Embracing the Everlasting Gospel: God's Victory in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Everlasting Gospel—God’s Victory, Not Ours

The everlasting gospel is the good news that God, through His own power and grace, has accomplished salvation for humanity—a victory that is not dependent on our works or understanding, but is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gospel is not just a message for one moment in time; it is an eternal reality, transcending both past and future, reaching back before creation and forward into eternity. The victory of God is complete, total, and offered freely to all who believe, regardless of their own insufficiency. This is the heart of the first angel’s message: God has won, and His victory is everlasting. [32:18]

Revelation 14:6-7 (KJV)
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe that God’s victory is truly enough for you—apart from your own efforts or understanding? How can you surrender that area to Him today?

Day 2: The Gospel—The Story of Jesus’ Life, Death, and Resurrection

The gospel is not a philosophy or a set of doctrines, but the concrete story of Jesus Christ—His life, His sacrificial death for our sins, and His resurrection on the third day. This is the message of first importance, the foundation upon which faith is built. Through this story, God has reconciled the world to Himself, and it is by believing in this reality that we are saved. The gospel is the announcement that something has happened in history—Jesus’ victory—that changes everything for us. [33:48]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: When you think about the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which part most deeply impacts your heart today? How can you let that truth shape your actions or attitude right now?

Day 3: Faith in Jesus—A Supernatural Conviction from God

True faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, is not something we arrive at through logic, argument, or even personal observation alone. According to Jesus, this conviction is a supernatural gift, revealed directly by the Father through the Holy Spirit. No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them, and every genuine confession of faith is the result of God Himself speaking to the heart. Christianity is not merely a lifestyle or a set of beliefs, but a miracle of conviction born from God’s own initiative. [49:58]

Matthew 16:16-17 (ESV)
"Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'"

Reflection: Can you recall a moment when you sensed God personally drawing you to believe in Jesus? How might you open your heart today to hear His voice more clearly?

Day 4: The Foundation of Christianity—Confessing Jesus as the Christ

The true foundation of Christianity is not found in airtight arguments, impressive signs, or even in the doctrines and behaviors that often surround faith communities. Instead, it is the honest confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, at the deepest core of one’s being. This confession is the rock upon which the church is built, and it is what makes a person truly Christian. Everything else—doctrine, lifestyle, tradition—must be built upon this core conviction, or it is empty. [58:56]

1 Peter 2:6 (ESV)
"For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'"

Reflection: Is your faith built on the confession that Jesus is the Christ, or have you been relying more on tradition, doctrine, or behavior? What would it look like to make this confession your true foundation today?

Day 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit—Belief Is God’s Work in Us

No one can be argued, pressured, or convinced into true faith in Jesus by human means alone. The work of belief is God’s work, accomplished by the Holy Spirit speaking to the heart. Our role is to share the message of Christ crucified and risen, but it is God who brings conviction and draws people to Himself. Every believer has experienced this miracle, and it is a reminder that faith is a gift, not an achievement. [56:38]

John 6:44 (ESV)
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."

Reflection: Who in your life are you praying will come to faith in Jesus? Instead of relying on arguments or pressure, how can you pray for the Holy Spirit to do the work of drawing their heart today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to remember and honor Daryl, and in doing so, to reflect on the heart of our faith. The focus is on the message of the first angel in Revelation 14: the proclamation of the everlasting gospel. This gospel is not just a set of doctrines, philosophies, or airtight arguments. It is the good news that God, through Jesus Christ, has achieved victory over sin and reconciled the world to Himself. The gospel is the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—a reality that transcends time, reaching both backward before creation and forward into eternity.

Christianity is not built on human logic, philosophical reasoning, or even a deep knowledge of scripture alone. Rather, it is founded on a personal conviction—a confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This conviction is not something we arrive at through our own efforts or intellect. As Jesus told Peter, it is a revelation that comes directly from God the Father. Faith in Jesus is, at its core, a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The victory of God, as announced by the first angel, is entirely God’s work. Our salvation is not the result of our own success or good works, but of God’s purpose and grace, given to us in Christ before the ages began. The everlasting gospel is the announcement that God has already won the victory, and those who believe in Jesus are invited to share in that victory.

To be truly Christian is to have this confession at the deepest core of our being: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is not about outward appearance, doctrinal precision, or lifestyle alone. It is about what is in the heart. The church is built on this confession, and it is the only sure foundation. All other aspects of faith—creation, judgment, doctrine—are secondary to this central truth.

