Integrity- People of God

The word gospel means good news.  Jesus preached the good news of the Kingdom of God returning to the earth!  The Good News is also knowing we can now live in this new Kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can have a new citizenship with privileges that come with receiving Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The gospel or good news that Jesus spoke of was the kingdom of heaven is now available to man on earth. It was not about where you go when we die but how to live on earth an abundant kingdom life.

When words are used routinely in a different way, the meaning of these words can often evolve into a completely different meaning. For instance the word “gospel” is a term used synonymously with “how to go to heaven.” The actual word gospel comes from a Greek word; to announce a good message or good news. Jesus’ message is we can live in a different kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:16-17 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” NIV

Matthew 4:23      Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

The first thing Jesus said when He started His public ministry was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Many believe that the word repent means to feel sorry or remorseful, that is not the true definition.  Repent means to change the way you think. Jesus is saying we no longer have to live the way we do or think the way we do, in hopelessness. The Kingdom of God is again available to man on the earth though our relationship with Christ.

Before Jesus came into the world, people lived in darkness as a result of Satan’s lie and him obtaining dominion over the earth.  The knowledge of sin and death came because of what Satan had done.  Jesus, the Great Light, came to give man another way of living.  Jesus preached the kingdom of God is at hand, it is near.  We no longer have to choose to live in this darkness of sin but we can choose life through Christ.

Jesus’ message was “Repent” (change the way you think).  We no longer have to live in darkness, or ignorance.  Jesus came to set us free from our sins so we could have life and have it more abundantly. Thankfully we no longer have to believe what our culture, society or the things Satan says about us, if we choose to believe God and what His Word says. After all we are children of the Most High King, forgiven of sin. It is a choice that each individual must make.

We are faced with the same choice Adam and Eve made in the garden. Who will we listen to? Who will we allow preeminence over our lives and thoughts? Satan and the things he says and what the world says about us or The Word of God.

Deuteronomy 30:19               This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live KJV

We must understand that Satan tricked man in the Garden of Eden; he took from man the authority God had given him in the earth.  Jesus came and defeated Satan, at the cross, and took back what had been stolen. The Light of God was restored to mankind. Satan was known as the prince of darkness but JESUS is King of kings and the Light of the world.

That indeed is the Good News!!!!!!

Ephesians 2:2-5          Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) KJV

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me