The Good News Gospel

Post date: Nov 15, 2014 2:40:12 AM

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:16-17)

Jesus full of the Holy Spirit proclaimed His God-inspired Gospel to a nation whose national spirit was slowly being evaporated by the brutality of a godless government. Its residents were equally tormented by hardships, threatened by sickness, disease and premature death. Jesus’ timely message brought peace, restored knowledge, instilled hope and inspired faith to those who were willing to believe and embrace the truth.

Hebrews 11: 1 … Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for: the evidence of things not seen.

In Mark 11 there is an account of a man who sought Jesus’ help for the healing of his seizure prone son. After hearing about the boys’ plight, Jesus calmly responded; “if you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes” (Mark 9:23). The father was encouraged. Hope sprang up. Then faith followed exploding within him. He blurted; “Lord I believe please, help my unbelief” (Mark 9: 24) His trust/faith in Jesus’ reputation/name in combination with the faith of Jesus washed away his unbelief, toppled his mountain of despair and restored his sons’ health. (Mark 11: 23)

Matthew 5: 14-16…You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand; and gives light to all that are in the house. Let your so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

My youngest daughter has a good friend named Sam who had been suffering from a chronic urinary infection. Her effort to comfort him seemed fruitless as his condition worsened while her funds diminished. Desperate for an answer to her prayers she confided in her mother for advise who said; "don’t just pray but instead pray in faith for his healing". In obedience to the Word of God she laid her hands on him and prayed a simple, heartfelt prayer; “Get better”. To her amazement she saw his symptoms ease and then within days they completely vanished. It was the first time where, after placing her trust in the name of Jesus, she experienced an answer to her own prayer of faith. Incidentally Sam is her cat.

1 Peter 1: 7 That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

On another occasion she telephoned me very excitedly and said; “Dad, Dad it’s gone, it’s gone!” Somewhat confused I said, “Honey what’s gone?” She informed me that she had sustained a gash to her forehead and a shoulder injury when her car collided with a telephone pole.  After returning home, while showering, the gash on her forehead strangely disappeared and then the pain in her shoulder ceased. As you can well imagine she couldn't contain her excitement.

1 Peter 1: 21…Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.

This next incident tested my daughter’s resolve and helped to solidify her trust in the name of Jesus. She has been an avid horse rider since her childhood. One day while riding she was thrown from her horse to the ground feet first. In considerable discomfort she was admitted to the trauma ward of a local hospital where it was diagnosed that she had suffered a burst vertebrae. The doctors cited 3 major concerns including the presence of a large bone fragment threatening paralysis, a potential bowel disorder, and a need for permanent back stabilization. Each of these concerns threatened the status of her career placing her at a crossroad in her faith. She did not hesitate to trust her Savior for a positive outcome and prayed accordingly. After praying the doctors re-reviewed the x-rays and found that the bone fragment had completely disappeared, the bowel disorder was a non-issue and instead of permanent back stabilization therapy would suffice. Surprisingly, she was riding a bicycle within 6 months and cleared by her back specialist 1.5 years following the accident noting 100% recovery.

Hebrews 4: 16…Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus describes the Kingdom of God in this manner: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and nest in its’ branches.” (Matthew 13: 31-32) My daughter likewise took a small seed of hope, planted it by faith in her heart and as a result discovered that the Kingdom of God was growing within her. She found grace, mercy and help in time of need.