So the call is simple and profound: Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is the core, the heart, the everlasting gospel. Everything else in our faith and practice must be built upon this foundation.

Key Takeaways

1. The Everlasting Gospel is God’s Victory, Not Ours The gospel is not a human achievement or a product of our understanding. It is the announcement that God, through Jesus, has accomplished salvation for us. Our role is not to earn or prove this victory, but to receive it by faith, recognizing that it is God’s power and grace that save us, not our own works. [32:18]
2. Faith is Born from Divine Revelation, Not Human Reasoning True faith in Jesus as the Christ is not the result of logical arguments, philosophical musings, or even deep study alone. As Jesus told Peter, this conviction is revealed by God the Father Himself. Every genuine believer has experienced a miracle: the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit drawing them to Christ. [49:58]
3. Christianity Begins in the Middle of the Story The foundation of Christianity is not found in the origins of creation or the final judgment, but in the historical reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The gospel is a time-transcending event, planned before creation and effective for all eternity, but it is anchored in the person and work of Jesus at the center of history. [44:20]
4. The Core of Christian Identity is a Personal Confession Being a Christian is not primarily about doctrine, lifestyle, or outward appearance. It is about the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God—a conviction that becomes the deepest truth in one’s life. This confession is the rock upon which the church is built and the only sure foundation for faith. [57:28]
5. The Church’s Mission Flows from the Everlasting Gospel Before we can share the three angels’ messages or live out our denominational identity, we must first be truly Christian—anchored in the everlasting gospel. All teaching, doctrine, and practice must flow from this core conviction. Without it, everything else is empty formality; with it, we are empowered to share the true hope of salvation. [65:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer
[02:30] - Reading Revelation 14:6-7
[04:00] - What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
[07:30] - The Foundation of Christianity: Not Arguments or Philosophy
[12:00] - Introducing the Three Angels’ Messages
[15:00] - The Victory of God: The First Angel’s Message
[19:00] - What is the Everlasting Gospel?
[23:30] - The Gospel in Paul’s Letters
[28:00] - The Gospel Transcends Time
[33:48] - Jesus: The Center of God’s Victory
[41:08] - Living in the Reality of the Gospel
[44:20] - Christianity: Born in the Middle of the Story
[49:58] - Faith as Divine Revelation
[57:28] - The Confession that Builds the Church
[65:28] - The Call to Believe in Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 14:6-7 (ESV) — > Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Matthew 16:13-17 (ESV) — > Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV) — > Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

Observation Questions

In Revelation 14:6-7, what is the “everlasting gospel” that the first angel proclaims, and who is it for?
According to Matthew 16:15-17, how did Peter come to his conviction about Jesus’ identity? Who revealed it to him? [49:58]
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, what does Paul say is of “first importance” in the gospel message?
The sermon says the gospel is not just a set of doctrines or arguments, but a story that “transcends time.” What does that mean, based on the passages and the message? [36:41]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that the foundation of Christianity is not logic, philosophy, or even deep Bible knowledge, but a personal confession that Jesus is the Christ. Why is this confession so central, and how does it differ from just knowing about Jesus? [45:22]
According to the sermon, faith in Jesus is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, not something we arrive at by our own reasoning. What does this suggest about how people come to true faith? [49:58]
The “everlasting gospel” is described as God’s victory, not ours. How does this understanding affect the way we view our own efforts, good works, or spiritual achievements? [32:18]
The message says Christianity “begins in the middle of the story”—with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—not at creation or the end times. How does this shape the way we read the Bible and understand our faith? [44:20]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to consider whether the confession “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” is truly the deepest truth in our lives. If you’re honest, what is at the core of your faith right now? Is it Jesus, or something else? [45:22]
The message says that faith is a miracle—a supernatural work of God in our hearts. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt God personally drawing you to believe in Jesus? What was that like? [54:04]
The sermon warns against basing our faith on arguments, logic, or outward appearances. Are there ways you’ve relied on these things instead of a personal relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus? [55:33]
The “everlasting gospel” is God’s victory, not something we earn. Do you ever find yourself trying to “prove” your faith or earn God’s approval? What would it look like to rest in God’s finished work instead? [32:18]
The church’s mission, according to the sermon, must flow from the core conviction of the gospel. In what ways can our church or small group make sure that everything we do is built on the foundation of Jesus and his victory? [01:05:28]
The message says that all doctrine, teaching, and practice are secondary to the confession of Jesus as the Christ. Are there any “secondary” things that have become too important in your spiritual life? How can you re-center on Jesus? [58:56]
The sermon ends with a simple call: “Believe in my Son, Jesus Christ, your Savior.” What is one step you can take this week to deepen your trust in Jesus or to share this core message with someone else? [01:05:28]

