Personal Gospel

Dear Brethren,

Who is supposed to preach the Gospel?  Is the preaching of the Gospel one of those things that we should not try at home because it is better left to the experts?  We have always heard that the Gospel is to be preached – but whose responsibility is it?

Most of us remember hearing that the Gospel message and warning were going in great power to all the world for a witness.  Now, as we complete another year, there are billions of people who have never heard it.  What should we be doing?  So many people are not receiving the witness of the Gospel.  This world is not being sufficiently warned.  Obviously, brethren, we still have our work cut out for us!

“After John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.”  (Mark 1:14-15)

What did Jesus mean by “believe the Gospel?”  We must ask ourselves, “Do I represent the Kingdom of God in my personal life – in my behavior towards others?  Do I live according to the rules of the Kingdom of God – even now?  Do I help to make the assembly of Christians – the Christian Body – a place where newly called novices can find an environment suitable for spiritual growth?  Does my deportment and demeanor encourage others to set the very highest standard of Godly behavior possible?  In short, is my life a personal Gospel to all others with whom I come into contact?

Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of heaven is acquired with an utmost struggle on your part; and it is only the most serious and dedicated ones who obtain the Kingdom.”  (Matthew 11:12)

Brethren, we are a small group of Christians living in communities throughout England, Canada and the United States, working together to promote unity with like-minded Sabbath-keeping individuals in God's True Church around the world.  We believe and hope that the sincere preaching, publishing, and living of the Gospel that Jesus taught will help the eventual unification of God’s people – according to His perfect will and timing

“The Gospel must first be published among all nations.”  (Mark 13:10)  “This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”  (Matthew 24:14)

Because the True Church of God is a spiritual entity, we are spiritually affiliated with all those who are striving to live their lives according to the doctrines of Christ, including in particular – going on to perfection. (Hebrews 6:1-2).

We count as our brothers and sisters in Christ, all those who are led by God's Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).  Please understand that God's true Church consists of very small number of believers in comparison to this world’s vast population.  But Jesus said:

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”  (Luke 12:32)

We often receive requests from around the world for very noble endeavors such as orphanages, and buildings for Sabbath services.  We could all use more supplies and resources; but our faith is that God provides according to His will. God well knows our physical requirements and He has promised to supply everything needed to perform His work – if we will seek His righteousness and Kingdom first.  Jesus said:

“Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

No one would look to God if we were rich and doing great wonders because it would be expected; but that is not how God is working with us.  “God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”  (1 Corinthians 1:27)   “It is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”   (Zechariah 4:6)

But, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we true Christians are spiritually rich.  God has blessed us with the priceless knowledge of His way of eternal life; and that we are able to share with you.  “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, I give to you.” (Acts 3:6)

We are inheritors of the entire universe!  Notice what the Holy Scriptures say:  “Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?”  (James 2:5)  “The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”  (Acts 2:39)

We preach the soon coming return of Jesus Christ.  We preach a warning message to the entire world.  We preach that Jesus will set up His Father’s Kingdom.

We are a fellowship of True Believers who are endeavoring to grow toward God’s moral excellence. Our beliefs are founded on the principles and doctrines of the first century Church of God.  We point people to God – not to any man or organization.  We live Christian lives of caring concern and service to one another.

We know that Jesus left us an example when He laid His life down for us.  We believe that it is a salvational matter that we learn to likewise lay our lives down for one another.  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loves not his brother abides in death... Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:14,16)

The most important spiritual accomplishment for us in this life is the development of Godly Character.  In these precarious last days when so many people are just limping along spiritually, we are zealously striving to live in accordance with God's highest standard.

It is our desire that God’s Spirit guide us in all that we do.  God intends that all His people, who share in our true common faith, be really unified in and by His Spirit.  Jesus prayed the night before He died that we would all be “one” with Him and the Father (John 17:11, 21-23).

The love and esteem that the Children of God demonstrate toward each other extends to all within our spiritual affiliation – the Body of Christ – the Church of God.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Children of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the Children of God.”  (1 John 3:1-2)

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Sermon:

"Personal Gospel"