The bad news is that our world can be unfair, unjust, and mean. The good news is that we're here to change it. And Jesus says WE CAN.
The Gospel that Jesus preached is a revolutionary call to action: a call to do Good, to serve others, and to love God.
Jesus calls us to a life of Good Works, of action, of radical love, and of service to others. He is our perfect example in all things, and calls us to do all that is in our power to perform Good Works, while we seek ever greater strength and wisdom from God to know and do what is right.
"Whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen." says Jesus (John 3:21)
This is the Gospel centered on bringing in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. All of the teachings and parables of Jesus point to this Kingdom. And his central message is a Gospel of the Kingdom and our role in furthering it.
This Gospel is true, and we know it is true because Jesus left us an example that we can really follow, and has shown by his example that all of us are able to obey God.
The example of Jesus is our perfect example of obedience. His teachings, sufferings and death all show how we should interact with others. He provides a perfect template for our behavior, our attitude towards service, and our way of dealing with suffering, persecution, and even death.
Jesus was faithful to God in all things, and he assures us that we can do all that he did.
God granted us strong spirits, and gave us the example of Jesus, and continues to give ongoing strength and wisdom to all who ask him for more.
The Proverbs tell us: "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Prov. 1:5)
Since we have been equipped in this way, we should seek out ways in which we can influence the world for Good with our actions, and bring in the Kingdom that Jesus calls us to build and to serve.
"For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat, he says. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me." (Matt. 25:35-36)
Serving others selflessly with our Good Works is the way in which we make the Kingdom of God visible on this earth. And we learn this is true from the words of Jesus himself, which do not ever pass away.
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. (Matt. 7:24)
So let's rededicate ourselves to seeking after righteousness as we find it in Jesus in his teachings, his life, and his Gospel message.
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