Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The Power Of The Gospel



In our day, there is a proliferation of discussion surrounding “the gospel”. Books and blogs abound in which you can hear all about the gospel; gospel-centeredness, gospel-mission, gospel proclamation and so on. All of that is good, and needed, and hopefully, this will add something to all our discussion about the gospel. What I feel we often forget is the “power of the gospel.

The Power of the Gospel


I find that there is, in much of our preaching and teaching, much emphasis on what we, as Christians, must “do”. 

But what can be easily missed, is the reality of what Christ has done.

This is tragic for more that one reason, but here, I want to argue that it is tragic because it is in that, the simple news of who Christ is and what He has done, that the power of God for salvation resides.  Look at what the apostle Paul says in Romans chpt. 1:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16

Paul understood that the power of God for salvation had nothing to do with him. It was the gospel itself that is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. 

Later in 1 Corinthians, he says:

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

There is such encouragement, such comfort for us here in this truth!

The power of the gospel to save doesn’t rely on you, your wisdom, your eloquence, or whatever. It is a power that is inherent in the gospel itself, the power of God that become active upon the hearts of people as the good news of Jesus is made known. Paul himself understood that there can be a propensity to be ashamed of the gospel, for indeed, it is “foolishness” to the world. But Paul said “hey, here is why I’m not ashamed, because I know that there is power in the gospel!” We can rest in that power, and trust God to work.  

So, as we discuss gospel “things”, let’s not forget the simple message, the news through which God has promised to work, to save, and to transform.

There is power in the gospel.


Author: Chris Centola
Worship Pastor
Oasis Community Church Hesperia CA