God’s Mission Cannot Be Stopped — Day 5
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Day 5: Gospel Clarity Brings Spiritual Vitality
Devotional
As Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from town to town, they delivered the Jerusalem Council's decisions—clarifying that salvation comes through grace alone while also providing practical guidance for community life. The result? "The churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers" (Acts 16:5). This connection between gospel clarity and church vitality is no coincidence. When believers understand that their standing before God depends entirely on Christ's finished work—not their performance, background, or rule-keeping—it produces both joy and growth. The burden of legalism is lifted, and the beauty of grace shines through. Yet the early church also recognized that grace doesn't mean chaos. The Jerusalem Council provided practical guidance for how diverse believers could live together in community. True gospel understanding leads not only to personal freedom but also to considerate love for others. This balance remains crucial today. Churches thrive when they maintain crystal clarity about salvation by grace through faith while also providing biblical wisdom for godly living. When we drift toward either legalism (adding requirements to salvation) or license (ignoring how grace shapes our ethics), we lose the vibrant power of the gospel. Today, let's remember that the gospel isn't just our entry point to faith—it's the daily source of our spiritual vitality. We never graduate from needing the good news of Jesus.
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.- Revelation 2:4-5
Reflection Question
In what ways might you have drifted from the simple, powerful message of God's grace in Christ? How might renewed gospel clarity bring greater joy and strength to your spiritual life?
"The gospel isn't just the way in.
It's the very thing that strengthens and sustains us.
It's not just for the lost. It's for the church. It's for you."
~Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the clarity of Your gospel—that I am saved by grace through faith, not by my own efforts. Help me never drift from this beautiful truth. May the wonder of Your grace strengthen my faith and overflow into love for others. Amen.