My Struggle
I believe the person and work of Jesus Christ is sufficient to meet all of our needs. Jesus testifies to this by exclaiming to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) I find that cognitively it is easy to embrace this grace filled doctrine, but often I struggle with a disconnect between holding an understanding and making it tangible. How are the truths and promises of the gospel proliferating beyond the head and heart into overflowing actions?
The Beauty of the Gospel
The beauty of the gospel is that it is not limited to one people group, but rather the truths of the gospel are multicultural, and multidimensional. This means that the gospel is able to cross cultures and engage millions of individuals in ways that are unique to each person. The beauty is displayed in the array of diverse worship that is evoked from the multitude. The gospel is not limited to a definite, distinct directive, but rather it is made tangible in a thousand different ways everyday. What I offer here are three contextual states that God uses to cultivate a tangible display of His gospel.
Three States
Obedience: When we are obedient to the Holy Spirit’s direction in day-to-day matters an avenue is created for the gospel to take formation. Let me explain, as we are walking in step with the Spirit, He will put us right in the middle of where God is moving. Through Paul, God proclaimed, “we are ambassadors for Christ, God (is) making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) This reveals to us that God uses us to make the gospel tangible to the world. The obedience of our actions and the grace of our words will scream to the world the transforming power of the gospel.
Suffering: The second state in which God chooses to display a tangible gospel is in the context of suffering. I do not think this would be a stranger to many. Where else does our heart find hope when we are in despair? The hope of the gospel is made most tangible when the Christian is at his end and the only anchor upon which he can cling is the promise in which Christ speaks into his heart.
Community: Lastly, I have found that God uses the community of believers to make the gospel tangible to one another. As we engage other believers we see imperfect pictures of Christ. From each other we learn the life changing power of the gospel as it is displayed through the individual. More than that, the gospel is made tangible when Christians give of themselves to one another. The gospel is placed on the center stage when Christians bear one another’s burdens. Living under the rule of the gospel changes the inclinations of the Christian’s heart and make him a radical giver. This is incredibly foreign to the world, and extremely attractive.
Final Note
These states are not to be taken as all-inclusive. I dare not limit the power of God and His work through the gospel. However, I do believe they can be helpful in seeing the gospel more easily. May we praise God for His goodness in graciously giving us a glorious inheritance!