Sermon Clips

So what do I mean? What is Christianity built upon? Is Christianity built upon airtight, irrefutable arguments? Is that what Christianity is built on? Well, intuitively, we know to say no to that. But I think if you looked at our practice, it might sometimes suggest we actually think that's what Christianity is. We're going to argue you right into the kingdom. Well, all right. Is Christianity built on a logical conclusion that cannot be scientifically challenged? Well, I think sometimes we try to achieve that. But I think we have to admit that's not what it's built on. [00:21:37]

So here's the general rule we will apply as we consider the messages of the three angels the first angel comes announcing the victory of God the second angel announces the failure of man and the third angel comes to say now you must choose will you be part of the victory of God or will you be part of the failure of man and be aware your choice will have consequences so we'll unpack all of that as we go along and as we get into the different pieces and in fact today I want to begin to unpack the message of the first angel the victory of God so we could have called this victory of God part one [00:24:01]

Now it would probably be impossible for me to give you a perfect definition of the gospel for this simple reason the fullness of the the gospel exceeds my ability to understand I mean let's just go in recognizing that so the fullness is beyond anything I've comprehended yet the work of God is beyond what I've been able to fully comprehend therefore it would be impossible for me to communicate what I have yet to fully comprehend however for the sake of us trying to understand let's try to walk ourselves ourselves through a process that will maybe move us closer to a full definition [00:27:11]

So everlasting gospel the gospel heart the part here means good news something has happened that has shifted reality in a good way so that's that's what that means it's a report of something that happened that has changed reality in a good way and we are being brought this message that something good has happened that's what gospel means so so you have an angelos bringing in ooh and galleon you have a messenger bringing a good message that's what the first angel is a messenger bringing a good message but now we have the word everlasting connected to it everlasting suggests that this good news this event that has happened is a time transcendent is a time transcendent event it's everlasting the effect of it goes on and I want to suggest to you that the effect of this event goes both directions in time [00:30:08]

The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation the good news that's come to us is saying God's power has worked salvation for us That's the first piece I want you to have. So you see why I call this the victory of God? It's not me that did it. It's God's power that has worked salvation. [00:32:00]

So if you want to know what Paul thinks is of first importance, here it is. Christ died for our sins according to scripture. He was buried. He was raised on the third day according to the scripture. All right, so two points we've gained so far about the gospel. Number one, by the gospel we are saved. Number two, the gospel is the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the story of what happened that brought us salvation. [00:33:48]

Our salvation is not because of our success. We're the failure part. The victory of God is the gospel. He says, This news is so good. Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. So the gospel is the victory of God, which he accomplishes without our help, because our works are insufficient. It's not because of anything we've done. It's because of his purpose and his grace. [00:35:36]

So the great work of salvation that Jesus would not actually accomplish for us until the cross was given us in promise even before the ages began so Jesus's sacrifice is transcendent in time going back before the beginning and on beyond the end [00:36:56]

So this gospel is the story of the life and the death and the resurrection of Jesus and then the implications of that and through this we are saved and by this gospel God has won the victory that's the good news we can we can just steal a little piece out of 2nd Corinthians 5 19 it says in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself so let's put this together if we can the gospel is the news that God has achieved his goal of reconciling a fallen world to himself the good news that has come is that God did it he reconciled the world therefore the gospel is the victory of God and that's the message the first angel comes to say God has won [00:40:02]

Therefore, and this is the big takeaway for you today, Jesus is the victory of God. And those who believe in and follow Jesus are reconciled to God and made a part of God's victory through Jesus. And this victory of God is an everlasting one because it transcends through time in both a forward and backward direction. This is how complete the work of God has been. This is how total his victory is. [00:41:11]

