What is it that God esteems the most? It is spreading the gospel. There is absolutely a reward for doing so. “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me…And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mt 10:40, 42)
God’s absolute sovereignty – His power
God is in control of all of history. 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 says all wealth, power, authority, high places, low places are in God’s hands. David confessed that even what we have given to God is from the Lord. Even our life is from God. Our health, future – everything is from God’s hands.
God’s method – Jesus Christ (the main figure of history)
Upon what does God move all of history? Upon Jesus Christ. He is the main figure of history. The Old Testament testifies that the Christ will come. The New Testament testifies that he has come. That is why all of history unfolds centered upon Jesus Christ (Eph 1:1-13).
God’s working – the Holy Spirit
Whether you believe it or not, the Holy Spirit is at work right now. The Holy Spirit absolutely works in the lives of believers. We believe that the Holy Spirit is here and at work (Jn 14:16-17, 26-27).
God’s word – the authority of the Bible
2 Timothy 3:14-17 says “All Scripture is God-breathed.” We believe this to be true. That is why we must listen to and follow God’s word. Dr. Van Dusen, former president of Union Theological Seminary who said that there were many parts of the Bible that were incorrect, died of suicide. We believe that God’s word is inerrant and infallible.
God’s temple – the worth of the believer
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16). We who believe in Christ are the church.
God’s plan – true mission field
Where we are right now is the mission field. The place where we are right now is where God wants us to share the gospel. Naaman had a servant girl. She had less skill and strength than the Aramean general. However, she knew where Naaman could get the answer to his problem of leprosy. She told him that his leprosy would be cured if he met God through the prophet of the LORD who was in Israel. With that his entire life changed.
God’s reign – in control of life, death, blessings and disasters
1 Sam 2:6-8 says “The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and on them he has set the world.”
God’s providence – one life to live (death, judgment)
Heb 9:27 says man is destined to live once and after that to face judgment. Just as there is a day of death, there is also a day of judgment.
God’s judgment – the reality of the afterlife (heaven and hell)
Whether you want to believe it or not, hell exists. Jesus spoke of it (Lk 16:19-31). Those who reject the gospel to the very end will go there. Those who receive the gospel will have eternal life (Jn 3:16).