The Gospel: A Daily Source of Strength for Believers

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel as Daily Renewal

The gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian life but a continuous source of strength and renewal for believers. Embracing the gospel daily helps us navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. The gospel is often perceived as a message for unbelievers, a starting point for the Christian journey. However, it is also a continuous source of strength and guidance for believers. This realization can transform how one approaches daily life, providing a foundation of grace and faith to navigate challenges. By preaching the gospel to oneself, believers can find solace and renewal, drawing from scripture and hymns that remind them of God's promises and love. This practice can lead to a paradigm shift, where the gospel becomes a daily source of renewal and strength. [01:29]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of preaching the gospel to yourself daily, and what specific challenges in your life could this help you navigate with renewed strength?

Day 2: Insights from the Puritans

The writings of the Puritans, such as John Owen and Stephen Charnock, offer profound insights into God's holiness and our sinfulness, driving us to a deeper reverence and dependence on God. These works can deepen one's understanding of God's holiness and personal sinfulness, leading to a greater reverence and dependence on God. By engaging with these writings, believers can be driven to their knees in awe and reverence, reinforcing the gospel's relevance in their lives. The Puritans' insights can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth, encouraging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His attributes. [03:07]

"Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11, ESV)

Reflection: Consider reading a work by a Puritan author this week. How might their insights into God's holiness and your own sinfulness deepen your relationship with God?

Day 3: Embracing Divine Appointments

Divine appointments are opportunities orchestrated by God for spiritual growth and transformation. Being open to these moments allows us to participate in God's work in the lives of others. These encounters can lead to spiritual growth and transformation, reminding believers of the importance of being open to God's leading. By sharing books or engaging in conversations, believers can witness God's hand in orchestrating these moments, participating in His work in the lives of others. Embracing divine appointments requires a willingness to be attentive to God's guidance and to act in faithfulness, trusting that even small acts can have a significant impact. [06:29]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent encounter or conversation. How might God have been orchestrating this as a divine appointment, and how can you be more open to recognizing and participating in such moments?

Day 4: Singleness and Suffering as Privileges

Singleness and suffering, when viewed as privileges, become avenues for deeper fellowship with Christ and opportunities for service that might not be possible otherwise. Singleness can provide unique opportunities to serve in ways that might not be possible otherwise, while suffering, when embraced as a fellowship with Christ, can deepen one's relationship with Him. By viewing these experiences as privileges rather than burdens, believers can find purpose and meaning in their circumstances, participating in Christ's redemptive work. This perspective can transform how one approaches life's challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth and service. [13:35]

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)

Reflection: How can you reframe your current circumstances, whether singleness or suffering, as opportunities for deeper fellowship with Christ and service to others?

Day 5: Clinging to God's Promises in Grief

In times of grief and loss, clinging to God's promises and His sufficiency is crucial. God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness, providing hope and strength in our darkest moments. Whether facing the death of a loved one or personal trials, believers are called to embody Christ's love and support, holding others up until they can stand on their own. By relying on God's promises, believers can find hope and strength, trusting in His grace and power to sustain them through difficult times. This reliance on God can provide comfort and assurance, reminding believers of His presence and faithfulness. [15:20]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you cling to God's promises and sufficiency in your current season of grief or loss, and how can you support others who are experiencing similar trials?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, we often perceive the gospel as a message solely for unbelievers, a starting point for the Christian life. However, the gospel is a continuous source of strength and guidance for believers. This realization dawned on me during a challenging period in the early 1960s while serving with The Navigators in Holland. In moments of desperation, I began preaching the gospel to myself, drawing from passages like Isaiah 53:6 and hymns such as "Just As I Am." This practice, initially a personal solace, eventually became a paradigm shift, leading me to understand that the gospel is for believers too. It is a daily source of renewal and strength.

The writings of the Puritans have also profoundly impacted my spiritual journey. Introduced to me by a sympathetic observer of The Navigator Ministry, these works, particularly John Owen's "Sin and Temptation" and Stephen Charnock's "The Existence and Attributes of God," have deepened my understanding of God's holiness and my own sinfulness. These readings have driven me to my knees in awe and reverence, reinforcing the gospel's relevance in my life.

Moreover, the concept of divine appointments has been a recurring theme in my ministry. Whether through sharing books or engaging in conversations, I have witnessed God's hand in orchestrating encounters that lead to spiritual growth and transformation. These experiences remind me of the importance of being open to God's leading and the impact of small acts of faithfulness.

In addressing the challenges of singleness and suffering, I have learned to view them as privileges rather than burdens. Singleness has afforded me opportunities to serve in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. Similarly, suffering, when embraced as a fellowship with Christ, becomes a means of deepening our relationship with Him and participating in His redemptive work.

Finally, in moments of grief and loss, clinging to God's promises and His sufficiency is crucial. Whether facing the death of a loved one or personal trials, God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. As we walk alongside others in their suffering, we are called to embody Christ's love and support, holding them up until they can stand on their own.

Key Takeaways

1. The gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian life but a continuous source of strength and renewal for believers. Embracing the gospel daily helps us navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. [01:29]
2. The writings of the Puritans, such as John Owen and Stephen Charnock, offer profound insights into God's holiness and our sinfulness, driving us to a deeper reverence and dependence on God. [03:07]
3. Divine appointments are opportunities orchestrated by God for spiritual growth and transformation. Being open to these moments allows us to participate in God's work in the lives of others. [06:29]
4. Singleness and suffering, when viewed as privileges, become avenues for deeper fellowship with Christ and opportunities for service that might not be possible otherwise. [13:35]
5. In times of grief and loss, clinging to God's promises and His sufficiency is crucial. God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness, providing hope and strength in our darkest moments. [15:20]
** [15:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - The Gospel for Believers
[01:43] - Discovering the Puritans
[04:14] - Divine Appointments
[05:51] - Sharing Books and Impact
[08:17] - Unexpected Conversions
[10:49] - Impactful Missionary Biographies
[11:42] - Singleness as a Privilege
[14:14] - Coping with Loss
[16:08] - Preparing for Suffering
[20:24] - Fear of Suffering in Missions
[25:21] - Cultivating Courage
[28:20] - Encouragement and Concerns for Youth
[30:39] - Respectable Sins
[32:23] - Perseverance in Marriage and Ministry
[37:31] - Prayer for Hope and Miracles

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Isaiah 53:6 - "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Philippians 3:10 - "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

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Observation Questions:

How did the speaker describe the shift in their understanding of the gospel's relevance to believers? [01:29]
What impact did the writings of the Puritans have on the speaker's spiritual journey? [03:07]
Can you recall a story shared in the sermon that illustrates the concept of divine appointments? [06:29]
How does the speaker view singleness and suffering in the context of their faith journey? [13:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean for the gospel to be a continuous source of strength and renewal for believers, rather than just a starting point? [01:29]
How do the writings of John Owen and Stephen Charnock deepen one's understanding of God's holiness and personal sinfulness? [03:07]
In what ways can recognizing divine appointments change a believer's perspective on daily interactions? [06:29]
How can viewing singleness and suffering as privileges rather than burdens transform a believer's relationship with Christ? [13:35]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might preaching the gospel to yourself have provided strength and guidance during that time? [01:29]
Have you ever read any works by the Puritans or other theologians that have impacted your faith? If not, is there a book you feel led to explore? [03:07]
Think about a recent encounter that felt like a divine appointment. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to be more open to God's leading? [06:29]
If you are single, how can you embrace this season as a privilege and opportunity for service? If you are not single, how can you support those who are in your community? [13:35]
In times of grief or loss, what specific promises of God can you cling to for hope and strength? How can you support others who are experiencing similar trials? [15:20]
Identify a small act of faithfulness you can commit to this week that might lead to spiritual growth for yourself or someone else. [06:29]
How can you cultivate a mindset that views suffering as a fellowship with Christ, and what practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him through these experiences? [22:37]

Sermon Clips

"It really started out in the early 1960s when I was serving with The Navigators in Holland and going through some real struggles and Satan was on my back a lot and out of sheer desperation I started preaching the gospel to myself using passages like Isaiah 53 6 how we like sheep have gone astray we've turned everyone to his own way and the Lord is laid on him the iniquity of us all and singing some of the old gospel hymns like Just As I Am Without One Plea but that thy blood was shed for me o Lamb of God I come." [00:33:36]

"Well again I discovered the Puritans in the 1960s there was an older lady in San Diego California that was she was quite a sympathetic Observer of the Navigator Ministry where I was in in the 1950s and she began to send me Puritan books to read and the first one that she sent was John Owens sin in Temptation and that was such a tremendous help to me, and then she sent me Stephen charnock's great massive volume the existence and attributes of God because I was interested in the subject of Holiness." [00:12:48]

