The Gospel that Paul preached: Good News

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've begun a new study examining the Gospel that Paul preached. With the various voices speaking about the Lord and what the Gospel is, it would be nice to actually hear one of the Apostles actually preach the Gospel. The good news is that the book of Acts records a sermon, a message Paul proclaimed. In this passage, we can see what Paul really preached. 

 So far, we've seen the first two things Paul proclaimed. The Faithfulness of God and Jesus Himself. He proclaimed Jesus, the most important aspect of the Gospel. Let's continue this journey and see more of what Paul preached.

The word of Salvation, Good News

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us. Acts 13:26 MEV

Paul goes on to proclaim this word of salvation. That is Good News. Salvation is Good News not bad news! Think about it. Paul right here is letting the people know that salvation has come. Paul is heralding glad tidings.

 Salvation gives the invitation to partake of a new life in Christ. To receive a new heart. To have all your past wiped away and to begin again. To have your present and future forever secured in Him. To be made alive in Him. Salvation is Good News.

Jesus is alive

 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:30-31 MEV

Paul then proclaims Jesus is alive! Again this is good news. We aren't speaking of a dead figure. We aren't speaking of a good man who taught to be kind to one another but is rotting in a grave somewhere just as other poets, philosophers, and purported prophets and messiahs are. 

 Jesus is alive! Jesus is the risen victorious King of kings! Jesus is the only One who wrote a will, sealed it with His own blood, and rose again to ensure that all that is written in the will is carried out exactly as He proclaimed. We serve a risen Savior, not a dead poet or philosopher or pretend prophet. 

Good News

“We preach to you good news: The promise which was made to the fathers, Acts 13:32 MEV

 Now we come full circle to the main point of this study. Paul preached the good news, not bad news. This proves beyond doubt, as Paul himself confirms it, the Gospel is Good News! 

 In the Gospel, there is no place for any bad news. There is no place for mad news or sad news. That is, the Gospel isn't a message proclaiming God loves you if, or God loves you but, that is bad news. The Gospel isn't sad news, that is, God loves you now you must live in misery and subjection to all this world and the enemy brings your way. That you are powerless to overcome in this life. The Gospel isn't mad news, that is God loves you but doesn't like you. That He is angry at you when you miss it or blow it. 

 The Gospel is Good News! The Gospel is the hope for this world. It is the light for a darkened world. It water to the thirsty soul. 

 In summation, Paul proclaimed the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed Christ Jesus is alive. He proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation in Christ. He heralded good news. That is what we should be proclaiming today, good news! God's not mad at anyone. He isn't sending the earthquake but He heals the heartbreaks! Good news.

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay