April 15, 2024

Dear Friend,

Did you know that as a Christian you are approved by God and entrusted with His Gospel? It’s true! It’s important that in our conversations we please God in what we say.

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,
even so we speak, not as pleasing men,
but God who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJV)

We represent another kingdom—God’s kingdom! Jesus was in a position of life or death when he stood before Pilate. He knew he was responsible to reflect the official position of heaven, so He spoke with God’s authority. Pilate asked Jesus what He had done wrong. He also asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.
If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
John 18:36 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit helped Jesus to not be afraid of Pilate’s authority to kill Him. Jesus knew that He carried an authority above all earthly kings. He had been approved by God and didn’t need Pilate’s approval. Jesus knew, most of all, that God had entrusted Him to carry out the Gospel through His intense suffering, His death, and His resurrection.

God will test our hearts. There may come a time when you’re faced with a life or death situation. Decide now to take your position as a child of God, approved by God, and entrusted with His Gospel in a fallen world.

Glory to God!

Pastor Jo