"Of course more of a teacher than a pastor in fact I'm not a pastor at all have not ever been so I don't find myself in those situations very often but I just come back to what I said this morning we have to cling to the promises of God that he said he will never leave us near forsake us and nothing can separate us from his love then that along with second Corinthians 12 9 my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." [00:48:48]

"Those of you who are single and want me to say something else you won't like what I'm going to say it is privilege God has just been so good to me and okay they've been one or two occasions when it had been rather nice you've had a husband not that I really wanted a husband I wanted a man about the house to me in the chair leg when it broke but quite honestly the Lord Jesus has been my all-sufficiency all through and it is a privilege because as a single on the mission field." [00:12:14]

"I know that the evening that I came to know the Lord Jesus as my savior seven o'clock in the evening and I was at a youth house party over the Christmas holidays from college and I went downstairs to the evening meeting and somebody said what's happened to you and I guess I was so overwhelmed at the wonder that God loved me so much he sent Jesus to die for me and I was given the Bible it was the first Bible I ever owned." [00:55:55]

"I think one thing is when God lays something on your heart it kind of released something I said earlier about the instruments of your body the members of your body for instance um you're in a situation many of us are in these situations where we're around somebody maybe it's at a bus stop maybe we're at a a restaurant or maybe we meet somebody somewhere could be the plane again whatever it is we we feel this this inclination from the Lord you know I should say something about Jesus." [00:25:45]

"Well it's not God's will that you throw in the towel on your marriage it it might be God's will that is time for change in your ministry but if you're thinking in terms of towel tossing it's probably not time so that's the first thing I'd say is that uh don't do it yet and then I think I would say ask God against all human expectation because the marriage may seem hopeless and the ministry may seem hopeless ask God to give you Grace to persevere." [00:32:41]

"I just said I just spoke into that parents this happened at the funeral last Wednesday I spoke into that parent's heart There's Hope here this this boy gay or not gay maybe he is wired to Delight in men all right I'm wired to be really feisty with my wife there is there is a future in this battle he needs to feel hope he can feel hope God can bring out of nothing this feels absolutely hopeless and we feel absolutely powerless." [00:36:21]

"Another Discovery question for you when did you discover the Puritans and maybe could you say a little bit about what what their writings have meant in your life and I'm sure many people haven't read any Puritan writings where where would you recommend starting well again I discovered the Puritans in the 1960s there was an older lady in San Diego California that was she was quite a sympathetic Observer of the Navigator Ministry where I was in in the 1950s and she began to send me Puritan books to read." [00:16:39]

"Randy want to switch to you and um keeping on the topic of books I know that when you travel you carry books along with you and you give them out and I know the Lord has used that small step of faithfulness into some really powerful ways and wonder if you could share a story or two on that Justin has a new book on Divine appointments that he would no I'm kidding um I I you know for many years I I have been very convinced that of divine appointments often before I travel I'll I'll ask the Lord just put me next to the people on the plane you want me to be next to meet people in airports meet people you know taxi drivers you want to meet people from all over the world that's taxi drivers they had more opportunities to share the gospel." [00:41:50]

"I know a situation right now very close to this conference where the teenage boy believes he's gay and is wanting to die that's all he wants he doesn't want anything else his parents are absolutely desperate they don't know if they'll find him dead and any given day and I just said I just spoke into that parents this happened at the funeral last Wednesday I spoke into that parent's heart There's Hope here this this boy gay or not gay maybe he is wired to Delight in men all right I'm wired to be really feisty with my wife there is there is a future in this battle he needs to feel hope he can feel hope God can bring out of nothing this feels absolutely hopeless and we feel absolutely powerless." [00:36:21]

"Well again I discovered the Puritans in the 1960s there was an older lady in San Diego California that was she was quite a sympathetic Observer of the Navigator Ministry where I was in in the 1950s and she began to send me Puritan books to read and the first one that she sent was John Owens sin in Temptation and that was such a tremendous help to me, and then she sent me Stephen charnock's great massive volume the existence and attributes of God because I was interested in the subject of Holiness." [00:12:48]

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The Gospel: A Daily Source of Strength for Believers

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel as Daily Renewal

Day 2: Insights from the Puritans

Day 3: Embracing Divine Appointments

Day 4: Singleness and Suffering as Privileges

Day 5: Clinging to God's Promises in Grief

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

The Gospel: A Daily Source of Strength for Believers

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