The gospel is the best news in the universe. It is news that lifts the soul higher than we ever dreamed possible.
Have you had your soul lifted by the good news of Jesus today? Have you been flabbergasted by the fact that God loves you, even though He knows you better than you know you?
Have you been floored by the reality that though you are a sinner, God has adopted you into His family? Have you been shocked by the fact that the God of the universe has held nothing back from you in Christ?
If we take the time to consider – to really dwell – on the reality of the Gospel, then our souls will be lifted.
Related Post: God’s Promises for You
The Worst News in the World...
Think, for a minute, about the most basic message of Christianity as it applies to humanity. Think about it and you’ll remember that it is, at its core, the most insulting of messages. Emil Brunner, the Swiss theologian, said it like this: “All other religions spare us the ultimate humiliation of being stripped naked and being declared bankrupt before God.”
That’s pretty strong language. But perhaps not as strong as the language Paul the apostle used to describe the state of humanity:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. -Ephesians 2:1-3
Though it might be hard to admit, we were helpless. Hopeless. We had dark hearts and evil desires. We were spiritually dead, incapable of helping or changing ourselves and that is, in a real sense, humiliating.
No one likes to admit they need help; no one likes to feel out of control or unable to affect their situation. But this humiliating truth is fundamental to Christianity, and one of the things that makes Christianity unique.
No other world religion treats humanity with such pessimism. In all other schools of religious thought, we have something to bring to the table. We can strive toward God and meet Him and in a sense, be congratulated when we do.
Not Christianity.
In Christianity, we bring nothing to the table. In fact, the only thing we bring to the salvation equation is the sin we need to be rescued from. Part of the reason the gospel, at times, ceases to lift our souls is because we have bypassed that truth. We don’t like to consider this bad news.
That’s because the one character flaw that has, and will continue, to most keep people from Christ is not greed. It’s not lust. It’s not lying or stealing or killing.
The main thing that will keep us from Jesus is pride.
…Leads to the Best News in the World
There is no room for pride at the foot of the cross.
It’s that same pride that makes us forget our moral bankruptcy. It subtly creeps in, over years and years of belief, and like a snake in the grass whispers in our ear, “You really weren’t that bad, were you? You never killed anyone did you?”
You begin to play that out, and suddenly you find yourself distorting the Gospel because it makes you feel better about yourself.
We are the people of the measuring stick. We want to constantly know how we’re doing. We want to foster that sense of achievement whether we are exercising, at work, or with God.
That’s also why we are people of comparison – it’s because we love to have the ability to look at others around us and say, “I’m messed up, but at least I’m not as bad as him. Or her.”
But the Gospel would remind you that you are. You are as bad as him or her. And so am I. Acknowledging that is a prerequisite to coming to the cross.
It’s only when we know this to be true that we can, again, find our souls lifted by the Gospel message. Because the Gospel is really the best news in the world once we also acknowledge the worst news in the world.
Related Post: How to Explain the Gospel Using Just One Verse
What are the things that distance us from God?
If you’re wondering what causes distance between you and God, we want to pause and affirm you for presenting the question. That shows your heart is humble and you desire to be close with Him.
Some signs that you are distant from God are:
- feeling confused or frustrated about your faith
- feelings or actions of pride or idolatry
- feeling unable to talk to God
- rarely reading the Bible or spending time in prayer- feeling numb to sin or areas of compromise in your life
Thankfully, when we notice what separates us from God, we can confess, repent, and in turn - draw near to God. If you’re feeling far from God right now, we want you to know that there is so much hope. God is closer than you know and He wants you to know Him. No matter how far away you feel, God is with you.
How to get closer to God Spiritually?
Contrary to popular belief, getting closer to God is simple. The Bible even tells us in the book of James:
James 4:8 NLT | Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Here are some practical tips for getting closer to God spiritually:
Read your Bible
Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, reading, listening, and praying through the Bible will automatically help you feel closer to God. We recommend starting in the book of Mark.
Pray
Prayer isn’t difficult and it doesn’t have to be complicated. We simply talk to God like we would talk to a friend. Your journey with prayer can start today.Related Post: 8 Ways to Pray Throughout the Day
Christian Community
Be intentional about having a Christian community. Join your local church, begin attending a small group or Bible study, and ask questions when you’re feeling confused. You are never meant to walk alone.Related Post: How Searching for Truth Creates Unshakeable Faith
Here are some of our favorite Scriptures to get closer to God:
John 14:27 | Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 40: 31 | But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Ever wonder what it means to wait on the Lord? Waiting on the Lord can look like praying to God instead of worrying, or offering a song of praise even in the midst of hard times.
Isaiah 41: 10 | Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 86:15 | But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Meditating on the Scriptures and filling our mind with the truth of God’s word is essential to getting closer to God spiritually. Curious to learn more about meditating on the Bible? Check out our post: How to Practice Christian Meditation
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