinners from their sins in order for them to have a relationship with God Almighty.  It required a perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins.  It required Jesus' death and resurrection which guarantees our salvation and future resurrection.  This is all true but it doesn't stop there. 

With that said, repenting of our sin and turning to Christ is only the starting point for the believer.  Because of the Gospel, the Christian is no longer under the bondage of sin.  We are free to live unto Him in the ways that He has called us to live.  Because of the Gospel, we don't speak the way that we used to.  Because of the Gospel, we don't long for the things that we once did.  Because of the Gospel, we have new priorities and desires in our lives.  Because of the Gospel, we now have a fulfilling mission in our lives.  Because of the Gospel, we have a future hope and confidence for each day.  Because of the Gospel, we have something to share with those who are lost in their sin.  Because of the Gospel, our families spend time with God's people in worship.  Because of the Gospel, we sacrifice and serve others.  Because of the Gospel, we give to our church.  Because of the Gospel, we're blessed to be involved in a Gospel ministry.  Because of the Gospel, lives continue to be radically transformed.

For me, I'm learning that the Gospel changes EVERYTHING!  It is why I get up each day.  The Gospel is why the church must stay a Gospel driven church.  The Gospel causes me to live for Him and it keeps me looking forward to the blessed hope--Christ Jesus.  Paul said it well, that the Gospel  "...is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)  

Prayer: "Father, help us to appreciate the richness and the cost of the salvation that You have blessed us with.  Help us to see that your desire is that we would reflect the beauty of Jesus Christ in our own lives each day.  May Your Gospel forever change the way we live our lives.  May Your Gospel guide our thoughts, words, choices, and the things that we take part in during this short life. Amen."