Christianity is a faith born in the middle of the story. And this has implications for how we approach and live the faith, and implications for how we approach and read the Bible. Christianity doesn't start with the philosophy of God, that somebody or something must have created all this and then you stumble your way down and discover Jesus no that's not how it works that's not Christianity that's not to say creation isn't an important piece but it's not the core and neither can you start at the end with judgment based in law and work your way back to Jesus that's not it either you've got to start somewhere else [00:45:05]

Christianity is born in the middle of the story with the proclamation of an eternal gospel the plan for which was laid down even before creation and you are a Christian when you have believed the eternal gospel you see the foundation of Christianity is not a philosophy it's not a conclusion it's not an argument so what is it it's this the foundation of Christianity is a confession of a conviction about the reality of a man who lived on earth 2 ,000 years ago that's what makes you Christian the confession of a conviction about a man named Jesus [00:46:49]

Remember how at the beginning I said my hope was at the end you would all be Christians here's how that happens you have become Christian when this confession that Peter speaks has become the deepest truth in your life that's when you're Christian you are the Christ the son of the living God the day that's your deepest truth you're Christian [00:49:15]

Christianity is not an attitude though being a Christian will affect your attitude Christianity is not a lifestyle though your lifestyle will be impacted by your faith Christianity is not a doctrine though we create doctrines to better understand these things matter but these are not what make you Christian Christianity is every person who believes Jesus is the Christ the son of God at the deepest core of their being and here's the thing the conviction in every one of us can only come from one source God himself [00:52:54]

So here's the implication of it all if you have ever felt drawn to Jesus and after encountering him come to believe that Jesus is in fact the Christ Christ the Son of God if you've truly the Son of God experience this conviction in your heart for yourself, did you ever wonder how it happened? Did you ever wonder, how did I become a believer? I'll tell you how it happened. It happened because the Father himself told you. And here you thought God never talked to you directly. [00:54:04]

Any believer can say these words, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. I can say that to you guys. I can say that to every one of you. And believers do need to say these words. But no one that is flesh and blood, which is me, and I hope all of you, no one that is flesh and blood can prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Through an airtight argument, or unassailable logic, or even a philosophy of God. You can't prove it. There is only one way to know. God himself, by the Holy Spirit, must tell you. Therefore, faith in Jesus, at its core, is a supernatural thing. Everyone who believes has experienced a miracle. [00:55:38]

So why would I use those tools to comprehend God? Why would I give them dominion over the victory of God? A reality I can only take hold of by conviction, through faith, by means of the Holy Spirit? [00:57:28]

Jesus is the foundation stone of the church, and it is the confession that Peter made, the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that is what makes one a Christian. The church is built on the confession. And in fact, the church... The church...those who confess this truth Jesus is the only sure foundation and our honest confession that we believe is what makes us Christians [00:58:19]

But here's what I want to tell you today based on these three angels messages that at least organizationally we claim our core to who we are to be a seventh -day Adventist living in these days in the context of the three angels you must first be Christian you can't truly be seventh -day Adventist without first being truly Christian why do I say that well if we are truly serious about these messages that these three angels bring then we'd better be serious about the message the first angel brings the everlasting gospel we need to have already been convicted and and confessed that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and it is through that that we are saved not until you're at that point are you ready for the rest because if all you have is based on a lot of teaching and a lot of doctrine and a lot of behaviorism but you don't have that core that conviction in your heart about who Jesus is that you're just caught in the trappings and you're not truly Christian [00:59:50]

What matters most is what is in your heart and at the core speaking of it's not what you look like that matters most let's bring the band back up I told them I had another good one for them we've we've we've gotten to where we invite the band up at inopportune moments so I'm looking for them now and it's a they appreciate it every week I'm sure they do no the band looks great you know you understand all right it's not what you look like that matters most what matters most is what's in your heart what's at the core [01:01:43]

But what we say is this, Jesus died for our sins and he rose again and lives eternally and we have life in him. Now we tell it to the best way we know how. And then the Holy Spirit comes and causes us and others to want to believe. We feel conviction in our hearts. God himself speaks to us and says, he who has an ear. Let him hear. This is great truth. Hear it. To those whom God has called, this message of Christ, the power of God, it's the power of God and it is the wisdom of God. This is the everlasting gospel and this is what the first angel comes to proclaim. [01:04:12]

So God has a word for you today. And that word is simply this. First, before anything else, God says, believe in my Son, Jesus Christ, your Savior. Do you believe? [01:05:58]

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