Kapow Gospel.

There I was, walking through my daily routine, stepping into chapel at seminary. I was just thankful to be awake, let alone alert and ready to be "rocked" by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Chapel at seminary is sometimes more of an exercise than a sermon time. Not on this day. The speaker opened by saying, "Don't forget the Gospel." The Holy Spirit's favorite.

A few days earlier I read 2 Peter 1. It was challenging, but I was baffled from my constant failure in certain areas of growth in my life (like loving other people...even a little). I was trying (trying hard), but Peter appeared to be saying, "Try harder, man!"
"But, Peter, I must not have all the tools or something," I said.
"Nah," Peter said, "You have all things that pertain to life and godliness."
"Okay," I muttered, "Maybe I am missing some aspect of growth in my walk with Jesus."
"Perhaps," he said fervently, "Make every effort then to add to your faith; supplement it!"
It was then that Peter and I were interrupted by a phone call. My day had officially started. I grimaced as I grabbed my phone, "I wish I was more sure about these things?"
Peter whispered, "Jason, my brother, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election."
"Thanks Peter, I think."
"Hello..."

Back to the Holy Spirit slamming. Guess which passage this speaker asked us to turn to? Yup! Revelation 3. . . Just kidding. It was 2 Peter 1. He explained the passage, calling attention to verse 9: "For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind..." That is probably me. I asked in my head, "Why am I not exhibiting these qualities?"
The speaker said, "Why is this person lacking these qualities?"
"Aha!" I thought, "I don't know! Tell me."

"Because he has forgotten the Gospel."
Bam! Crash! Kapow! Boom! Wham!
Really? That simple. Yup. Holy Spirit beat down.

The verse reads, "For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins." Here I am, going to seminary and listening to God's word everyday. Still, I forget the Gospel. The Gospel: I was once dead in my rebellion and sins, but God, rich in mercy, sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me. Christ took the wrath of God upon himself and paid the price for my sins. I repented and trusted in His work, and God gave me righteousness and new life through Jesus Christ.

Here's the point: I must remember, review, recite and revel in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every day. Every hour. Every minute. It is here in the Gospel that I see the God of all Glory and He accepts me and transforms me. I cannot forget this...for it is the power unto salvation!

The end. Another beginning.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch!