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The Power of the Good News

Jesus first stepped onto the ministry stage when He was baptized in the Jordan River. When He came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. The heavens opened and His Father declared His affection for Him (John 1:32-34).

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, went into the wilderness to be tempted and tested by the devil. He emerged from that spiritual battle victorious and, in the power of the Holy Spirit, went to the synagogue, stood up, and read a prophecy from Isaiah that was being fulfilled before their very eyes. He proclaimed Good News to the poor, freedom for captives, and sight to the blind. He is the Good News. Love came down to rescue us! 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is more than a four-step prayer to secure our eternity. It’s the very power and the presence of God to radically change a life—from hell-bent to heaven destined; from lost to found; from blind to sighted; from captive to totally, completely free. As the Father sent Jesus, and with the same power, so He also sends you.

Nicodemus was one who encountered this power of Jesus in the dark of night. Nicodemus wanted answers. He’d heard about Jesus’ many miracles. Jesus told Nicodemus that unless he was willing to be born again, he wouldn’t see the kingdom of God. We walk by faith, not by sight. We come to Jesus by faith, but then He opens our eyes to a spiritual dimension, and we begin to really see. 

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again’” (John 3:3). The word see in this passage translates this way: to perceive, experience, or discern. In other words, those of us who have been born again get to see, perceive, and experience the kingdom of God! 

When you’re born again, God’s Spirit takes up residence in your soul. You see humility as a sign of high-ranking honor. You see and embrace as treasured souls that bear the image of God those the world overlooks. You discern the importance of faithfulness over achievement and true and lasting joy over fleeting sinful pleasure. Once you’ve been born again, you’re a part of a living, active, powerful kingdom.

The power of the Gospel saves lives. Ask God to send you to those who are desperate for this good news. Remember, Christ was broken so you might be made whole. Share this truth through your actions toward others today.