How is the Gospel of Jesus “Good News” for all who believe it?


The word “gospel” means “good news.” It’s the good news about Jesus, good news that dates back to the creation of the world by God and the creation of man who was made in God’s image. God intended that the man and woman he created, Adam and Eve, would live in perfect harmony with Him—enjoying perfect fellowship and being obedient to His commands thereby allowing them to experience perfect joy.

The problem is that man rebelled against God, breaking the fellowship and learning that what they thought would be freedom, turned into slavery to sin. That brought all the negative consequences that humans experience today. Those include pain, suffering, broken relationships, lack of peace and death. God who is perfect could not be in fellowship with imperfect humans. Their sins separated them forever from God and ensured that they would suffer throughout eternity for their continued rebellion from God.

Through Jesus, His son, God provided a way for men and women to be rescued from the consequences of their sin. God let Jesus take on the sin of all mankind–a substitute sacrifice that was acceptable to God. Jesus laid down his life that those who willingly accepted this substitutionary sacrifice might have their relationship to God restored. That brought with it the promise of an eternal life free of the consequences of sin. That’s the Good News.

What does God expect us to do with this knowledge that Jesus died in our place so we can be saved from God’s wrath against our sins? He expects us to accept the sacrifice of His son Jesus, turn away from our sin, and have faith that we will experience peace in this life and an eternity of contentment with Him.Christmas is a celebration of this good news, “For unto you a Savior is born who is Christ the Lord.” The final question is, have you believed it and accepted Jesus as your Savior? It is the most important decision a person ever makes. Merry Christmas!

Why is there such incredible resistance of humanity to the loving grace of God?


Some Bible scholars think today’s resistance to the Gospel has always been due to the “hardness of men’s hearts”. (Matthew 13). Also an obstacle is delay…people just put off until later to even think about their relationship to God.

Today much of society (humanity) worships idols. Materialism has replaced spirituality which has led people to resist the loving grace of God.
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the need for instant and tangible gratification and pleasure. For example, society is bombarded with powerful substitutes through media such as movies, advertisements, social media, etc. Another reason is the growing need to compete for bigger and better everything which feeds the need to purchase unnecessary items and which drives financial decisions.

Lastly, society makes idols of celebrities and sports stars. (Exodus 20:4). Sadly worshiping these idols brings brief satisfaction and distracts people from seeking and knowing the loving grace of God.

Did Jesus Claim to be God?

Did Jesus Claim to be God?

Yes, this is a very powerful and profound question and the answer is YES, YES, YES.

There are so very many instances where Jesus said He was God and with God and I will try to give you just a few examples.

“…he who has seen Me has seen the Father…”   John 14:9

“…I and The Father are one…”     John 10:30

Jesus repeatedly referred to himself as “I am” (John 8:58) which in the Hebrew tradition amounted to a declaration that He was God. It was these repeated pronouncements that infuriated the Pharisees and ultimately caused them to crucify Him.

On one occasion, Jesus invited three of his disciples, James Peter and John, to accompany him to Mt. Tabor to witness Him being transfigured to the Majesty He had before coming to earth. There Jesus was joined in midair by Moses and Elijah and the witnesses heard the voice of God saying,

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”    Matthew 17:5

Furthermore, Jesus raised several people from the dead including Lazarus, a man who had been dead three days and was starting to stink of decay. There were many witnesses to these events. Most significantly, Jesus, himself, rose from the dead, one of the most documented events of the ancient world.

Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared in bodily form to hundreds of people and during this period He would suddenly appear and disappear thru doors and walls in a locked room.

The evidences are many and clear. His coming to earth, living a perfect life, performing many miracles, suffering a terrible death for us on a cross and rising from the dead that we may be forgiven and enjoy fellowship with Him now here on this earth is sufficient to confirm that Jesus is indeed God.